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  1. Northern CA

    Summer's Home Stretch

    Better late to adventure than never to adventure! There’s just two weeks left to complete the Weekend Sherpa Adventure Challenge 2016—all you have to do is get outdoors, then pick up your free t-shirt made by Marmot, along with other cool stuff. To give you some ideas, we’ve rounded up the most popular adventures done by you, the readers, this summer! Two weeks left: You’ve got this!

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  2. Northern CA

    Camp Last Minute

    Want to do a spontaneous camping trip, but you’re assuming all the good sites are booked? Well, maybe not all the good sites. The Bay Area still has some campsite secrets—from first-come, first-served options to lesser-known places where chances of getting a last-minute reservation are pretty good. Happy campers!

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  3. Southern CA

    Sweet Dreams Are Made of These

    We’ve all heard it: Winter is coming! But it’s not here yet, so before summer’s out, plan your next getaway for an unforgettable stay! From a fire lookout in Sequoia National Forest to first-come, first-served camping in Yosemite, plus an all-season cabin resort near Tahoe, here are three amazing places to spend the night.

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  4. Sponsored
    2026-04-15

    No Limits Family Trip: Reno Tahoe

    What if your next family getaway didn’t come with a set agenda—just the freedom to go where the day takes you? Find yourselves in Reno Tahoe, a land of no limits and plenty of outdoor bounty.

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  5. Southern CA

    Hikes & Beer!

    Some hikes just go better when chased by a nice cold beer. Make that: All hikes just go better when chased by a nice cold beer. Have we had a few? You should too! Here are three great hikes close to three great local breweries. Hike, quaff, repeat (the quaff, that is).

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  6. Northern CA

    Wine & Water Adventures

    Water you doing this weekend? How about paddling some gentle H2O followed by wine tasting nearby? Here are three ways to go with the California flow.

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  7. Northern CA

    Tahoe Trail Mix

    Have you had your mountain fix yet this summer? A trip to Tahoe is always a good idea! From reaching its highest peak to a hike-in swimming hole or a backpacking adventure, here are three trails to tempt your Tahoe taste buds.

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  8. Southern CA

    Eastern Sierra Seclusion

    Set at 10,000 feet and surrounded by the alpine wonders of John Muir Wilderness, Rock Creek is an eastern Sierra treasure in the Inyo National Forest. It’s where you can hike among some of the best scenic lakes surrounded by the serrated drama of the Sierra Nevada mountains.

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  9. Northern CA

    Swimming Hole Gold

    While Michael Phelps goes for gold at the upcoming Rio Olympics, you can keep your goals more modest: Aim for bronze in belly-flopping! From Placerville to Santa Cruz, here are three swimming holes that top the podium for summer fun.

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  10. Southern CA

    Stairway Hikes to the Sea

    It’s no secret that Santa Barbara is home to some of California’s most beautiful beaches—popular and hidden! Take things a step further … make that several steps further, by combining your beach outing with a stairway walk to the sea. Here are three!

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  11. Northern CA

    Midsummer Adventure Montage

    It’s the last week of July and you know what that means? We’re halfway through the Adventure Challenge! There’s still plenty of time to participate. Just get out on any 3 Weekend Sherpa adventures and take a photo of yourself. Upload your photos to our Facebook or your Instagram with #WeekendSherpa by September 11 to get your free Marmot T-shirt! Need a few ideas? Here are some adventures!

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  12. Southern CA

    Bonus Sherpa: Lake Adventures

    Ready to cool off? From Mammoth to Tahoe to Big Bear and Sequoia, here are a few outstanding ways to hike, bike, backpack or just lounge by some of California's most famous lakes. Better lake than never!

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  13. Southern CA

    Verdugo Views

    Next to the San Gabriel Mountains lie the Verdugo Mountains, a small range with wild hiking trails that deliver big on elevation gain, and beautiful panoramas! Verdu-go!

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  14. Northern CA

    Take the Long View

    It's summer, no need to have a long face when the days are still long! Grab some friends and head out on a long hike while daylight's still on your side. Go long!

