Very Local Outdoors.

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The 2026
Adventure Challenge
IS ON
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Complete 3 Adventures.
Anytime, Anywhere. You Chose.
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Earn this year's exclusive 20th Anniversary T-Shirt.
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plus complete one adventure in Reno Tahoe
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EXCLUSIVE 20th ANNIVERSARY T-SHRT

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  1. Southern CA

    Franklin, We Give a Damn

    Smack in the middle of Los Angeles, Franklin Canyon Park hides in plain sight. Exploring it can feel like embarking on a secret mission, with its tucked-away entrances and navigational quirks. So consider this your Franklin Confidential: three ways to explore this wild LA escape of wooded trails and a lake. Because Franklin, we give a damn!

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  2. Northern CA

    Go See the Big Things!

    It’s National Park Week. Don’t just go big, go big trees! From the biggest trees to the tallest trees, these three national parks have some must-see giant sequoias and coast redwoods. 

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  3. Sponsored
    2026-08-18

    Autumn Magic in Yosemite Mariposa County

    Yosemite Mariposa County is where golden moments unfold all season long. Watch the sun's warm glow settle over El Capitan and Half Dome, then wander quietly in Mariposa Grove. Beyo

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  4. Northern CA

    Challenge Accepted

    The 2026 Adventure Challenge is in full swing! Looking for ideas to earn your commemorative T-shirt? Here are some of our favorite adventures featured this summer—but you can choose anything from our site. After 20 years of Weekend Sherpa, you’ve got plenty of options!

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Trending Stories NorCal

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  1. Barbary Coast Trail medallion hike in San Francisco

    Medallion Walk SF

    The Barbary Coast Trail is a 3.8-mile historical walk and treasure hunt through San Francisco. Be on the lookout for hubcap-sized bronze medallions placed on the city sidewalks with arrows pointing you in the right direction.

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  2. Greater by the Dozen

    This hike is anything but a dime a dozen. The all-new "Golden Gate Dozen Trail" links 12 National Park sites on a spectacular 13-mile journey across San Francisco's coastline.

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  3. Inn-spiration Point!

    For more than a century, people have been hiking or mountain biking to West Point Inn for good reason. Perched at 1,785 feet on the southern slope of Mount Tamalpais, the historic inn has sweeping views from the Marin Headlands to the San Francisco skyline.

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  4. A Thousand Steps to Paradise

    A picture is worth a thousand words, but is a gorgeous beach in Laguna worth a thousand steps? The answer is yes, though the question is moot, because it’s only 223 steep steps down to the 400-yard stretch of sand known as 1000 Steps Beach.

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Trending Stories SoCal

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  1. Roaring Redwoods

    Tucked next to brilliant Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park in Santa Cruz, the folks at Roaring Camp Railroads had a bright idea: When the sun goes down, the rainbow lights come up. Sequoias at Night brings big magic to some of the tallest trees in the world.

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  2. There's Always To Moro!

    Looking for a rock-solid itinerary in Sequoia National Park? Pair the park's most famous viewpoint with one that's often overlooked.

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  3. Rancho Style

    Vicente Bluffs Reserve dazzles anytime, but during the golden hour it’s an absolute knockout. Majestic rocky bluffs, dreamy ocean views, and a picturesque lighthouse are just a few of the reasons.

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  4. Hike to the Sierra Buttes Fire Lookout in the Lakes Basin

    Lookout for This View!

    Sierra Buttes Lookout, at a lofty 8,591 feet, is a memory maker for its pucker-worthy stairway to the tower’s balcony. It's a 5-mile (round-trip) hike to reach it. And the reward? Epic!

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