Two hikers at Bear Creek Redwoods Regional Preserve on a new trail.

Tranquility in the Trees

If you find yourself in overdrive during the season of holly jolly, take a tree break. These three Bay Area hikes, including a new trail, offer tranquility amid oaks, redwoods, and mixed forest.

Week: 12.04.2024
Regions: Northern CA

New Trails at Bear Creek

Hike New Trails at Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve

Peninsula & South Bay
Hikes
Two hikers at Bear Creek Redwoods Regional Preserve on a new trail.
Looking for new trails? Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve has added 170 acres of forest, grassland, and historical sites. Hike this 3.5-mile loop through the new addition.
Read the full story

Something to Look Forward to

Discover Shoulder Season in Reno Tahoe

Points Beyond
Relaxing, Overnight Escapes, Hikes
Sponsored
Spring for the West’s most dynamic mountain town – Reno, Nevada. The city’s very nature brings limitless possibilities for all seasons, including shoulder season! Here are some Reno Tahoe adventures to spring for in the new year.
Plan for Shoulder Season in Reno Tahoe

The Occidental Tourist

Grove of Old Trees in Occidental

North Bay
Dog Friendly, Hikes
occidentaltrees2_lrg-image-jpeg
The Grove of Old Trees in Occidental is 33 hidden acres of towering redwoods and the only privately owned preserve in Sonoma County that's free to the public. Hike one of two flat loop trails shaped like an upside-down peace sign.
Read the full story

High and Mighty in the East Bay

Hiking Oakland's Redwoods Regional Park

East Bay
Dog Friendly, Hikes
Tucked beyond Oakland’s bustling city streets is Redwood Regional Park, a secluded escape of second-growth redwoods that’s treasured among locals for its canopied forest and dog-friendly trails.
Read the full story
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

View all Stories
  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.

    View
  2. 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.

    View

  3. Cheers to Chimney

    If you’re looking for all that Point Reyes has to offer in spring, Chimney Rock is the place to be. The 1.75-mile (round-trip) hike to Chimney may be short, but it packs a visual punch, quadrupling the viewing thrills during spring.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  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.

    View

  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.

    View

  3. The Big Chill

    In LA, finding a place to chill can be the ultimate flex. So flex, in Franklin Canyon! This unexpected oasis has plenty of shade, cool lake breezes, and ample picnicking spots. Enjoy it on an easy-going 1-mile stroll along its reservoir and duck pond.

    View