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1. 
   Southern CA

   Ghost Towns, Gold Towns, and Underground Gardens

   There’s gold and ghosts and underground gardens in them thar California hills! From a less-known Gold Rush town to a more popular one with seasonal ghost tours, and an underground secret garden, here are some ways to have some old-fashioned adventures.

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2. 
   Northern CA & Southern CA

   Newly Opened at CA National Parks

   What’s new at CA national parks? How about Sequoia’s newly re-opened cave tours; a sulfur spectacle that just opened for the season (and rivals Yellowstone); an overnight escape to “reset” in Joshua Tree; and a new San Francisco picnic space in the Presidio. That’s some good new!

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3. 
   Northern CA & Southern CA

   Less-Traveled National Park Peak Hikes

   During the peak of summer, tackle some national park peaks that are less-traveled and utterly spectacular. From the largest dome volcano in the world (right here in California!) to the only national park peak in Nevada, plus a Yosemite gem that’s marvelous near sunset, here are three summits to sum up the height of summer.

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4. 
   Sponsored

   2026-09-02

   Reno Mountain High

   Take your vacation to new heights with some of the season’s most original events, and plenty of outdoors to explore. Fall for it all in Reno Tahoe.

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5. 
   Southern CA

   As You Lake It!

   Summer by the lake sounds pretty great, and these three beauties bring something special, from bonus eats to quiet paddles and pedals amid beautiful peaks. Lake expectations met!

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6. 
   Northern CA

   How Do You Lake It?

   Reservoirs and lakes feel like the very definition of summer. Whether you're hiking, biking, camping  or finding a perfect place for a picnic, here are three great places for a fantastic lake escape. 

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7. 
   Northern CA

   Throwing Shade

   When summer heats hits, these hikes and bike rides throw some shade (the cool kind) thanks to sections of trail with towering firs, redwoods, and eucalyptus trees.

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8. 
   Southern CA

   Beach You To It

   Looking for that quintessential summer bliss? Don't let others beach you to it! These three hike-in havens are sandy havens for the season.

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9. 
   Northern CA & Southern CA

   Go Outside and Get This Custom T-shirt

   Do our 2025 Adventure Challenge! This summer, do ANY 3 activities you find on our website and get our custom t-shirt, a Topo Designs Mountain Accessory Bag and more, as your reward! Want a few quick ideas to get you going? We've got you covered.

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10. 
    Northern CA

    Summer Summits

    Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to reach a summit, any summit; but these three are really great ones (some easy, some more challenging, all banner beautiful). Have a pinnacle summer experience!

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11. 
    Southern CA

    Sweeping Beauties

    Awaken your sense of wonder on some coastal hikes and bike rides that get you all swept up in gorgeous scenery.

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12. 
    Northern CA & Southern CA

    The Weekend Sherpa Adventure Challenge Is On!

    It's back! The 2025 Weekend Sherpa Adventure Challenge is on. Get outside and get a complimentary Adventure Challenge t-shirt and Topo Designs mountain accessory bag.

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13. 
    Southern CA

    Glen-Going

    Glendale, Glendora, Glen Powell ... good things come in Glens! From beautiful big fig trees to quiet parks and a peak hike, here are three ways to gain unique perspectives this summer. (Sorry, Glen Powell not actually included.)

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14. 
    Northern CA

    Bay-Yeah!

    At 400 miles long (and growing!) the Bay Area Ridge Trail will ultimately connect all 9 counties on one continuous trail. Here are three ways to hike sections of this expansive gem, from a new segment, to an urban classic, and a Peninsula refresher.. Bay-yeah!

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15. 
    Sponsored

    2026-09-02

    Reno Mountain High

    Take your vacation to new heights with some of the season’s most original events, and plenty of outdoors to explore. Fall for it all in Reno Tahoe.

    View
16. 
    Northern CA & Southern CA

    Road Trip Ready

    Now is a good time to start planning a road trip with cabin or camping treasures and a variety of outdoor experiences in California and the West. Here are six ideas to get you inspired and planning.

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17. 
    Northern CA

    Hiking, Camping, and a Redwoods Train Ride

    Time for some field trip fun for everyone. We’ve got three adventures from redwood hikes and train rides to cool state park connections (with a camping bonus), plus one national urban treasure that gets to the heart of nature.

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18. 
    Southern CA

    Summer Mix

    Spring into summer with this mix of gardens, lagoons, parks, canals, and bakeries! From urban walks to serene paddles, here are five ways to have a variety of outdoor experiences.

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19. 
    Southern CA

    The 3-Mile Club

    They say good things come in threes, so here’s a trio of hikes that are 3 miles in length and endless in everything from coastal and iconic urban vistas to mountain and garden scenery.

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20. 
    Northern CA

    Long Weekend Adventures and Relaxation

    As the unofficial start of summer approaches, here's a round-up of some of your favorite stories over the past weeks, reminders of where to go to spend time outside, get fresh perspectives, and combine adventure and relaxation.

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21. 
    Reno Tahoe

    The Greatest Outdoors of Reno Tahoe

    It's the Reno Tahoe you might not know: fly fishing adventures and nature walks along the Truckee River, mountain biking in a hidden gem canyon, a sunset hike to a sprawling vista, and a sacred and serene lake with hidden beaches. Add in a fun and creative art and cuisine scene, and, well, it's time to rise and Reno Tahoe!

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22. 
    Northern CA

    Water-ful Hikes and Picnics

    Water we talking about this week? How about some great East Bay hikes featuring plentiful picnic spots, beautiful oases, and big views. From a swimmable lagoon beach, to a bird’s–eye vantage of a big reservoir, and a spring gem with a lovely pond, here are three great ways to spend a day hiking, picnicking, and enjoying some H2-ohhhs.

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