No Water- No Problem

Its no secret that California is in the middle of its worst drought in 100 years- the lake levels are low, the waterfalls have slowed to a trickle, rivers and creeks have become exposed gravel beds.... things are looking mighty dry here in the Golden State.

Unless you know where to look.

We love whitewater rafting, kayaking, house boating, hiking to the waterfalls and appreciating the lush greenery of the redwoods and trust us.... a drought wont stop us.  The last 3 years have taught us to look outside the ordinary places to do the things we love.  Just because there is a drought, doesn't mean that we have to go home- so we are letting the cat out of the bag and sharing our secret drought-busting recreational activities.

Urban Diversion's Top 3 Places To Get Wet & Wild This Summer

1. Whitewater Rafting- Shhhhh.... There is a large part of the Delta Basin that is "dam controlled"... this means that there is still a volume of water escaping down the rivers that is completely raft-able. We have checked with some of the operators, water districts and those-in-the-know and most bets for the best rafting this year is on Cache Creek.  Check out our mid-Summer Splash Series Rafting Trip here!

2.  Waterfall Hiking- Ok... this is a bit more of a challenge.  If you're up for it- a nice 5 mile hike will take you to Fontanillis Lake Falls- accessible from South Lake Tahoe/Emerald Bay area.  It does require a wilderness permit, but the hike is well worth it and the falls will most likely be flowing for months to come despite a lackluster snowpack.  Pack a picnic and watch for those thunderheads- but enjoy one of the few falls in the vicinity!

3.  House boating- We tricked you.... there are no lakes that have houseboats that aren't horribly depressing this year (sorry- we gotta be honest), but our great substation pontoon boats just 30 minutes from the city.  We love Lake Del Valle- a large lake, great camping grounds & have great boats to rent.  Why not skip the hassle of renting a boat and synching your schedule with all of your friends and join the Urban Diversion's Pontoon Party Boat & Hot Summer Nights Party.  Its certainly the highlight of our summer and we would love to share the fun with you!

Beat the Summer Heat with Summer Tahoe Cabin Shares

The beach is 5 min away

When the dog days of summer hit and you feel like you need a little fresh air- wouldn't it be nice to escape to the mountains without all the hassle of searching, haggling security deposits and booking a vacation property? What if you could have your own spacious retreat without all the commitment of a long-term lease or a time-share?  Do you want to spend more time in South Lake Tahoe?

Now you can!

Due to popular demand- we now have a South Lake Tahoe cabin share!

Our awesome condo

A cabin share is a great way to have a "go-to" property and use it like you own it.  With a UD cabin share- you have unlimited access and guest privileges to a spacious condo with a hot tub, pool and ample parking all in a highly desirable South Lake Tahoe location.  The best thing about the cabin share?  It costs less than you spend on coffee each month!

Hiking trails from the deck of patio

The best thing about a cabin share is you use it like you own it!

• Want to stay the entire 4-day weekend?  No problem!  
• Want to leave your mountain bike on the patio?  No problem!
• Want to invite a few people over for a BBQ?  No problem!
• Want to leave the city and arrive in Tahoe after 3am?  No problem!
• Want to have a place where you dont worry about utilities, paying the cable bill, taking out the garbage or cleaning the toilets?  Then THIS IS YOUR CABIN!

So maximize your summer fun this year and get in on a cabin share!

Ski season may be over.... But Tahoe lives on

We say Tahoe.... You think snow, ski, tire chains and lift tickets- right?

Yes.... But Tahoe is so much more than a winter destination for the powder hounds.  Durring the summer months, the western Sierra Nevadas turn into a massive open playground playing host to every different type of interest imaginable. 

Like to get away from the crowds? Plenty of room to get out and backpack in Desolation Wilderness. Feel the need for speed?  Rent a jetski or powerboat. Enjoy the tree filled trails via hiking or biking? Plenty of options there! Wild night out with live music & a lively nightlife scene?  Check out the South Shores of Tahoe.  Even relaxing around the fire pit or crystal clear lake with a glass of California's finest vino.... Yup- you're covered there too. 

