Discover the best recreational travel destinations in California with Sierra Rec Magazine’s destination reviews. Explore our comprehensive guides and expert insights to uncover the top-notch recreational spots throughout the Golden State. From the stunning coastal beaches to majestic mountains and captivating national parks, our destination reviews provide valuable information for planning your next adventure. Whether you’re seeking hiking trails, camping spots, water activities, or hidden gems off the beaten path, Sierra Rec Magazine has you covered. Let our destination reviews be your trusted resource to unlock the recreational treasures of California and make the most of your travels in this diverse and enchanting state.
Families and youth groups love the Sierra Nevada for good reason. In a single weekend you can paddle Tahoe’s clear bays, stroll among giant sequoias, then finish with pizza in Truckee or Bishop while the sun catches the granite. The trick is planning a route and rhythm that fits younger travelers, the region’s big distances, … Read more
Experience quirky traditions, heritage charm, and fall color across the Sierra Nevada’s most inviting towns. Fall in the Sierra Nevada isn’t just about golden aspen leaves and crisp mountain air—it’s also festival season in some of the most vibrant small towns on both sides of the range. From candy-making and camel races to historic parades … Read more
Two people per square mile! in a time of solitude and social distancing is there a better visitor slogan than what Alpine ca, can claim with its expansive open land and very few visitors? Refereed to as the California Alps, Alpine County for those who know is a spectacular recreation and mountain lifestyle region highlighted … Read more
Rodeo, Red Hills & the Spirit of the Sierra – It Motherlode Weekend in Sonora There’s something about rodeo weekend in Sonora that brings the soul of the Sierra to life. Maybe it’s the dust kicking up behind a wild bronc at the Mother Lode Fairgrounds. Maybe it’s the parade horses clopping down Washington Street … Read more
By Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Magazine The Eastern Sierra is full of iconic destinations, but Carson Valley continues to quietly surprise travelers with its unique blend of local charm, outdoor recreation, and summer entertainment. This is why we call the Carson Valley our home and base camp to all the Sierra discovery we do … Read more
Reno Air Show Thrills Thousands with Blue Angels and Canadian Snowbirds Spectacle, Sets Stage for 2025 National Championship Air Races in Roswell, NM This past weekend, the skies over Reno Stead Airport came alive with the roar of jet engines and breathtaking aerial acrobatics as the Reno Air Show hosted a spectacular aviation event featuring … Read more
As the vibrant hues of autumn paint the Sierra Nevada, there’s a special celebration taking shape in the quiet town of Wawona inside Yosemite National Park. The Redwoods In Yosemite , a beloved destination for travelers seeking the beauty of nature and the comforts of home, is marking its 75th anniversary this year. For decades, … Read more
Bass Lake: A Spring Oasis for Outdoor Enthusiasts As winter bids farewell and spring nature comes to life, the tranquil shores of Bass Lake welcome a new season of adventure and exploration. Centrally located on the Western Slopes of the Sierra, an hour from Fresno, this fantastic destination is a haven for those seeking a … Read more
Discover more in the home of ancient giant trees and jumping frog competitions. California’s Gold Country in Calaveras Count y beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its diverse and captivating landscapes. From the towering peaks of the Sierra Nevada to the tranquil beauty of its rivers, giant forests and valleys, this region is a haven for those … Read more
Think of a river, and chances are you’ve got your own daydream. No worries—The Sierra Nevada has got it all when it comes to river rafting, from gentle half-day float trips for first-timers and mellow family adventures, to adrenaline-pumping multi-day thrillers. These Nine best Rafting experiences in the Sierra Nevada will fill most peoples bucket … Read more
Choosing a traveling destination is not a piece of cake. It is challenging for many people who can’tdecide where they should spend their vacation. If you are one of them, then don’t worry.Traveling is a charming hobby, but it could disgust you if you decide on the wrong destination for thetrip. In the following blog, … Read more
More snow than expected on a journey up Lundy Canyon Lee Vining Ca, May 2, 2022 – Spring hikes and waterfall chasing are some of my favorite times in the Sierra. So with a great spring weekend in the forecast for Fishmas in Mono country, i made plans with my hiking buddy Tom to head … Read more
Spring in Calaveras means rolling green hills, huge displays of blooming wildflowers, sunny days and warm nights – the perfect time to plan your Calaveras getaway. Read on for our top tips: Spring in Calaveras: Unwind, Indulge…or Both For the best in Spring flower displays, check out our blog: Where to See Beautiful Wildflowers . Tailor this … Read more
Early Spring Weekends in the Mountains Are Refreshing Graeagle California, March 2022 – North of Truckee Ca. on HWY 89 is a stretch of country that screams mountain life. Fresh clear water streams, Large Alpine Meadows, thick forest landscapes, wildlife around just about every bend and small yet robust local mountain towns filled with people … Read more
