outdoors

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

 

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

 

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

 

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)
“Pedal Towards the Future” cyclists catch their breath and celebrate cresting the Rocky Mountains. (Courtesy photo)

Bay Area cyclists discover kindness in middle America

S.F.’s School of the Arts students enjoy cross-country ride-of-a-lifetime

“Pedal Towards the Future” cyclists catch their breath and celebrate cresting the Rocky Mountains. (Courtesy photo)
A short and scenic hike leads to the base of Horsetail Falls from Highway 50. (Matt Johanson/Special to S.F. Examiner)

Sierra Nevada outings beat blues of vicious virus

Hikes offer chance to stretch legs without rubbing elbows

A short and scenic hike leads to the base of Horsetail Falls from Highway 50. (Matt Johanson/Special to S.F. Examiner)
Those who know only Yosemite Valley’s scenic waterfalls miss out on watery wonders elsewhere in the park, such as White Cascade. (Matt Johanson/Special to S.F. Examiner)

Three hikes to escape the crowds in Yosemite

Aficionados know about rewarding outings outside the valley most visitors never see

  • Aug 14, 2019
Those who know only Yosemite Valley’s scenic waterfalls miss out on watery wonders elsewhere in the park, such as White Cascade. (Matt Johanson/Special to S.F. Examiner)
National Park Service staff, which oversees the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, decided to remove “recreation” as a guiding principle for managing the space without consulting neighboring communities. (Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP)

The worst kind of neighbor

What does it mean to be a good neighbor in a dense…

National Park Service staff, which oversees the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, decided to remove “recreation” as a guiding principle for managing the space without consulting neighboring communities. (Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP)