Harvest Moon Hikes

The full moon is this weekend, so get glowing. Here are some prime places to watch the sun set and the Harvest moon rise, even sticking around to sip wine and see the stars... 

Week: 09.27.2023
Regions: Northern CA

Gone With the Windy

Watch a sunset at Windy Hill Open Space Preserve in Portola Valley

Man standing at Windy Hill and watching a fiery sunset at Windy Hill Preserve
You don’t have to trek far to enjoy a hiker’s high at Windy Hill Preserve on the Peninsula. Its panoramic attraction is easily accessed via the 0.7-mile Anniversary Trail, and it’s magnificent at sunset.
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The Unexpected Wonders of Monterey

Exploring Beyond the Monterey Bay Aquarium

Point Pinos Lighthouse
Monterey Recreation Path
woman painting Monterey
One of the world’s best teachers? Mother Nature. And one of the best destinations to learn from her? The Monterey Bay Aquarium. Spend a few hours at the Aquarium, then take your pick of self-guided walks...
Plan Your Visit to the Monterey Bay Aquarium

Redwoods Star Power

Hike Redwood Regional Park from the Chabot Space and Science Center

Go on a 5-mile (round-trip) redwoods hike that starts from Chabot’s Moon Gate entrance and through Dr. Aurelia Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park, then visit the Chabot Space and Science Center for a rooftop telescope star viewing.
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Summit Sunset

Sunset Hike to Bald Mountain in Sugarloaf Ridge State Park

Two hikers laughing and taking photos at the sunset at the summit of Bald Mountain in Sugarloaf Ridge State Park
A sunset summit hike doesn’t get better than Bald Mountain in Sonoma's Sugarloaf Ridge State Park. Set in the Mayacamas Mountains, full moon hikes at this park are beautiful too. There's also a chance to get a last minute campsite!
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Trending Stories NorCal

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  1. Hike to New Lights

    For an enlightening late-day hike, catch the San Francisco skyline at sunset from high atop Ring Mountain in Tiburon. This 2-mile (round-trip) hike to Turtle Rock is a perfect late afternoon wander.

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  2. Three Cheers

    Good things come in threes when you visit Sonoma. Head out on a short hike right from town, sip and stroll the historic plaza, then take in the magical holiday lights.

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  3. Hikers stand atop Lassen Peak in Lassen Volcanic National Park

    Weekend Sherpa Podcast: Take It Outside

    Adventure for your earbuds. What's new in the world of the outdoors? Listen to Weekend Sherpa co-founders discuss local hikes, beaches, bike rides, camping spots and all kinds of travel and adventure in California and beyond!

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  4. Island Tree Topper

    The light display atop Angel Island State Park’s Mount Livermore has long been a cheerful twinkle visible from many cities throughout the Bay Area on holiday season nights. Get into the festive spirit by hiking the 2-mile (one-way) trail from Ayala Cove up to the "Angel Lights."

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  1. Woman swimming in Carson Hotsprings natural thermal pool

    Hot Springs, Naturally

    Thermal spring waters are famous for their curative, relaxing elements, and Reno Tahoe is filled with them! Sink into these amazing thermal respites for a wellness super soak.

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  2. Dune It Right

    Want a beach that will really get you away from it all? Monterey's Fort Ord Dunes State Park is just the ticket. And it often glows golden toward sunset.

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  3. A woman walks the path next to the beach at sunset at Palisades Park in Los Angeles County

    Santa Monica’s Most Beautiful Walk

    With its sweeping views of Santa Monica Bay and the Santa Monica Pier, the 26-acre Palisades Park, perched along the beach bluffs, may be a tourist’s delight for its quintessential California vibes–but it’s just as beloved by locals. Follow this 2.5-mile loop to experience it like one.

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  4. Hikers sitting on a large rock slab next to Three Sisters Falls in Cleveland National Forest Southern California near Julian

    Three Sisters

    Good things come in threes at this hike to a lovely trio-tiered waterfall in Cleveland National Forest. The 4.25-mile out-and-back hike rambles among rolling hills, with rocky mountain views as switchbacks take you down to a lush canyon and the falls.

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