All in Northern CA

1. 

   Meet the Flockers

   We don't wanna ruffle feathers by declaring birding the new hiking, but we do have some great hikes and bike rides where the birdwatching is flocking amazing!

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2. 

   Zen Peak Hikes to Keep Your Calm

   Ready to rise and find your calm? Gain some fresh perspectives on these three outings that take you higher for quietude and contemplations, including the newly re-opened Dragon Mountain. Gorgeous panoramas absolutely included.

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3. 

   Parks In Their Prime

   Snow, sun, seasonal temperatures … it’s all culminating in a winter of wide and wild adventure options—from sunrise desert hikes and snowy sequoias to waterfalls and dune-scapes, these four mystical wanders in national parks, preserves, and recreation areas are some of the best for the season.

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4. 
   Sponsored

   2026-10-28

   Extra-Celestial Central Oregon

   Some trips promise you the moon and the stars. And this one delivers in a big way, plus throws in some extra planets for your viewing pleasure. From Bend, Sunriver, and Sisters to Antelope Basecamp in the remote high desert.

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5. 

   Waterfalls Now!

   When it rains, it waterfalls! Here are three short hikes to tucked away oases that are absolute power-falls after recent rains. Flow for it!    

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6. 

   Hot Soaks to Start the New Year!

   Happy New Year! Warm up to 2026 with these great places to find hot soaks at natural springs both rugged and spa-some.

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7. 

   Merry Wetness

   Merry Christmas! We're not sure who ordered the Pineapple Express but as we all try to go with the flow, there's a new podcast episode of "Take It Outside" and some ideas on things to do that let you be inside, too (in case of rain). Wishing you a safe and happy holiday season. See you in 2026!  

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8. 

   The Top 10 Outdoor Stories of the Year

   Less scroll time, more soul time...that's how it goes when you get out to explore our great Golden State. Jingle all the way to the end of the year by checking out our Top 10 stories of 2025.

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9. 

   Rise to the Occasion

   One of the many shining features of the SF Bay Area is how many Baymazing urban vistas are accessed via short hikes within city limits. Here are three scenic hikes that rise to the occasion for ideal group outings over the holidays.

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10. 

    'Twas the Lights Before Christmas

    Finding an illumination experience is a good reason to get outdoors and see the light... make that lots of light. These botanical gardens, strolls, hikes, and field exhibitions are fun and festive ways to enjoy the season. Light this way!

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11. 

    Turkey Time Out(side)

    Thanksgiving Thursday, Black Friday, Weekend Sherpa Saturday? We're sharing some ideas for exploring locally over the holiday. You can also check out our latest podcast episode, talking turkey and Türkiye. Learn about the relatively unknown world-class hiking adventure overlooking Türkiye's incredible Turquoise Coast and passing ancient ruins. 

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12. 

    Spectacular Sands

    California's filled with beautiful beaches, but some less-known sands simply dazzle. From elephant seal sightings and premier whale watching perches, to a secret stairway connecting a coastal hamlet to a sublime seaside setting, and a less-known dunescape that's nothing short of sunset-sational, here are three sandy havens that are prime to see this season.

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13. 

    Autumn Hikes and Bike Rides

    When the weather clears, opt for an autumn power hike. These three options are peak-of-autumn beauties that range from moderate to challenging, and reward with rich vistas. Beauti-fall!

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14. 

    Fall For These Short Birding Hikes

    When you think the weather's for the birds, go birding. These three premier preserves and wildlife ponds are short, idyllic strolls to enjoy tranquil views, redwood groves, dashes of fall color, and birds of all kinds of feathers. 

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15. 
    Sponsored

    2026-10-28

    Extra-Celestial Central Oregon

    Some trips promise you the moon and the stars. And this one delivers in a big way, plus throws in some extra planets for your viewing pleasure. From Bend, Sunriver, and Sisters to Antelope Basecamp in the remote high desert.

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16. 

    Hairy Not Scary

    Spiders don't have to send a tingle down your spine. Tarantulas—generally harmless—come out and about in fall, as the males leave their burrows in search of mates. Here are three beautiful hikes where you might get lucky and see them this fall.

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17. 

    Find Fall on These Short Hikes

    While we may not have New England's fall color bonanza, the California-cool hues of amber and yellow are autumn-amazing, if you know where to look. Find fall colors close to home on these three hikes.

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18. 

    Relaxing Redwood Rambles

    Getting out into nature is a good way to relax, and our Bay Area and Northern California redwoods bring that extra bit of magic with their resiliency and awe-inspiring beauty. From the South Bay to the North Bay, to a far north destination, here are some less-known redwood hikes and bike rides that can bring some tranquility to your day.

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19. 

    Big & Beautiful in the Great Artdoors

    The Bay Area outdoors always shows off big beauty in its parks and gardens, with creative and colorful art exhibits and installations in rotations or permanently in place for people to visit and enjoy. Right now, there are three big deals in the great artdoors here! From giant good trolls in the South Bay to a major sea serpent in the City and two big new additions in the hamlet of Sonoma, here are three to see this fall!

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20. 

    Field Trips For All

    This fall, take a fun field trip for all. The Bay Area has all kinds of ways to combine the outdoors with seeing beautiful art and learning some less known history. From an outstanding museum and ice skate rink that's all about Charlie Brown and the Peanuts crew, to taking an old-fashioned steam train in the redwoods, and getting your heart pumping with beautiful murals and famous San Francisco vistas, here are three amazing ways to learn in (and from!) nature.

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21. 

    Splendor in Sequoia's Redwoods

    California’s first national park positively beams with beauty, in large part because of its famous big trees. The forest here is filled with Sequoia trees, big red beauties rising toward the sky like ancient columns. From the otherworldly Stump Trail to a twofer of trails where you can find tranquility, plus where to sleep under the majesty, take this giant leap in early autumn! 

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22. 

    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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