All in Northern CA
Russian River Rediscovered
Here's your Russian River guide to redwood hikes, bike rides to wineries, and sunsets by the sea.
VIEWLove in the Great Outdoors
Some of the best dates happen in the outdoors. Whale watching, wine tasting, walking among murals or down to a restored lighthouse … whatever your outdoor loves may be, here are some options!
VIEWWinter Hikes in Napa
Before hitting the big Cabs, hit the big views! The cooler months are a fantastic time to do any of these three vista hikes that lead to huge panoramas.
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SponsoredFrom Alpine Wildflowers to Turquoise Coves
North Lake Tahoe is where nature, culture, and authentic experiences let you connect to something deeper. Spring is an ode to the region’s harmonious dual nature, where you can mix
ViewWinter Wildlife Wonders
Elephant seals, birds of all feathers, combine a wildlife hike and a beer for a wild weekend!
VIEWDesert Dream Trip
Joshua Tree National Park is stunning in winter. Our top recommendations on exploring this dreamy desertscape in two days.
VIEWWhere to Whale Watch: 3 Top Spots
Whale hello there! Here are three of the top spots for combining hikes and wine tasting with amazing vantages for spying gray whales.
VIEWEasy Does It
Ease into 2020 by trying something new, from a new wine country hike to a new trail in the South Bay.
VIEWNew Year Peak Hikes
Kick off the decade with a classic peak hike in the Bay Area. Cheers to these views!
VIEWTop 10 2019 Adventures (Readers Favorites)
The 2019 outdoor adventures Weekend Sherpa readers most liked in the San Francisco Bay Area and Northern California.
VIEWJust in Time for the Holidays
Get into the holiday spirit on these classic Bay Area outings that are like a yule log for your soul.
VIEWThe Coast Is Clear
Go hike the hills, paddle to a lighthouse, and explore coastal caves near the classic beach town of Avila Beach.
VIEWGriswolding Outdoors!
Rule #1 this holiday season: Getting outdoors is a great way to clear the air, and the head, after too much spiked eggnog and turkey talk. And hell-yeah, bring the whole family—you’re all in this together, merry and bright! Here are three ways to hike, drink, and birdsong your way to holiday bliss.
VIEWReservoir Hikes
If cabin fever has you thirsting for the outdoors, these three hikes are short (3 miles or less) and go straight to the source with excellent views of reservoirs.
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SponsoredFrom Alpine Wildflowers to Turquoise Coves
North Lake Tahoe is where nature, culture, and authentic experiences let you connect to something deeper. Spring is an ode to the region’s harmonious dual nature, where you can mix
ViewBeaches & Hikes for the Weekend
After all that turkey, pie, and political discussion, it’s time to take a break outside. We have just the ticket—from a dog-friendly beach in Marin to a hidden bench overlooking the San Mateo Coast, be thankful for the great outdoors.
VIEWThanksgiving Hikes
There’s lots to be thankful for this season, including our great outdoors, with fall colors on full display. Ready for a turkey trot? From the bounties of Briones to the thrills of a volcano, and a lesser-known trail on protected ranch land, here are three East Bay hikes prime for the season.
VIEWBeaches & Hikes for the Weekend
After all that turkey, pie, and political discussion, it’s time to take a break outside. We have just the ticket—from a dog-friendly beach in Marin to a hidden bench overlooking the San Mateo Coast, be thankful for the great outdoors.
VIEWWonder-Fall Hikes & Bike Rides
Autumn’s hues are beginning to deepen. And we’d like to help put the wonder in your fall, from redwoods to rolling golden hills and leaves crisp for foot-crunching. Here are some hikes and bike rides that make for a wonder-fall afternoon.
VIEWAutumn Beaches
Think summer’s the only time to hit the beach? Fog-etaboutit! Autumn is when beaches in Marin can really shine—sunny, warm(ish) and—fingers crossed—with only a tad of the misty stuff.
VIEWHikes in the Meantime
It’s been a challenging week. We’re thinking about everyone affected by the wildfires, evacuations, and power outages. California is resilient and the smoke will clear. If you’re hankering for some nature this weekend, we’ve got a few suggestions. #californiastrong
VIEWShort Coastal Hikes
San Mateo may just be the coast with the most this time of year. Sunny afternoons can clear the skies, sweeping ocean vistas beckon, and autumn charms like pumpkin patches abound.
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From Alpine Wildflowers to Turquoise Coves
Plan Your Trip to North Lake Tahoe
Your Inbox to the Outdoors
Stay up to date with our weekly recommendations on where to explore locally in California.
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Mile-Long Cataract Club
In winter after heavy rains, the north flank of Mount Tam glows with flows. The nearly mile-long series of waterfalls—Cataract Falls—transforms into a supercharged spectacle. Starting at Alpine Dam, a 1.6 mile (one-way) narrow trails threads through redwoods and ferns along Cataract Creek.
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SponsoredMini Guide to Reno Tahoe’s Lodging and Dining
So, you’re going to Reno Tahoe for some time in nature, and some time in nurture? Excellent choice. The fun and wonder of Reno Tahoe is the easy part.
ViewHidden Long Ridge
After heavy rains, the rolling headwaters of Peters Creek in Long Ridge Open Space Preserve pulsate along the forest floor via a series of small waterfalls that cut grooves in sandstone boulders. See it on a 4.5-mile loop hike starting from the Grizzly Flat parking lot.
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Hike Artdoors
Add a little color to your new year. This 3-mile loop through the Montalvo Arts Center mixes the beauty of the natural world with local artists’ creations.
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Weekend Sherpa Podcast: Take It Outside
Adventure for your earbuds. What's new in the world of the outdoors? Listen to Weekend Sherpa co-founders discuss local hikes, beaches, bike rides, camping spots and all kinds of travel and adventure in California and beyond!
View![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.
View![People gathered around a tree at an LA Park as part of the Tree Tour led by Stephanie Carrie]()
LA's Tree Tour
Los Angeles is famous for its iconic palm trees but did you know that LA is home to one of the most diverse urban forests in the world? With over 1,000 different tree species lining its streets, LA offers a unique urban canopy waiting to be explored. One of the best ways to discover it is by joining a Tree Tour
ViewWhite Tank Campground for Stargazing
Heaven for star buffs: the best campground in Joshua Tree National Park for night-sky viewing, in a place named an International Dark Sky Park, with a full-on observatory just minutes away! White Tank Campground is at 3,800 feet in the eastern part of the park.
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