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1. 
   Northern CA

   Welcome to the New Weekend Sherpa

   Kirby Calling Just west of the Golden Gate Bridge in Marin is one of the bay's most secluded beaches for barbecuing and beach lounging.   Peak of the Devil At 2,369 feet, Mount Diablo's Eagle Peak is not as high as its main peak, but the 3-mile (one-way) adventure to reach it is much more enticing.   Whale a Minute! Mori's got mojo for whale watching! Thanks to its exposed promontory, Pacifica's Mori Point is an ideal spot for spying gray whales during migrations.   Nice Ride Ready to stop spinning your wheels with the same old routine in Sonoma and Napa? Shift gears by taking this leisurely 30-mile road ride through the Carneros region.   Hot Tomales! The 9-mile (round-trip) hike to Tomales Point in Point Reyes is a classic, and one of California's best, with outstanding views, wildlife sightings, and an oceanfront setting.   Yes Sur! A hidden coastal hike in Big Sur, a beautiful beach, and maybe a little wine-tasting afterwards? Here's the plan.   Hike & Bike an Island Car-free Angel Island State Park has a rich history, hidden south-facing beach, and ridiculously scenic picnic and campsites. Experience it in a nutshell on an 8-mile bike-and-hike adventure.

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2. 
   Northern CA

   Chasing Waterfalls

   The reservoirs are reaching their peak, the hills are electric green, and the waterfalls are in show-off mode. Hit the trail and chase these waterfalls!

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3. 
   Southern CA

   Best of Big Bear's Winter Hikes

   A classic adventureland nestled in the San Bernardino Mountains, Big Bear is the definition of a winter wanderland. Explore by strapping on some snowshoes or good snow boots (and bring some poles). Big Bear hug!

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4. 
   Sponsored

   2025-06-25

   Savor Summer in Paso Robles

   Ready for the “Great California Road Trip”? Keep it real and rolling in bucolic and beautiful Paso Robles. This down- to-earth destination has everything you need to enjoy the coolest experiences.

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5. 
   Northern CA

   H2 Flows!

   With all this wild weather, you've just gotta go with the flow. And go to the flow! Here are three waterfalls to check out after winter rains. H2-Oh!

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6. 
   Northern CA

   Spring Classics

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7. 
   Southern CA

   Spring Classics

   Wash away winter's cobwebs hiking through wildflowers, overnighting in a yurt, or climbing high in Joshua Tree!

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8. 
   Southern CA

   Kiss the Frog

   This Valentine's Day weekend, go ahead and kiss the Frog. Frogtown, that is! Running alongside the diverse and enigmatic Los Angeles River, this refreshingly relaxed part of LA is home to sweeping green spaces, breathtaking views, and plenty of options for sweet adventures.

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9. 
   Northern CA

   Romancing the Snow

   Make some snow hearts with your sweetheart in Tahoe this weekend. Here are three snowshoe hikes worth swooning over. Ready, set, snowshoe!

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10. 
    Southern CA & Northern CA

    SLO Jam

    Ahhh, winter on the Central Coast. Fewer crowds, amazing outdoors, and some wine to top it all off. Adventure, unwind, and take it SLO.

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11. 
    Northern CA

    SLO Jam

    Ahhh, winter on the Central Coast. Fewer crowds, amazing outdoors, and some wine to top it all off. Adventure, unwind, and take it SLO.

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12. 
    Northern CA

    Backdoor Marin

    So close, so wild, and sometimes so popular! Marin packs plenty of secrets, you just have to know which door to open. Here are a few less traveled hikes. Knock, knock!

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13. 
    Southern CA

    Winter Cruise

    Grab your bike and get out there for a body-warming spin in winter's cooler temps. These three routes serve up spectacular scenery with everything from easy cruising to challenging climbs. And ice cream, too!

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14. 
    Northern CA

    Storm Troopers!

    When El Niño's storms are pounding the coast, don't run for shelter, run for the trails! Here are three trails that offer great vantages of the approaching storms, and are short enough to retreat if there’s a downpour!

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15. 
    Sponsored

    2025-06-25

    Savor Summer in Paso Robles

    Ready for the “Great California Road Trip”? Keep it real and rolling in bucolic and beautiful Paso Robles. This down- to-earth destination has everything you need to enjoy the coolest experiences.

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16. 
    Southern CA

    Winter Sands

    Some winter wonderlands are filled with sand. Here are three great ways to celebrate winter with secluded beaches, lively tide pools, and sunset bonuses.

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17. 
    Northern CA

    Make Your Winter Escape

    Bodega Sunset Sensation! Tiny Bodega Head has long lured visitors to its dramatic cliff-above-ocean setting and excellent vantages for spotting migrating gray whales. Hike here on a winter day right before sunset and you'll be treated to fewer crowds and a glorious technicolor dream show, powered by nature. National Treasure The 1,665-acre Point Arena–Stornetta Public Lands were last year designated as part of the California Coastal National Monument by President Barack Obama. This Mendocino County gem is a spectacular place to hike along bluffs overlooking small coves, sea caves, and offshore islands. It's also a prime whale-watching spot. Beach Stroll with Your Best Friend Long walks on the beach, in the East Bay? Indeed. Alameda's Crown Memorial Beach is a relaxing stretch of sand that's an impressive 2.5 miles long, and it's dog-friendly too! Nice and New Hike through some stunning canyons studded with ancient oaks and opening up to huge views at the newly opened Mindego Gateway trailhead in Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve. Warm Bath and a Waterfall Hike What's better than hiking to a waterfall? How about relaxing afterward in a warm mineral bath? Do both at Ukiah's Vichy Springs! BONUS: National Parks are waiving their entrance fees on Monday, January 18, in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

