From a Yosemite climbing trip to 25 years of storytelling, stewardship and community.

Twenty-five years ago, after a climbing trip in Yosemite that didn’t go as planned, Matt pitched an idea to me: start a California magazine focused not just on climbing, but on the growing crossover between outdoor sports.

Climbers were surfing on weekends. Mountain bikers were learning to kayak. Trail runners were heading into the mountains. No publication was telling the broader story of California’s human-powered outdoor community.

There were no investors. No business plan.

At the time, I was teaching second grade while Matt was running a tree business.

In our free time, we were immersed in California’s outdoors, and we believed there should be a magazine where people could discover new adventures, learn from one another, and develop a deeper connection to the places they explored.

One of the first people to believe in that vision was Christa Fraser. A journalist at a local weekly newspaper, she became a founding partner and helped launch the very first issue of Adventure Sports Journal. She brought newsroom instincts, momentum and clarity to our scrappy startup. Without Christa, that first issue might never have made it to press.

When ASJ launched in March 2001, publishing looked very different. Print magazines dominated. Social media didn’t exist. Smartphones were years away. Since then, the media landscape has transformed in ways none of us could have imagined.

Through it all, Adventure Sports Journal has remained something much simpler: a small, independent, community-powered publication.

Along the way, Pete Gauvin joined as a partner during some demanding years and helped carry the growing workload. Writers trusted us with their stories. Photographers shared their vision. Advertisers believed in what we were building. Distributors carried bundles of magazines up and down California. Readers picked up copies, took them home, and kept coming back.

We’ve faced challenges, adapted to changing times and made difficult decisions, but one belief has never changed:

Stories about human-powered adventure, environmental stewardship and connection to place still matter.

The real story of Adventure Sports Journal has always been the community behind it. With their support, we hope ASJ will continue for another twenty-five years—and beyond.

2001–2006: The Scrappy Beginning

World + Culture

• Post-9/11 uncertainty reshapes travel, risk and the national mood.
• Print dominates while social media has yet to arrive.
• Outdoor sports remain niche—not yet lifestyle branding.

Adventure Sports Journal launched in March 2001, when things still felt open and optimistic. Print ruled, and we learned the mechanics of publishing in real time—writing stories, designing layouts, selling ads and somehow making deadlines.

None of us had ever started a magazine before.

We learned issue by issue.

Just months after our launch, 9/11 changed the national mood and the sense of what was certain. Even then, we remained optimistic about ASJ’s future and continued building relationships with contributors eager to tell California’s outdoor stories.

Krista Hammond (now Krista Houghton) covered surfing and the water world. Seth Lightcap became our backcountry voice on skis and bikes. Haven Livingston expanded our climbing and whitewater coverage. Tim Hauserman explored cross-country skiing and backpacking, while Matt Johanson began writing about the Sierra and Yosemite.

Behind the scenes, life was accelerating. During much of those first five years, I was pregnant, welcoming our three children into the world while new issues rolled off the press. Matt transitioned from self-employed arborist to PG&E lineman, providing steady income and benefits while the magazine slowly found its audience.

In 2006, Pete Gauvin joined the team, helping carry the workload as ASJ moved beyond its startup years.

We distributed magazines from aging Volvos—loading stacks into the back seat, recruiting family and friends, and convincing retailers one handshake at a time that our little magazine deserved a place on their shelves.

2007–2011: Finding Our Voice

World + Culture

• The Great Recession tested small business and independent print.
• Facebook goes mainstream as smartphones change how people consume media.
• Outdoor culture begins shifting from niche to mainstream.

By 2007, Adventure Sports Journal had found its editorial footing.

We added gifted writers and photographers, including Bruce Willey, and were honored to publish work from legendary climber and writer Doug Robinson. We launched our first Green Issue and committed ourselves to environmental reporting alongside adventure storytelling.

At the same time, we discovered that one of our greatest strengths wasn’t just covering events—it was showing up.

Our growing “Roadshow” brought us face-to-face with readers across California in parking lots, expo booths and post-race gatherings.

At Sea Otter Classic, Rebecca Rusch appeared on her first magazine cover and signed copies for readers lined up to meet her.

Years later we realized ASJ had also introduced readers to Kevin Jorgeson long before the Dawn Wall, and in 2009 featured a quietly driven 23-year-old named Alex Honnold—years before the world knew his name.

