Day Hikes

Discover the Sierra: Your Guide to Epic Day Hikes

girl and dog on trail

The Sierra Nevada offers a vast network of trails, perfect for day hikes of all levels. From gentle strolls to challenging summit climbs, there’s a hike for everyone.

Explore the Sierra’s Best Day Hikes:

  • Yosemite National Park: Hike to iconic destinations like Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, and Glacier Point.
  • Lake Tahoe:  The Lake Tahoe region features stunning day hikes that offer peaks, wilderness, meadows, lake views and incredible wildlife.
  • Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks: Explore ancient forests, alpine lakes, and breathtaking vistas.
  • Eastern Sierra: Discover hidden gems in the Inyo National Forest, including stunning alpine lakes and scenic canyons.
  • Northern Sierra: Hike through lush forests, cross alpine meadows, and climb majestic peaks.

Find detailed trail descriptions, maps, and insider tips to plan your next Sierra adventure. 

Embark on unforgettable day hikes in the majestic Sierra Nevada with Sierra Rec Magazine as your trusted guide. Discover a multitude of scenic trails that showcase the breathtaking beauty of this iconic mountain range. From cascading waterfalls to panoramic vistas, our comprehensive guide provides essential information and trail recommendations for an incredible day hiking experience. Explore the diverse terrain, encounter wildlife, and immerse yourself in nature’s wonders. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a beginner seeking adventure, Sierra Rec Magazine has you covered with valuable insights and tips.

Sonora Pass: The Ultimate Day Trip Fishing Experience by Braden Hudnall

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Trout

Braden Hudnall Shares His Latest Adventure In the Sierra – Sonora Pass Sierra Rec Magazine~ Guest Post ~ July 2017 – The Sierra lifestyle is such a complex and interesting story to tell, meet any person who has a passion for the outdoors and enjoys the same regions you do in the Sierra and you’re … Read more

Trail Stories In The Sierra ~ Discovering New Worlds

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Meeting New Explorers Of The Sierra on The Trail Can Enhance The Experience For All Sierra Rec Magazine ~ July 2017 – Don’t we all have a story or two to tell of our first experiences in the Sierra?  So the question is are you enhancing your experience by meeting more people on the trail?  I … Read more

Three Days in the Hoover Wilderness- A great beginners backpack trip out of Leavitt Meadow

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west woker river - hoover wilderness

Hoover Wilderness Backpacking From Leavitt Meadow Sonora Pass – Leavitt Meadow Ca, – Sonora Pass is known for its rugged steep drive over the Sierra. The vista-view points, access to the PCT  and various backcountry lakes and hikes.  However, for a true experience of Sonora pass a backpacking trip into the Hoover Wilderness provides an … Read more

Arnold Trail Association Releases Dates for 2017 Guided Cougar Rock Hikes

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Arnold Trail – 2017 – Guided Sunset Hikes to Cougar Rock, scheduled near or on the date of full moon: May 10, June 9, July 8, Aug 5, Sept 5, Oct 5Watch the sunset from the top of Cougar Rock on this moderate hike led by members of the Arnold Rim Trail Association. Distance is about … Read more

A Backcountry Treat The Day After Christmas in Lake Tahoe

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Spooner to Marlette via North Canyon Rd in Winter A Guest Post by Paul Cain, Director of Lifepoint Expeditions The day after Christmas 2016 in the Sierra’s above Lake Tahoe was epic. I arrived at Spooner Lake around 10:30,am with the objective to snowshoe up toward Marlette Lake, then create some fresh backcountry tracks on … Read more

Guided Snowshoe Hike on Friday March 4 in Lassen National Forest

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Lassen National Forest Almanor Ranger District to Host Guided Snowshoe Hike on Friday March 4 CHESTER, Calif., February 22, 2015 – Lassen National Forest’s Almanor Ranger District will offer its next guided snowshoe walk on Friday, March 4 at the Almanor Ranger Station on Route 36. Participants should meet at the Almanor Ranger District Office … Read more

15' in review – 16 Great Adventure Trips into the Sierra

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Vernal Falls Yosemite National Park Clarks Point

Our Top Adventure Locations Visited in the Sierra in 2015

Sierra Mountains 2015 –  What a great year of exploring in the Sierra. The Low 2015 snow pack gave us access to greater areas earlier and Sierra REC had a blast exploring new areas and sharing our adventures.  As we sit and look into 2016 and the various places we look forward to seeing for the first time, here is an end of the year review of the top 16 places we explored in 2015!

