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, spring and early summer bring bonuses: wildflowers.
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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. Two women at the entrance of the Lavender Labyrinth at Bees N Blooms in Santa Rosa

    Lavender Labyrinth

    Labyrinths are meditative meanders. Add fragrant organic lavender and you're at Bees N Blooms at the foot of Taylor Mountain near Santa Rosa, experiencing their “ancient pathway of peace” and more.

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  2. Can't Top This

    San Francisco’s Presidio was already a fantastic place to hang out for the afternoon, a beautiful site within the largest urban national park in the United States (the Golden Gate National Recreation Area). And the new Presidio Tunnel Tops is like a cherry on top. Tunnel Tops is just as it sounds: a park on top of tunnels! Presidio Parkway tunnels to be precise.

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  3. You Know Kehoe?

    Hiking with your dog in a national park? Almost unheard of! But Point Reyes National Seashore has an easy and short hiking trail to a stunning beach that’s dog-friendly on its north side. Kehoe Beach is a beautiful place to hang out even if you don’t have a dog.

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  4. Little Hike in the Big Woods

    Redwoods, river crossings, waterfalls, and wildflowers—the South Bay’s Portola Redwoods State Park packs a lot of nature’s best features. Enjoy them hiking this 2.5-mile loop.

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Trending Stories SoCal

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  1. Flavors of 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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  2. Sponsored

    Sea It All This Spring!

    Go deeper on your next adventure! Monterey Bay Aquarium allows you to go Into the Deep. Be mesmerized by the flashy, iridescent, and adorable creatures in the ever-evolving, fully bilingual exhibit

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  3. Peak a-’bu

    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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  4. Do it Yourself Walking Tour of Solvang

    Solvang has long been described as a “little slice of Denmark in Southern California." Experience the historic village on a 3-mile walk that explores the architecture, food, wine, and green space.

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