We weren’t just covering athletes. We were documenting the evolution of California outdoor culture.

In 2010 we introduced the phrase Earn Your Beer, celebrating the sweat, grit and joy of human-powered adventure. The recession challenged independent publishing, but it also clarified who we were: a regional magazine with a distinctive voice, loyal readers and a commitment to authentic storytelling.

2012–2016: Expanding the Conversation

World + Culture

• Instagram reshapes visual storytelling.
• Digital pressure intensifies for independent print.
• Climate and public lands become central outdoor conversations.

Despite growing pressure to move online, ASJ remained rooted in print and face-to-face community.

Around this time we met Michele Lamelin at the Santa Cruz Mountain Bike Festival. She became our longtime copy editor, helping polish every issue before it went to press.

This era also welcomed three writers whose voices continue to shape ASJ today: Leonie Sherman brought thoughtful reporting on stewardship and land ethics; Chris Van Leuven documented Yosemite’s climbing history and culture; and Kurt Gensheimer expanded our mountain bike coverage through his work with Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship and the California Enduro Series.

Together, they helped deepen our editorial voice during a rapidly changing media landscape.

2017–2021: Resilience and Reinvention

World + Culture

• Outdoor recreation becomes mainstream.
• Social media dominates attention while print publications disappear.
• COVID-19 and the national conversation on equity reshape outdoor culture.

By 2017, responsibility for ASJ rested squarely with Matt and me. Christa Fraser had moved on to teach writing at UC Merced, and Pete Gauvin had stepped away to focus on family.

Fortunately, Michele introduced us to Jen Stein, whose careful editing, fact-checking and production work became invaluable.

Then came two milestones that could not have been more different.

Issue #100 reminded us how far we’d come.

The pandemic reminded us just how fragile independent publishing could be.

Events disappeared. Distribution stopped almost overnight. We reduced publication from six issues each year to four.

While many print magazines folded or consolidated, we kept printing.

During this same period, the murder of George Floyd sparked important conversations about representation, equity and access within the outdoor community. Those conversations challenged us to listen, learn and broaden our editorial perspective.

To help ensure the magazine’s future, we launched our Reader Membership program.

2022–2026: Rooted in Community

World + Culture

• The outdoor boom settles into a new normal.
• Algorithms increasingly shape attention and advertising.
• Independent print depends more than ever on community support.

As the world adjusted after COVID, so did Adventure Sports Journal.

Print was no longer the default—it became a deliberate choice.

As advertising increasingly shifted toward digital platforms, we leaned into what has always made ASJ different: regional storytelling, independent journalism and a print publication readers return to.

New contributors, including Anthea Raymond and Marissa Neely, brought fresh voices and expanded our coverage of whitewater, sailing and California adventure.

We also learned that journalism sometimes leads to action. After Matt learned about the long-running sundown siren in Minden, Nevada, he helped launch Riders Against Racism—a community effort that eventually contributed to the siren being turned off after decades of advocacy.

Today, ASJ continues because of an extraordinary community of contributors, advertisers, distributors and readers who believe California’s outdoor stories deserve to be told.

The next twenty-five years won’t be built by algorithms.

They’ll be built by people.

Looking Ahead

Twenty-five years ago, we simply hoped someone would pick up the magazine.

Today, after twenty-five years of stories, friendships and adventures, we’re still guided by the same belief that inspired our very first issue: that authentic storytelling, environmental stewardship and community matter.

Thank you for coming along for the ride.

Continue Reading

Voices from the ASJ Community

Stay tuned for reflections from Christa Fraser, Doug Robinson, Pete Gauvin, Leonie Sherman, Chris Van Leuven, Kurt Gensheimer and many more as they share what Adventure Sports Journal has meant to them over the past twenty-five years.

Help Shape ASJ’s Next Chapter

As Adventure Sports Journal celebrates 25 years, we’re exploring partnerships and possibilities for the future. If you’re passionate about California’s outdoors, publishing, journalism or community building, we’d love to connect.

Let’s start a conversation, send an email here.

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If you’re searching for an adventure that feels a world away—yet lies just an hour off the California coast—set your sights on Anacapa Island in Channel Islands National Park. Departing from Oxnard’s Channel Islands Harbor, campers cross the Santa Barbara Channel to one of California’s most rugged and awe-inspiring landscapes.

