Carson City: The Sierra’s Most Underrated Winter Basecamp

hot air balloons over fall colors in carson city

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

Halloween & Nevada Day: A Perfect Sierra Weekend

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

Capital to Canada Quest: Inside Julianne Mahoney’s 1,600-Mile Pacific Crest Trail Adventure

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

Carson City to Canada Quest Finisher Audrey “Glowstick” Payne Returns to Carson City

Carson City, NV — September 26, 2025 Carson City is preparing to welcome home one of its most inspiring adventurers. Audrey Payne—trail name Glowstick—will return on Friday, September 26 at 10:00 a.m. at the Kings Canyon Waterfall Trailhead to celebrate the completion of her 1,600-mile Carson City to Canada Quest, a journey that was also … Read more

Celebrating Julianne Mahoney’s Historic Finish of the Capital to Canada Quest in Carson City

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

Carson City Ranks Among America’s Sunniest Lakeside Destinations

Lake Tahoe East Shore paddle boards

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

Episode 3: Julianne Mahoney – Embracing the Art of Lollygagging on the PCT

Girl laying out on rock hiking

By Charlie Pankey – Sierra Rec Magazine | May 3, 2025 The final installment of our Capital to Canada Quest podcast series is here — and it’s filled with laughter, wisdom, and a powerful reminder to slow down and savor the trail. In Episode 3, we meet Julianne Mahoney, a uniquely joyful and soulful adventurer … Read more

Capital to Canada Quest Begins in Carson City – New Podcast Series Kicks Off with Visit Carson City

Carson City podcast poster

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

From Capitol Steps to Canadian Pines: Meet the First Carson City to Canada Quest Hikers

PCT trail North of Tahoe

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

Unwind in Nature: Exploring the Best Hot Springs Near Lake Tahoe

Lake tahoe sand harbor Photo by 12019 on Pixabay

Imagine sinking into warm, mineral-rich waters as the crisp mountain air rejuvenates your senses. The Jewel of the stunning Sierra Nevada, Lake Tahoe isn’t just a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts; it’s also great access to some of the most mesmerizing hot springs experiences waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat after a … Read more

Carson City: Your Base Camp for Sierra Winter Adventures

Carson city capital holidays

Winter in the Sierra Nevada is an adventure like no other, and Carson City, Nevada, just made its case as the ultimate winter getaway with a charming new short film, A Winter’s Charm in Carson City. Created by Visit Carson City, this 15-minute holiday-themed movie captures the essence of winter in the region, from snow-capped … Read more

Ten Beginner-Friendly Snowshoe Adventures Around Lake Tahoe

Young Man looking up mountain in snow

When winter arrives in the Sierra, I feel especially grateful to call the Carson Valley home. It’s not just the breathtaking views or the crisp mountain air—it’s the easy access to incredible winter adventures. My love for snowshoeing began 12 years ago, and every year since, I’ve discovered new spots to find solitude, beauty, and … Read more

Nevada Day Weekend: Celebrating the Battle Born Spirit

Parade Carson City Nevada

Carson City, Nevada – This weekend, as autumn sets fire to the Sierra Nevada, Nevadans roll up their sleeves and turn out in droves to celebrate something sacred: Nevada Day. And let’s face it, folks, there’s nothing quite like Nevada Day. For a state born out of grit and gold, this annual celebration is more … Read more

Saddle Up for the Ultimate Wild West Showdown: Capital City Rodeo Unleashes a Weekend of Thrills!

