Winter Camping, on Purpose (Not by Accident)

Winter camping tent glowing

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

Discovering New Adventures: My First Month Living in Washington’s Outdoor Paradise

Man on screen

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

BLM Announces Seasonal Fire Restrictions Across Eastern Sierra: What It Means for Summer Adventure

Blm land eastern sierra

By Sierra Rec Magazine StaffJune 12, 2025 As the Sierra summer season heats up and dry conditions intensify, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has announced seasonal fire restrictions beginning Monday, June 16, 2025, across all BLM-managed public lands in Inyo, Mono, and portions of Alpine counties. This includes many favorite Sierra Rec destinations—the Alabama … Read more

Exploring Hot Creek, the Owens River, and Convict Lake Loop

Hot Creek mammoth California

A Saturday Escape Down 395 It’s been a long month here at Sierra Rec Magazine, but as the weekend arrived and we wrapped up the Spring issue, that familiar urge to get outside and see something new took over. After all the editing, reviewing, and planning, it was time to fill our own cup with … Read more

Explore Mammoth Like Never Before: Off-Road Adventures with Rich Booher

Mammoth Off road Adventures podcast tilte

If you’ve ever dreamed of exploring the Eastern Sierra beyond the pavement, this week’s Sierra Rec Now Podcast is one you won’t want to miss. Host Charlie Pankey sits down with Rich Booher, owner of Mammoth Off-Road Adventures, to talk about high-speed, dirt-filled excursions that take adventurers deep into the rugged backcountry of Mammoth Lakes. … Read more

Wildlife Crossing to Close Highway 395 This September

Highway 395 Walker Canyon

Eastern Sierra Travelers, Prepare for a Scenic Detour Near Bridgeport If you’re planning a September adventure along Highway 395 between Bridgeport and Walker, California, be prepared for a temporary detour. Caltrans will be closing the road for two weeks beginning September 4th to install much-needed wildlife crossings. While this closure may disrupt travel plans, it’s … Read more

Camp Like a Pro in California’s Eastern Sierra

Camping gear i

Follow Award-Winning Campaign for Camping Safety and Stewardship Tips and Tricks As summer continues into the fall, it’s the perfect time to plan a camping trip in the breathtaking Eastern Sierra. Mono County, in collaboration with the Eastern Sierra Sustainable Recreation Partnership (ESSRP) and Mammoth Lakes Tourism (MLT), has launched the “Camp Like a Pro” … Read more

Eastern Sierra Conservation Corps Begins 2024 Season With its Largest Crew Network To Date

Volunteers Eastern sierra

The California-based organization saw rapid growth following a highly successful year Bishop, CA, May 20, 2024/OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ – Eastern Sierra Conservation Corps (ESCC), a developmental leadership organization committed to building a stronger and more inclusive outdoor community, is proud to announce the commencement of its 2024 season with an unprecedented surge in size and impact. Following a … Read more

New “Catch Us In the Sierra” Podcast Features Sierra Slammers

Podcast poster

Mike Rigney, a CO. Owner of Sierra Slammers featured with Winter fishing in the Eastern Sierra advice. Crowley Lake – February 9, 2023 – Back in September 2022, I was contacted by a gentleman that was very excited about his new business in the Eastern Sierra. Him and his friend who together have over 60 … Read more

Winter Adventure Travel Destinations Eastern Sierra

Winter Frozen June Lake mountains

Popular summer destinations off HWY 395 take on a cool vibe during winter in Eastern Sierra, where there’s much more to the snowy season than world-class skiing and adventurous snow sports. Enjoy a road trip to see favorite destinations that bustle with activity in the summertime transformed into quiet, peaceful winter wonderlands. As the Eastern … Read more

United Airlines Starts Winter Flight Schedule into Bishop CA.

united airlines in mountains

Winter Recreation travel Updates Mammoth and the Eastern Sierra Bishop Ca – December 21. 2022 – Last week United Airlines started its winter travel schedule which includes flights into Bishop ca from Dec. 15, 2022 till April 9, 2023. This expanded winter route is a regional favorite for getting travelers tot eh mountains quicker. With … Read more

BLM Temporarily Limits Road Access at Wild Willy Hot Springs Due to Road Construction Project 

MAMMOTH LAKES, Calif. – Auguast 3, 2022 – The Bureau of Land Management Bishop Field Office and the Mono County Public Works Department will be rerouting Wild Willy’s Hot Spring access road in Long Valley from August 8-10 to improve public safety and visibility. Motorists should expect delays at the entrance on Aug. 8 and no … Read more

Kirman Lake Stocked With 3,500 Brook Trout As CDFW Works To Restore Mono County Trophy Trout Fishery

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has stocked 3,500 large brook trout into Kirman Lake in Mono County as part of an ongoing commitment to restore one of the West’s best trophy brook trout fisheries. Brook trout in the 1- to 2-pound class were stocked recently into Kirman Lake from CDFW’s American River … Read more

Alabama Hills Names Best Camping Location in the West by Dyrt App Readers

The Dyrt App Came Out With its 2022 Best Camping Spots in America List and The Eastern Sierra Stands on Top. PORTLAND, Ore., June 9, 2022/OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ – The Dyrt, the No. 1 app for camping with the most active online camping community, has announced the 2022 Best Places To Camp in nine US regions based on reviews and … Read more

New Winter Trail System Open in Bridgeport Ca.

Bridgeport Ranger District Announces Opening of New Winter Trail System Bridgeport, Calif. – January 12, 2022 – The Bridgeport Ranger District of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest in coordination with Mono County will seasonally close to motorized wheeled vehicles a portion of Buckeye Road from Twin Lakes Road to the Buckeye Campground to allow for winter sports activities … Read more

Climbing Rangers encourage responsible recreation at East Side Climbing/Bouldering areas

a desert with mountains in the background

Bishop Ca- The Eastern Sierra Interpretive Association (ESIA) has hired two climbing rangers to patrol the increasingly popular climbing and bouldering areas in the Bishop area. This is the third year of the program. Climbing in the Eastern Sierra is an interagency activity, so the climbing rangers are supported by numerous partners: the  Bishop Area … Read more

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