By Charlie Pankey, Sierra Rec Magazine Eighteen years ago, when I first moved to the Sierra Nevada, I made it my mission to experience every quirky, wonderful, and unforgettable festival this region had to offer. One of the first stops? Virginia City. And two events in particular have shaped the way I see fall in … Read more
CARSON CITY, Nev. — August 27, 2025 — The steps of Nevada’s State Capitol turned into a stage of celebration yesterday morning as family, friends, and outdoor enthusiasts gathered to welcome Julianne Mahoney home. After 59 days and 1,600 miles, Mahoney became the first hiker to complete the Capital to Canada Quest, averaging 27 miles … Read more
Protecting the Lakes We Love: A Regional Effort Against Aquatic Invasive Species The Eastern Sierra has always been defined by its pristine alpine lakes, clear rivers, and wide-open landscapes. This Labor Day weekend, a new coalition—the Eastern Sierra Mussel Prevention Collective—is taking action to keep it that way. Formed by the California Department of Fish … Read more
Looking for wide-open spaces, hidden trails, and the freedom of dispersed camping in the Sierra Nevada? In this episode, we sit down with Chris Cordes from OnX Off-Road to dive into their new Motorized Dispersed Camping feature — a game-changer for campers, off-roaders, and outdoor adventurers. From 17,710 miles of legal dispersed camping opportunities across … Read more
Looking for open spaces, fewer crowds, and a chance to truly disconnect this Labor Day? The Sierra Nevada holds more than 17,000 miles of free, legal, dispersed camping opportunities — and thanks to new tools from OnX Off-Road, finding your next hidden campsite just got a whole lot easier. Discovering the Sierra’s Wild Side In … Read more
A Delicious and Hearty Trail Dinner from Backpackers Pantry After years of taste-testing freeze-dried meals in the backcountry, I think I may have found the gold standard: Backpacker’s Pantry Pad Thai with Chicken. Simply put—it was the bomb. This meal hit all the right notes after a long day of backpacking in the Emigrant Wilderness. … Read more
Olympic Valley, Calif. – Late summer in Tahoe always carries a special kind of energy—sunny afternoons, cool evenings, and a community ready to celebrate together. At The Village at Palisades Tahoe, that energy comes alive with two signature festivals that blend good taste, great music, and even greater causes. 36th Annual Alpen Wine Fest – … Read more
Lake Tahoe skiers and riders can officially start the countdown: Vail Resorts has announced target opening dates for the 2025/26 winter season, and Heavenly, Northstar, and Kirkwood are all on the calendar. With snowmaking prep already underway, the Tahoe region is aiming to welcome guests before Thanksgiving, once again anchoring one of the longest ski … Read more
First Impressions When I set out this summer with the Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60L , my goal was simple: cut weight without sacrificing comfort. After logging over 70 miles of High Sierra trails, including a multi-day Yosemite trip to McCabe Lake and another 35+ hot miles in the Emigrant Wilderness (half of them off-trail), I’ve … Read more
Coffee in the backcountry is more than a comfort—it’s a ritual. For years, I’ve carried a French press into the wilderness, chasing that perfect cup despite the hassle of cleanup and extra gear. But on my recent backpacking trip into the Emigrant Wilderness, I found something that just might replace it: Coulee Coffee’s EcoPour pod … Read more
Mother Nature tests our resolve on a hot August trip into the Emigrant. Some outings are more calculated than free-flowing.This trip into the Emigrant Wilderness began as one of those deliberate adventures — part work assignment, part personal challenge. My goal was straightforward on paper but ambitious in reality: explore the southern section of the … Read more
In this episode of Sierra Rec Now, host Charlie Pankey sits down with Stuart Rudolph, co-founder of Travoca, to explore how one brand is reshaping the overlanding and camping lifestyle. From the story behind Travoca’s beginnings to the innovative Rigel Electric Cooler, titanium drinkware, and off-grid power solutions, this conversation dives into the gear and … Read more
Sierra Rec Now Podcast | August 19, 2025| Episode 44 When it comes to outdoor adventures, sometimes it’s the gear that defines the experience. This week on the Sierra Rec Now Podcast, host Charlie Pankey sat down with Stuart Rudolph, co-founder of Travoca, to talk about how one brand is changing the way we think … Read more
Clean Up The Lake’s inspiring documentary series What Lies Unseen has returned with a brand-new chapter—and this time, the spotlight is on two Sierra reservoirs just outside of Truckee. Episode 4, released August 16, 2025, takes viewers beneath the surface of Boca and Stampede Reservoirs, where the team conducted its first-ever pilot research project in … Read more
