Alpining

Set in the Cuyamaca Mountains of San Diego County, and bordering the Cleveland National Forest, Alpine is famous for its government-designated “best climate in the US” status. But Alpine has plenty more charms to offer, including the great outdoors, thanks to its mountainous location. Here are some fun ways to explore Alpine—from hikes to beers!

Week: 07.25.2023
Regions: Southern CA

Viejas Valor

Hike to the summit of Viejas Mountain near Alpine in San Diego County

Pining for something short, sweet, and steep? Head to Viejas Mountain, just 3 miles north of Alpine in the Cleveland National Forest, for a 3.2-mile out-and-back that gains nearly 1,500 feet in elevation and rewards the sweetest of vistas. 
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Medford's Made for Summer

Summer Vacation Road Trip to Medford, Oregon

Located in the heart of Southern Oregon’s sublime Rogue Valley, Medford is a road-trip basecamp made for summer getaways!
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All the Wright Stuff

Hikes to see Wright's Field and Loveland Reservoir in Alpine

Hiker going to Loveland Reservoir in San Diego County
Sign for Wright's Field near Alpine in San Diego County
Hiker on a trail in Wright's Field in San Diego County near Alpine
Hiker staring out at Loveland Reservoir in Alpine San Diego County
Next time you visit the picturesque town of Alpine in the foothills of the Cuyamaca Mountains, opt for two accessible trails locals love, featuring Wright's Field and Loveland Reservoir.
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Secret Crestridge

Hike Crestridge Ecological Reserve in San Diego County

Hiker in Crestridge Ecological Preserve in San Diego County
Sign for Crestridge Ecological Reserve in San Diego County
It’s hard to call a 2,800-acre green space a hidden gem, but the Crestridge Ecological Reserve feels like a secret treasure, with a multitude of trails that traverse riparian, oak woodland, coastal sage scrub, and chaparral habitats.
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  2. Mill About Lakeside

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  4. The Secret Big Blue

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  1. Hot As (Bumpass) Hell

    So you like going to all the hot spots when you visit places? Well, in Lassen Volcanic National Park there’s a place so hot it gets downright steamy. Bumpass Hell is the largest hydrothermal area in the park, with sputtering mud pots, sulfur vents, and boiling pools. It’s California’s Yellowstone.

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  2. Bucks Up!

    Come on in, the water is beautiful. Whether you like swimming, kayaking, stand-up paddling, or heading out on a bigger boat, Bucks Lake is a high mountain haven that’s easy to access, blissfully uncrowded, and surrounded by sandy beaches, picnic areas, pines, and aspens.

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  3. Starcrossed Stairway?

    Built into the hillside next to the Hollywood Bowl, Hollywood Heights delights with historic homes, steep and narrow (mostly carless) streets, and enchanting city views. Best of all, it features a network of walkways and staircases that makes it super fun to wander and explore.

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  4. Lunch at the Lakes

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