Mom and Dad Raft Free on the South Fork American River! Looking for a one-of-a-kind way to celebrate Mother’s Day or Father’s Day this year? Skip the brunch reservations and neckties—Tributary Whitewater Tours is inviting families to trade tradition for thrills with their annual Mother’s Day and Father’s Day specials. On Sunday, May 11 and … Read more
Capital to Canada Quest Series | Episode 2: Meet Audrey “Glowstick” Payne – Thru-Hiker, Storyteller, and Quest Ambassador In this second episode of our Capital to Canada Quest podcast series, we meet one of the incredible hikers selected to take on the 1,600-mile challenge from Carson City, Nevada to the Canadian border along the Pacific … Read more
By Sierra Rec Magazine StaffPublished: April 30, 2025 Spring in Lake Tahoe is more than just a season—it’s a signal. The ice thaws, waterfalls roar, and the anticipation of another high Sierra summer begins to build. This week, the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit released its much-anticipated list of recreation site opening … Read more
Episode 2 – Meet Audrey “Glowstick” Payne — Thru-Hiker, Storyteller & Capital to Canada Quest Ambassador By Charlie Pankey – Sierra Rec Magazine | April 30, 2025 This week on the Sierra Rec Now podcast, we continue our Capital to Canada Quest Series by introducing one of the two bold hikers chosen to take on … Read more
Welcome to the kickoff of a very special three-part podcast series on the Capital to Canada Quest, an exciting new 1,600-mile hiking challenge that follows the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) from Carson City, Nevada all the way to the Canadian border! 🌲🥾 In today’s episode, we sit down with Lydia Beck from Visit Carson City … Read more
By Charlie Pankey – Sierra Rec Magazine | April 29, 2025 What if your summer adventure started not on a mountaintop or forest trail — but at the steps of Nevada’s capital? Today on the Sierra Rec Now podcast, we kick off an exciting new three-part series exploring one of the most ambitious hiking experiences … Read more
May 2–4, 2025 | Genoa, NV | Carson Valley There’s no better way to celebrate spring in the Sierra than with a spirited blend of cowboy culture, trail adventures, and small-town charm—and Genoa Western Heritage Days delivers all that and more. Set in Nevada’s oldest pioneer settlement at the base of the Carson Range, Genoa … Read more
Still a Must-Play This Summer If you’re planning a Lake Tahoe getaway this summer and love a relaxed day on the greens, Tahoe City Golf Course remains a must-play — and it’s about to get even better for future seasons. Starting this May, the historic Tahoe City Golf Course is launching a $2.1 million irrigation … Read more
Plan a Perfect Sierra Weekend East of Lake Tahoe Looking for a fiery and flavorful detour during your Sierra travels this May? Mark your calendar for a sizzling weekend as Virginia City brings the heat with the 42nd Annual Chili on the Comstock, taking place Saturday and Sunday, May 17–18, 2025. If you’re planning a … Read more
Spring has a way of waking up the foothills, and in Calaveras County, there’s no better way to welcome the season than with a little Zydeco music, a lot of crawfish, and the joyful hum of community. This April 26th, Main Street in San Andreas transforms into a lively slice of Louisiana at the Calaveras … Read more
Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship Opens New Acorn Grotto Trail If you’ve ever bombed down Mount Hough , you know it’s not just a ride—it’s a full-blown rollercoaster of flow, tech, and big Sierra views. And now, thanks to the absolute legends at Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship, we’ve got a brand-new reason to load the bikes … Read more
What makes Carson Valley one of the best-kept summer secrets in the Sierra Nevada? Join Sierra Rec Now host Charlie Pankey as he interviews Maggi Vandenburg from the Carson Valley Inn, and uncover why this scenic valley is becoming a favorite summer escape. 🎶 From outdoor concerts at TJ Corral to the valley’s rising food … Read more
By Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Magazine The Eastern Sierra is full of iconic destinations, but Carson Valley continues to quietly surprise travelers with its unique blend of local charm, outdoor recreation, and summer entertainment. This is why we call the Carson Valley our home and base camp to all the Sierra discovery we do … Read more
Arbor Day Celebration with the Dixie Fire Canopy Project – April 26, 2025 When the Dixie Fire tore through Plumas County in 2021, it left behind more than blackened forest. It leveled entire communities, including the historic town of Greenville, and changed the lives of thousands. But in the Sierra, people live close to the … Read more
