Woman standing on rocks overlooking mountain scenery at sunset in Los Angeles County at Cold Creek Trail in Moreno Valley

Short Sunset Hikes for the Holidays

Shorter days and crisper air do bring a bonus: late day hikes can be beautiful thanks to the sun's golden touch. These three hikes are beautiful, short, and sunset sweet.

Week: 12.04.2024
Regions: Southern CA

Merry in Moreno Valley

Hike Cold Creek Trail in Moreno Valley

At 2.6 miles round trip, a quick escape to the out-and-back Cold Creek Trail in Moreno Valley is a great way to enjoy a beautiful sunset.
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Something to Look Forward to

Discover Shoulder Season in Reno Tahoe

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

Diamond of a Hike

Hike Diamond Bar Loop in Los Angeles County

The 1.5-mile Diamond Bar Loop might be located in the center of Diamond Bar, but once you get out on the trail it’s easy to forget you’re in the thick of a busy place.
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Get Into The Grove

Go on a Short Hike at Oak Grove Park in Pasadena

The 1.8-mile Oak Grove Park Loop trail in La Cañada is short, easy, and close to the city; meaning it’s a perfect destination for a quick holiday hike.
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Trending Stories NorCal

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  1. Mike Zakowski (aka Mike the Baker) standing in front of his wood-fire oven at the Sonoma Valley Farmers' Market

    NEW! Walkin' and Talkin': Break Bread, Go On a Panoramic Hike

    What’s a world-traveling, medal-winning baker’s favorite local hike? Weekend Sherpa co-founder Brad Day caught up with Mike Zakowski (aka Mike the Baker) at Sonoma’s Friday farmers' market, where his wood-fired loaves draw loyal crowds. Between bites of fresh-baked bread, they talk baking, travel, and why Sonoma's Overlook Trail is one of his favorite quick, panoramic hikes.

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  2. Hidden Botanical Garden

    Forget a dozen roses. Give your love a botanical garden. Hidden on the western slope of Sonoma Valley’s Mayacamas Mountains, Sonoma Botanical Garden has one of the Bay Area’s best displays of Asian flora—and it’s a brilliant place for a quiet picnic and some calming contemplations.

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  3. Sunnyvale and Salty

    For up-close bird watching, it’s hard to beat a walk along the San Francisco Bay. This 5-mile loop on the Sunnyvale coast is a favorite of local wildlife photographers.

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  4. A man takes a break at a temple spot on a hike at Dragon Mountain in Milptas

    Dragon Quest

    The newly reopened, 4-mile out-and-back hike at Dragon Mountain in Milpitas mixes the physical with the spiritual for a serene hiking experience.

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Trending Stories SoCal

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  1. Sponsored

    Warm Up to Winter in Reno Tahoe

    2026 is just getting started, but there’s one place already rising to the top as the best for adventure and relaxation: Reno Tahoe. The awe—and ahhhs—begin as soon as you arrive. G

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  2. A woman stands at Dante's View in Death Valley, looking out to Telescope Peak and Manly Lake, Badwater Basin below.

    Sunset Hike at Dante's View

    It’s one of the world’s best places to watch a sunset. Dante’s View is a 5,476-foot vantage of the whole southern basin of Death Valley from the top of the Black Mountains. Right now there's a banner and bonus view of a rare lake formation that appears only after big rains.

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  3. It's a Waterfall Life

    Tahquitz Canyon’s crystalline stream and lush stands of desert lavender, honey mesquite, and leafy sycamores is home to an easy day hike with a big bonus: a 60-foot waterfall that runs with remarkable gusto after winter rains.

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  4. Oh Snow Nice

    Live in California long enough, and you’ll come to know the rite of passage called “going to the snow”–when we ditch our fair-weather cities and towns in search of winter weather. Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks deliver a winter wonderland worth a visit if there’s been a good dose of snow.

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