All in Northern CA

  1. Throwing Shade

    When summer heats hits, these hikes and bike rides throw some shade (the cool kind) thanks to sections of trail with towering firs, redwoods, and eucalyptus trees.

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  2. Go Fourth and Get This T-shirt

    Go fourth with our 2025 Adventure Challenge! This summer, do ANY 3 activities you find on our website and get this WS t-shirt plus other cool gifts as a reward. Want a few quick ideas to get you going? We've got you covered.

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  3. A group of people clamored around the summit marker at Mission Peak in the Bay Area

    Summer Summits

    Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to reach a summit, any summit; but these three are really great ones (some easy, some more challenging, all banner beautiful). Have a pinnacle summer experience!

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  4. Lake Nacimiento
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    Savor Summer in Paso Robles

    Ready for the “Great California Road Trip”? Keep it real and rolling in bucolic and beautiful Paso Robles. This down- to-earth destination has everything you need to enjoy the coolest experiences.

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  5. The Weekend Sherpa Adventure Challenge Is On!

    It's back! The 2025 Weekend Sherpa Adventure Challenge is on. Get outside and get a complimentary Adventure Challenge t-shirt and Topo Designs mountain accessory bag.

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  6. Bay-Yeah!

    At 400 miles long (and growing!) the Bay Area Ridge Trail will ultimately connect all 9 counties on one continuous trail. Here are three ways to hike sections of this expansive gem, from a new segment, to an urban classic, and a Peninsula refresher.. Bay-yeah!

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  7. Road Trip Ready

    Now is a good time to start planning a road trip with cabin or camping treasures and a variety of outdoor experiences in California and the West. Here are six ideas to get you inspired and planning.

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  8. Hiking, Camping, and a Redwoods Train Ride

    Time for some field trip fun for everyone. We’ve got three adventures from redwood hikes and train rides to cool state park connections (with a camping bonus), plus one national urban treasure that gets to the heart of nature.

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  9. Long Weekend Adventures and Relaxation

    As the unofficial start of summer approaches, here's a round-up of some of your favorite stories over the past weeks, reminders of where to go to spend time outside, get fresh perspectives, and combine adventure and relaxation.

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  10. The Greatest Outdoors of Reno Tahoe

    It's the Reno Tahoe you might not know: fly fishing adventures and nature walks along the Truckee River, mountain biking in a hidden gem canyon, a sunset hike to a sprawling vista, and a sacred and serene lake with hidden beaches. Add in a fun and creative art and cuisine scene, and, well, it's time to rise and Reno Tahoe!

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  11. Water-ful Hikes and Picnics

    Water we talking about this week? How about some great East Bay hikes featuring plentiful picnic spots, beautiful oases, and big views. From a swimmable lagoon beach, to a bird’s–eye vantage of a big reservoir, and a spring gem with a lovely pond, here are three great ways to spend a day hiking, picnicking, and enjoying some H2-ohhhs.

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  12. Road Trip to Real California

    Smack between San Francisco and Los Angeles is a part of California that flies a bit under the radar—for now. It’s where an immersive and magical light show comes to life when the sun sets over the rolling hills. It's where a guided horseback ride through wildflowers meets unpretentious wine tasting. It's where after an afternoon e-biking adventure you can kick back in a walkable downtown that's a true foodie haven. It’s authentically California. It’s Paso Robles.

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  13. Man walking up trail at Calero County Park in the South Bay, surrounded by green hills and a lake in the background

    The Long Good Hike

    More daylight means more time to hike. These three long hikes are good in spring, and add seasonal bling like wildflowers, brimming reservoirs, and big-fresh vistas.

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  14. Mellow in the Marsh

    When you just need to mellow out, you can find your peace, quiet, and sense of wonder while strolling some of our most tranquil marshlands. These three places are where birds of many feathers hang together and bonus Bay Area scenery adds iconic flair.

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  15. Lake Nacimiento
    Sponsored
    2025-06-25

    Savor Summer in Paso Robles

    Ready for the “Great California Road Trip”? Keep it real and rolling in bucolic and beautiful Paso Robles. This down- to-earth destination has everything you need to enjoy the coolest experiences.

