Socks are a dime a dozen, and every foot has its preferred fit and feel. But every now and then, you slip on a pair that feels near perfect—not just for lounging at home, but for those long days exploring Sierra trails. For me, that’s been the Farm to Feet Greensboro Light Cushion 1/4 Crew. … Read more
Studio 4, Story 1: A Local Lens on Lake Tahoe’s Art Scene By Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Now Podcast Feature This week on Sierra Rec Now, I had the chance to slow down and talk art, photography, and passion with South Lake Tahoe’s own Jennifer Haran—a talented photographer whose work captures more than just … Read more
This week on Sierra Rec Now, Charlie sits down with South Lake Tahoe artist and photographer Jennifer Haran to talk about the upcoming Tahoe Art League Studio Tour, happening August 1–3. From capturing wild bear cubs to telling the Sierra’s story through a camera lens, Jennifer shares what it means to be a local creative … Read more
If you’ve hiked the Sierra on a warm summer day, you know how quickly your feet can overheat, leading to discomfort and fatigue. One sock we’ve recently put to the test on Sierra trails is the Paka Trail 3/4 Crew Sock, made with alpaca fiber for breathable, lightweight comfort. Founded in Peru, Paka’s mission goes … Read more
August 1–2, 2025 | 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day | Virginia City, Nevada The rumble of vintage V8s and the shimmer of polished chrome are about to echo through the canyons of the Comstock. Hot August Nights, Nevada’s iconic celebration of classic cars and rock ‘n’ roll, kicks off its 2025 festivities with … Read more
By Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Magazine I live less than an hour from Lake Tahoe, yet like many locals, I tend to avoid the busy summer beaches. Still, every now and then, a special occasion calls for leaning into the very thing we usually steer clear of—playing tourist in our own backyard. This past … Read more
Durable, breathable, and ready for whatever your summer throws at you. When the Sierra sun starts blazing, your gear choices matter. Whether you’re exploring granite ridgelines, chasing alpine lakes, or relaxing at the trailhead brewery, you want clothes that move with you—and work as hard as you do. That’s where KÜHL’s Summer Collection comes in. … Read more
Capture the wild, win new gear, and celebrate the artistry of adventure July 27, 2025 – Sierra Rec Magazine – Hiking boots meet camera lenses this summer as Oboz Footwear and Flickr team up to launch a new global photo contest and immersive outdoor event to honor World Photography Day on August 19. For Sierra … Read more
Trekking and hiking have gained global popularity, attracting enthusiasts seeking both physical challenge and the tranquility of nature. This rising interest is evident in market projections. GlobeNewswire reports that the global trekking and hiking market is expected to reach $182.9 million by 2028, with a 6% CAGR from 2023. Driving this growth are heightened health … Read more
Enhancement) Builds Wildfire Resilience and Community Strength Plumas County, CA — California’s forests and communities are facing historic challenges — and a network of dedicated partners is rising to meet them.The Sierra Institute for Community and Environment’s Sierra to California All Lands Enhancement (SCALE) project is a statewide forum uniting local collaborative groups, Tribes, state … Read more
Episode Summary: What happens when you unplug a teenager, hand them a shovel, and send them into the backcountry for five weeks? You just might help grow the next generation of forest stewards. In this episode of Sierra Rec Now, host Charlie Pankey speaks with Jonathan Kusel and Ariana Bernstein from the Sierra Institute for … Read more
By Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Now PodcastListen now on YouTube , Spotify, or Apple Podcasts Last week I sat down for what turned out to be one of the most inspiring interviews I’ve done in a long time—right from the heart of Taylorsville, CA, with Jonathan Kusel and Ariana Bernstein from the Sierra Institute … Read more
Reno, NV – If your summer travels take you anywhere near Reno, Nevada, there’s a new nightlife venue you’ll want to put on your radar. Behind the historic Depot Brewery & Distillery on East 4th Street, a bold new live music experience is emerging in the heart of Reno’s Brewery District. Welcome to The Barrelhouse … Read more
This summer, 653 volunteers removed 1,375 pounds of trash from Lake Tahoe’s beaches — and that’s something to celebrate. But should it be? In this episode of Sierra Rec Now, host Charlie Pankey sits down with Marilee Movius, longtime stewardship leader at Keep Tahoe Blue, to explore what’s really happening behind the scenes of Tahoe’s … Read more
Keep Tahoe Blue: How Local Cleanups Are Redefining Lake Stewardship By Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Magazine This July, while most of us were enjoying sunshine, fireworks, and lakefront barbecues, a dedicated group of over 650 volunteers quietly changed the narrative for Lake Tahoe’s Fourth of July weekend. They picked up 1,375 pounds of trash … Read more
Performance-Driven Sunwear Without the Weak Links By Sierra Rec Magazine Staff If you’ve spent any real time in the alpine, desert crags, or backcountry trails, you already know: traditional sunglasses are kind of a joke. Hinges break, sidearms snap, and if you’re sweating out a skin track or hanging halfway up a granite face, they’re … Read more
South Lake Tahoe, CA — July 14, 2025The Sierra sizzled this weekend—and we’re not just talking about the temps. With Edgewood Tahoe’s greens glowing under the summer sun and fans fanning themselves on the shoreline, hockey veteran Joe Pavelski delivered a tournament moment for the ages: a walk-off eagle on 18 to seal his first-ever … Read more
