All in Southern CA

1. 

   Upside Down Hikes

   Hiking up and up isn't the only way to get to the good stuff. Flip the order and get a different point of view. Here are three hikes where starting with a descent has an upside. Down you go!

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2. 

   Make It Memorial

   Kick Butte Hike: Get a taste of the Mojave Desert without leaving Los Angeles County! Saddleback Butte State Park is home to a solitary mountain rising 3,651 feet. Bag this peak on a 5-mile (round-trip) journey that ascends 950 feet. Grand Entrance: The relaxing, artistic town of Ojai makes an impression, and so will you when you roll into town … on two wheels! This mellow 19-mile (round-trip) bike ride on the Ojai Valley Trail starts at Foster Park and takes you all the way into downtown Ojai. Oh Soak Good: Enjoy a little R&R (retro resort and really warm mineral water). While it might not be a typical desert oasis, the springs at Desert Hot Springs Spa Hotel offer a chance to soak in natural mineral pools, with a piña colada! Hero Image: If you're looking for solitude at Runyon Canyon Park, you're in the wrong place … unless you decide to hike Route C (aka the Hero's Trail). This grueling path up the park's westernmost ridge isn't for the faint of heart—and sees fewer hikers as a result. Vouch for Volcan: An hour east of San Diego, Julian is a popular apple pie hub, yet few people venture beyond to nearby Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve at Wynola. They're missing out on a hiker's haven, including a 5-mile (round-trip) summit hike shaded by sycamores and oaks. Hoppy Ending: Hop on a two-wheeler for a laid-back 14-mile (round-trip) bike ride along the LA River that concludes with a happy—and hoppy!—ending: a craft-brewed IPA paired with fried avocado tacos …  and a gorgeous sunset.

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3. 

   Spring for These Hikes

   Famous for its sandy beaches and sunny days, San Diego County also has a more mountainous side. From south to north, here are three hikes to get you going.

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4. 
   Sponsored

   2024-07-24

   Enter for a 2-Night Getaway on California's "Secret Coast"

   Enjoy the ultimate coastal experience with a complimentary 2-night stay at Mar Vista Farm + Cottages on the Mendocino Coast. Plus get 4 tickets to visit the California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park. 

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5. 

   Camp & Hike Combos

   You've heard of farm to table, but what about tent to trail? Set up camp and hike the San Bernardino Mountains between Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear Lake this summer.

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6. 

   Tour de SoCal

   The Amgen Tour of California is set to roll across the Golden State this May. Preview tour-worthy cycling destinations in the Southland on three rides suitable for beginners. All ride, all ride, all ride.

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7. 

   Ojai There!

   Get off the grid for a bird’s-eye Ojai! Ojai Valley is spring-loaded with ways to relax and ways to adventure. Spend the night in a cozy yurt, go on a valley bike ride that leads into the artsy downtown, or have a hike-in adventure to a creekside campground.

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8. 

   Geek Outdoors

   Grab a visor and strap on a fanny pack! It's time to explore your local outdoors the way a tourist might! Here are some fun ways to geek out(side).

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9. 

   Joshua Tree on a Whim

   A desert escape to Joshua Tree National Park is just what the "doctor" ordered … a landscape of climbable towering granite rock, marvelous hikes, and a place to soak your bones and sip a cocktail after adventures among the whimsically wild trees. You'll feel like you've been transported to the pages of a Dr. Seuss book. Oh, the places you'll go!

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10. 

    A Little Buzz

    Who doesn't love a good buzz? No, not that kind of buzz. The buzz you get when you stop to refuel at a small airport diner as part of your outdoor adventure. Here are a few ways to get outside and go for brunch too (coffee and beer buzz optional).

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11. 

    Swing Up to the Coast

    There's a reason people like hiking to high places in San Luis Obispo. This Central Coast adventureland is surrounded by ancient volcanoes, rolling green hills, and a dramatic coastline. Toss in some tree swings, and see SLO from new heights on any of these three hikes.

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12. 

    Swing Down to the Coast

    There's a reason people like hiking to high places in San Luis Obispo. This Central Coast adventureland is surrounded by ancient volcanoes, rolling green hills, and a dramatic coastline. Toss in some tree swings, and see SLO from new heights on any of these three hikes.

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13. 

    Bike to Beer

    Los Angeles and "beer scene" haven’t always gone together, but that's changing. Upstart breweries are earning accolades across the Southland and so are the bike trails that lead to them. Here are three bike-to-brews rides that go down smooth.

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14. 

    Oscars for the Outdoors

    The Academy Awards are this Sunday, but before you sit down to toast cinematic excellence on the big screen, enjoy the bigger picture by heading outdoors to hike, bike, and explore a few local spots that made their way to stardom. And—action!

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15. 
    Sponsored

    2024-07-24

    Enter for a 2-Night Getaway on California's "Secret Coast"

    Enjoy the ultimate coastal experience with a complimentary 2-night stay at Mar Vista Farm + Cottages on the Mendocino Coast. Plus get 4 tickets to visit the California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park. 

    View
16. 

    Trails Less Traveled

    With so many popular places to hike in Los Angeles, where do you go to escape the crowds? How about to those same popular places… Here are three ways to get off the beaten path in some of LA's busiest hiking hot spots.

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17. 

    Morning Glory

    Add some buzz-factor to your mornings on any of these three sunrise hikes with cafés and good coffee close by.

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18. 

    Urban Stairway Hikes

    This New Year, ups and downs are guaranteed … and that’s a great thing if you’re doing any of these three urban stairway hikes with great views. Step up to 2015!

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19. 

    Tahoe Time

    It's home to the largest alpine lake in North America, some of the world’s best ski resorts, and off-the-beaten path places for finding fun or solitude. Tahoe in winter is true blue, and ready for you!

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20. 

    Time for Tahoe

    It's home to the largest alpine lake in North America, some of the world’s best ski resorts, and off-the-beaten path places for finding fun or solitude. Tahoe in winter is true blue, and ready for you!

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21. 

    Peak Perspective

    Start the New Year with a fresh point of view! Here are three peak hikes for gaining excellent perspectives. Adventure time!

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22. 

    Romance Ready!

    Afternoon Delight Captivating coastline, charming cottages, clear waters, and quaint wooden staircases: It's just another afternoon at the beach on this 6-mile (round-trip) seaside stroll in Crystal Cove State Park. Morning Glory Secluded at 1,500 feet in the Santa Monica Mountains, Tuna Canyon Park in Malibu at sunrise feels truly wild. Hike to a spectacular sunrise viewpoint marked by a spiraling labyrinth of stones, then get a coffee and pastries at Topanga's Café Mimosa, a quirky local spot with French flair. Voulez-vous café avec moi? Heavy Breathing A cardio climb up a mountain. Check. Stunning views. Check. And located right in LA? How very chic! Urban hiking has a wild side and the proof is on Mount Washington just northeast of downtown LA. Nice Butte! Hiking to a mountain peak in the desert? You don't even have to leave LA County to check out this butte! Saddleback Butte State Park gives you a taste of the Mojave Desert from Saddleback Butte, a solitary mountain rising 3,651 feet. Summit it on a 5-mile (round-trip) journey.

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