    View
  16. Woman standing at the top of Brush Peak in the East Bay Regional Park, looking out towards the mountain scenery

    Technicolor Hikes and Bike Rides

    We’re just gonna hop to it: spring for hikes and bike rides that currently have more colors than an Easter basket, thanks to the season’s riches: fresh hills and blossoming wildflowers.

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  17. Spring Break National Park Hikes

    It’s not an easy time for national parks right now, so when you visit you’re going to have to pack some understanding and patience. But the marvels you’ll experience on these three hiking adventures are likely to leave you with a sense of wonder and appreciation for the glory of the great outdoors.

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  18. Early Wildflower Hikes

    No need to wait for one of spring's best bounties: Right now wildflowers are already starting to pop up across Bay Area landscapes, and these three spots debut their petal power on the earlier side. Here are some hikes and bike rides worth going wild(flower) for.

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  19. hikers mount diablo

    Rise On Up

    Welcome to spring! It’s a nice time of year for hiking to higher heights. These three summits bring some spring bling and exceptional wide-angle vistas.

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  20. Farm Therapy

    Who’s up for a little animal therapy? These three Bay Area farms have adorable animals amid hiking trails and yoga sessions. Goat wild with your downward dog; combine wildflowers and wildlife on a trail with big views, and hike around a working farm with chickens, cows, and sheep.

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  21. Spring-ish

    Weather forecast these days: faux spring! Cloud, cold, chance of rain, maybe some sun…okay, it is only March. But if it’s misty out, there are still some nice hikes that can help you 'weather' the weather. Here are three to consider.

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  22. Early Spring Hikes and Bike Rides

    Is it just us, or is it starting to feel like spring? It’s not too soon to get outside and bask in the glory of green hills. These Bay Area hikes and bike rides are refreshed for the new season.

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  1. Bear Hug

    This 5.5-mile loop through Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch County Park explores one of the newest segments of the acclaimed Bay Area Ridge Trail, one redolent with trees ranging from madrone and manzanita to buckeye and blue elderberry (with a bubbly post-hike bonus).

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  2. Field of Light at Sensorio in Paso Robles

    Light This Way

    Hidden in the bucolic hills of Paso Robles lies one of the greatest light shows on earth. The lighted art exhibition, Sensorio, is as if the rainbow magic of the aurora borealis was plucked from the sky and planted in the fields.

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  3. Bikers and walkers on the Bay Area Ridge Trail with the Golden Gate Bridge behind them

    National Park City Walk

    See San Francisco the way locals do by hiking the Presidio, a national park right in the city! Wooded trails, secluded beaches, and epic views of the Golden Gate Bridge feature on this 5.5-mile out-and-back on the Bay Area Ridge Trail. It’s a lovely slice of the City by the Bay.

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  4. Bucks Up!

    Come on in, the water is beautiful. Whether you like swimming, kayaking, stand-up paddling, or heading out on a bigger boat, Bucks Lake is a high mountain haven that’s easy to access, blissfully uncrowded, and surrounded by sandy beaches, picnic areas, pines, and aspens.

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  1. Sponsored

    Tram to Cool Treks

    Elevate your fun, getting whisked from palm trees to alpine wilderness on the world’s largest rotating tramcar. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway transports you up and away on a 2.5-mile scenic route from the desert floor to the refreshing wilderness of Mount San Jacinto State Park.

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  2. Coming Up Roses

    Looking to spice up your hiking life? Give your partner a rose—Mount Rose! The 10-mile out-and-back peak hike goes up to one of the grandest views in all of Lake Tahoe. Get ready f

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  3. A group of people clamored around the summit marker at Mission Peak in the Bay Area

    Your Mission Is Less Crowded

    Mission Peak is one of the Bay Area’s most popular mountains, with many hikers climbing every weekend. Skip the crowds with this 6-mile loop up the less-traveled southern route.

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  4. Vista Hermosa Park in Echo Park Los Angeles

    Vista Hermosa, Echo That!

    Tucked in Echo Park, the little-known gem of Vista Hermosa Natural Park feels worlds away thanks to its serene beauty and thoughtful design. At 11.5 acres there’s still plenty to explore. And it's got a premier view of the iconic Los Angeles skyline.

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