Outdoors

Friday February 17, 2012 Updated 12:54 AM PST

Winter escapes

Wildcat Camp at Point Reyes National Seashore may be the hottest ticket around, but other campsites in the area offer seclusion and beauty.

Berkeley's shoreline: From reptiles to a park

For the birds

If you feel like you could use a friend, just put out a little seed, a water dish, a little birdhouse, and then watch the birds flock to you.

Backyard birds pics: Can you identify them?

Dog-friendly wildlands

Here are the five best parks and public-owned wildlands in the Bay Area to take your dog, plus five spots where Fido isn't allowed.

Mill Valley-Sausalito Path: Follow the train line

Getting ready to set sail

Take a peek at previous America's Cup events as San Francisco prepares for the big race, which takes place in 2013.

Snow gallery: before-and-after shots

Outdoors Features

Smart phones for fun trips

For the outdoor experience, thousands of apps are available for smart phones and many are free. Tom Stienstra lists his 10 favorites.

Taking it all in

The Bay Area's No. 1 landmark has a way of putting everything in perspective.

West Coast sanctuary

Turtles that swim thousands of miles to dine outside the Golden Gate get a safe haven.

Season for stellar catches

You pay $100 for the boating trip, and then you walk off the boat with $350 worth of seafood. That's how deep-sea fishing works, and now's the time to do it. Learn more »

Outdoors writer paralyzed in fall

Bill Becher, a former California Outdoors Writer of the Year, injured climbing Saddle Rock at Joshua Tree National Park.

Hiking

Autumn on display

For an autumn display, visit the hillsides of Briones Regional Park when the park's deciduous oaks turn orange and gold.

John Muir Trail speed tour These hikes are just right for kids

Your Hiking Photos | Hiking Events | Park Info »

Cycling

Sweet spots to pedal

With scenic vistas, lovers' lanes and sunny picnic spots, San Francisco has plenty of options for cyclists looking to ride off into the sunset.

Parklets are friendly to cyclists Cruising, bruising in Tahoe

Your Cycling Photos | Cycling Events | Bike Shops »

Surfing

Pros shred at Ocean Beach

Photos: Between the shark, the crab, the surf, and the crowds surrounding Kelly Slater, Ocean Beach went big.

S.F. style surf travel Dumpster Diver makes splash S.F.'s Bob Wise on the new wave of surfing

Your Surf Photos | Surf Shops | Surf Schools »

Skiing

Best ski towns in the West

Whether you’re all about the hot toddies, Wild West saloons, comforting eats or the après-ski scene, these towns in the West are worthy of a winter getaway.

Resorts make big changes

Big Sky Resort offers big skiing in Montana

Skiing beyond Heavenly, Squaw

Slope Conditions

Alpine Meadows Heavenly Kirkwood

Northstar Squaw Valley Sugar Bowl