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18. 
    Southern CA

    Winter Wonder Hikes

    Summit and Sip: Secluded at 1,500 feet in the Santa Monica Mountains, Tuna Canyon Park is quiet even on a weekend afternoon. This 3.8-mile (round-trip) hike to the preserve's western viewpoint has wowing views up the coast of Malibu. Sip Tip: There's a nearby wine tasting room with food trucks too. The Big Wild: Get a highlight reel of all that's wild and wondrous in Southern California on an 11-mile (round-trip) loop hike in Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park. Park It Beer: One of the best views of the downtown skyline is in Vista Hermosa Park, just a mile from the heart of the city, yet an oasis world away with a meandering trail. There's a Beer Bonus, too! Insta-View: Reaching a stunning peak vista in under a mile? If it sounds too good to be true, you haven't been to Ventura County's Camarillo Grove Park. Free for You and Me: National Parks are waiving their entrance fees on Monday, January 18, in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

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19. 
    Northern CA

    New Trails and Views

    Happy New Year! Out with the old, in with the new: Here are three adventures throughout the Bay Area that feature something all new, and ready for you!

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20. 
    Southern CA

    Big Wild Hikes

    Happy New Year! Get started on an adventurous 2016 with any (or all!) of these three epic hikes, featuring peaks, marshland, a cave, a labyrinth, some scrambling, and classic coastal scenery.

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21. 
    Northern CA

    Best Adventures of 2015

    1) Master of Tam This 8-mile classic Mount Tam hike is one to return to year after year. There are multiple ways to start it, but it's kind of nice to get the uphill out of the way first. 2) Hidden Coastal Hike Big Sur's Garrapata State Park is a coast-hugging beauty with little-known trails leading to a Big Surplus of vistas. Do this 2-mile (round-trip) oceanside hike with nonstop views of epic coastline). 3) Light the Way to Whale Watching What's the secret for spying gray whales during winter's migration season? Location! And location doesn't get any better than from the top of the tallest lighthouse on the West Coast. 4) Strong, Rugged, Beautiful Jenner and the Sonoma Coast have big views, a beautiful hidden state beach, and sublime (beginner-friendly!) kayaking. 5) Viva Anderson Valley Just a few hours north of San Francisco, Anderson Valley packs in everything you'd want for a glorious weekend getaway: fabulous (affordable!) wineries, hiking in the redwoods, and a hilltop gem for spending the night. 6) Tree Swing Hikes The Central Coast adventureland of San Luis Obispo County is surrounded by ancient volcanoes, green hills, and dramatic coastline. Toss in some tree swings on hikes, and see SLO from new heights. 7) Yurts So Good Set high in the Santa Cruz Mountains, with an entourage of spectacular redwood trees, Mount Madonna County Park is 3,200 acres of beautiful secluded land dominated by redwoods, with hiking trails, four campgrounds, and five awesome yurts! 8) Know Your ABCs ABC = Adventures in British Columbia! The westernmost Canadian province has a rainforest with a hidden hot springs, epic hiking in Whistler, and incredible lake and oceanside respites for eating, drinking, and sleeping. 9) Sierra Secret The quiet town of Sierraville is basecamp for adventure: Spend the night in spectacular fire lookout, take a dip in a nearby hot springs, and find glorious Sierra solitude on the trails. 10) Best in Beaches Three of California's top state beaches are located in Monterey County—do some sand hopping!

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22. 
    Southern CA

    Top Adventures of 2015

    1) Peak Season in a State Park Hike 5 miles (round-trip) to a mountain peak in the desert without leaving Los Angeles County, at Saddleback Butte State Park. 2) Hidden Beach Camping on the Central Coast You want your California beach camping to be off the beaten path? There's a secluded slice of beach paradise for that. 3) Haunting of the Hollywood Sign Is the world's most famous sign haunted? Find out for yourself on a cardio-filled 7-mile (round-trip) hike in Griffith Park. 4) The Redwoods Nearby The towering, fog-enshrouded coastal redwoods of the northern coast feel like a world away from LA, but did you know you can find redwoods right in Orange County? 5) Stone Stairway to a San Diego Peak Adventure up in San Diego County! To 5,737-foot Stonewall Peak. This 4-mile (round-trip) hike leads to a brilliant panorama via a set of carved stone stairs. 6) Cave, Man! One of SoCal's coolest caves is found just outside of suburbia on a solid loop hike and short scramble in Los Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve. 7) LA Gone Wild Cardio hiking, stunning views, and a location that's super close to downtown? Urban adventure has a wild side, and the proof is on Mount Washington with this 4-mile loop. 8) Sunny Side Up We all know the sun rises in the east, so West Coasters are deprived of ocean sunrises, right? Not exactly. There's a vantage from Point Dume Nature Preserve where the sun comes up smack dab over the Pacific. 9) Joshua Tree on a Whim Enjoy marvelous hikes and a place to soak your bones and sip a cocktail after adventures among the whimsically wild trees of Joshua Tree National Park. 10) Bike + Beer = Beautiful Go on an 8-mile bike ride with plenty of scenery, greenery, and a pit stop for an imperial pint at a taproom beer haven with serious British influence. BONUS Beyond Discover New ABCs. ABC= Adventures in British Columbia! The westernmost Canadian province has a rainforest with a hidden hot springs, epic hiking in Whistler, and incredible lake and oceanside respites for eating, drinking, and sleeping.

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