Destinations

The Carson Valley

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.

Heavenly Mountain Resort Celebrates 70th Anniversary with Jam-Packed Lineup of High-Energy Events and Music All Season Long

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Heavenly Party Lake tahoe

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

TAHOE DIVE TEAM BEGINS 72 MILE DEEP CLEAN

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Debris Found in Lake Tahoe after a dive

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

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

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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

TAHOE LIVE RETURNS WITH THREE-DAY EXPANSION AND BIGGEST LINEUP YET AT PALISADES TAHOE

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Palisades Taheo Live banner

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

Heavenly Mountain Resort Celebrates 70 Years of Fun in Tahoe

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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 Winter Weekend Getaway Along the Sierra Foothills: Auburn, Grass Valley, Nevada City & the Yuba River

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Old Gold miner statue Auburn

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

Winter Getaways in the Sierra & Beyond: Hyatt Vacation Club Resorts for Snow Season and Spring Travel

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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

Topaz Time: Carson Valley’s Quiet Winter Fishing Gem

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topaz fishing

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 Begins: Mt. Rose Opens Tomorrow with 1,000 Feet of Vertical and Lake Tahoe’s Highest Base

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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

Believe again during Virginia City’s annual Christmas on the Comstock celebration

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Virginia City Candy Cane Depot

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

Carson City: The Sierra’s Most Underrated Winter Basecamp

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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

Celebrate Culture, Community, and Carson Valley Adventure

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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

Halloween & Nevada Day: A Perfect Sierra Weekend

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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

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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

Spirits Made Me Do It Saloon Crawl returns to Virginia City this Hauntober™

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 Event features specialty cocktails, sweet pairings and scavenger hunt through historic saloons Virginia City, Nev. – Virginia City hosts the Spirits Made Me Do It Saloon Crawl on Saturday, Oct. 25, from 1-5 p.m., offering 21 or older participants a tasting tour through the town’s historic saloons and merchants. The event is part of Hauntober™, Virginia … Read more

Fall in Carson Valley: Trails, Festivals, and the Ferris Fifty Endurance Run

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By Charlie Pankey, Sierra Rec Magazine For more than a decade, Carson Valley has been home base for Sierra Rec Magazine — the place where our adventures begin and where we always return. It’s where the open spaces meet the Sierra front, where trails climb into the Pine Nut Mountains, and where small-town festivals keep … Read more

Finding Nevada Wild with Sydney Martinez: Discovering the Real Wild West Beyond the Strip

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By Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Magazine For most people, when you say “Nevada,” one image comes to mind — flashing lights, crowded casinos, and the non-stop buzz of Las Vegas. But for those of us who live along the Sierra Front, we know a different Nevada — one filled with wide-open basins, wild mustangs, … Read more

Backpacking Sierra Secrets with Brian Martz: Family Legacy, Hidden Lakes, and Fishmas Traditions

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By Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Magazine The Sierra Nevada isn’t just a destination—it’s a legacy. Few people embody that truth better than Brian Martz, this week’s guest on the Sierra Rec Now Podcast. Known to thousands of California students as the Water Guy, Brian’s life story runs far deeper than his classroom mascot role. … Read more

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

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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

Planning a Sierra Nevada Trip With Teens: A Practical, Place-Based Guide

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teens traveling in car two young ladies

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

Investigations Underway for Suspicious Fires in Mammoth

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Fireman

Mammoth Lakes, Calif., September 17, 2025 – Over the last couple of weeks, there have been multiple suspicious fires in the Mammoth Lakes area, both on the Inyo National Forest and within the Town of Mammoth Lakes. A multi-agency task force, consisting of investigators from the USDA Forest Service, Law Enforcement and Investigations, and the … Read more

Sierra Rec Now Podcast: Genoa’s Candy Dance — Nevada’s Sweetest Tradition

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Candy Dance statue Genoa

Every fall, the quiet town of Genoa, Nevada—the oldest settlement in the state—transforms into one of the busiest places in the Sierra. Known for its historic charm, stunning Carson Valley setting, and small-town hospitality, Genoa is also home to one of Nevada’s most beloved festivals: the Candy Dance. In this week’s Sierra Rec Now Podcast, … Read more

Sierra Nevada Road Trips: Scenic Drives You Can’t Miss

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half dome from glacier point drive

Exploring the Sierra Nevada by road is not just a drive, but a chance to witness nature’s grandeur at every turn. Towering pine forests, crystalline lakes, and snow-capped peaks create scenery that shifts mile by mile. Charming alpine towns add cultural richness to the journey.  Each road trip blends adventure, relaxation, and striking beauty, which … Read more

Saddle Up for the Wildest Weekend in the West: Virginia City’s Camel & Ostrich Races Return Sept. 5–7

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By Charlie Pankey, Sierra Rec Magazine Eighteen years ago, when I first moved to the Sierra Nevada, I made it my mission to experience every quirky, wonderful, and unforgettable festival this region had to offer. One of the first stops? Virginia City. And two events in particular have shaped the way I see fall in … Read more

