
Whether you live in California, Arizona, or share time between the two states, one thing is certain: sunshine is at the heart of outdoor adventures for all who live here. From hiking in Arizona’s Superstition Mountains near Gold Canyon or renting an ATV to explore one of the dozens of off-road trails in the area, locals love the outdoor lifestyle thanks to Arizona's weather.
The same can be said for California, which consistently ranks top in the country for outdoor recreation thanks to its Mediterranean climate. In Gilroy, both locals and visitors come together each year for the world-renowned Garlic Festival, where you guessed it, garlic is the star of the show. You can even try garlic ice cream. Between festival bites and nibbles, stroll through Gilroy’s historic downtown or join a guided tour of Santa Clara Valley wineries and farm-to-table restaurants.
In Spring Valley, hiking Dictionary Hill or the Sweetwater River Trail offers a great way to enjoy California’s great outdoors. Local festivals and farmers’ markets are also a wonderful way for families and entrepreneurs to connect with this sought-after community.
Keep reading to explore new places, reconnect with the outdoors, support local businesses, and experience these small towns with big vibes built around creativity and community.
Gold Canyon, Arizona: Hiking, Art, & Off-Road Adventure
Gold Canyon, located approximately 45 minutes east of the Phoenix Sky Harbor airport, is nestled at the foot of the picturesque Superstition Mountains. Gold Canyon hiking trails are some of the best for mountain biking, hiking, camping, and off-roading in Arizona. Some of the more popular trails include Hog Canyon Trail, ideal for beginners, to more advanced routes like The Wave Cave and Flat Iron trails, making hiking a favorite activity.
- Hiking Trails Galore: Gold Canyon hiking trails lead skyward into the beautiful Superstition Mountains, offering stunning views, varying difficulty levels, and, of course, the desert beauty for which Arizona is known. Not to miss is the Hieroglyphic Trail to see petroglyphs and the Lost Gold Mine trails for annual wildflower blooms.
- Scenic Off-Road Trails: Rent a local ATV and plan an off-roading adventure on rough, rocky, and dirt roads that meander through a beautiful desert landscape, offering dramatic views of canyons, desert flora, and the rugged Superstitious Mountains.
- Art, Music, & Local Creativity: The Gold Canyon Arts Festival features a juried art show with more than 85 artists (jewelry makers, crafts, paintings, clothes, and more!), live music, and food vendors. The festival draws more than 5,000 attendees each year. Set against the striking Superstition Mountains, the Gold Canyon Arts Festival blends talented creatives with hands-on experiences and craft beer and food.
Storage Tips for Your Lifestyle: StorQuest Gold Canyon, conveniently located off US-60, makes it easy to store what matters most. With climate-controlled units, RV parking, and drive-up access, we’re here to help with everything from household transitions to growing businesses.
Gilroy, California: Wineries, Festivals, & Walkable Downtown
Gilroy sits at the southern edge of Santa Clara County, where Silicon Valley gives way to open farmland and rolling hills just a short drive from the Pacific Coast. Living there means enjoying a quieter, more affordable pace of life while still being close enough to the ocean for easy day trips to beaches like Santa Cruz, with cool coastal air balancing Gilroy’s warm, sunny days.
- Historic Downtown Gilroy: World-renowned as the Garlic Capitol of the World, Gilroy is a small town near farmlands and Silicon Valley. It offers an eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and specialty boutiques.
- Santa Clara Valley: Located in the San Francisco Bay Area, Santa Clara Valley wineries are an ideal day trip from Gilroy. Family-run vineyards with bucolic views of rolling, lush vineyards, multiple wineries, gourmet picnics, and estate tours
- Gilroy Garlic Festival: The world-renowned Gilroy Garlic Festival is a long-standing summer tradition celebrating with garlic-inspired dishes, music, and more in Historic Downtown Gilroy.
Storage Tips for Your Lifestyle: Right off US-101, StorQuest Gilroy offers clean, modern storage designed around your life. Whether you need climate-controlled space, RV parking, or easy ground-level access, we’ve got you covered.
Spring Valley, California: Scenic Trails & Outdoor Escapes
Spring Valley, located in San Diego County, offers stunning views and a friendly vibe. Bordered by La Mesa and El Cajon to the north and the San Diego National Wildlife Refuge to the south, Spring Valley is where outdoor recreation is part of everyday life. You can find endless Spring Valley trails at Dictionary Hill County Preserve, spanning 175 acres of wild coastal sage scrub and chaparral.
- Dictionary Hill Hiking: A short but intense climb, Dictionary Hill’s 2.1-mile trail winds upward, rewarding hikers with sweeping 360-degree views of San Diego and a glimpse of a rare butterfly haven at the summit. This moderate hike climbs 565 feet and typically takes between one and two hours to finish.
- Sweetwater River Trail: Popular with families of all ages, the Trail is mostly flat, making it suitable for kids, bikes, running, and walking.
- Sweetwater Summit Regional Park: Hikers, cyclists, and people on horseback can enjoy 15 miles of trails that wind up and down the hill, through grassy fields, and along streams. The trails offer amazing views of the reservoir and this special urban park.
Storage Tips for Your San Diego County Lifestyle: At our StorQuest in San Diego County, we provide a wide range of premium features, including 24/7 service, climate-controlled units, RV parking, and convenient drive-up storage designed to support your home and business needs.
Storage Solutions for Every Outdoor Explorer
Your local StorQuest team is here to help you find space for seasonal gear, event supplies, personal items, and growing ideas. That's why we offer a variety of storage solutions, including climate-controlled units with consistent temperature and humidity year-round to keep your outdoor gear in excellent condition. With our comprehensive storage solutions, you can travel anywhere, knowing your belongings are in excellent hands.