Dispersed Camping with Exped – Part Three: Sonora Pass Sunset & a Night Above Aspen Meadows Late Thursday afternoon, Tom and I left Carson Valley with our sights set on the rugged granite country of the Emigrant Wilderness. We were headed for Aspen Meadows Pack Station to join a backpacker’s assist trip the next morning. … Read more
What if we told you South Lake Tahoe will have real snow this September? And not just snow — but a snow sledding hill, rail jams, big air mountain biking, live concerts, DJs, food trucks, and activities for all ages. In this episode of the Sierra Rec Now Podcast, host Charlie Pankey chats with Leslie … Read more
Tahoe Games Mountain Sports Festival Brings Snow in September & X Games Energy to South Lake Tahoe South Lake Tahoe is about to get its newest signature fall tradition — and it’s like nothing the Sierra has ever seen. The Tahoe Games Mountain Sports Festival is coming September 27–28, 2025 to the Lake Tahoe Outdoor … Read more
By Sierra Rec Magazine Staff | August 7, 2025 Lake Tahoe, CA/NV — Trail lovers, rejoice! Just one week into August, the Tahoe Rim Trail Association (TRTA) has already hit its $15,000 fundraising goal for its annual “Raise the Rim” campaign—and the momentum is still building. “This early success is a testament to how much … Read more
By Charlie Pankey, Sierra Rec Magazine Today I had the privilege of attending my first-ever Lake Tahoe Summit—an annual convergence of leadership, community, and environmental vision held at the historic Valhalla Estate on the South Shore. The setting was unmistakably Tahoe: sun glinting off the lake, crisp alpine air, and towering pines shadowing the crowd. … Read more
This week, we head to one of the richest birding regions in the Sierra Nevada — Plumas County — for a deep dive into the 2025 Grebe Festival and the incredible wildlife that calls this place home. Liz Ramsey from the Plumas Audubon Society joins Charlie to discuss how Lake Almanor supports thousands of migratory … Read more
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. — If you’ve ever wanted to sip tea on a manicured lawn, sway to the sounds of live jazz, or play croquet in your finest 1920s attire—all while surrounded by the historic charm of Lake Tahoe’s south shore—then it’s time to mark your calendar. The 38th Annual Great Gatsby Festival returns … Read more
The 2025 Downieville Classic Bike Festival Returns August 7–10 If there’s one weekend where dusty singletrack, alpine views, and rowdy Sierra spirit all collide—it’s the Downieville Classic, coming August 7–10, 2025. Held in the historic gold rush town of Downieville, this nationally recognized bike festival delivers more than just epic racing. It’s a mountain town … Read more
Sierra Rec Now Podcast Episode | Guest: Liz Ramsey, Plumas Audubon Society – Grebe Festival August 8-10 Lake Almanor If you’ve ever visited Lake Almanor in early spring, you may have witnessed one of nature’s most fascinating courtship displays — the synchronized “rushing” dance of Western and Clark’s Grebes skimming across the water in a … Read more
Socks, Soles & Sierra Miles: Why Your Feet Deserve Better on the Trail by Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Magazine Feature Writer From the dusty granite switchbacks of Sonora Pass to the cool, shaded creek beds below Castle Peak, your socks are the last line of defense between comfort and misery in the Sierra. We’ve … Read more
By Charlie Pankey, Sierra Rec Magazine | August 4, 2025 Hot August Nights rolls into its first Monday today with three major venues firing up engines and excitement across Reno—including a special full-circle moment at the University of Nevada, Reno. Starting at 3 p.m. today, the main event venue returns to the UNR campus for … Read more
When you’re putting in the miles on a High Sierra trail, scrambling over granite ridges, or just kicking back by the lake at dusk, the last thing you want to think about is your feet. That’s where Merino wool steps in. Known for its unmatched comfort and performance, Merino wool socks have become a trusted … Read more
Lake Tahoe Summit Returns August 6, 2025 — Senator Schiff to Host Event Honoring Dianne Feinstein’s Legacy South Lake Tahoe, CA — The 29th annual Lake Tahoe Summit is set to take place on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. PT at Valhalla Tahoe, one of the region’s most cherished historic venues and a … Read more
Friday & Saturday – August 1–2, 2025 | Sparks, Nevada If the roar of engines and the smell of burning rubber under the Nevada night sky sound like your kind of welcome party, then you’re in for a weekend of pure adrenaline. Hot August Nights 2025 officially kicks off Friday, August 1, and all eyes … Read more
