The Outbound Collective

Looking for a romantic getaway but you’d prefer to spend your nights around a campfire? This adventure is for you. This beautiful Napa Valley campground has it all – 10 miles of hiking trails, 1,900 acres to explore, and…new yurts! Yurts are basically cool circular tents that allow you enjoy the outdoors without sacrificing the comforts of a cabin. While this definitely falls into the category ...

If you’ve always wanted to experience Big Sur, but sleeping on the ground isn’t really your thing, Treebones might be exactly what you’re looking for. Nestled along Big Sur’s beautiful coastline, Treebones Resort offers expansive views and easy access to everything the area has to offer. With a typical day that consists of sipping morning coffee on your redwood deck, hiking nearby trails, explo...

Riding your bike across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito, and then enjoying some drinks on the back deck at Sam's, is a great way to spend a nice day. The views along the way are simply breathtaking. After your ride and a day of fun in Sausalito, you can return to San Francisco by ferry. It's about 8 miles from Crissy Field to Sam's. The trip usually takes 3 to 4 hours.

Black Sand Beach is a beautiful, mile-long stretch of black sand just north of the Golden Gate Bridge. On a sunny day, it’s best to try and arrive in the morning, as the parking lot can fill up quickly. To get down to the beach, you’ll need to hike for about 5 minutes down 250 or so wooden steps. You’ll feel it in your legs on the return trip to the car, so keep that in mind when considering ho...

Russian Ridge offers a great place to jump on the trail and in the right season, see some of the best wildflowers blooming. On top of that, you get access to amazing views from the ridge. Once you hit your parking space, add a little extra warm up before jumping on the trail to make this 3.7-mile run into a 4-miler. In order to make it to the ridge, gain a little elevation and head uphill on ...

Tucked away in a small neighborhood park in Eureka Valley is a set of really fun, slippery, and surprisingly steep concrete slides. They were originally designed by a 14 year old kid over 30 years ago, and we all owe him a big hat tip. People use a variety of sliding materials (saucers, food trays, etc), but good ol’ cardboard is your best bet. You can usually find some lying around at the base...

Breathtaking views of the Bay Area are your reward for making this climb to the top of Mission Peak. It’s a 3-mile trek to the top of the peak and then back down the same way. This is a moderate hike that provides a nice workout – so be prepared. Park at the Stanford Avenue entrance gate. There is enough parking for about 20 cars, but if it’s full, there’s plenty of parking available along Sta...

This park most resembles Muir Woods, and if you're looking to get out of the tourist trap, head to Armstrong Redwoods and make a day of it. This 3-mile hike takes off from the sign pointing to East Ridge Trail. As you begin a slight climb up the trail, you'll be under the cover of the redwoods, so sun won't be too big of an issue. Stay on this trail for approximately 1.25 miles, where you'll re...

This popular campground houses 50 campsites. Keep in mind that since it's the only campground in Arches, it can be crowded from March through October, so get on it early. This campsite not only provides easy access to landmarks like the delicate arch, but also provides very convenient access to trails right from the campground -- the broken arch trail leaves from the campground and is only 1.2 ...

Mokoli‘i is an island located off the coast of Kualoa Regional Park. You can swim, kayak, or SUP to the island. When it’s low tide, you’re actually able to walk out there, but be mindful of the tides, because the current picks up on higher tides, which makes the route back more difficult. If you choose to hike/swim out there, it takes about 15 minutes. Make sure to wear some sort of water shoe ...

This hike departs from the Kpahulu Visitor Center and heads out along the Kuloa Trail. The trail will take you through a bamboo forest and past several pools and falls. Be sure to get there early as the later it gets in the day, the more crowded the pools get. Hike the route counter-clockwise and be aware of any potential rogue waves as you head near the ocean. Also keep in mind that you should...

Get ready for one of the toughest, lung busting hikes in the east bay with over 6-miles and 4,000ft of climbing in one direction. When you make it to the hike, it's also important to realize that without recent rain, there many not actually be a waterfall. With that said, you're still getting in a great climb, and spending the day outdoors on one of the bay area's most challenging climbs. If yo...

