Charlie REC magazine - Charlie Pankey ~ Publisher Mammoth Ca – August 2015 – It is that time of year once again. Final Summer trips with the family, final summer parties with your friends, time for one last campout, one last summer adventure to the lake etc… Mammoth is popular destination in the Sierra, its diverse landscapes, great mountain lakes, challenging trials and … Read more
Little Grass Valley reservoir campsites available for reservation Release Date: Jun 26, 2015 Visitors now have more opportunities to reserve their favorite campsites at Little Grass Valley reservoir located just outside LaPorte, CA within the Plumas National Forest. Little Beaver campground sites in loops A & B may now be reserved by visiting www.recreation.gov or by calling … Read more
Explore Sierra County with these great day trips Sierra County Ca,- A trip to this Central Sierra region can often capture your imagination, as the central Sierra does not seem to have changed much from the days of the California gold rush, when gold seeking argonauts worked the rivers and mountains in search of their fortune. Sierra … Read more
Lassen Volcanic National Park – A New Event will start this weekend in Lassen Volcanic National Park. Moonlight Paddling Tours on Manzanita Lake. Lassen is known for its rugged volcanic landscapes and variety of lake experiences visitors can enjoy while visiting the park. These new Tours provide another great way to see the park and enjoy … Read more
Lassen’s dark skies offer unparalleled view of the celestial wonders. Lassen Volcanic National Park – One of the true joys of living in the West all my life has been the incredible sky’s that are seen at night. The Sierra Mountain Range offers some spectacular viewing opportunities if you are an avid Sky watcher or … Read more
Yosemite National Park – Every year the Sierra High Country provides visitors and explorers in Yosemite some of the most memorable moments. In 2015, Yosemite has already upped the anty a bit with the reintroduction of the Big Horn Sheep and the exclusive chance of catching a peak is sure to drive hikers in to … Read more
Yosemite Trail Rides Since the 1850s, when the first vacationers were attracted to the legendary valley of Yosemite, horses and mules have provided a means of transportation that takes visitors to some of the most scenic vistas in the world. Today, the Yosemite Stables, operated by Delaware North at Yosemite, continues to guide visitors to these same spectacular … Read more
A Great Day hike in South Tahoe to Castle Rock Location: Tahoe Rim Trail. South Lake Tahoe, The Brautovich TrailheadDestination: Castle RockDistance: 4 mile loop in and out. This hike is for everyone. Has mild elevation gains and some Rock path areas that can be little difficult, but I saw several kids in the complete this … Read more
PCT Adventures for Tahoe Guests Are you planning a visit to Lake Tahoe this summer? Seeking a Pacific Crest Trail Adventure in the Tahoe area that won’t break the bank or require you to quit your job and get really extreme? The PCT trail has obviously gained some popularity since the movie “Wild” showed … Read more
New Mammoth + Summit Bike Park Pass: One Pass, Two Mountains Mammoth Ca – Mountain Bike Season kicks off May 8 at Snow Summit Mammoth Lakes, Calif. – California’s first multi-destination bike park season pass has arrived. Providing unlimited, summer-long riding on some of the best lift accessed mountain biking terrain in California, the new … Read more
A Sierra REC Day Trip Adventure into Plumas and Sierra County Recreational areas. Graeagle Ca – I absolutely love exploring new areas and finding the hidden treasures of a day trip to a region I have never visited. HWY 89 north of Truckee was one of those regions that I had often looked at on … Read more
Endangered Sierra Nevada Bighorn Sheep Restored to Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks Recently Completed Cooperative Effort Included California Department of Fish and Wildlife, National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service A multiagency operation was recently concluded that returned two herds of endangered bighorn sheep to locations in Yosemite and Sequoia … Read more
If you have ever driven over HWY 50 between Sacramento and South Lake Tahoe, you have probably seen a very large waterfall off on the hill-side near ECHO Summit. This is Horsetail Falls. A Spectacular Sierra Waterfall that offers not only a road side view that makes hundreds of tourists stop for a quick picture, … Read more
Carson Valley Trail Hikes The Carson Valley Trails Association has released the Map for the New Pinyon Trail South of Gardnerville off Muller Parkway and PineNut RD 2. The Pinyon Trail is a 5-mile round-trip hike located about 7 miles east of Gardnerville. This trail is open to hikers, equestrians, mountain bikers and dogs. This … Read more
Waterfall Hikes in The Sierra this Spring need to be done early South Lake Tahoe Ca – Spring in the Sierra is a great time to get out on the trails and hike to your favorite waterfalls, streams or lakes. The trails conditions can sometimes be a little sloppy from the melting snow, but the … Read more
Best Yosemite National Park Hikes off HWY 120 from Hwy 395 Yosemite National Park – East Entrance – Dreaming of a Yosemite adventure, but short on time? Look no further than the park’s eastern entrance, accessible from Carson City in under 3 hours! Here, you’ll find a treasure trove of day hikes offering stunning scenery, diverse … Read more
Alta Alpina Challenge: A Valley Tradition Every year, as the snow melts and the sun begins to warm the Carson Valley, a special energy fills the air. It’s the time for the Alta Alpina Challenge, a grueling test of endurance for cyclists from around the world. I’ve watched as year after year, these determined riders … Read more
Half Dome: A Bucket-List Hike in Yosemite Half Dome is more than just an iconic rock formation in Yosemite National Park; it’s a symbol of adventure and a rite of passage for avid hikers. With its imposing granite face and a summit that seems to touch the sky, Half Dome draws hikers from around the … Read more
