outdoors

Flower Piano in the San Francisco Botanical Garden invites musicians from the public to play at one of 12 pianos stationed in the area; a community performer is pictured in 2019. (Courtesy photo)

Flower Piano to bloom again in Golden Gate Park

Music pros, community performers tinkle the ivories throughout botanical garden

  • Sep 8, 2021

 

Manoah Ainuu, featured in the film “Black Ice,” grew up in Compton and became a professional climber.<ins> (Courtesy photo)</ins>

Outdoor adventurers embrace diversity: ‘We’re going to change the world’

Various groups are making recreation more inclusive and welcoming

 

Stern Grove Executive Director Bob Fiedler is pleased that the festival has been the among the first large-scale events to return to The City.<ins></ins>

Stern Grove’s director doles out free music

“For me, it’s borderline sacred. It’s a basic human necessity.”

  • Jul 2, 2021

 

I enjoyed introducing mountaineering to two younger companions on Mount Muir. (Courtesy photo)

Ace your age

Part 5 of ‘50 lessons in 50 years,’ a series for adventurers seeking fulfillment

I enjoyed introducing mountaineering to two younger companions on Mount Muir. (Courtesy photo)
Afro-Cuban singer and drummer Bobi Céspedes opens Yerba Buena Gardens Festival at 1 p.m. June 26. (Courtesy photo)

Yerba Buena Gardens Festival is back

Local artists play outdoor shows in 20th free summer series

Afro-Cuban singer and drummer Bobi Céspedes opens Yerba Buena Gardens Festival at 1 p.m. June 26. (Courtesy photo)
A Pacific Crest Trail segment through the San Gabriel Mountains makes a good introduction. (Matt Johanson/Special to The Examiner)

Light winter promises good hiking on Pacific Crest Trail

Even a short section on the transnational path delivers rewards

A Pacific Crest Trail segment through the San Gabriel Mountains makes a good introduction. (Matt Johanson/Special to The Examiner)
Backpackers trek past Split Mountain in Inyo National Forest. (Matt Johanson/Special to S.F. Examiner)

The bounty, beauty of backpacking

Part 4 of ‘50 lessons in 50 years,’ a series for adventurers seeking fulfillment

Backpackers trek past Split Mountain in Inyo National Forest. (Matt Johanson/Special to S.F. Examiner)
Keith Doran, left, and the author celebrate a short but successful outing on El Capitan. (Courtesy photo)

Looking forward to many more years of rock climbing

Part 3 of ‘50 lessons in 50 years,’ a series for adventurers seeking fulfillment

Keith Doran, left, and the author celebrate a short but successful outing on El Capitan. (Courtesy photo)
Spring is a great time to witness the wonderful waterfalls in Yosemite National Park.<ins> (Matt Johanson/Special to S.F. Examiner)</ins>

Magnificent Seven: Hike to these scenic Yosemite waterfalls

Options range from a few minutes of walking to a full day of high-altitude trekking

Spring is a great time to witness the wonderful waterfalls in Yosemite National Park.<ins> (Matt Johanson/Special to S.F. Examiner)</ins>
Skier Andy Padlo crosses a frozen Spicer Reservoir. (Courtesy photo)

Stormy weather tests skiers’ mettle on Dardanelle traverse

Overcoming challenges makes outings more rewarding

Skier Andy Padlo crosses a frozen Spicer Reservoir. (Courtesy photo)
Golden Gate Park advocate David Miles, right, and his family are among those who enjoy having no car traffic on John F. Kennedy Drive. (Courtesy photo)

My 40+ year fight with SF museums over street safety in Golden Gate Park

By David Miles I was in Golden Gate Park this weekend with…

Golden Gate Park advocate David Miles, right, and his family are among those who enjoy having no car traffic on John F. Kennedy Drive. (Courtesy photo)
Castro Valley teammates reunite for a fun run about 20 years after their graduation. (Matt Johanson/Special to S.F. Examiner)

Run for fun: 50 lessons in 50 years, part 2

Series offers tips for adventurers seeking fulfillment outdoors

Castro Valley teammates reunite for a fun run about 20 years after their graduation. (Matt Johanson/Special to S.F. Examiner)
A short walk leads to the base of Yosemite Falls, requiring no snow gear except in heavy winter conditions. (Matt Johanson/Special to S.F. Examiner)

Snowy destinations abound in Yosemite winter

Those who journey to the mountains discover grand scenery, solitude .

A short walk leads to the base of Yosemite Falls, requiring no snow gear except in heavy winter conditions. (Matt Johanson/Special to S.F. Examiner)
Snow covering the mountains surrounding Lake Tahoe appeals to skiers and snowshoers. (Matt Johanson/Special to S.F. Examiner)

Winter Wisdom: 50 lessons in 50 years, Part 1

Series offers tips for adventurers seeking enjoyment in nature

Snow covering the mountains surrounding Lake Tahoe appeals to skiers and snowshoers. (Matt Johanson/Special to S.F. Examiner)
Members of the Johanson family submitted Mount Diablo together on a cloudy but happy day. (Courtesy photo)

Despite hardships, the outdoors has seen good news during pandemic

Adventurers climbed and rowed, firefighters bravely battled, wildlife flourished in 2020

Members of the Johanson family submitted Mount Diablo together on a cloudy but happy day. (Courtesy photo)
Matt Johanson retrieves gear from a section of the climb of the South Face of Washington Column in Yosemite. <ins>(Courtesy photo)</ins>

Climbing, falling and learning on Yosemite’s ‘little big wall’

South Face of Washington Column a good test for a moderately skilled mountaineer

Matt Johanson retrieves gear from a section of the climb of the South Face of Washington Column in Yosemite. <ins>(Courtesy photo)</ins>
Lee Vining and Inyo National Forest are excellent fall color tour destinations. (Matt Johanson/Special to S.F. Examiner)

Gold Rush: Go now to see Sierra fall color

Maples, oaks, dogwoods, aspens glow in the next few weeks

Lee Vining and Inyo National Forest are excellent fall color tour destinations. (Matt Johanson/Special to S.F. Examiner)
Many San Francisco residents – including parents whose kids are spending a lot of time in front of screens — are eagerly anticipating the reopening of The City’s playgrounds, including Helen Diller playground. (Samantha Laurey/Special to S.F Examiner)

Looking forward to the reopening of The City’s playgrounds

SF kids deserve the opportunity to get outside

Many San Francisco residents – including parents whose kids are spending a lot of time in front of screens — are eagerly anticipating the reopening of The City’s playgrounds, including Helen Diller playground. (Samantha Laurey/Special to S.F Examiner)
The Sierra Club honored its founder John Muir with this painting but also renounced his racist writings this year. (Courtesy photo)

Bring on the map makeover

White supremacists’ names being removed from parks and monuments

The Sierra Club honored its founder John Muir with this painting but also renounced his racist writings this year. (Courtesy photo)
Park staff will be on hand to assist visitors on Alcatraz Island. (Courtesy NPS)

Recreational access to Alcatraz Island restored

Reduced capacity ferry service ensures safety, guests must stay outdoors

Park staff will be on hand to assist visitors on Alcatraz Island. (Courtesy NPS)