On the Pacific Crest Trail, you'll be heading from the Yuba River to Fowler peak. This backpacking trip is 51 miles, one-way, so you'll want to park shuttle car at the Fowler Peak Trailhead. This stretch of the PCT is less crowded than its southern part - that could be due to the 2 miles of exposed switchbacks to start the trek, but we'll let you decide! Once you get to the top of the Sierra Bu...

Mount Davidson Park is located in the southwestern part of the city nestled between Diamond Heights and Portola Dr. The climb isn't too difficult, but to reach the top of the 928ft summit, you should wear close-toed shoes and be ready for some loose gravel or mud if it's been raining. The hike is short - you can round-trip it in well under an hour if you're looking to get moving, but if you hav...

The Dipsea Race is the 2nd oldest foot race in the US. The race is named after the Dipsea Inn at the end of the trail at Stinson Beach. The good news is that you can enjoy this scenic trail and its sweeping ocean views at your leisure. The bad news is that the race is only one-way. If you choose, your leg can be out-and-back for a total of 15 miles. Ok, so maybe you don't have to do the full 15...

Are you looking to get away from the crowds at Hanauma Bay? If you've got your family or it's just you and a few friends looking to do some snorkeling, free diving or exploring underwater caves, then Shark's Cove is your spot. There is no fee to enter the cove, just park on the side of the street and walk in. You may want to bring sandals or water shoes as it's a little rocky getting into the w...

If the sun is shining, and you’re in the mood for playing around with friends in one of SF’s many amazing parks, Dolores should be at the top of your list. With amazing views of downtown, huge tiered lawn areas, tennis courts, basketball courts, a brand new playground, and easy access to some of the city’s best restaurants and cafes, it’s the epicenter of the weekend park scene.

Starting from the parking lot on Sneath Lane Trail, you’ll head through the gate and continue on the path up Sweeney Ridge. This is a 5.7 mile out-and-back trek. There is a 600 ft. elevation gain, which comes mainly in the first 1.5 miles of the trail. Your legs and lungs may hurt a bit, but if there’s no fog, it's worth the reward. On a clear day, you’ll be able to view the Pacific, Montara Mo...

The 16th Avenue Tiled Steps also known as the Moraga steps are an impressive community achievement, and an equally killer workout. Take an easy lap up the stairs to check out the amazing art, take in the views from the top, then get down to business. You'll be glad you made the trek over to this neighborhood gem!

Head into Big Sur and get a campsite at Plaskett Creek. You can either make a reservation through recreation.gov or show up and hope to luck out on one of the first-come, first-serve campsites. The campground is much more crowded during the prime summer months, so if you want to get better surf and a more isolated campsite, head there in the fall or winter. Plaskett Creek is really close to S...

Are you tired of crowds on your hikes? First, shame on you for getting up so late and moving so slowly. Did you really need Philz before you got on the trail? Ok, now that you’ve been thoroughly chastised, let’s start planning a hike to the less-frequented Carson Falls. Like any of the falls in Marin, they’re obviously gushing after a big storm, but you can enjoy them most of the year anyway. ...

The golden gate casting pools are a hidden gem in the park located on the other side of JFK from the Buffalo Paddock. Here you can practice your fly casting basics or pick up new forms casting (i.e. spey or double haul). The Golden Gate Angling and Casting Club has a clubhouse at the pond where several members are usually out perfecting their casting technique or picking up new tricks of the tr...

Want to experience one of the bay area's most memorable backpacking trips? We've got the details to get you out on the trail. To start the trek, drop your car at the Castle Rock State Park Parking Lot, which is located ~2.5 miles south of the junctions of Highways 35 and 9 off of Highway 35. Note that you must park inside the gate. Be sure to bring cash as exact change is required for parking ...

This route starts and ends on Jackson street in the Presidio Terrace neighborhood of San Francisco. This loop can be started in several areas of the Presidio including off of the Lyon street steps, but this starting point creates a good midpoint of the loop.  Along the route, be sure to keep an eye out for runners and vehicles when crossing over the main thoroughfares to reconnect on the trail...