Sierra Mountain Fishing Are you ready to cast your line amidst the breathtaking scenery of the Sierra Nevada mountains? This region offers a bounty of freshwater lakes and streams, teeming with trout and other fish species. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or a family seeking a fun outdoor activity, a Sierra Nevada fishing derby is … Read more
Sierra REC Magazine – Top Fishing and Recreation Lakes in Plumas County CA. Dive into Plumas County’s Pristine Waters: Your Guide to Fishing Paradise As spring whispers its promise of warm days and endless outdoor adventures, Plumas County in California beckons with a symphony of sparkling lakes, each a gateway to unforgettable fishing experiences. Forget … Read more
The Carson Valley Eagle & Ag Event is a special time to visit and see the Carson Valley Carson Valley, NV – If you have never ventured over to the Carson Valley or dropped down from South Lake Tahoe for a quick visit, this weekend might be an excellent time to try it. Late January … Read more
Hiking and Hot Springs: A Day Trip to Grover Hot Springs State Park In the eastern Sierra Nevada, Grover Hot Springs State Park offers a unique blend of natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and geothermal wonder. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a casual adventurer seeking relaxation, the park near Markleville, California, has something for everyone. … Read more
Spooner Summit off HWY 50 on the east side of Lake Tahoe is a popular hiking and Horseback riding destination on The Tahoe Rim trail. Easy access, variety of parking options and multiple hike options from Spooner provide hikers and adventure seekers of all levels an enjoyable afternoon on the Tahoe Rim Trail. Hiking the … Read more
Lassen Volcanic National Park – Snowshoe Guide – Ok, I admit it, I love snowshoeing. I received my first pair of snowshoes for Christmas this year and am already hooked, which has me exploring all my favorite Sierra Locations for information on where to go snowshoeing. So where are the can’t-miss locations to visit … Read more
A friend of ours (Andi Van Berkum) in the Carson Valley sent over a few photos of their Horseback Ride on New Years Day in The Carson Valley. Looks like a gorgeous ride this time of year. Weather on News Years was a bit brisk but enjoying the trails on the Eastern Sierra was a … Read more
We all have firsts in life right. Well this last weekend was Sierra Rec Publisher, Charlie Pankey, first time snowshoeing. This is an account of the trip, the adventure and elements of snowshoeing that make it an addictive Winter REC option in the Sierra. Merry Christmas to me- Snowshoes given to me by my parents. … Read more
The Best Places to take the family Sledding near Tahoe. We get requests this time of year about sledding and tubing options Near Lake Tahoe. So here is a list of both Paid and Free sledding options known around the Tahoe Basin. Obviously the best place to sled for some is the nearest patch of … Read more
PCT Segment Hikes near Lake Tahoe Exploring the PCT (Pacific Crest Trail) is bound to become even more popular as the general public falls in love with the ideas and scenes in the New movie ” Wild”.For many who call Sierra’s home the PCT trail is still something of a myth/ legend. So close to … Read more
TOP FALL SEASON TRAIL HIKES IN THE SIERRA’S Hope Valley at Sorensen’s Resort As the season’s change in the Sierra’s some of the most beautiful scenery bursts into sight from both the road and from the trail. Fall Colors can fade quickly in the Sierra season’s as Winter pushes its way into our lives, so … Read more
Craving a quick escape? Trade the gym for a breathtaking day hike in the Sierra Nevada! Nestled near Kirkwood Ski Resort, Castle Peak offers stunning views and a moderate challenge, perfect for a short afternoon adventure. Why Choose Castle Peak: So on a busy Saturday when my family had plenty on the table, I needed … Read more
Yosemite National Park – Veteran’s Day, National Free Forest Service, and National Park day always prompt me to think of Yosemite National Park. Yosemite continues to capture my spirit and call me to try new trails, view new heights and challenge my will to complete the climb. On Veterans Day, I skipped the parades. Instead, … Read more
November means Christmas Tree Permit Season in the Sierra Calling all Griswolds Ok all you “Griswold” Christmas tree fanatics, our season approaches. Yes I said our Season, I am a true “Griswold” tree hunter each year. Growing up in the Cascade mountains of Oregon and my dad being a logger, I can still drive you … Read more
Summer Backpacking near Lake Tahoe has many options. The opportunity to backpack on the PCT into Desolation Wilderness is by far the most sought after experience for hikers in Lake Tahoe basin. Backpacking into Desolation Wilderness provides visitors and locals alike a simple well earned separation from the bulk of the crowds. Staying on the … Read more
Sierra REC’s Top Fall Destinations in the Sierra Mountains As the seasons shift in the Sierra, a breathtaking transformation unfolds, painting the landscape with vibrant fall colors. These picturesque moments are fleeting, as the Sierra’s winter will soon make its presence known. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness this natural spectacle. Here’s our updated list … Read more
A fall excursion to Winnemucca Lake Carson Pass – Alpine County California is 15 miles south of Minden Nevada and South Lake Tahoe, and is one of my favorite places in the Sierra Mountain range. From the abundance of mountain lakes and trails the variety of landscapes that grace the eyeball as I drive through for … Read more
Castle Rock is a popular hiking destination in South Lake Tahoe, California. It offers stunning panoramic views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains. South Lake Tahoe – This hike is for everyone. Has mild elevation gains and some Rock path areas that can be little difficult, but I saw several kids in … Read more