Gold Lake
Mist Trail
Nevada-Falls-from-JMT-Yosemite
Nevada-Falls-from-JMT-Yosemite
Shealor Lake
lake winemunucut, california
highland_lakes stanislaus National forest
Highland_lakes Stanislaus National forest
a bear standing on a rock in a forest
Heavenly Resort Ropes Course
Sonora Pass
the lake is surrounded by mountains and trees
Elizabeth Lake Yosemite
Devils Post Pile
Devils Post Pile

Lake Tahoe and the Tahoe Rim Trail

Access to the Tahoe Rim trail in 2015 gave us great Views of Lake Tahoe

2) Grovers Hot Springs in Alpine County

Grovers Hot Springs in Alpine County was a great Winter Hike in 2015

3) Horsetail Falls Trail off HWY 50


 



2) Grovers Hot Springs in Alpine County

Grovers Hot Springs in Alpine County was a great Winter Hike in 2015
Grovers Hot Springs in Alpine County was a great Winter Hike in 2015


 

3) Horsetail Falls Trail off HWY 50

Horsetail Falls - HWY 50 West of Lake Tahoe
Horsetail Falls – HWY 50 West of Lake Tahoe


 

4) Family trip to The Gold Lakes Area in the Central Sierra

Golds Lake Hwy and the Graeagle Recreational area
Golds Lake Hwy and the Graeagle Recreational area


 

5)Yosemite National Park – Mist Trail & Vernal Falls

Vernal Falls along the Mist Trail
The Mist Trail in Yosemite National Park and Vernal Falls


 

6) Nevada Falls


7) Donner Lake and the Old Train Tunnels

Donner Lake from the old Train tunnels
Donner Lake from the old Train tunnels


8)Shealor Lake in Alpine County

lassen queit side california
Shealor Lake
Shealor Lake in Alpine County


 

9)Emigrant Lake in the Central Sierra.

Emigrant Lake
Emigrant Lake Hike .


10) Winnemucca Lake

Winnemucca Lake
Winnemucca Lake and Woods Lake – Kickoff to the start of Lifepoint Expeditions


11)Highlands Lake

Highlands Lake
Day Trip into Highlands Lakes on Ebbett’s Pass


 

12)Family Day on the Ropes at Heavenly Mountain Resort and Views of Lake Tahoe

a person riding on a ski lift over a mountain
Lake Tahoe From Heavenly Mountain – Family day on the Ropes at Heavenly


 

13)Sonora Pass – Many Recreational Stops

Sonora Pass
A great Day exploring Sonora Pass.


 

14)Devils Postpile and Rainbow Falls National Monument

Devils Postpile National Monument and Rainbow Falls.
Devils Postpile National Monument and Rainbow Falls.


 

15)Yosemite’s Elizabeth Lake Hike with Lifepoint Expeditions

Elizabeth Lake - Yosemite National Park
Elizabeth Lake – Yosemite National Park


16)The Great Tenaya Lake in Yosemite is one of my favorite places to just sit and enjoy the view.

Tenaya Lake – Yosemite National Park


So many great Adventures in 2015. And So many photos that did not make the list. Look forward to bringing you new places and new photos f the Sierra and all its great recreational adventures in 2016. Hope you are able to get out and explore for yourself. Send us your favorite adventure photos from the sierra or Hashtag us at #goexplore or #sierrarec.