Anacapa is a place without cars, crowds or commercial development—just crashing waves, nesting seabirds and dramatic cliffs rising from the Pacific. The island’s campground, perched above dramatic sea caves and kelp forests, offers one of the most unique camping experiences in California. From your tent, you’ll hear western gulls calling overhead and watch the beam from the historic Anacapa Lighthouse sweep across the horizon after dark.

Getting There Is Part of the Adventure

To get there, book roundtrip ferry service with Island Packers, the official park concessionaire. The journey takes about an hour and often includes dolphin sightings or, if you’re lucky, a glimpse of a humpback whale. Depending on the season, you may also spot California sea lions or migrating gray whales. Once you arrive, you’ll climb 157 steps to reach the island’s plateau, then follow a short trail to the campground.

The campsites are primitive—no fires, no running water and no cell service—but that’s the beauty of it. Bring all supplies with you, including drinking water, a camp stove and layered clothing for cool, windy nights. Camping here is less about luxury and more about connection: to nature, to the ocean and to the moment.

Disconnect to Reconnect

Before sunset, hike to Inspiration Point, one of the most photographed views in Southern California. From the cliffs, watch the sun drop behind the neighboring islands, turning the Pacific gold. At night, the island settles into a rare quiet, broken only by the steady rhythm of waves below—an ocean lullaby you won’t find on the mainland.

In the morning, enjoy sunrise coffee with seabirds soaring overhead, explore short coastal trails lined with seasonal wildflowers and soak in the solitude before the ferry returns you to Oxnard’s welcoming harbor.

Camping on Anacapa Island is a reminder that California still has truly wild places—and some of the state’s most unforgettable adventures begin in Oxnard.

Discover more outdoor adventures at VisitOxnard.com.

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State health agencies have determined that northern anchovy and Pacific sardine recently sampled from Monterey Bay contain elevated levels of domoic acid, prompting commercial fishing restrictions and a recreational health advisory for the affected area.

Following the recommendation from state health agencies, California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Director Meghan Hertel has enacted a restriction on the commercial take of northern anchovy and Pacific sardine for human consumption in waters from Pigeon Point in San Mateo County south to a line due west of Point Lobos in Monterey County.

Commercial harvest of northern anchovy and Pacific sardine for bait use is still allowed. However, any anchovy or sardine sold as dead bait must be clearly labeled as not for human consumption or use in pet food.

The current restrictions and advisory apply only to northern anchovy and Pacific sardine, which were found to contain elevated levels of domoic acid. The restrictions do not apply to other finfish, including salmon, rockfish, halibut, white seabass, yellowtail, tuna, and other species.

CDFW advises that when health advisories are issued for other species, consumers should eat only cleaned, skinned fillets and use cooking methods that avoid contact with internal organs. Additional information on current health advisories is available through the California Department of Public Health.

CDFW will continue working with the California Department of Public Health and the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) to monitor domoic acid levels in northern anchovy, Pacific sardine, and other fish species to determine when the commercial fishing restrictions and recreational advisory can be safely lifted.

Domoic acid is a potent neurotoxin produced by Pseudo-nitzschia, a naturally occurring marine alga that can bloom under certain ocean conditions. The toxin can accumulate in fish without making them sick. In humans, low-level exposure may cause nausea, diarrhea, and dizziness. Higher exposures can lead to persistent short-term memory loss, seizures, and, in rare cases, death.

Current fishery information and health advisories are available through CDFW. Anglers can also call CDFW’s Domoic Acid Fishery Information Line at (831) 649-2883 for updates on fishing restrictions.

This story is based on information provided by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Read the original CDFW news release here: https://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/monterey-bay-northern-anchovy-and-pacific-sardine-commercial-take-restrictions-and-recreational-advisory-in-place-due-to-public-health-hazard

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Anticipating a larger presence of juvenile white sharks in Southern California as a result of warmer El Niño ocean conditions, the California Fish and Game Commission has adopted emergency regulations designed to protect white sharks while reducing the potential for dangerous interactions between hooked sharks and people recreating in the ocean.

Approved during the Commission’s June 17–18 meeting, the emergency regulations prohibit the use of certain fishing gear commonly used to target large sharks from beaches and nearshore areas where hooked sharks could create hazards for nearby beachgoers.

According to the California Fish and Game Commission, warmer ocean temperatures shift the preferred range of juvenile white sharks northward from Mexico, causing more sharks to remain in California’s nearshore waters later in the year.

