That Natural Glow

Who needs a filter? Autumn's lower sun gives Southern California a natural glow of its own, brushing sandstone formations in warm light, turning city skylines golden, and bathing mountain horizons in tangerine tones. From LA's rocky landscapes to San Diego's sunset summits, here are three ways to soak up the season's changing light.

Week: 10.14.2026
Regions: Southern CA

Briar Blockbuster

Hike to Panoramic Views of Los Angeles at Briar Summit Preserve

Los Angeles County
Hikes, Dog Friendly
Woman taking a photo with her phone at Briar Summit Preserve overlooking Los Angeles
Get a fresh perspective on Hollywood and awesome views while avoiding the crowds. Briar Summit Preserve has a short and sweet 1-mile, 250-foot climb and distinct 360-degree views across LA.
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Chasing Dark Skies: Southern Oregon

Explore Southern Oregon and the Outback's International Dark Sky Sanctuary

Deserts, Points Beyond
Relaxing, Overnight Escapes, Hikes
Sponsored
Hot springs, hiking, lodging, antelope, and one of the world’s best places for looking up at night.
Southern Oregon’s Certified Dark Sky Sanctuary & Parks

Holy Cowles!

Sunset Hike to the Summit of Cowles Mountain in San Diego

San Diego County
Hikes, Dog Friendly
Woman viewing the scenery on a hike to the summit of Mount Cowles in San Diego
Enjoy late day-sun vistas on a 3-mile (round-trip) hike to the summit of Cowles Mountain in Mission Trails Regional Park. Located in San Diego, this summit is the city’s tallest at 1,593 feet.
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Rock Star Hike

Hike Vasquez Rocks in Los Angeles County

Los Angeles County
Hikes, Dog Friendly
Hike Vasquez Rocks Natural Park Area
The sandstone giants of Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park might be the coolest damn formations in SoCal. Explore the craggy slabs on a 2.5-mile hike.
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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

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  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.

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  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.

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  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.

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Trending Stories SoCal

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  1. 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.

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  2. 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.

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  3. Waterfall Hunter

    If you ask a local in Reno about one of the best hiking trails in town, odds are high they’ll point you to Hunter Creek Falls. It’s a year-round favorite, but it absolutely shines in spring, when desert peach wildflowers make a splash—and so does the marquee waterfall.

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