Sierra REC Magazine is dedicated to sharing the events, news and adventure opportunities that exist in The Sierra Mountains. From Lassen Volcanic National Park to the North down through the Central Sierra and the Lake Tahoe Basin through the rugged eastern slopes of the Mono county and Yosemite National park to the southern tips near Sequoia National Park and the PCT trail. We invite you to share stories, trips and photos from your adventures in the  Sierra. Please join us on Facebook, Twitter Google +  and You-Tube or email us your events and photos at sierrarecinfo@gmail.com  #goexplore

California State Parks Begins New Year With First Day Hikes

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SACRAMENTO, Calif.—This New Year’s Day 2016, California State Parks will kick-off the 4th Annual First Day Hikes, planned at more than 40 parks across the state. The First Day Hikes are a signature event designed to offer visitors the opportunity to connect to their parks and nature for recreation, and to promote a healthy lifestyle … Read more

Castle RockTrail Loop A Great Day Hike in South Tahoe for Memorial Day Visitors

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Lake Tahoe Castle Rock

A Great Day hike in South Tahoe to Castle Rock Location: Tahoe Rim Trail. South Lake Tahoe, The Brautovich TrailheadDestination: Castle RockDistance: 4 mile loop in and out. This hike is for everyone. Has mild elevation gains and some Rock path areas that can be little difficult, but I saw several kids in the complete this … Read more

Day Trip Hiking at Horsetail Falls Near Lake Tahoe

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a waterfall in the mountains with trees and rocks

If you have ever driven over HWY 50 between Sacramento and South Lake Tahoe, you have probably seen a very large waterfall off on the hill-side near ECHO Summit. This is Horsetail Falls. A Spectacular Sierra Waterfall that offers not only a road side view that makes hundreds of tourists stop for a quick picture, … Read more

Carson Valley Trail Map for The New Pinyon Trail

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Carson Valley Sierra Front 2016

Carson Valley Trail Hikes The Carson Valley Trails Association has released the Map for the New Pinyon Trail South of Gardnerville off Muller Parkway and PineNut RD 2. The Pinyon Trail is a 5-mile round-trip hike located about 7 miles east of Gardnerville. This trail is open to hikers, equestrians, mountain bikers and dogs. This … Read more

Tahoe Rim Trail Day Hike Spooner Summit

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Spooner Summit off HWY 50 on the east side of Lake Tahoe is a popular hiking and Horseback riding destination on The Tahoe Rim trail. Easy access, variety of parking options and multiple hike options from Spooner provide hikers and adventure seekers of all levels an enjoyable afternoon on the Tahoe Rim Trail.  Hiking the … Read more

Snowshoeing Lassen Volcanic National park

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snow covered trees and rocks in the middle of a snowy mountain

  Lassen Volcanic National Park – Snowshoe Guide – Ok, I admit it, I love snowshoeing. I received my first pair of snowshoes for Christmas this year and am already hooked, which has me exploring all my favorite Sierra Locations for information on where to go snowshoeing. So where are the can’t-miss locations to visit … Read more

Best Places to Hike the PCT in Central Sierra Mountains

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a lake surrounded by trees and mountains

PCT Segment Hikes near Lake Tahoe Exploring the PCT (Pacific Crest Trail) is bound to become even more popular as the general public falls in love with the ideas and scenes in the New movie ” Wild”.For many who call Sierra’s home the PCT trail is still something of a myth/ legend. So close to … Read more

Backpacking the PCT across Desolation Wilderness

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crag lake

Summer Backpacking near Lake Tahoe has many options. The opportunity to backpack on the PCT into Desolation Wilderness is by far the most sought after experience for hikers in Lake Tahoe basin. Backpacking into Desolation Wilderness provides visitors and locals alike a simple well earned separation from the bulk of the crowds. Staying on the … Read more

Fall Recreation in Alpine County

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Fall Alpine County

A fall excursion to Winnemucca Lake Carson Pass – Alpine County California is 15 miles south of Minden Nevada and South Lake Tahoe, and is one of my favorite places in the Sierra Mountain range. From the abundance of mountain lakes and trails the variety of landscapes that grace the eyeball as I drive through for … Read more

Castle Rock Day hike – Lake Tahoe Recreation

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the view from the top of a mountain overlooking the ocean

Castle Rock is a popular hiking destination in South Lake Tahoe, California. It offers stunning panoramic views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains. South Lake Tahoe – This hike is for everyone. Has mild elevation gains and some Rock path areas that can be little difficult, but I saw several kids in … Read more

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