Field-Tested by Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Magazine Overview Handcrafted Italian quality meets Sierra trail grit in the Zamberlan Devero Mid GTX, a Spring 2025 release that promises performance, sustainability, and long-haul comfort in a lightweight mid-height hiker. We tested these boots over four rugged days and nearly 30 miles of granite slab, dusty singletrack, … Read more
For over four decades, the Death Ride has stood as the premier cycling challenge in the Sierra Nevada, drawing riders from across the nation to test their grit, lungs, and legs on the winding roads of the California Alps. This weekend, the tradition continues as cyclists tackle over 14,000 feet of climbing, 103 grueling miles, … Read more
If you love hiking, biking, or exploring the beautiful trails around Bear Valley, here’s your chance to give back while connecting with your community. This Saturday, July 12th, the Bear Valley Trail Stewardship is hosting a Trail Work Day, inviting local trail users to help maintain and improve some of your favorite local routes. Trail … Read more
In this episode of Sierra Rec Now, we sit down with Captain Rob Ayers to uncover Lake Almanor’s fishing secrets, light tackle strategies, and inspiring community stories. After losing everything in the Camp Fire, Captain Rob rebuilt his life around Lake Almanor’s legendary brown trout and salmon fishery, sharing how the lake’s 365-day feeding cycle … Read more
Looking for a fishing adventure in the Sierra that offers trophy browns, crystal-clear water, and a genuine mountain-town vibe? Lake Almanor might just be your next go-to destination. On this week’s Sierra Rec Now Podcast, we sat down with Captain Rob Ayers of Almanor Fishing Adventures, who shared how he turned tragedy into purpose, building … Read more
Lake Tahoe’s bike community just proved what many of us know: biking in the Sierra isn’t just recreation—it’s a movement. This June, the 20th Annual Tahoe Bike Month smashed participation records, drawing 511 residents and visitors who logged 10,880 bike trips, pedaled 80,982 miles, and climbed nearly 5.6 million vertical feet. That’s an 18% increase … Read more
Each year, the Fourth of July brings celebration, fireworks, and crowded beaches to Lake Tahoe. But when the parties end, the lake and its shores often pay the price. Last year alone, volunteers collected 1,866 pounds of litter from Lake Tahoe beaches after the holiday weekend—a drop from the 8,559 pounds picked up in 2023, … Read more
Nevada’s Carson City crowned America’s fifth-sunniest lakeside destination Did You Know Carson City Has Some of the Best Lake Tahoe Beaches? As you finalize your Fourth of July plans, here’s a sun-soaked fact you probably didn’t know: Carson City just ranked as the fifth sunniest lakeside destination in America according to a new study by … Read more
July in the Sierra Nevada means early morning casts, shimmering trout, and a reminder that we live in one of the finest fishing regions in the West. If you’re looking for a reason to grab your rod and hit the water, this month’s prime Lahontan Cutthroat Trout opportunities, upcoming Free Fishing Days, and fresh stocking … Read more
Mammoth Lakes, CA — July 2025 | This weekend, the Mammoth Lakes community marks a milestone long in the making: the official opening of the Sherwin Trails Recreation Area, a vision nurtured since 2009 and now brought to life with a new paved trailhead, restrooms, and the first of many miles of planned trails at … Read more
Olympic Valley, CA – July 2, 2025 — Ready to align your breath with mountain air and your spirit with wild places? The Wild Lotus Yoga Festival returns to Palisades Tahoe on July 11–13, 2025, inviting yogis, seekers, and wild hearts to rise with the Sierra sun for a weekend of yoga, music, movement, and … Read more
When it comes to hiking in the Sierra, comfortable, moisture-wicking socks can make or break your day. One brand we’ve used regularly on day hikes and Sierra wanderings is Minus33, a New Hampshire-based company with deep roots in wool craftsmanship and mountain-tested gear. While we use a variety of socks depending on the trail, weather, … Read more
What does it mean to truly find your true nature in the Sierra Nevada? In this conversation, author Lisa Michelle joins Charlie on the Sierra Rec Now Podcast to share her journey from rodeo cowgirl to wilderness writer and the lessons learned along the way in the High Sierra. Lisa’s new book, True Nature, blends … Read more
A Journey of Hidden Gems, Remarkable Stories and Healing Landscapes in the Sierra What does it mean to find your true nature in the Sierra Nevada? For author Lisa Michelle, it meant trading the rodeo arena for hidden ridgelines, misty alpine lakes, and the quiet lessons the wilderness is willing to teach those who slow … Read more
Field Notes by Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec MagazineTested during our Highland Lakes boondocking trip, June 2025 A Complete Sleep System for the Sierra This summer, we’re field-testing a full comfort-oriented sleep system from EXPED—a brand known for its rugged build quality and no-compromise camping gear. On our first outing to Highland Lakes, I put … Read more
When you are packing for a camping trip, one item you should never forget is a good pair of hiking poles. Camping often means hiking to your campsite or exploring nearby trails, and hiking poles can make those treks easier and more comfortable. Hiking poles, also known as trekking poles, are sturdy sticks designed to … Read more
