Top 10 Outdoor Adventures of 2021

Waterfalls, epic national park hikes, camping, and hidden backcountry are just a few of the adventures we loved this year! Here's our list of the year's 10 best outdoor adventures in California and the West. See you on the trails in 2022!

Week: 12.29.2021
Regions: Northern CA

Medallion Walk SF

Walk the Barbary Coast Trail Following Medallions in San Francisco

Barbary Coast Trail medallion hike in San Francisco
The Barbary Coast Trail is a 3.8-mile historical walk and treasure hunt through San Francisco. Be on the lookout for hubcap-sized bronze medallions placed on the city sidewalks with arrows pointing you in the right direction.
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2022 Hiking Calendar

2022 Peninsula Open Space Trust Calendar

Ready for a New Year’s hike? How about 12 of them! Spread out the hiking joy with the 2022 POST Hiking Calendar (complimentary).
Download the 2022 POST Hiking Calendar

Three Beaches to the Wind

Hike to three beaches on this coastal trail in the Marin Headlands

Woman hiking the Coastal Trail in the Marin Headlands
This beautiful 7-mile (round-trip) coastal hike in the Marin Headlands connects three beaches: Muir Beach, Pirates Cove, and Tennessee Cove.
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High Sierra Lake Hop

Backpacking Lake Adventure in Emigrant Wilderness North of Yosemite

Camping at Chewing Gum Lake Emigrant Wilderness
Situated just north of Yosemite is a High Sierra wonderland that gets a fraction of the crowds and is a fantastic destination for backpacking. The Emigrant Wilderness is 113,000 acres of granite ridges, wildflower-strewn meadows, and cobalt lakes.
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Good as Golden

Hike a Classic Loop in Golden Canyon at Death Valley National Park

Woman hiking the Badlands Trail in Golden Canyon Death Valley National Park
Golden Canyon in Death Valley has a variety of hiking trails. We like this classic 5.5-mile loop exploring a labyrinth of marbled gold colored hills, badlands, narrow canyons, and tremendous vistas.
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Take the Plunge

Hike to Waterfalls Along the Southern Oregon Highway of Waterfalls

Two women looking up at Watson Falls, Southwest Oregon's highest waterfall
How can you take a road trip through Southern Oregon and not hit the Highway of Waterfalls? This stretch of Highway 138 east of Roseburg along the Umqua River is a watery marvel that’s terrific year-round. Winter sees fewer people, making it an ideal time to visit.
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Up Umunhum

Hike to the Summit of Mount Umunhum in the South Bay

Hiker taking in the mountain view from the summit of Mount Umunhum
Rising from the Santa Cruz Mountains, Mount Umunhum is one of the Bay Area’s highest points, reaching an impressive 3,486 feet. With the new 7.4-mile (round-trip) addition to the Bay Area Ridge Trail, locals can finally step up to its peak.
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Kirby Your Enthusiasm

Bike or hike down to hidden Kirby Cove just west of the Golden Gate Bridge in Marin

A biker stopped to take in the scenery on the fire road leading to Kirby Cove and overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge
Just west of the Golden Gate Bridge in Marin is one of the Bay's most-accessible secluded beaches. Kirby Cove is accessed by hiking or biking a 1-mile fire road down to the beach, where the reward is an all-time classic Golden Gate view.
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Waterfall Chaser

Hike to Hunter Creek Falls in Reno and Stay at Kramer's Midtown

hiker at Hunter Creek Falls in Reno
Reno's Hunter Creek Falls is accessible year-round but especially fantastic in spring when the desert peach wildflowers paint the landscape, and the marquee waterfall has snowmelt mojo.
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Sweet and Salty

Camp on the Sonoma Coast at Salt Point State Park

Located on Highway 1 about 18 miles north of Jenner, Salt Point State Park is wild, scenic, and one of the most beautiful places to do some classic coastal camping.
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Barnabe Bonanza

Hike to the Panoramic Summit of Barnabe Peak in Samuel P Taylor State Park

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
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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  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. 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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  3. Big Burdell!

    If you’re gonna go big on a hike, make it at Marin County’s biggest open space preserve, Mount Burdell. And go to the summit. You’ll be sharing the trail with grazing cows, seasonal poppies, and beautiful birds on this 5-mile (round-trip) adventure.

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  4. H is for Hawk Hill

    After a nearly year-long closure, Hawk Hill in the legendary Marin Headlands recently emerged with a glow-up. Thank the hearty TLC from the National Park Service. This Golden Gate National Recreation Area gem now has a new trail along with revamped spaces for taking in timeless, grand views.

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  1. People on ice learning to curl at Hollywood Curling

    You Go, Curl!

    Hollywood Curling’s Learn to Curl classes make the perfect setting for newcomers. Take the ice, and friendly curling instructors will teach you the basics.

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  2. Eat, Sleep, Beach, Repeat

    For an ultra-relaxing getaway where you can sit back and soak in some nature and nurture, head to Mendocino and follow this eat, beach, sleep, repeat itinerary (you won't regret it!) ...

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  3. This Skunk Doesn’t Stink!

    All aboard for a ride through history—and through air scented with redwood, dewy ferns, forest-fresh breeze, and a bonus snack and beverage bar, fire pit, and short hike. The World-Famous Skunk Train delivers in every category: scenery, greenery, and towering redwoods.

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  4. A woman standing at the pond's edge at Ernest B Debs Regional Park in Los Angeles. Trees are making reflections on the pond.

    Urban Oasis Loop

    Home to the city’s Audubon Center, Ernest E. Debs' 282-acre park features a robust network of hiking trails and surprising wildlife diversity. More than 140 bird species have been spotted here. Birdwatcher or not, this 2.5-mile route makes for a gorgeous outing.

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