Top 10 2023 Outdoor Adventures

It's the greatest hits of the great SoCal outdoors, and a few points beyond. Here are the top 10 adventures of 2023, based on very scientific evidence (basically, what you engaged the most!). Have a happy new year and see you in 2024!

Week: 12.26.2023
Regions: Southern CA

Rockin' Clevenger

Hike to Rocking Chairs and Epic Views at Clevenger Canyon in North San Diego County

North or south? San Pasqual’s Clevenger Canyon in North County San Diego has both south and north trailheads about half a mile apart. We’re going south this time, for a rocking chair good time (read on)! This trail nets you 5.4 miles, over 1,300 feet of gain, and fantastic views.
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Snow Time Like the Present

Winter Vacation to Zephyr Cove and Lake Tahoe Adventures

zephyr cove resort
zephyr cove resort
zephyr cove resort
This holiday season unwrap everyone’s best winter getaway. South Lake Tahoe takes your outdoor adventures beyond the ski resorts. Your basecamp—Zephyr Cove Resort—has lakeside wood cabins, a beautiful mile-long beach, and plenty of activities.
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Ballona Beach Hopper

Bike the Ballona Creek Path to Beaches and Piers in Los Angeles County

This easygoing bike escape is proof that you don't have to drive for hours to feel the vast benefits of nature. The Ballona Creek Bike Path is part of the “Park to Playa Regional Trail,” a 13-mile network connecting parks and open spaces from Baldwin Hills to the Pacific Ocean.
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Peak a-’bu

Summit Sandstone Peak in Malibu for Cinematic Scenery

Summiting Sandstone Peak is a premier 6-mile (round-trip) classic adventure delivering a dramatic, ever-changing landscape and some of Southern California’s most cinematic views.
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All the Wright Stuff

Hikes to see Wright's Field and Loveland Reservoir in Alpine

Hiker going to Loveland Reservoir in San Diego County
Sign for Wright's Field near Alpine in San Diego County
Hiker on a trail in Wright's Field in San Diego County near Alpine
Hiker staring out at Loveland Reservoir in Alpine San Diego County
Next time you visit the picturesque town of Alpine in the foothills of the Cuyamaca Mountains, opt for two accessible trails locals love, featuring Wright's Field and Loveland Reservoir.
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Golden Glendale

Hike the less traveled Glendale Peak in Griffith Park Los Angeles

If you want to climb a Griffith peak without the peak crowds, head to Glendale Peak in the southeastern end of the massive green space. The 1,190-foot peak can be bagged on a 3-mile out-and-back adventure with fantastic views.
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Secret and Surprising

Secret Sherman Oaks canyon hike in Los Angeles

Short and sweet, this secret Sherman Oaks canyon hike is LA’s best. Deervale–Stone Canyon Park has a 2-mile out-and-back that’s a good workout and rewards with incredible views, and a one-of-a-kind surprise!
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Deeper Meanings

Monterey Bay Aquarium Behind the Scenes Tour and Into the Deep Exhibit

Monterey Bay Aquarium Behind the Scenes
Monterey Bay Aquarium Behind the Scenes
Behind the Scenes Monterey Bay Aquarium
Behind the Scenes Monterey Bay Aquarium
The Monterey Bay Aquarium brings wonder, inspiration, and education to visitors, including its excellent "Behind the Scenes" tour and outstanding new bilingual exhibit, Into the Deep/En lo Profundo.
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Watson in a Name? A lot, Sherlock!

Hike to Watson Falls in Southern Oregon

Watson Falls in Southern Oregon along the Highway of Waterfalls
Two people at the overlook and watching Watson Falls in Southern Oregon
A hiker crosses a bride enroute to Watson Falls in Southern Oregon
Up close picture of Watson Falls in Southern Oregon
The #1 rule of the unofficial waterfall club? You cannot take a road trip through Southern Oregon and skip the Highway of Waterfalls. This stretch of Highway 138 east of Roseburg along the Umpqua River is a watery marvel that’s lovely year-round.
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Flavors of Fillmore

Go on a Ventura County Food Walk in Fillmore

Fill up on Fillmore! This picturesque city in the Santa Clara River Valley is an ideal day trip for finding good nature and delicious locally grown food. Explore it all via a 5-mile out-and-back walk or bike ride.
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Lunch at the Lakes

Hike to a trio of lakes in Lassen Volcanic National Park

Pack your own picnic and head for a lakeside lunch at Lassen Volcanic National Park. Then take your pick from a lovely trio of lakes accessed from the same trailhead. Follow it all up with a visit to Manzanita Lake on the other side of the park.
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Trending Stories NorCal

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  1. Keough's Hot Springs

    Soaking Up History

    When you slide into the soothing water of Keough’s Hot Springs, you’re bathing in a piece of Owens Valley history.

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  2. woman hiking Buck Gulch Falls Novato

    Buck Wild!

    Tucked back beyond the residential ranch-style homes and golf courses of Novato in the North Bay is a wild and wondrous 30-foot waterfall that springs to life in the rainy season. Buck Gulch Falls in Novato’s Ignacio Valley Preserve is in peak flow right now, and it’s a short and Middle-earthy hike to reach it.

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  3. Grover Hot Springs

    State Park Soaker

    Set in an alpine meadow at 6,000 feet and surrounded by the 10,000-foot granite peaks of the Sierra, Grover Hot Springs State Park—just outside the town of Markleeville—has its very own hot springs.

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  4. Redding Ironman Whiskeytown lake
    Sponsored

    New Year, New Goal: IRONMAN 70.3 Northern California

    2026 is off and running! And swimming. And biking. Don't get left behind! Commit to one of the upcoming year’s most exciting endurance events—IRONMAN 70.3 Northern California in Redding.

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  1. 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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  2. Hot, Wet, and Wild!

    At Wild Willy’s Hot Springs, you can soak up a primeval landscape that’s amazingly close to Mammoth Lakes and Highway 395—it just feels a few geological epochs away.

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  3. Woman swimming in Carson Hotsprings natural thermal pool

    Hot Springs, Naturally

    Thermal spring waters are famous for their curative, relaxing elements, and Reno Tahoe is filled with them! Sink into these amazing thermal respites for a wellness super soak.

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  4. 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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