Surprise Views

Surprise! These three hikes in North San Diego County are not only less traveled, they're filled with outdoor gems like Torrey pines, sandstone formations, wildlife, and vantage points with huge views.

Week: 01.12.2022
Regions: Southern CA

Daley Inspiration

Hike Boulder Loop at Daley Ranch in North San Diego County

Hiker on a trail at Daley Ranch at North San Diego County
Hiker on a trail going past boulders at Daley Ranch in Escondido North San Diego County
Hiker at bench site overlooking mountains at Escondido Ranch in North San Diego County
Phenomenal views? Check. Impressive geology? Check again. Secret ponds? Yep! Sprinkle in a historic home and you’ve got a 5-mile highlight hike at Daley Ranch in Escondido.
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Mix Things Up in Oxnard

Winter Adventures in Oxnard

hiker on Channel Islands
fox on Channel Islands
women hiking on Channel Islands
By land, by sea, by taco trail—Oxnard in Ventura County hits its stride in winter. The golden beaches are uncrowded, and surfers find their bliss in the curling waves.
Oxnard Vacation Guide

Encinitas Ranch

Hike at Encinitas Ranch for Mountain and Sea Views in San Diego County

A hiker surveys the sandstone formation and distant mountain views at Encinitas Ranch in North San Diego County
A woman walks by a cactus covered trailside at Encinitas Ranch in North San Diego County
Dog statue at vista point in Encinitas Ranch San Diego County
Beautiful Torrey pines, striking sandstone bluffs, mountain and ocean vistas ... find these trademark San Diego features on an unassuming suburban hike at Encinitas Ranch in North San Diego County.
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Manchester Hidden Gem

Hike a hidden gem at Manchester Preserve in San Diego County

Hiker staring out at mountainous views in Manchester Preserve North San Diego County
A hiker walks past the sign for Manchester Preserve in North San Diego County
A hiker walks up to a heart shaped rock formation at Manchester Preserve in North San Diego County
A woman sits at a bench overlooking vast green scenery at Manchester Preserve in San Diego County
Hike a hidden gem in San Diego County: Manchester Preserve is a 123-acre canyon with a winding trail network best explored on a 2.25-mile perimeter loop.
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  1. Mile-Long Cataract Club

    In winter after heavy rains, the north flank of Mount Tam glows with flows. The nearly mile-long series of waterfalls—Cataract Falls—transforms into a supercharged spectacle. Starting at Alpine Dam, a 1.6 mile (one-way) narrow trails threads through redwoods and ferns along Cataract Creek.

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  2. Sponsored

    Mini Guide to Reno Tahoe’s Lodging and Dining

    So, you’re going to Reno Tahoe for some time in nature, and some time in nurture? Excellent choice. The fun and wonder of Reno Tahoe is the easy part.

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  3. Hidden Long Ridge

    After heavy rains, the rolling headwaters of Peters Creek in Long Ridge Open Space Preserve pulsate along the forest floor via a series of small waterfalls that cut grooves in sandstone boulders. See it on a 4.5-mile loop hike starting from the Grizzly Flat parking lot.

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  4. Hike Artdoors

    Add a little color to your new year. This 3-mile loop through the Montalvo Arts Center mixes the beauty of the natural world with local artists’ creations.

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  1. 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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  2. 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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  3. People gathered around a tree at an LA Park as part of the Tree Tour led by Stephanie Carrie

    LA's Tree Tour

    Los Angeles is famous for its iconic palm trees but did you know that LA is home to one of the most diverse urban forests in the world? With over 1,000 different tree species lining its streets, LA offers a unique urban canopy waiting to be explored. One of the best ways to discover it is by joining a Tree Tour

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  4. White Tank Campground for Stargazing

    Heaven for star buffs: the best campground in Joshua Tree National Park for night-sky viewing, in a place named an International Dark Sky Park, with a full-on observatory just minutes away! White Tank Campground is at 3,800 feet in the eastern part of the park.

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