Minimalist carry meets real-world river durability in this multi-use sling pack. Whether you’re heading into whitewater, prepping for paddleboard season, or looking for a sleek alternative to the classic daypack, the Pelican Aegis SX3 Padded Sling delivers rugged utility with a refined, outdoor-savvy look. On a recent 21-mile overnight rafting trip down the East Carson … Read more
Reduced capacity. Limited communication. Rising safety concerns. If you’re planning a wilderness trip into Yosemite National Park this year, take note—significant changes are underway that could impact your entire route. And with little notice or explanation, backpackers are scrambling to adjust. As of April 25, 2025, the Yosemite Valley Backpackers Campground will be temporarily relocated … Read more
Ride the East Shore Express and Reserve Your Spot This Summer Sand Harbor State Park is one of Lake Tahoe’s crown jewels—but with that beauty comes summer crowds. Thankfully, there’s a smarter way to enjoy it in 2025. New Rules, Same Paradise: What You Need to Know If your summer tradition includes lounging on the … Read more
Mammoth Lakes, CA — April 18, 2025 Spring in the Eastern Sierra is waking up slowly but surely, and in Mammoth Lakes, that means one thing: the road to the Lakes Basin is finally getting some attention. The Town of Mammoth Lakes announced that snow removal operations will begin Monday, April 21, with an anticipated … Read more
The great outdoors draws tourists with its promise of adventure, challenge, and connection with nature. Whether you’re hiking through rugged trails, camping under a starlit sky, or tackling a survival scenario, being prepared is key. Two essential tools that elevate your outdoor readiness are handmade custom knives and paracord beads. These items combine functionality, durability, … Read more
Earth Day Festival in South Lake Tahoe Saturday, April 19 South Lake Tahoe, CA (April 15, 2025) – The annual South Tahoe Earth Day festivities are returning to Lake Tahoe Community College on Saturday, April 19 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Featuring more than 20 educational booths, it is an opportunity for adults and … Read more
In this episode of Sierra Rec Now, we head into the heart of the Sierra with James O’Neill, co-founder of Sierra Summit Expeditions, and Kelsey Bollman, a seasoned trail guide and thru-hiker. Together, they share how their guided backpacking adventures are helping beginners take their first steps into the backcountry—and how experienced hikers can expand … Read more
By Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Magazine Backpacking might sound intimidating to someone new to the outdoors, but for James O’Neill and Kelsey Bollman of Sierra Summit Expeditions, it’s all about helping people fall in love with the backcountry—without the stress. In this week’s Sierra Rec Now podcast episode, we sat down with James and … Read more
Spring 2025 Lineup Announced for Strawberry Festival in Grass Valley May 21–26, 2025 | Nevada County Fairgrounds, Grass Valley, CA Get ready to dance beneath the pines! The iconic Strawberry Music Festival is making its much-anticipated return this spring, bringing together world-class Americana, folk, and roots artists for a six-day musical campout in the heart … Read more
Yosemite Valley Loop Trail: The Quietest, Most Authentic Hike in Yosemite Valley The Yosemite Valley Loop Trail is what most visitors miss—and what I sometimes wish I didn’t. At 11.5 miles (or 7.2 for the half loop), this mostly level path loops around the entire valley floor, offering a rare chance to experience Yosemite’s beauty … Read more
Lower Yosemite Fall: The Easiest Way to Touch the Power of Yosemite Lower Yosemite Fall is the most accessible, most visited, and most photographed section of Yosemite Falls—North America’s tallest waterfall. It may be the shortest section of the 2,425-foot drop, but standing near its thunderous base is an unforgettable experience. You don’t need to … Read more
Mirror Lake: When Timing and Curiosity Reveal One of Yosemite’s Most Peaceful Corners Let’s be honest: Mirror Lake is not a lake most of the year, and it can feel more like a tourist funnel than a backcountry escape. But when you time it right—or take the road less traveled—this mellow stretch of Tenaya Canyon … Read more
Bridalveil Fall Trail: The Most Underrated Stop in Yosemite Valley “If you only have time for a few stops, don’t miss this one. Bridalveil is the soul of Yosemite’s entrance.” Some places just hit different every single time—and Bridalveil Fall is one of them. Despite its relatively short trail and easy access, this is one … Read more
