Explore the breathtaking regions of the Sierra Nevada, from alpine lakes and charming towns to hidden trails and scenic byways. Discover top spots for outdoor adventures, family outings, and serene escapes. Sierra Nevada Travel and Adventure destinations. Explore these key and central destinations as your gateway to discovering more Sierra.
Why Planning Like a Local Changes Everything A few years ago I was invited to Mammoth Lakes for the opening weekend of trout season. The group was made up of friends from Los Angeles who had been making the trip together for years. Fishing was the reason everyone came to the Eastern Sierra, but it … Read more
Why do so many of us leave the mountains… only to spend the rest of our lives finding our way back? Raised in Portola in California’s Sierra Valley, Rocci Twitchell grew up fishing alpine lakes, riding horses through Mohawk Valley, exploring the Sierra Buttes, and spending weekends around Yuba Pass, Packer Lake, Gold Lake, and … Read more
Constellation Creek is the kind of place you slip away with your favorite person. Hang a hammock between the pines, slide a chair into the cool creek after a day on the trail, open a good book, and simply slow down for a while. But it’s also a perfect basecamp for one of our favorite … Read more
A weekend full of adventure possibilities in the Eastern Sierra Traveling into the Owens Valley from the north, I have often viewed Bishop and the Eastern Sierra through the lens of Highway 395 — a place of big views, high trailheads, fishing water, and familiar stops on the way to somewhere wild. But a recent … Read more
Planning to celebrate Independence Day at Lake Tahoe? From fireworks and beach access to new boating rules and alcohol restrictions, here’s everything you should know before heading to the lake this holiday weekend. Lake Tahoe Will Be Extremely Busy The Fourth of July is traditionally one of the busiest weekends of the year around Lake … Read more
There are mountain towns that feel busy. Then there are mountain towns that feel like summer. When I first spotted Shaver Lake on a map while exploring backroads through the Sierra Nevada, it reminded me of the communities I grew up around in Central Oregon. Places built around lake days, trail adventures, campfires, and evenings … Read more
Mountain music, pine forest camping, Gold Rush history, and one of California’s most enduring Sierra traditions. For years I’ve driven through Grass Valley on my way to Sierra adventures. Like many people, I usually thought about the historic downtown, the Gold Rush roots, maybe a stop along Highway 49, or cooling off in the Yuba … Read more
There’s something special about the old cabins hidden throughout the Sierra Nevada. The hand-hewn logs. The stories buried in the walls. The reminder that generations before us survived in places many of us now only visit for adventure. This summer, volunteers have a chance to help preserve one of the Sierra’s oldest surviving log structures. … Read more
Sonora Pass Is Open: What to Expect Driving the Sierra Right Now Every year in the Sierra, there’s a moment when everything starts to come back to life. The roads that have been buried all winter begin to open. Snowbanks line the edges of the pavement. Waterfalls start pouring off granite walls. The rivers rise, … Read more
There’s something about spring in the Sierra that pulls you outside—and sometimes, it pulls you straight into a crowd with a bowl of chili in hand and a cold drink to wash it down. That’s exactly what’s happening May 16–17 as the 44th Annual Chili on the Comstock returns to Virginia City. This isn’t just … Read more
There’s a moment every spring in the Sierra when winter loosens its grip—but refuses to go quietly. The snow softens, the sun sticks around a little longer, and the mountains trade powder days for something a little more… entertaining. That moment is here. On Saturday, May 2, the 34th Annual Cushing Crossing returns to Palisades … Read more
From the shores of Lake Tahoe to Sierra lakes across the region, the work of Clean Up The Lake continues to evolve—and this latest release feels like an important next step for all of us who spend time on the water. Over the years, we’ve followed and supported their efforts to protect Sierra waters through … Read more
Fishing Tradition, Sierra Adventure, and the Quiet Luxury of Staying Along the Carson River Along the West Fork Carson River, a historic Sierra fishing camp continues its legacy as a gateway to outdoor adventure. The River Always Brings You Back The water is cold enough to make your legs ache. Mid-thigh in the current, the … Read more
5th Annual Plein Air Festival – Quincy California Quincy, CA — March 12, 2026 — The 5th Annual Lost Sierra Plein Air Festival takes place May 9 through May 17, hosted by Bear Creek Frames in Quincy, California. The week-long event welcomes artists of all skill levels to paint outdoors while capturing the scenic beauty … Read more
The Sierra Nevada foothills hold a secret that Yosemite-bound travelers often miss entirely. While millions of visitors stream past on Highway 41 each year, Bass Lake and the neighboring town of Oakhurst offer something increasingly rare: genuine mountain community charm without the crowds, reservation systems, and parking nightmares that define California’s famous national park. The … Read more
The Western Divide Highway cuts through some of the most spectacular and least-crowded terrain in all of California. While tourists pack into Yosemite Valley and jostle for parking at Kings Canyon, this 50-mile stretch of pavement winds through ancient sequoia groves, climbs to over 7,000 feet, and delivers views that rival anything in the Sierra … Read more
Looking for the best Jeep trails near Lake Tahoe? Discover the 5 can’t-miss routes, who they’re best for, and simple prep steps to keep your day stress-free.