A one Day Winter itinerary for Visiting Calaveras County
CALIFRNIA FIRE HISTORY BEING REWRITTEN IN PAST TWO YEARS. The Sierra Nevada – September 2021 , Fall 2021 issue – As August 2021 comes to a close we have tremendous fire dangers in some of California’s most prized destinations. South Lake Tahoe is being evacuated because of the Caldor fire , the Dixie fire has … Read more
Small Recreational Lake near Caples Lake provides great setting for family outing. Woods Lake Day use recreational are is located approx. 2 miles West of Carson Pass Station and 1/2 mile East of Caples Lake eastern shore. If you have never taken the time to drive into Woods lake from Hwy 88, it is definitely … Read more
Winter Adventure in Markleville Ca at Grover’s Hot Spring State Park is a locals favorite for waterfalls and big trees. Tamarack Fire Update – As of Feb 2022 this trail is closed due to the devastating fire that occurred in Summer 2021. Markleville ca – February 2021 – A fresh coats of powder surprised the … Read more
A Yosemite National Park Hidden Gem Located on Parker Pass John Muir once discussed his distain for hikers that hiked through an area with out truly enjoying what the forest and mountains contained for them. “Now these mountains are our Holy Land, and we ought to saunter through them reverently, not ‘hike’ through them” – John Muir … Read more
Once Known Simply As The “Devils Valley” Desolation Wilderness Turns 50! Sierra Rec Magazine, October 2019 – In 1969, the Lake Tahoe Region became home to Americas newest Wilderness Area, Desolation Wilderness. A 64,000 acre plot of land once called the “Devils Valley” inhabited only by the Washoe and set aside as the Desolation Valley … Read more
Northern Nevada shifts into high gear in preparation for America’s premier classic car event Hot August Nights -the largest classic car and nostalgic festival in the county- descends upon the region with more than 6,000 vintage vehicles this August. The 10-day celebration commences in the historic mining town of Virginia City, Nev. on Friday, Aug. 2 … Read more
South Tahoe’s Mountain Playground Kicks Off Summer Mountain Adventure Park Today. Sierra REC Magazine – South Lake Tahoe – June 21, 2019- Heavenly Mountain Resort and Village kicks off the summer season with the opening of Epic Discovery on Friday, June 21, offering scenic, family-friendly and thrill-seeking outdoor activities for guests to explore and enjoy. This … Read more
Wanderlust Yoga Studio introduces new outdoor classes: Mindful Hiking and Sierra Flow• Freedom Fest includes skiing, music and fireworks July 4-6• Alpenglow Expeditions’ Tahoe Via Ferrata marks its first full season [Olympic Valley, Calif.] June 5, 2019 – While skiers and snowboarders can still get their turns in every Friday through Sunday through June 30, and July … Read more
50 two-bedroom cabins are set to debut in Summer 2019, expanding mountain resort’s wide variety of accommodations near Yosemite National Park FISH CAMP, Calif.— May 31, 2019– Tenaya Lodge is elevating the Yosemite experience this summer with the debut of the Explorer Cabins at Tenaya Lodge . The picturesque cabin development will offer guests a unique Yosemite “cabineering” experience … Read more
Go Off Trail And Explore This Stunning Chain of Lakes Near Lake Tahoe Desolation Wilderness, Ca – Desolation Wilderness whispers with hidden wonders, and Pyramid Creek stands as its vibrant artery. While Horsetail Falls’ fiery cascade steals the show from Highway 50, a chain of pristine lakes awaits those willing to delve deeper. This revised … Read more
SANTA BARBRA COMPANY “AUTOCAMPS” INTRODUCES A RE-IMAGINED LODGING EXPERIENCE NEAR YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK MARIPOSA CA, APRIL 2019 – Lodging near Yosemite National Park has taken a new turn into the world of luxury glamping experiences from the imaginations of a Santa Barbara Based company Autocamp. Located just miles from the gates of Yosemite National Park … Read more
Explore and Enjoy this Ebbetts Pass Scenic Trail With Local Trail Experts The Arnold Trail located off Hwy 4 just west of the Calaveras Big Tree State Park, is great location to explore the Western Sierra Region and experience a full moon sunset hike. The Arnold Trail Association leads several guided experiences each year and … Read more
Sierra Rec Magazine, August 2018 – Backpacking in Yosemite is a life goal for many who visit this pristine granite palace in the High Sierra. As a beginning backpacker, I was overjoyed to learn in March that we had secured 6 passes into the Yosemite Wilderness and Young Lakes, for my first backpacking experience ever. … Read more
California’s Gold Country will soon be in full bloom & It is Time to Start Chasing Waterfalls in Tuolumne County’s Yosemite Sierra Rec Magazine – Tuolumne County, CA – March 21,2019 – Spring brings wildflowers, waterfalls, and longer days to explore the abundance of adventure in Tuolumne County. California’s Gold Country will soon be in … Read more
Five Lakes worth hiking to out of Meeks Bay into Desolation Wilderness
Crystal Clear Waters Combined With High Alpine Peaks That Will Stop You In Your Tracks Sierra Rec Magazine Adventure Review – September 2017 – Visiting and Exploring 20 Lakes Basin was so much more than I had expected. Have you ever heard a review of a location and it just didn’t do it for you, so … Read more