Under the emergency regulations, recreational anglers fishing from shore or within 1,000 yards of shore from Pigeon Point in San Mateo County south to the U.S.-Mexico border may not use hooks larger than 1.5 inches (maximum inside measurement) or wire or metallic lines and leaders commonly used to target large sharks.

The regulations apply to fishing from beaches, banks, piers, jetties, breakwaters, docks, and other man-made structures connected to the shore.

Unless extended, the emergency regulations will remain in effect for 180 days after filing with the California Secretary of State. The Commission may approve up to two 90-day extensions and ultimately may consider continuing the restrictions through the regular rulemaking process if the regulations prove effective.

This story is based on information provided by the California Fish and Game Commission and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Read the original announcement here: https://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/california-fish-and-game-commission-takes-emergency-action-to-prevent-white-shark-take-and-reduce-potential-interactions-between-hooked-sharks-and-swimmers

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The U.S. Forest Service will begin gathering wild horses outside the Montgomery Pass Wild Horse Territory on July 8, removing up to 450 horses as part of an effort to reduce impacts on public lands, improve herd health, and address public safety concerns.

According to the Inyo National Forest, the Montgomery Pass Wild Horse Territory is managed for 138 to 230 horses, but a 2024 census estimated the population at approximately 699 horses, with many animals roaming beyond the designated management area. Forest officials say the excess horses are damaging springs, riparian habitat, sensitive wildlife areas, and Mono Basin’s distinctive tufa formations while increasing the risk of collisions along nearby highways.

Helicopter gather expected to last one to two weeks

The operation is expected to last 7 to 14 days and will use helicopters operated by experienced contractors to gather horses across the rugged terrain of the Eastern Sierra. According to the Forest Service, helicopters will be used to gather horses across the Montgomery Pass territory. The agency says helicopter-assisted gathers are the safest and most effective method for removing large numbers of horses from remote areas.

Captured horses will receive veterinary evaluations before being transported to the Double Devil Wild Horse Corral on the Modoc National Forest, where they will be prepared for adoption through the Forest Service’s Wild Horse Adoption Program. People interested in adopting a Montgomery Pass wild horse can learn more through the Double Devil Wild Horse Corrals Facebook page, where the Forest Service posts information about available horses and upcoming adoption opportunities.

Members of the public may observe gather operations by reservation, with participation limited because of safety and logistical considerations.

Visitors traveling through the Montgomery Pass area in early July may encounter temporary activity associated with the gather. The Forest Service encourages visitors to check current conditions before traveling.

For updates, public viewing information, and additional details, visit the Inyo National Forest Wild Horses webpage here.

MAIN IMAGE: Montgomery Pass horses in the Granite Mountain Basin. Photo by Jeff Starosta, BLM.

Editor’s Note: Wild horse management remains a debated issue on public lands in the American West. While the Forest Service says gathers are necessary to protect habitat, improve herd health, and address public safety concerns, some wild horse advocacy organizations favor greater use of fertility control and other non-removal management strategies in place of large helicopter gathers.

During a June public hearing and in subsequent public statements, representatives of the Mono Lake Kutzadika’a and Utu Utu Gwaitu Paiute tribes also called for greater tribal involvement in managing the Montgomery Pass herd and emphasized the horses’ cultural significance. While acknowledging that horse populations require active management, they have advocated for greater tribal participation in decision-making, expanded use of fertility control, and alternatives to helicopter gathers

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Five orphaned black bear cubs rehabilitated and released into Northern California in November 2025 successfully survived their first winter in the wild, according to recent data reviewed by California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) scientists. The bears established winter dens, hibernated naturally, and emerged healthy this spring.

The bears were part of an experimental effort led by CDFW’s Wildlife Rehabilitation Program, in coordination with the department’s Game Conservation Program and North Central Region, to determine whether rehabilitated juvenile black bears could be successfully released in the fall rather than waiting until the traditional spring release. The approach has been used successfully in Nevada and Washington but had not previously been tested in California.

Each bear was ear-tagged, microchipped, and fitted with a GPS collar for scientific monitoring. Based on collar data, all five bears successfully denned through the winter before returning to the landscape this spring.

“This is a massive win,” said Dr. Heather Perry, CDFW’s Wildlife Rehabilitation Program Coordinator. “These bears spent their first winter hibernating naturally in the wild as opposed to staying overwinter in a facility, which can be costly and difficult to do. It means less time in rehabilitation and less opportunity to get comfortable around humans.”