Tahoe has something for everyone and the vast size of the national forests, sheer number of recreational areas and usually favorable weather makes Tahoe a giant playground for summer fun.  So beat the Bay Area crowds this summer and head East to Tahoe!

This year, Urban Diversion is offering summertime unlimited access to the South Shore Tahoe cabin for less than $75/mo!  That's like having a vacation home for less than the cost of your daily coffee! 

How to gear up for summer adventure like a pro

Summer is finally here in the Bay Area and that means its time to think about hiking, kayaking, camping, boating, road trips and fun galore!

But wait- you can only find one hiking boot, the cooler has suddenly disappeared and those tent poles seem to have bent in an odd way.... this means its time to get some new gear.  But dont break out that credit card and go deep in debt just yet- we have a few GREAT ideas if you are looking to replace missing gear, upgrade your old gear or even gear up for the first time!

The newbie: Getting Your First gear
So you're going to the Urban Diversion Yosemite trip and camping for the first time.... we know the tendency is to run out and buy a tent, a sleeping bag, a mattress, a cooler, a chair, cooking stuff, etc....  the list could be endless and very expensive.  Dont put yourself in debt just to get a bunch of gear you will only use 1-2 times a year and have to store in your already cramped apartment!  Buy the basics first- a department store sleeping pad and bag and a camping chair will work just fine for your foray into the wild outdoors.  The rest, you can borrow from a friend or rent from Urban Diversion.

Upgrading: Going Pro
If your well-loved gear has worn itself thin or your ex took the rainfly and left you with the tent... then its time to replace and/or upgrade.  Our favorite tip is to make a pro/con list about what you liked & didnt like about your old gear.  Keep those things in mind and try some online shopping sites that allow you to compare items side-by-side.  We also love taking advantage of last seasons gear at online retailers (like sierra trading post & campmor) and you get deep discounts on brand new gear. Also- make sure you try out your gear BEFORE you take that big Tahoe Backpacking trip!

The Bottom Line
Gearing up for an active & outdoorsy summer can be an enjoyable experience that doesnt have to cost a fortune.  Give the UD crew a shout if you have any questions about gear we lend & rent, need advice on what to buy or have questions about any of our Summer 2015 camping & backpacking trips.

5 Things You MUST do for Summer

Doesn't it seem like just yesterday you were throwing out the 2014 calendar and stressing about Valentines day?  Time sure flies when life is busy... dont let summer slip through your fingers this year.  Want to make it a summer to remember?  Here are our TOP 5 WAYS TO MAKE SUMMER AWESOME:

1. Camp at Yosemite.  Its America's iconic National Park for a reason, the scenery alone justifies a trip here, but bump up the fun a level and while you're there try floating the Merced River, hiking Half Dome or try horseback riding in the backcountry.  Want to go without out pre-planning or all the logistical hassle?  Check out our annual Memorial Day Yosemite Trip here!
2. Road trip the Coast.  We love the iconic HW1- and know you do too.  Extend the fun by taking Friday off and make it a true road trip.  Pro tip: Overnight in Morro Bay and wake up early for mouthwatering beachside pancakes at Frankie & Lola's Cafe.
3. Explore the Sierra's.  Tahoe isnt just for snow! The Sierra's come alive in the summer with perfect weather, great recreations opportunities and lots of lakefront fun!  New to Tahoe?  Try a beginners backpacking trip to hidden alpine lakes.
4. Fairs, festivals & music. Everybody loves a good festival!  Whether its the Bottle Rock Concerts in Napa, Stern Grove in SF, 4th of July in Santa Cruz or that wacky Solstice Bonfire in Big Sur... get your blanket, flask & headlamp for some great summertime fun!
5. Houseboat on Lake Shasta. Close out the best summer ever with your very own floating summer home.  Complete with hot tubs, water slides & jet-skis... these giant boats let you and 30 of your friends celebrate the end of summer in style.  Learn how to houseboat like a pro here.

Go ahead.... take a break!

