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California Trails

California Cleans Up on U.S. Happiest Cities List

Eight of the top 25 towns are in the Golden State.

Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app.

In case you missed it: According to surveys by National Geographic and Gallup, California is a happy place indeed. Eight of its top 25 happiest U.S. cities are here, with Santa Cruz/Watsonville (#2) and San Luis Obispo/Paso Robles/Arroyo Grande (#5) scoring particularly high. The research links happiness to factors like healthy eating, civic engagement, financial security, and high rates of exercise.

How to Pack for Backcountry Skiing

Get to know the winter safety gear you need in your pack.

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