The releases were made possible through partnerships between CDFW, the Wildlife Health Lab, veterinary staff, Sonoma County Wildlife Rescue, and the San Diego Humane Society’s Ramona Wildlife Center.

CDFW biologists say the success of the project demonstrates the resilience of young black bears and could help shape future wildlife rehabilitation practices in California.

The five bears included two female siblings from Nevada County, one male cub from El Dorado County, and two male siblings from Calaveras County. A third Calaveras County cub arrived at the rehabilitation center severely ill and was humanely euthanized.

CDFW also reminds Californians that preventing bears from accessing trash, pet food, bird feeders, and other human food sources remains the best way to reduce conflicts with wildlife. The department encourages residents and visitors to follow BearWise practices when living or recreating in bear country.

This info is based on information provided by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Read the original CDFW news release here: https://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/a-massive-win-rehabilitated-black-bears-thriving-after-fall-releases

MAIN IMAGE: A young American black bear in Grand Teton National Park. California wildlife officials recently reported that five rehabilitated orphaned black bears successfully survived their first winter after being released into the wild. Photo: Marshal Hedin / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0).

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Hike White Mountain, a remote but straightforward adventure among bighorn sheep and ancient bristlecone pines. Ascend Mount Langley above the picturesque Cottonwood Lakes in the Golden Trout Wilderness. Then climb iconic Mount Whitney, the tallest peak in the contiguous United States.

While international expeditions often steal the spotlight, those seeking true wilderness adventures would do well to look closer to home. California’s 15 peaks above 14,000 feet offer demanding yet achievable objectives for well-prepared hikers and climbers.

This is the first installment in our California 14ers series. Each article highlights one or more commonly used routes, along with key planning considerations before you go.

Before You Go

We’ll begin with the standard, least technical routes, but don’t mistake “easiest” for easy. These are serious mountain objectives. Every year, the High Sierra sees injuries, search-and-rescue incidents and fatalities.

Successful climbs require fitness, acclimatization, appropriate gear and proficiency in route-finding, off-trail travel and mountain travel skills. This article is an introduction—not a complete guide or instructional resource.

Those without experience should seek instruction and build skills on less committing objectives before attempting a California 14er.

Permits are required for many routes and can be difficult to obtain. June through September generally offers the most stable conditions, but snow, lightning, hail and high winds remain possible during any month.

Still want to go? Good.

These warnings are meant to encourage preparation—not discourage adventure. With patience, sound judgment and respect for the mountains, climbing California’s highest peaks can become some of the most rewarding experiences in the Sierra.

White Mountain Via White Mountain Road

Distance: 15 miles round trip
Time: 8–10 hours
Difficulty: Class 1
Land Agency: Inyo National Forest
Nearest Services: Big Pine
Trailhead: Barcroft Gate (11,700 ft.)
Summit: 14,252 ft.
Elevation Gain: 2,552 ft.
Permits: None for day use (verify current regulations)

A dirt road climbs high into the White Mountains, making White Mountain one of California’s least technical 14ers. From Big Pine, take Highway 168 east for 13 miles, then turn left onto White Mountain Road. The first 10 miles are paved; the remaining 16 miles are rocky dirt.

From Barcroft Gate, hike north past the research station and observatory before crossing an expansive alpine plateau toward the summit. Although the mountain’s name suggests snow, its volcanic slopes display rich shades of brown, orange and gray. The final two miles climb steadily via switchbacks to a stone research cabin on the summit.

Strategy Tip: Carry plenty of water. The route is completely exposed and extremely dry.

Mount Langley Via New Army Pass

Distance: 22 miles round trip
Time: 2–3 days
Difficulty: Class 1
Land Agency: Inyo National Forest / Sequoia National Park
Nearest Services: Lone Pine
Trailhead: Cottonwood Lakes (10,000 ft.)
Summit: 14,159 ft.
Elevation Gain: 4,032 ft.
Permits: Overnight permits required.

Mount Langley offers one of California’s finest backpacking approaches to a 14er. While some hikers complete the route in a long day, most choose to spend one or two nights among the Cottonwood Lakes.

Beginning at Horseshoe Meadows, the trail climbs gradually through forests and alpine lakes before ascending New Army Pass. From there, the route follows broad ridgelines to the summit with sweeping views of the southern Sierra.