🎶 July 12 – August 10, 2025 | Incline Village, NV If you’ve never experienced the fusion of fine music and alpine serenity, this is your year. Classical Tahoe returns for its 14th season, inviting visitors and locals alike to soak up the summer sounds of orchestral, jazz, and chamber music under the pine-scented skies … Read more
In this episode of Sierra Rec Now, we welcome back Seth Diemel from Aspen Meadow Pack Station — a lifelong guide and passionate steward of the Emigrant Wilderness. This week, we dive into two incredible ways you can explore the backcountry this summer: 🐴 Family Horseback Trips – Seth shares his go-to routes for introducing … Read more
Featuring Seth Diemel from Aspen Meadow Pack Station on the Sierra Rec Now Podcast Looking for a summer adventure into the less-crowded corners of the Sierra Nevada? Whether you’re a family introducing your kids to backpacking or a solo hiker wanting to go light and go deep, this week’s episode of Sierra Rec Now is … Read more
Cathedral Lakes Trail Guide: Yosemite’s High Sierra Icon Cathedral Lakes is one of those hikes that almost everyone does in Yosemite High country—and almost everyone experiences differently. This is the hike that I recommend to friends that want to experience Yosemite, but might not want a full back country commitment. This was my first hike … Read more
Sometimes, Yosemite’s most soul-stirring hikes don’t begin in the valley. They start high, stay quiet, and lead you to unexpected encounters with Half Dome, wildlife, and waterfalls the crowds will never see. This loop from May Lake Trailhead to Mt. Watkins and Snow Creek is a lesser-known route that offers a unique perspective of Yosemite … Read more
Inyo National Forest and Town of Mammoth Lakes Invite Input By Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Magazine – Trails & Stewardship If you’ve ever wandered the beautiful meadows of Sherwin meadows in Mammoth or climbed the dusty singletrack behind Mammoth Rock, you already know: the Sherwin area is one of the most beloved front-country escapes … Read more
A Reliable Trail Partner for Spring Conditions in the Sierra If you’re looking for a boot that can handle rocky terrain, melting snow, and the unpredictable conditions of a Sierra spring, the Lowa Innovo GTX Lo just might be your new go-to. After logging over 50 miles of varied terrain—from Carson Valley to Convict Lake … Read more
Plumas National Forest – Now Accepting 2025 Applications for Camp ground Hosts If spending your summer surrounded by pine-scented breezes, quiet mountain mornings, and starlit evenings sounds like a dream—you might just be the perfect fit for a campground host role in Plumas National Forest. The U.S. Forest Service is now accepting applications for volunteer … Read more
In this episode of Sierra Rec Now, we break down the major 2025 trail closures affecting Lake Tahoe’s East Shore near Marlette Lake due to critical dam repairs. These closures, which began March 31 and extend through 2026, include popular mountain biking and hiking routes like North Canyon Road, Marlette Lake Trail, and sections of … Read more
By Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Magazine There’s something magical about standing on a trail, looking north, and knowing it stretches all the way to Canada. For most Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) hikers, that journey begins months earlier in the rugged deserts of Southern California, with the goal of reaching the High Sierra—and places like … Read more
By Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Magazine Lake Tahoe’s East Shore backcountry is facing a major shift this summer — and beyond. As of March 31, 2025, the Nevada Division of State Parks has closed large portions of the trail network around Marlette Lake for critical dam repairs, a project expected to last into 2026. … Read more
Banff Mountain Film Festival Lands in Downieville, CA This Weekend By Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Magazine This weekend, April 4–6, the quiet mountain town of Downieville, California, comes alive with stories that soar — on the screen and on the trails. The Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour is rolling into the Yuba Theatre, … Read more
Welcome to Sierra Rec Now! In this episode, we kick off our new Carson Valley series with local legend Adam DeVargas, founder of Full Access Tahoe and a Polaris Adventures partner. Adam takes us behind the wheel (literally and figuratively) into the less-traveled, high-reward terrain of the Carson Range, East Ridge above Lake Tahoe, and … Read more
