View All

  1. 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.

    VIEW
  2. Explore Big Tree Park in Glendora LA County
    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.)

    VIEW
  3. 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!

    VIEW
  4. Sponsored

    Chasing Dark Skies: Southern Oregon

    Hot springs, hiking, lodging, antelope, and one of the world’s best places for looking up at night.

    View
  5. 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.

    VIEW
  6. 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.

    VIEW
  7. A woman stands amid an array of yellow and purple flowers at Descanso Gardens in Los Angeles
    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.

    VIEW
  8. 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.

    VIEW
  9. 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.

    VIEW
  10. 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!

    VIEW
  11. 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.

    VIEW
  12. Southern CA

    Call of the SoCal Wild

    Sometimes you just feel like going wild, but not too wild … just maybe enough to get a good fill of nature’s treasures like waterfalls, caves, rock scrambles, wildflowers, and wowing views. These three short hikes in Ventura County, the San Bernardino National Forest, and Riverside County pack in plenty of wild, wonderful scenery on short trails within sweeping landscape.

    VIEW
  13. Paso Robles

    Road Trip to Real California

    Smack between San Francisco and Los Angeles is a part of California that flies a bit under the radar—for now. It’s where an immersive and magical light show comes to life when the sun sets over the rolling hills. It's where a guided horseback ride through wildflowers meets unpretentious wine tasting. It's where after an afternoon e-biking adventure you can kick back in a walkable downtown that's a true foodie haven. It’s authentically California. It’s Paso Robles.

    VIEW
  14. Man walking up trail at Calero County Park in the South Bay, surrounded by green hills and a lake in the background
    Northern CA

    The Long Good Hike

    More daylight means more time to hike. These three long hikes are good in spring, and add seasonal bling like wildflowers, brimming reservoirs, and big-fresh vistas.

    VIEW
  15. Sponsored

    Chasing Dark Skies: Southern Oregon

    Hot springs, hiking, lodging, antelope, and one of the world’s best places for looking up at night.

    View
  16. Woman sitting on bench at Peters Canyon overlooking canyon scenery in Orange County
    Southern CA

    O-Regional Hikes

    We love our national and state parks, but SoCal's also got plenty of scenic space in its regional parks. Whether you're looking for some peaceful trails or more adventurous terrain, but all with great views, here are three regional park gems worth exploring.

    VIEW
  17. Northern CA

    Mellow in the Marsh

    When you just need to mellow out, you can find your peace, quiet, and sense of wonder while strolling some of our most tranquil marshlands. These three places are where birds of many feathers hang together and bonus Bay Area scenery adds iconic flair.

    VIEW
  18. A woman on a hiking trail fringed in yellow wildflowers with San Diego County's Hemet Lake in the background and a mountain.
    Southern CA

    Wildflowers by the Waterside

    If timing is everything, then Easter arrives around the same time that SoCal blooms with a bevy of beautiful colors, courtesy of wildflowers that pop up this time of year. Here are three places where you can combine waterside adventures with some fresh blooms. 

    VIEW
  19. Woman standing at the top of Brush Peak in the East Bay Regional Park, looking out towards the mountain scenery
    Northern CA

    Technicolor Hikes and Bike Rides

    We’re just gonna hop to it: spring for hikes and bike rides that currently have more colors than an Easter basket, thanks to the season’s riches: fresh hills and blossoming wildflowers.

    VIEW
  20. Southern CA

    Hike to These Heights

    Take things higher this spring. Here are three SoCal hikes where you’ll have the challenge of a climb, and the reward of inspiring "reached the top" scenery.

    VIEW
  21. Southern CA & Northern CA

    Spring Break National Park Hikes

    It’s not an easy time for national parks right now, so when you visit you’re going to have to pack some understanding and patience. But the marvels you’ll experience on these three hiking adventures are likely to leave you with a sense of wonder and appreciation for the glory of the great outdoors.

    VIEW
  22. A woman stands amid an array of yellow and purple flowers at Descanso Gardens in Los Angeles
    Southern CA

    Flower Powered Outdoors

    Stepping out to smell the flowers in Southern California is no garden variety experience. Visit these spectacular gardens for a bloomiful spring break.

    VIEW
A Hiker looking over a mountain range

Your Inbox to the Outdoors

Stay up to date with our weekly recommendations on where to explore locally in California.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Woman with her arms outstretched to the rolling hills scenery while on a rock outcrop at Barnabe Peak in Samuel P Taylor Sate Park in Marin

    Barnabe Bonanza

    Sure, there are higher mountains in Marin (Mount Tam) and easier ascents (Mount Burdell), but is there a more expansive North Bay view? Barnabe Peak in Samuel P. Taylor State Park offers a glorious panorama including Mount Tam, Mount Diablo, and Mount St. Helena.

    View
  2. Tamtastic Sunset

    Sure, the East Peak of Mount Tam is absolutely spectacular at sunset, but some magic-hour enthusiasts head to a nearby spot, Trojan Point, for a little more personal space in their panoramic viewings.

    View
  3. Hiker on the SCA trail in Marin Headlands with view of the Golden Gate Bridge

    Headlands Over Heels

    People come from all over the world to get a glimpse of the Golden Gate Bridge. Get a dramatic and novel view of the bridge without all the people on this moderate 6-mile hike in the Marin Headlands.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Lagoon Swoon

    We all love an underdog story, especially in the shadow of the greats. Enter a truly SoCal coastal version: Malibu Lagoon State Beach. Though situated next to Surfrider Beach, a fa

    View
  2. Woman hiking the San Onofre Bluffs Loop Trail to San Onofre State Beach in San Diego County

    Bluffing Good!

    Lovely coastline, beautiful beaches, unique geological history, and picturesque sandstone cliffs with limited foot traffic in San Diego County? Head to San Onofre State Beach and the 5-mile San Onofre Bluffs Loop Trail.

    View
  3. 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.

    View