On the descent, experienced hikers sometimes choose Old Army Pass, which shortens the route but can retain snow and ice well into summer. Route choice should always reflect current conditions and personal experience.

Strategy Tip: Camp near Cottonwood Lake #2 and retrieve your overnight gear on the descent.

Mount Whitney Via Mount Whitney Trail

Distance: 22 miles round trip
Time: 1–2 days
Difficulty: Class 1
Land Agency: Inyo National Forest / Sequoia National Park
Nearest Services: Lone Pine
Trailhead: Whitney Portal (8,300 ft.)
Summit: 14,505 ft.
Elevation Gain: 6,205 ft.
Permits: Required.

Mount Whitney remains California’s most iconic summit. Although many hikers complete the climb in a single day, spending a night on the mountain often improves both enjoyment and summit success.

From Whitney Portal, the trail climbs steadily past Lone Pine Lake before reaching Outpost Camp and Trail Camp. Beyond Trail Camp, hikers tackle the famous 99 switchbacks before joining the John Muir Trail for the final two miles to the summit.

Standing atop the highest point in the contiguous United States rewards climbers with one of the finest panoramas in the Sierra Nevada.

Strategy Tip: Despite permit challenges, stick to the summer season whenever possible. Snow and ice dramatically increase the difficulty and objective hazards.

Mount Muir

A Worthwhile Bonus Summit

Distance: 0.5 miles round trip from the Mount Whitney Trail
Time: About 1 hour
Difficulty: Class 3
Land Agency: Sequoia National Park
Summit: 14,012 ft.

If you’re already climbing Mount Whitney, Mount Muir offers one of California’s quickest additional 14ers.

Leave the Mount Whitney Trail roughly 1.5 miles south of Whitney’s summit and follow a use trail toward Muir’s west side. A short Class 3 scramble leads to the summit block.

Although the climbing is brief, it requires confident movement on exposed rock and may not be appropriate for hikers already stretched beyond their comfort zone.

Strategy Tip: If you’re comfortable on Class 3 terrain, adding Mount Muir now is much easier than returning for a separate trip.

Coming Next

Part II of the California 14ers series explores Split Mountain, Mount Russell and Mount Shasta—longer approaches, greater elevation gain, more route-finding and the first true mountaineering terrain.

MAIN PHOTO: Hikers descend across the alpine plateau in California’s White Mountains (Lucía Quintero / Visit Bishop)

Read other articles by Matt Johanson here.

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I only halfway agree.

For sure, California contains some of the most diverse, stunning and dynamic natural beauty on the planet. It boasts the tallest tree, biggest tree, oldest tree, hottest place on Earth, lowest point in the lower 48, and highest peak in the contiguous United States. It also offers arguably the biggest surfable wave in the lower 48 and some of the hardest sport climbing anywhere.

The Golden State truly contains multitudes. If you call California home and love outdoor adventure, you are among the luckiest people on the planet.

But you don’t need to travel to the far corners of the globe to experience it. You don’t even need to visit California’s most iconic natural wonders.

Adventure Is Closer Than You Think

Your own backyard may hold all the wild beauty and adventure you seek.

Thinking globally and adventuring locally is a habit we can build into our lives. It’s better for the planet, better for us, and has the potential to transform our lives.

Small, consistent choices often deliver outsized returns. Playing small ball allowed Cuba to win 25 of its first 28 Baseball World Cups. Planning small adventures can help you win at this complicated game called life.

But unlike Cuba’s baseball strategy, planning small adventures doesn’t have to define your game.

Frequency matters more than duration.

A meditation teacher once told me it’s just as important to meditate 30 times a day for a single minute as it is to meditate once a day for 30 minutes.

The same goes for adventure. Aim for half a dozen small adventures each week in addition to your annual week-long expedition.

Creativity is the key.

If immersion in nature draws you in, try observing birds or wildflowers at a local park, open space or even an overlooked patch of nature nearby.

If climbing stirs your soul, visit a local climbing area or climbing gym to tackle new problems.

If cardio fitness is your thing, a run, hike or bike ride close to home can push you beyond what you thought possible.

If you’re craving a little adrenaline, seek it out on a nearby trail, pump track, skate park or adventure course.

If you love surfing or skiing but don’t live near the coast or mountains, you can still practice balance and footwork on a slackline, a painted curb or a park balance beam.

Local adventures add up.

