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.
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
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
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
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, 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
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
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
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
Plan on photographing the beautiful desert landscapes during your next trip to the Sierra? Find out how to capture eye-catching shots with these tips.
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
The water in Lake Tahoe is perfect for a fun time, as long as your jet ski can keep up. Prepare for the day ahead with these maintenance tips and more.
Studio 4, Story 1: A Local Lens on Lake Tahoe’s Art Scene By Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Now Podcast Feature This week on Sierra Rec Now, I had the chance to slow down and talk art, photography, and passion with South Lake Tahoe’s own Jennifer Haran—a talented photographer whose work captures more than just … Read more
August 1–2, 2025 | 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day | Virginia City, Nevada The rumble of vintage V8s and the shimmer of polished chrome are about to echo through the canyons of the Comstock. Hot August Nights, Nevada’s iconic celebration of classic cars and rock ‘n’ roll, kicks off its 2025 festivities with … Read more
By Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Magazine I live less than an hour from Lake Tahoe, yet like many locals, I tend to avoid the busy summer beaches. Still, every now and then, a special occasion calls for leaning into the very thing we usually steer clear of—playing tourist in our own backyard. This past … Read more
Trekking and hiking have gained global popularity, attracting enthusiasts seeking both physical challenge and the tranquility of nature. This rising interest is evident in market projections. GlobeNewswire reports that the global trekking and hiking market is expected to reach $182.9 million by 2028, with a 6% CAGR from 2023. Driving this growth are heightened health … Read more
Enhancement) Builds Wildfire Resilience and Community Strength Plumas County, CA — California’s forests and communities are facing historic challenges — and a network of dedicated partners is rising to meet them.The Sierra Institute for Community and Environment’s Sierra to California All Lands Enhancement (SCALE) project is a statewide forum uniting local collaborative groups, Tribes, state … Read more
By Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Now PodcastListen now on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts Last week I sat down for what turned out to be one of the most inspiring interviews I’ve done in a long time—right from the heart of Taylorsville, CA, with Jonathan Kusel and Ariana Bernstein from the Sierra Institute for … Read more
Reno, NV – If your summer travels take you anywhere near Reno, Nevada, there’s a new nightlife venue you’ll want to put on your radar. Behind the historic Depot Brewery & Distillery on East 4th Street, a bold new live music experience is emerging in the heart of Reno’s Brewery District. Welcome to The Barrelhouse … Read more
For over four decades, the Death Ride has stood as the premier cycling challenge in the Sierra Nevada, drawing riders from across the nation to test their grit, lungs, and legs on the winding roads of the California Alps. This weekend, the tradition continues as cyclists tackle over 14,000 feet of climbing, 103 grueling miles, … Read more
If you love hiking, biking, or exploring the beautiful trails around Bear Valley, here’s your chance to give back while connecting with your community. This Saturday, July 12th, the Bear Valley Trail Stewardship is hosting a Trail Work Day, inviting local trail users to help maintain and improve some of your favorite local routes. Trail … Read more
Lake Tahoe’s bike community just proved what many of us know: biking in the Sierra isn’t just recreation—it’s a movement. This June, the 20th Annual Tahoe Bike Month smashed participation records, drawing 511 residents and visitors who logged 10,880 bike trips, pedaled 80,982 miles, and climbed nearly 5.6 million vertical feet. That’s an 18% increase … Read more
Each year, the Fourth of July brings celebration, fireworks, and crowded beaches to Lake Tahoe. But when the parties end, the lake and its shores often pay the price. Last year alone, volunteers collected 1,866 pounds of litter from Lake Tahoe beaches after the holiday weekend—a drop from the 8,559 pounds picked up in 2023, … Read more
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
Mammoth Lakes, CA — July 2025 | This weekend, the Mammoth Lakes community marks a milestone long in the making: the official opening of the Sherwin Trails Recreation Area, a vision nurtured since 2009 and now brought to life with a new paved trailhead, restrooms, and the first of many miles of planned trails at … Read more
A Journey of Hidden Gems, Remarkable Stories and Healing Landscapes in the Sierra What does it mean to find your true nature in the Sierra Nevada? For author Lisa Michelle, it meant trading the rodeo arena for hidden ridgelines, misty alpine lakes, and the quiet lessons the wilderness is willing to teach those who slow … Read more
Discover Aviation, Vintage Cars, and Community Spirit at Minden-Tahoe’s Airport Discovery Day Words by Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Magazine The skies above Carson Valley are world-renowned for a reason, and this August, you’re invited to experience them up close as the 2025 Airport Discovery Day: Wings & Wheels returns to Minden-Tahoe Airport for a … Read more