If you’ve ever spent a spring weekend wandering the wooden boardwalks of Virginia City, you know the town leans fully into its historic character — and St. Patrick’s Day might be its most spirited celebration of the year. On Saturday, March 14, the historic mining town will once again turn green for a full day … Read more
The Lost Sierra has long been one of California’s most quietly spectacular regions — vast forests, winding rivers, and small mountain towns that feel a world away from the crowds of Tahoe and Yosemite. In this episode of Sierra Rec Now, I sat down with Greg Williams, the visionary behind the Connected Communities initiative, to … Read more
Lake Almanor sits in a volcanic basin at 4,500 feet elevation in Northern California’s Plumas County, and most people have never heard of it. That’s precisely what makes it special. While Lake Tahoe draws millions of visitors annually, this 13-mile-long reservoir offers the same crystalline waters, mountain views, and outdoor adventures without the crowds, traffic, … Read more
TICKETS ON SALE FOR 51st FATHER’S DAY BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL Four Days of Music, Jamming, and Family Fun GRASS VALLEY, Calif. – One of California’s longest-running and most beloved music gatherings is back. The California Bluegrass Association (CBA) has announced the lineup and ticket sales for the 51st Annual Father’s Day Bluegrass Festival, taking place June … Read more
Experience the best motorcycle routes in the Sierra Nevada. From alpine passes to sweeping highways, these rides combine adventure with incredible scenery.
Naturalist John Muir once called the Sierra Nevada Mountains “The Range of Light,” deftly capturing their iconic beauty and stunning majesty. Yet to the ghosts of the Sierra, the region might very well be the range of shadows. Haunted History of the Sierra Nevada “Among the Sierra Nevada, California,” by Albert Bierstadt, 1868 – Public … Read more
By Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Magazine Lake Tahoe is often described as impossibly clear, impossibly blue, and impossibly pristine. But beneath the surface — far beyond what swimmers, paddlers, and boaters ever see — another story is unfolding. In the latest episode of the Sierra Rec Now Podcast, I sat down with Jenny Uvira, … Read more
I’ve never chased winter camping. I don’t sleep well cold. I never have. And no amount of romantic language about “embracing the elements” changes the reality of a long night when the temperature drops and sleep comes in short, restless stretches. But winter still holds something I keep returning to. Some of my earliest outdoor … Read more
Celebrations kick off Dec. 20 with a headlining DJ set with Foster the People SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif., Dec. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Heavenly Mountain Resort turns 70 this winter, and with skiing and riding now underway, the party is just getting started. The resort officially kicks off celebrations with a 70th Anniversary Party headlined by Foster the People on Saturday, … Read more
Clean Up The Lake sets out on their second lap of Lake Tahoe – “The 72 Mile Deep Clean” Tahoe City, CA (December 11, 2025) – Clean Up The Lake (CUTL), the Tahoe nonprofit known for its environmental dive team, SCUBA cleanups, and completing the 72-mile cleanup of Lake Tahoe at depths of 0–25 feet in … Read more
Sierra Rec Now Podcast — Episode Feature By Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Magazine A New Mountain Home — But the Same Spirit of Adventure After 18 years beneath the peaks of Lake Tahoe and the High Sierra, my family has officially begun a new chapter in Washington State. We now call Mount Vernon home … Read more
Zeds Dead, Porter Robinson, Alison Wonderland, DJ Diesel (Shaquille O’Neal), LSDREAM x CloZee, San Holo, Jessica Audiffred, and More to Headline December 12–14 Olympic Valley, Calif [Dec. 8th, 2025] – Tahoe Live returns to Palisades Tahoe this December 12–14 with its largest and most ambitious edition to date. Now expanding to three days, the 2025 festival will bring world-class electronic … Read more