Its easy to get wrapped up in deadlines, traffic, schedules- it so easy that sometimes we forget to enjoy the incredible place that we live in.  Living in the Bay area means we are just 20 minutes from some of the most amazing forests in the world- a short drive away from famous beaches and a quick (& beautiful) hop over the Sierra's to the outdoor wonderland of Tahoe.  Its easy to take a break and enjoy it!

And in our opinion.... there is no better way to take a break, clear the mind, blow off steam or relax than reminding yourself of our gorgeous surroundings.

Why not take a short hike this weekend?  The weather is FINE and the hills of Berkeley does have incredible views of the hills and beyond!  Or how about relaxing a notch and take a quick road trip down to Santa Cruz and have your morning coffee on the boardwalk with the sea lions.

Whatever you chose, the point is to get out and enjoy it.... even if its for a little while- those emails, traffic and deadlines can wait.

The Top 5 Places to Use Your Passport This Year

Its hard not to think that the Bay Area is the best place in the world- culture & culinary options are plentiful, the outdoor recreation opportunities are world-class and the weather is always glorious! With an endorsement like that, its not hard to see why people love to stay local-  but that doesn't mean the rest of the world should be left undiscovered!

With so many non-stop flights and multitude of airline carriers out of SFO/OAK/SJC- and a strong US Dollar- foreign travel has never been easier and affordable.  We love dusting off our passports and getting off the beaten path and we are sure you do too... so check out these sweet places for yourself and get inspired to take that little booklet out for some fun!

URBAN DIVERSION'S TOP 5 PLACES TO USE YOUR PASSPORT THIS YEAR

• Cabo San Lucas
• Year round temperate weather plus a short flight from Bay Area make this an ideal long weekend get-a-way.  Bonus points for being a majorly adventuresome destination- zip lining, surfing, off-roading and sailing are just a few ways to get the adrenaline pumping!  Whether its enjoying a Margarita after a day of sea kayaking at the Sand Bar (our fav place to get an afternoon drink) or hiking to the top of Mt. Solmar for a sunset view- we love Cabo and know you will too.  Want some adventure without the hassle of planning it all?  Check out Urban Diversion's Surf Trip to Cabo!
• Hong Kong
• One of the most culturally diverse places in Asia, Hong Kong has a long history of being a world-class destination.  With 88% of the population speaking English (and most signs in English and Chinese) this is a super easy place to navigate & enjoy on holiday.  We recommend day tripping to the hidden beaches of Sai Kung for a surfing, swimming or canoeing.  For those that really want a challenge- tackle the 1800 ft climb to the top of Victoria Peak and enjoy breathtaking views of the city, harbor and beaches. 
• Ireland
• We find that its darn near impossible to have a bad time in Ireland.... no matter what happens.  While its a gorgeous country- the people of Ireland make the entire country fabulous and every inch of this green land is worth visiting.  We love the traditional atmosphere of the Western coast with coastal hikes that rival Big Sur and cant get enough of the hospitality of Dublin- many a lifelong friends were made in the famous pubs of Dublin!  Ireland is one of our favorite locations- so much so- Urban Diversion has decided to invite everyone on our next Irish Adventure Road Trip!  So come share our love of the Irish hills, castles, pubs and people and have a trip of a lifetime with us!
• Colombia
• With one foot in the Pacific and one in the Caribbean plus a whole lotta jungle- Colombia has adventure to spare.  We love the national park area of Tayrona (Parque Tayrona) for its beautiful white sand beaches and crystal clear waters at the base of stunning (Sierra Nevada style) mountains- this area is a scuba/snorkel/swimmers paradise!  We found a new love in the passionate music & dance of Cumbia... no one is immune to the catchy beats and sassy rhythm- do yourself a favor and check out Garia Cafe Cumbia House in Bogota for an experience you will never forget!
• Alaska
• OK... we know that you dont need a passport to go to Alaska, but its still a prime place to trip for 2015.  Why?  Because its an adventures dream- ice climbing, backpacking, kayaking, glaciers, bears, camping.... its got everything you need to make your adventure quotient go through the roof! We cant wait to ice climb in Wrangell St. Elias national park this summer and see the bears and cubs in Denali.... want to join in on the adventure?  Check out our entire Alaska itinerary and make 2015 a year of trips, travel and excitement!