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  15. Sponsored
    2026-04-15

    No Limits Family Trip: Reno Tahoe

    What if your next family getaway didn’t come with a set agenda—just the freedom to go where the day takes you? Find yourselves in Reno Tahoe, a land of no limits and plenty of outdoor bounty.

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  16. Southern CA

    Hot for Summer Adventures

    Time flies when you're hiking to peaks, kayaking through caves, biking by the sea, and playing disc golf on a mountain! We're almost halfway through our annual Weekend Sherpa Adventure Challenge, but there's still plenty of time left to get your free Weekend Sherpa T-shirt made by Marmot! Need a few ideas? From mountains to sea, here are some great ways to get outdoors this summer!

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  17. Southern CA

    Groovy Hikes in Gaviota

    Just 33 miles west of Santa Barbara on Highway 101, Gaviota State Park is wild, windswept, and spectacularly scenic, with marquee hikes highlighted by brilliant vistas, endurance challenges, craggy caves, and hot springs. Get groovy with it!

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  18. Northern CA

    Santa Cruz and Microbrews

    Coastal mountain biking, camping in the redwoods, paddling pristine waters, and washing it all down with a tasty beer ... Yes, Santa Cruz is always a good idea for a summer adventure.

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  19. Southern CA & Northern CA

    Yosemite High Points

    Ready to take Yosemite to a whole other level? We’ve rounded up three of the best viewpoints you can hike to in the entire park! Now that’s what’s up!

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  20. Northern CA

    Easy Adventures for the Fourth

    No big plans for the Fourth? No worries. Whether you'd like to go on a hike, lounge at the beach, check out some redwoods, or just soak in vitamin D, we have you covered.

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  21. Southern CA

    Go Fourth on Adventures

    What are you doing this Independence Day weekend? From biking and hiking and sunset strolling, to stand-up paddleboarding or a mountain-high game of disc golf, here are some great ways to go fourth on easygoing adventures!

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  22. Northern CA

    Local Lake Hikes

    Lace up the hiking boots and hit the refresh button: the summer sizzle is on! Keep your cool with these lakeside hikes.

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Trending Stories NorCal

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  1. Bike to Aardvark Beach

    Two wheels, a fresh sea breeze, birds, and a beach stop: now that's a California bike ride. Pack a beach blanket and set out on this 16-mile out-and-back pedal along the San Francisco Bay to Aardvark Beach.

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  2. Cheers to Chimney

    If you’re looking for all that Point Reyes has to offer in spring, Chimney Rock is the place to be. The 1.75-mile (round-trip) hike to Chimney may be short, but it packs a visual punch, quadrupling the viewing thrills during spring.

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  3. Sponsored

    No Limits Family Trip: Reno Tahoe

    What if your next family getaway didn’t come with a set agenda—just the freedom to go where the day takes you? Find yourselves in Reno Tahoe, a land of no limits and plenty of outdoor bounty.

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  4. Peak at the Flowers

    Terrific views and vibrant hues define this 4.8-mile out-and-back journey on Mount Diablo.

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Trending Stories SoCal

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  1. Can We Get a Whoop Whoop!

    City, mountain, and ocean views all in one hike? Whoop whoop! It’s no surprise the the Kenter Fire Road and Whoop-de-Doos Trail (a combo of fire road and singletrack) is a favorite among local mountain bikers and hikers alike.

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  2. Woman on Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes at Death Valley National Park

    Starry Night & Dark Sky Adventures

    You don’t have to stay out all that late to experience eminent stargazing at Death Valley National Park. The park's been given the highest ranking of darkness by the International Dark Sky Association. From ranger-led to self-guided adventures, here are a few amazing ways to witness the mesmerizing night sky at Death Valley.

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  3. Tree Town

    Home to an estimated 21,000 trees and 100 acres of parkland, South Pasadena has earned its nickname: the City of Trees. This 2.5-mile neighborhood walk lets you experience its leafy canopy up close, winding through charming streets and three of the city’s beloved parks.

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  4. Fountain to Falls trail Monrovia

    Fountain to the Falls

    There are three ways to reach the lovely Monrovia Canyon Falls, but only one of them is worthy of being named a good challenge, with a lovely old town stroll included.

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