All in Northern CA

1. 

   Sublime at Sunset

   There's a bright side to autumn's dwindling daylight. Sunsets churn some of their finest golden hues across horizons. From an open space of small summits to a campground on the coast, and one of the finest urban walks in the world, here are three ways to enjoy the gold rush of autumn in the Bay Area.

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2. 

   Fall for These Beaches

   Summer may be over, but in California beach season never really ends, with plenty to enjoy year-round for walking, wildlife watching, and wowing sunsets.

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3. 

   You're on a Boat!

   Now is a nice time of year to get out on the lake, and these three oases let you rent a boat and paddle—or pedal—amid tranquil surroundings and the spontaneous delights of nature. Bonus: they all offer some nice on-shore adventures, too. Whatever floats your boat.

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4. 
   Sponsored

   2026-02-02

   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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5. 

   Five Fabulous Adventures for Labor Day

   As the long weekend arrives it’s a reminder that our summer Adventure Challenge is soon coming to a close: there’s just a few weeks left to submit your outdoor adventure pics to us in exchange for a custom WS t-shirt, a mountain accessory bag from Topo Designs, and a chance to win a  trip for 2 to Reno Tahoe. Need some ideas for this weekend? Check out these five fabulous options.

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6. 

   Best of Summer

   It's hard to say goodbye...summer days may be coming to a close, but there's still time to get out on some of the season's most popular adventures in Weekend Sherpa. Here's a roundup of some of what you all liked best.

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7. 

   Reno Tahoe Great Eight

   We’re halfway through our 2025 Adventure Challenge, and if you haven’t done so yet, you can still get our custom t-shirt, a Topo Designs mountain accessory bag, and be entered to win a trip for 2 to beautiful Reno Tahoe! Speaking of Reno Tahoe—from peak hikes and waterfalls to bike rides by the lake and craft brew patio pit stops, here are 8 great ways to raise your getaway game.

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8. 

   Lakeside Hike-ins and Campsites

   Hiking, lakeside lounging, starry night campsites: that’s some California dreamy. From hike-ins to lakes in El Dorado National Forest and Tahoe, to a first-come, first-served campground in the Sierra Nevada's Lakes Basin, here are three ways to enjoy overnight oasis escapes.

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9. 

   Newly Opened at CA National Parks

   What’s new at CA national parks? How about Sequoia’s newly re-opened cave tours; a sulfur spectacle that just opened for the season (and rivals Yellowstone); an overnight escape to “reset” in Joshua Tree; and a new San Francisco picnic space in the Presidio. That’s some good new!

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10. 

    Less-Traveled National Park Peak Hikes

    During the peak of summer, tackle some national park peaks that are less-traveled and utterly spectacular. From the largest dome volcano in the world (right here in California!) to the only national park peak in Nevada, plus a Yosemite gem that’s marvelous near sunset, here are three summits to sum up the height of summer.

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11. 

    How Do You Lake It?

    Reservoirs and lakes feel like the very definition of summer. Whether you're hiking, biking, camping  or finding a perfect place for a picnic, here are three great places for a fantastic lake escape. 

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12. 

    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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13. 

    Go Outside and Get This Custom T-shirt

    Do our 2025 Adventure Challenge! This summer, do ANY 3 activities you find on our website and get our custom t-shirt, a Topo Designs Mountain Accessory Bag and more, as your reward! Want a few quick ideas to get you going? We've got you covered.

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14. 

    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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15. 
    Sponsored

    2026-02-02

    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

    View
16. 

    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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17. 

    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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18. 

    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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19. 

    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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20. 

    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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21. 

    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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22. 

    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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