Cowboy Riding Horse Rodeo

Get Ready for the Capital City Rodeo: August 2-3, 2024 Hold onto your hats, Carson City! The Capital City Rodeo is galloping into town on August 2-3, 2024, bringing with it a whirlwind of Wild West excitement and extreme sports thrills. Hosted at the Fuji Fairgrounds in Carson City, Nevada, this inaugural event promises two … Read more

All aboard the Twain Train for the second annual Mark Twain Days Festival

VIP Twain Train Rail Excursion returns as part of weekend of events in Carson City and Virginia City Virginia City, Nev. – Prepare for a phenomenal adventure as the Twain Train VIP Excursion makes its triumphant return to the second annual Mark Twain Days Festival. Departing from the Eastgate Depot in Carson City on Friday, May … Read more

SEIZE THE TRAIL, SEIZE THE OPPORTUNITY

Carson City to Canada Quest

Why The New Carson City to Canada Quest Opportunity is providing an exciting future for Carson City Hiking Calling all adventurers! The Carson City to Canada Quest is a brand new initiative by Visit Carson City that’s set to ignite a passion for thru-hiking and illuminate the hidden gem that is Nevada’s trail system. This … Read more

Carson City, Virginia City and Carson Valley urge community to participate in final Cultural Corridor meeting

Event will be held at historic Piper’s Opera House, open to community Virginia City, Nev. – Travel Nevada has chosen Virginia City, Carson City and Carson Valley to collaborate on a joint Cultural Corridor project aimed at bolstering the regional tourism economy while promoting and preserving local arts, culture, history and heritage. Virginia City is urging … Read more

Cultural Corridor project coming to Carson City, Carson Valley and Virginia City

Carson City

Join a listening session Tuesday, Nov. 7 to learn about the Cultural Corridor project coming to Carson City, Carson Valley and Virginia City Oct. 25, 2023 (CARSON CITY, NEV.) – Carson City, Carson Valley and Virginia City have been selected by Travel Nevada to pursue a shared Cultural Corridor project that will help to build our regional … Read more

Hiking in Northern Nevada: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners

Hiker Above Reno

Northern Nevada Trails Guide If you’re looking for a way to explore the natural beauty of Northern Nevada, hiking is a great option. With a variety of trails near Reno, there’s something for everyone, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker. This guide will help you discover some of the best hiking spots in … Read more

Artists Created 22 Permanent Murals During Carson City’s Inaugural Murals & Music Festival

Carson City Art Mural

Visitors enjoyed live music, participated in hands-on art and saw local, national and international artists create new, public murals across Carson City Oct. 2, 2023 (CARSON CITY, NEV.) – The inaugural Murals & Music Festival brought live musical performances and 22 colorful murals to Carson City, Nevada Sept. 28-30, 2023, adding to the capital city’s vibrant arts and … Read more

Fall in Nevada’s Capital City: A Spectacle of Colors, Festivities and Arts and Culture 

hot air balloons over fall colors in carson city

(CARSON CITY, NEV.) – While summer may be winding down, travelers anticipating fall can look forward to the season’s spooky celebrations, cooler activities and outdoor adventures, with views of the season’s best colors. Carson City, Nevada is prepped and ready for numerous events happening nearly every weekend throughout September and October. For Halloween lovers of all … Read more

Rev your engines! Carson City’s Outlaw Flat Trac Race will take place Friday, Aug. 25 – Saturday, Aug. 26, 2023

Motorcycle races

Aug. 21, 2023 (CARSON CITY, NEV.) – Get ready for the most fantastic event in Carson City, Nevada! The Outlaw Flat Trac Race is back, and it’s bigger and better than ever. Join us from 6-10 p.m., Friday, Aug. 25 and Saturday, Aug. 26 at Fuji Park just south of Carson City at 601 Old Clear Creek Road, for an … Read more

Historic Virginia Truckee Rail To Trail

Reviving Nevada’s Legendary Rail Corridor: Carson City NV, – Regarding conservation efforts in the Sierra Nevada, trail enthusiasts rejoice in Carson City! We’ve got some fantastic news for all you walking and biking aficionados in Nevada. A dream of connecting five counties and countless years of Nevada history is taking tangible steps forward as organizers, … Read more