A Legacy of Views, Adventure, and Sierra Community Heavenly Mountain Resort is turning 70 this winter, and Lake Tahoe’s most iconic ski destination isn’t slowing down. Since opening in December 1955 with a single chairlift and one remarkable viewpoint above Lake Tahoe, Heavenly has grown into a 4,800-acre, two-state resort known for big terrain, big … Read more
A Cozy, History-Rich, Easy Winter Escape Just Off I-80 Winter travel in the Sierra doesn’t always have to mean chains, blizzards, and high-elevation mileage. Tucked between Sacramento and Tahoe lies a stretch of foothill towns where Gold Rush history, canyon adventure, and modern boutique comforts blend into a perfect two-day getaway. This itinerary loops through … Read more
Book Early, Embrace Winter: Your Guide to Sierra & California Hyatt Vacation Club Getaways Winter in the Sierra Nevada has a rhythm all its own—fresh snowfall in the pines, cozy village evenings, and the kind of quiet, unhurried moments families rarely experience during the rest of the year. If you’re dreaming of a seasonal escape … Read more
On most winter mornings along Highway 395, the story is simple—skiers chasing storms at Lake Tahoe and locals making their way between Gardnerville and Bridgeport. But on New Year’s morning, something different happens at the Nevada–California line. Trucks peel off toward a cold blue bowl in the desert, thermoses open, and the first boats push … Read more
Ski season in the Sierra officially starts tomorrow, and Mt. Rose is leading the charge. Thanks to a talented mountain operations team, a powerful snowmaking system, and the advantage of Lake Tahoe’s highest base elevation at 8,260 feet, Mt. Rose will spin lifts Friday, November 21, kicking off daily operations for the 2025 winter season. … Read more
Special holiday events include The Grinch Made Me Do It Saloon Crawl, Parade of Lights, holiday shopping and more Virginia City, Nev. – Throughout December, Virginia City invites the community for a feel-good holiday season with its annual Christmas on the Comstock celebration. With four weeks for events, visitors are encouraged to enjoy holiday-themed activities, shopping … Read more
Audrey Payne’s 2,650-Mile Pacific Crest Trail Journey: From Carson City to Canada on the Capital to Canada Quest This summer, long-distance hiker Audrey Payne set out to do what few ever complete—walk the entire Pacific Crest Trail from Mexico to Canada.As the first participant in the Capital to Canada Quest, Audrey became the only hiker … Read more
When most travelers picture winter in the Sierra Nevada, they picture Tahoe. Deep snow. Packed parking lots. Lift lines. High elevation drama. What they rarely picture — is Carson City. And honestly, that might be one of the biggest misses Sierra travelers still make every year. Because Carson City in winter is not a consolation … Read more
Nevada Day Weekend and Día de los Muertos Followed by The Ferris 50 The Sierra is showing off this time of year. Golden cottonwoods line the Carson River, crisp mornings give way to bluebird afternoons, and the peaks above Carson Valley are dusted with early snow. It’s that rare overlap when fall color meets winter … Read more
In the Sierra, we don’t just celebrate one season at a time — we chase them both. This weekend, Carson City and the Eastern Sierra are glowing with autumn color while snow-dusted peaks above Carson Valley whisper that ski season is just around the corner. It’s that sweet overlap where pumpkins meet powder — where … Read more
By Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Magazine – Sierra Rec Now Podcast A Journey That Began in Carson City When Julianne Mahoney set out from Carson City, Nevada, last spring, she wasn’t chasing a record. She was chasing connection — to herself, to the land, and to a growing community of hikers who had fallen … Read more