7 Small-Town Sierra Festivals Worth a Fall Road Trip

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list of towns

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

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

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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

Wine, Wings, and Live Music Return to The Village at Palisades Tahoe

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Lady drinking wine with dog adn crowd

Olympic Valley, Calif. – Late summer in Tahoe always carries a special kind of energy—sunny afternoons, cool evenings, and a community ready to celebrate together. At The Village at Palisades Tahoe, that energy comes alive with two signature festivals that blend good taste, great music, and even greater causes. 36th Annual Alpen Wine Fest – … Read more

Heavenly, Northstar, and Kirkwood Set Opening Dates for 2025/26 Ski Season

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Spring Skiing Heavenly South Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe skiers and riders can officially start the countdown: Vail Resorts has announced target opening dates for the 2025/26 winter season, and Heavenly, Northstar, and Kirkwood are all on the calendar. With snowmaking prep already underway, the Tahoe region is aiming to welcome guests before Thanksgiving, once again anchoring one of the longest ski … Read more

Dispersed Camping Near Sonora Pass: A Sunset Above Aspen Meadows

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Tent on Ridge

Dispersed Camping with Exped – Part Three: Sonora Pass Sunset & a Night Above Aspen Meadows Late Thursday afternoon, Tom and I left Carson Valley with our sights set on the rugged granite country of the Emigrant Wilderness. We were headed for Aspen Meadows Pack Station to join a backpacker’s assist trip the next morning. … Read more

Snow in September: Tahoe Games Brings X Games Vibes and Free Concerts to South Lake Tahoe

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Tahoe games

Tahoe Games Mountain Sports Festival Brings Snow in September & X Games Energy to South Lake Tahoe South Lake Tahoe is about to get its newest signature fall tradition — and it’s like nothing the Sierra has ever seen. The Tahoe Games Mountain Sports Festival is coming September 27–28, 2025 to the Lake Tahoe Outdoor … Read more

Raise the Rim Hits $15K Goal in Just 7 Days—But the Trail Love Doesn’t Stop There

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lake tahoe, tahoe rim trail

By Sierra Rec Magazine Staff | August 7, 2025 Lake Tahoe, CA/NV — Trail lovers, rejoice! Just one week into August, the Tahoe Rim Trail Association (TRTA) has already hit its $15,000 fundraising goal for its annual “Raise the Rim” campaign—and the momentum is still building. “This early success is a testament to how much … Read more

Team Tahoe in Action: Voices from the 2025 Lake Tahoe Summit

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Crowd at Tahoe summit 2025

By Charlie Pankey, Sierra Rec Magazine Today I had the privilege of attending my first-ever Lake Tahoe Summit—an annual convergence of leadership, community, and environmental vision held at the historic Valhalla Estate on the South Shore. The setting was unmistakably Tahoe: sun glinting off the lake, crisp alpine air, and towering pines shadowing the crowd. … Read more

Step Back in Time: The Great Gatsby Festival Returns to the Tallac Historic Site August 9–10

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SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. — If you’ve ever wanted to sip tea on a manicured lawn, sway to the sounds of live jazz, or play croquet in your finest 1920s attire—all while surrounded by the historic charm of Lake Tahoe’s south shore—then it’s time to mark your calendar. The 38th Annual Great Gatsby Festival returns … Read more

Rubber Meets the Road: Drag Races Ignite Hot August Nights Opening Weekend

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Hot August Nights Classics

Friday & Saturday – August 1–2, 2025 | Sparks, Nevada If the roar of engines and the smell of burning rubber under the Nevada night sky sound like your kind of welcome party, then you’re in for a weekend of pure adrenaline. Hot August Nights 2025 officially kicks off Friday, August 1, and all eyes … Read more

The Sparkliest Lakes in America? California Shines in New National Study

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Lake Tahoe's Emerald Bay

Big Bear, Tahoe, and Clear Lake rank among the sunniest lake getaways in the country — but there’s more to lake sparkle than just sunlight.By Charlie Pankey, Senior Writer – Sierra Rec Magazine If you’ve ever stood on the shore of Lake Tahoe and watched the sunlight dance across the water like a million tiny … Read more

Day Hiking Lake Sabrina to George Lake

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George Lake

When I get the itch for High Sierra hiking, one of the areas I am drawn to is the portion of the Sierra near Bishop. One of the greatest aspects of this area is the availability of easily accessible trailheads. I was recently exploring the area and stumbled upon the hike to George Lake, a … Read more

Motel to Meadow: A New Chapter Begins for South Lake Tahoe’s Upper Truckee Marsh

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Tahoe Property meadow

Demolition Begins This Summer to Restore a Critical Wetland and Protect Lake Clarity By Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Magazine – July 2025 Conservation Issue On a warm summer morning in South Lake Tahoe, a long-awaited restoration story begins—not on a trail or mountain peak, but in the demolition of a building that many locals … Read more