One Final Family Summer Vacation Trip into the Sierra Nevada

Sunrise Donner Summit

Summer Vacations are winding down across the west already. Is there still time for one more Family memory maker in the Sierra? Are you looking for an exciting adventure vacation spot for your family before school starts? While popular destinations like Yosemite and Lake Tahoe are rightfully famous, there are plenty of hidden gems to … Read more

Capital to Tahoe Single Track Trail in Carson City Officially Open

Ribbon Cutting Capital to Tahoe trail

Carson City and Muscle Powered along with Mayor Bidwell Officially Opened Trail on Saturday. There is now a new Single Track trail in Carson City. Expanded Trail access from Carson City to Tahoe took another step this past weekend at Spooner State Park. Key organizations, riders, and media gathered Saturday at Spooner State Park in … Read more

Three Great Festival Ideas for the Memorial Day Weekend

mule days bishop

Traveling in the Sierra This weekend, Plans Stops in Carson City, Bishop and Lake Tahoe for the Kick off to Festival Season Summer in the Sierra is all about the sun, beautiful mountains and crazy entertainment and festivals. So in 2023 with all the rivers and camp grounds practically closed because of huge snow melts, … Read more

Lake Tahoe, Reno, Carson Valley Wedding

Couple Wedding mountains

What to know and why you should get married here So you want to have a destination summer wedding in the Great Northern Nevada? What’s not to love about the beautiful blue waters of Lake Tahoe and the majestic Sierra Nevada range? Really, Northern Nevada is a great location for your summer wedding but there … Read more

A Rainy Day Exploring Washoe Lake With The Pup

Wild Horse in Sage brush

Finding Alternative Adventures when the Mountains are dangerous Washoe Valley, NV. – The weekend screams for me to explore and be outdoors. Many who love the outdoors but find themselves trapped indoors or behind a desk all week feel similar. But some days in the Sierra, especially in winters like we are experiencing in 2023, … Read more

Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest Uses Sheep to Reduce Hazardous Fuels near the Jacks Valley Community in Carson City / Carson Valley

brown cattle

Carson City, NV. – October 22, 2022– As part of the Carson Ranger District’s Hazardous Fuels Reduction Program, the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest will release sheep on Friday, Dec. 21 in the Jacks Valley Wildlife Management Fuels Reduction Project area just south of Jacks Valley Road in Carson City, Nevada. From approximately mid-October through November, the sheep … Read more

Kickoff Your Spooky Holiday Weekend in Carson City With the Annual Nevada Day Festivities

Carson City Nevada -October 25, 2022 – The Cool weather swooped in Saturday on the Sierra Nevada. that must mean it is Halloween season. With so many Ghostly stories to tell in our small towns across the Sierra. There may not be a better place to be this week than Carson City. On the Eastern … Read more

Blue Angels Bring a Career of Excellence to Minden-Tahoe

F 18 Navy Blue Angle Plane

The 2022 Aviation Round Up Will Feature The Best of The Navy and Represents So Much More. Sierra Rec Magazine – September 2022 – Howdy, Sierra Rec Family!! Summer is gone and went too fast…but there are still some opportunities to summer-like activities to take your mind off the fact that Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas … Read more

HIT THE OPEN ROAD ON THESE RENO TAHOE MOTORCYCLE ROUTES

You don’t have to wait until Street Vibrations Fall Rally to explore Reno on two wheels. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Northern Nevada with one of these breathtaking road trips. Whether it’s a quick trip around town, a half-day getaway or a ride into the desert, there are motorcycle routes for everyone. GEIGER GRADE The main … Read more

Carson Valley Trail Association Complete New Jacks Valley Loop Trail

Carson Valley trail

Carson Valley Now Features a 22 Mile Multi-use Trail from Spooner Summit into the Carson Valley Minden NV – July 15, 2022 – The Carson Valley trail association earlier this year began work on a new loop that would attach the popular Clear Creek trail system called the Jacks Valley Loop. This past week they … Read more