Date with the Outdoors!

Go out this summer and do any activity we've ever written about in Weekend Sherpa (seriously, there's 10 years' worth of outdoor activities!) and earn yourself some excellent gifts, including a Weekend Sherpa t-shirt and travel wine glasses from our "partner in wine," Line 39. Here are few ideas to get you going!

Week: 04.26.2017
Regions: Southern CA

Inspiration Point

Hiking to Inspiration Point in Los Angeles

With a name like Inspiration Point, expectations are high … and high you’ll go, as in above the clouds on this beautiful 10-mile (round-trip) hike located 2 miles north of popular Echo Mountain. While the Sam Merrill Trail to Echo Mountain is well paved and snakes its way up the
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Castles in the Air

Beachwood Canyon Staircase Hike in the Hollywood Hills

This staircase hike takes you on a journey into classic old Hollywood charm and reveals gorgeous views, but you have to work for it! Your fantasy-world journey begins on Beachwood Drive among iconic storybook houses. An extremely steep and seemingly endless staircase lined with c
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Point Dume Bloom!

Wildflower Hike on Point Dume in Malibu

On this 2-mile loop hike in Mailibu's Point Dume Natural Preserve, you can find yourself walking through fields of brilliant yellow specimens—some of them chest high and taller—but also dip down to pristine beaches and tide pools, possibly crowning your visit with a gray-whale sighting.
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Wine up for the Weekends!

Line 39 Wine and the Great Outdoors

In California we’re pretty lucky; we’re home to the great outdoors and amazing wines—and Line 39 celebrates both! The 39th parallel runs right through the heart of California wine country and is the inspiration for Line 39. They got their start with Sauvignon Blanc grapes from La
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Black Star Canyon

Hiking to Black Star Canyon Falls in Orange County

A hike to the roaring Black Star Canyon Falls in the heart of the Santa Ana Mountains is not for the faint of heart nor the weak of ankle. This waterfall in the Santa Ana River is flowing stronger than it has in years! And it’s reachable via a challenging and exciting 7-mile out-
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Plateau Ho!

Hiking Santa Rosa Plateau Reserve in Riverside County

In the heart of the Inland Empire is a portal to California’s past, where colossal Englemann oaks spread their gnarled branches, and rare native grasses still flourish on verdant hillsides. A hike through the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve near Murrieta is a visit to Calif
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Griffith’s Glow

Griffith Observatory Sunset Hike, Space Themed Events, and Star Parties

Griffith J. Griffith believed that people gained an enlightened perspective on life when looking at the skies. So true! Especially when you gaze upon a glorious LA sunset and moonrise from Griffith Observatory, which also hosts space-themed events and star parties.
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Garden of the Gods

Hiking the Garden of the Gods in Los Angeles

A 1-mile out-and-back trail in 23-acre Garden of the Gods threads through sandstone boulders that were natural icons of Hollywood’s Golden Age, back when this site was known as the Iverson Movie Ranch.
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Urban Ranch Land

Visiting Orcutt Ranch Los Angeles

Though the Woolsey fire came close, Orcutt Ranch in West Hills was not touched, thankfully. The ranch is a 24-acre LA city park filled with vibrant citrus trees and lavish flowers—the perfect backdrop for wandering and pondering. And for Hollywood films. The historic adobe here p
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Trending Stories NorCal

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  1. Napa Valley Paddle kayaker and paddle boarder on the Napa Valley river

    Napa's Wild Side

    It’s wine country’s Amazon. The gentle Napa River is an ecological—and recreational—delight. And Napa Valley Paddle sets you up for maximum enjoyment of this experience.

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  2. Been There, Dome That

    Surrounded by granite domes, craggy peaks, and miles of hiking trails, the High Sierra landscape of Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite National Park is famous for good reason. For a truly grand view, take a short hike to bold—and bald (except for snow at times)—Lembert Dome.

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  3. Wapama Wows

    Hetch Hetchy can be overlooked in Yosemite National Park because of its more remote location and limited facilities. But this is where you’ll also find one of the best day hikes in the park: Wapama Falls.

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  4. Hike Mount Tamalpais into Muir Woods

    Muir Woods Through the Backdoor

    A backdoor entrance into Muir Woods? Hike a tranquil trail that starts in Mount Tamalpais State Park and quietly leads into Muir Woods, letting you avoid the busyness of the main parking area.

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Trending Stories SoCal

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  1. Inn-spiration Point!

    For more than a century, people have been hiking or mountain biking to West Point Inn for good reason. Perched at 1,785 feet on the southern slope of Mount Tamalpais, the historic inn has sweeping views from the Marin Headlands to the San Francisco skyline.

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  2. A Thousand Steps to Paradise

    A picture is worth a thousand words, but is a gorgeous beach in Laguna worth a thousand steps? The answer is yes, though the question is moot, because it’s only 223 steep steps down to the 400-yard stretch of sand known as 1000 Steps Beach.

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  3. Sponsored

    Take the Exit to the Best of the San Francisco Peninsula

    The San Francisco Peninsula is proof that some of Northern California’s greatest surprises are hiding just off Highway 101. All you have to do is take the exit.

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  4. Hike to the Sierra Buttes Fire Lookout in the Lakes Basin

    Lookout for This View!

    Sierra Buttes Lookout, at a lofty 8,591 feet, is a memory maker for its pucker-worthy stairway to the tower’s balcony. It's a 5-mile (round-trip) hike to reach it. And the reward? Epic!

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