Five Reasons to Dream Small and Stay Local

1. Adventuring locally is good for the planet

When you seek out fun close to home, you naturally reduce your carbon footprint. With all the chaos and distractions of modern life, it’s easy to forget the climate crisis. Adventuring locally lets you do your part while still feeding your sense of adventure.

If you’re lucky, your outing can be entirely human-powered. Even driving a shorter distance makes a difference.

Help the planet while having fun? That’s hard to beat.

2. Adventuring locally is good for your brain

Seeking out small adventures changes the way your brain works. Instead of enduring a routine commute, you’ll begin noticing opportunities for fun along the way. Instead of constantly planning some future trip, you’ll start planning this afternoon’s adventure.

Eventually, adventure becomes something you practice—not something you postpone.

3. Adventuring locally is good for your body

Forget the frantic training a week before your next expedition. When you’re engaged in regular adventures, your baseline fitness naturally improves.

Exercise takes on a different flavor when it’s enjoyable. It’s easy to talk yourself out of going to the gym. It’s much harder to talk yourself out of an adventure.

4. Adventuring locally is good for your community

Seeking adventures within human-powered distance of home deepens your appreciation for where you live. When we grow to love a place, we naturally want to protect it.

Local adventures often inspire local stewardship—whether that’s picking up litter, supporting a land trust or planting native species.

5. Adventuring locally is good for your life

Instead of chasing fitness goals, you begin chasing experiences.

Just as a daily meditation practice reshapes your thoughts, a daily adventure practice reshapes your life. It helps us stay curious, flexible and playful. We laugh at wrong turns, take the long way home and say “yes” a little more often.

Like all meaningful habits, the benefits ripple outward, affecting everyone around us.

MAIN PHOTO: Early morning paddling near Redding shows how familiar water can still feel like an adventure (Brent Van Auken / Visit Redding).

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Full Campground Access Returns for Summer

All Yosemite front-country campgrounds will be open this summer and available for reservation through Recreation.gov, marking the first full season of campground availability in several years. Most High Sierra Camps are also returning to operation, giving visitors additional opportunities to experience Yosemite’s backcountry and high country landscapes.

Several popular recreation areas are reopening as well, including a section of the Valley Loop Trail near Royal Arches and climbing routes that were previously closed for safety monitoring. The Ice Cut section of the John Muir Trail is expected to reopen in July following trail improvements and visitor safety work.

Tioga Road Opens Earlier Than Usual

Tioga Road is scheduled to open to vehicle traffic on May 15, the earliest opening in 16 years. The trans-Sierra route provides access to Yosemite’s high country, including Tuolumne Meadows, Tenaya Lake, and numerous trailheads along the eastern side of the park.

Glacier Point Road reopened to vehicles May 9, offering access to panoramic Yosemite Valley views and popular high-elevation hiking areas. Together, the road openings give visitors expanded access to Yosemite’s alpine terrain ahead of the busy summer season.

Overnight wilderness trips still require a wilderness permit, which can be reserved in advance through Recreation.gov.

Half Dome Hiking Permits Open

Half Dome cables will reopen May 15, allowing hikers to once again access the summit route rising nearly 5,000 feet above Yosemite Valley.

Daily lottery permits for Half Dome are now available, with applications opening two days before the desired hiking date.

Park Officials Encourage Visitors to Plan Ahead

“Yosemite continues to expand access while protecting the park’s extraordinary resources,” Superintendent Ray McPadden said in the announcement. “We’re excited to welcome visitors to more areas of the park this summer and encourage everyone to plan ahead for a safe and enjoyable experience.”

Park officials say visitors should still expect traffic congestion during weekends and peak summer travel periods, especially on Saturday mornings.

To help reduce delays, Yosemite recommends visitors:

• Purchase digital park passes in advance through Recreation.gov
• Visit midweek when possible
• Arrive early or later in the afternoon
• Explore areas beyond Yosemite Valley

Officials also encourage visitors to check current road, weather, parking, and trail conditions before arriving.

For more information and trip planning resources:

• Yosemite National Park: https://www.nps.gov/yose
• Campground reservations and permits: https://www.recreation.gov
• Yosemite park passes: https://www.recreation.gov/pass

Source: National Park Service (NPS)

Main Image: A winding Yosemite roadway leads toward Half Dome as the park prepares for peak summer season access. Photo: Josh Carter on Unsplash

Read more news here

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