Bloom Shakalaka

It's raining wildflowers! A benefit of big rains followed by warm weather is gorgeous scenery festooned by flowers. Here are some places currently blossoming with flora, fauna, and fabulous views.

Week: 04.12.2023
Regions: Northern CA

Summit Sunset

Sunset Hike to Bald Mountain in Sugarloaf Ridge State Park

Two hikers laughing and taking photos at the sunset at the summit of Bald Mountain in Sugarloaf Ridge State Park
A sunset summit hike doesn’t get better than Bald Mountain in Sonoma's Sugarloaf Ridge State Park. Set in the Mayacamas Mountains, full moon hikes at this park are beautiful too. There's also a chance to get a last minute campsite!
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2023 Wildflower Walks Guide!

2023 Wildflower Walks Guide

Wildflowers on a hill in the South Bay
woman walking in wildflowers in the Bay Area
oak tree and wildflowers
display of wildflowers in the Peninsula
Take a walk on the wildflower side with the organization who knows the best spots to see spring blooms. Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) has released their (complimentary) 2023 Wildflower Walks guide.
POST's 2023 Wildflower Walks Guide

Break Out the China Camp

Bike and Picnic at China Camp State Park in Marin County

Mountain biker at China Camp State Park in the North Bay Marin
Mountain biker on a trail at China Camp State Park
Mountain biker taking in the bay scenery at China Camp State Park
Close to San Francisco, close to the shores of San Pablo Bay, China Camp State Park is also a beautiful place for a mountain bike, even if you’re a beginner (yes, there’s a trail for you!). In spring, wildflowers bloom along the trailsides.
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Pinnacles of Spring

Hike the High Peaks Trail at Pinnacles National Park

Hiker overlooking Bear Gulch Reservoir at Pinnacles National Park near Monterey
Hiker at Bear Gulch Cave and High Peaks Trail at Pinnacles National Park
Hiker on the High Peaks Trail at Pinnacles National Park near Monterey
Person hiking a scenic trail overlooking the mountain scenery at Pinnacles National Park
Why hike at Pinnacles National Park? Spring's a beautiful time of year here. And you might spy the magnificent California condor soaring while you gain soaring views from the High Peaks Trail.
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Tam Slam!

Hike Mount Tam's Matt Davis Dipsea and Steep Ravine Trails to Stinson

Hike Mount Tamalpais Matt Davis Steep Ravine Dipsea to Stinson Beach
This 8-mile (round-trip) hike is a pure classic, with redwoods, water-flows, and soaring views of the coastline. Oh yeah, and that ladder!
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Trending Stories NorCal

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  1. Sponsored

    Reno Mountain High

    Take your vacation to new heights with some of the season’s most original events, and plenty of outdoors to explore. Fall for it all in Reno Tahoe.

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  2. Walk on the Wise Side

    A wise man once said, “Walk it off.” And San Francisco has just the place for a colorful walk via a 2.7-mile loop along Philosopher’s Way Trail in the 318-acre John McLaren Park (S

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  3. 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.

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  4. Greater by the Dozen

    This hike is anything but a dime a dozen. The all-new "Golden Gate Dozen Trail" links 12 National Park sites on a spectacular 13-mile journey across San Francisco's coastline.

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Trending Stories SoCal

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  1. 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.

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  2. 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.

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  3. Holcomb We Haven't Camped Here?

    Holcomb Valley Campground in the San Bernardino National Forest has 19 pine-shaded sites, all of them first-come, first-served.

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  4. Waterfall Hunter

    If you ask a local in Reno about one of the best hiking trails in town, odds are high they’ll point you to Hunter Creek Falls. It’s a year-round favorite, but it absolutely shines in spring, when desert peach wildflowers make a splash—and so does the marquee waterfall.

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