By Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Magazine There’s something magical about standing on a trail, looking north, and knowing it stretches all the way to Canada. For most Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) hikers, that journey begins months earlier in the rugged deserts of Southern California, with the goal of reaching the High Sierra—and places like … Read more
By Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Magazine Lake Tahoe’s East Shore backcountry is facing a major shift this summer — and beyond. As of March 31, 2025, the Nevada Division of State Parks has closed large portions of the trail network around Marlette Lake for critical dam repairs, a project expected to last into 2026. … Read more
Basin Wide Trails Analysis Project in Lake Tahoe: What It Means for Trail Enthusiasts and E-Bike usage SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. — In exciting news for outdoor enthusiasts and trail lovers, the USDA Forest Service’s Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) has released the final Environmental Assessment (EA) and Draft Decision Notice (DN) for the … Read more
Are you planning your 2024 adventures near Lake Tahoe? Michael Weindel, Regional Photographer and friend of Sierra Rec Magazine, recently shared a unique day hike loop involving Mt. Tallac, Dicks Pass and Fallen Leaf Lake that is worth exploring. Especially if you like the challenge of vertical accents and taking a path that few others … Read more
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif., June 27, 2023 – The Fourth of July holiday is next week and marks one of the busiest times of year in the Lake Tahoe Basin. The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) has provided the following helpful information and links to ensure a safe holiday weekend at Lake Tahoe. … Read more
Ropi Lake Desolation Wilderness by Charlie Pankey
A Few Things to Know if Heading to Tahoe This Weekend regarding Bears, Fires, Access and Caldor Fire Responsibilities SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif., Sep. 1, 2022 – With Labor Day weekend approaching, the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) reminds visitors to recreate responsibly, plan ahead, and adhere to fire restrictions.This year, … Read more
A Favorite Westside Entry Point into Desolation Wilderness Desolation Wilderness – Trail reports – July 2022 – This one trailhead opens up a world of wilderness resources you can experience that will enliven your spirit, soothe your soul, and recharge your life force. The wilderness resources you’ll see along the Twin Lakes trail include granite … Read more
D.L Bliss Camping Opens June 16th D.L. Bliss State Park , Lake Tahoe C, June 3, 2022 – D.L. Bliss State Park opened up day use activities on May 26th of 2022. Camping season will open on June 16th, 2022 with a few less resources. Two Loops are Closed because of water shortages in 2022. … Read more
Wilderness – Lake Tahoe has so much to offer all year round, but the summer season is off the hook. Do I spend the day in the water, on a beach, on the course of in the mountains? For me, I choose Wilderness 99% of the time. Why? Because in Lake Tahoe basin, there are … Read more
How to Best Ensure You are Not sharing Your Food With Bears in Desolation Desolation Wilderness – Backpackers flock to Desolation Wilderness Spring thru till winter. There really are few places like it on earth. Over generations of use however many things have changed in desolation wilderness. What was once acceptable has become illegal and … Read more
Is this your year to hike the rim? TRT begins accepting applications Wednesday, March 9, 2022 at 10 AM PST. Lake Tahoe, March 9, 2022 – The Tahoe Rim Trail is a 165 mile loop around the mountain rim of Lake Tahoe. It travels through lush forest, wild wilderness landscapes and provides hikers incredible views … Read more
Sierra Rec Magazine – November 17, 2021 – Did you know today is National Hiking Day? WHAT IS NATIONAL HIKING DAY? Also known as “Take A Hike Day,” National Hiking Day on November 17 may be one of the most important holidays out there. Why? For starters, there’s more than 60,000 miles of trails across … Read more
PLACERVILLE, Calif. – The boundaries of the Caldor Fire Closure, Forest Order 03-21-18 will be adjusted to reflect changing fire conditions and other hazards associated with the fire area. The closure area is expected to become smaller as fire containment increases and the forest receives rain and snow. Removal of hazard trees and suppression repair activities are also … Read more
Desolation Wilderness, Meiss Country, Barker Pass and McKinney/Rubicon are all Temporarily closed to visitors because of the fire danger until Sept. 19th. The closure is in effect from Aug 19 to Sep 19, 2021. View the closure order at https://go.usa.gov/xF7RS #CaldorFire Add onto this the National forest is closed from Hwy 88 North through most … Read more
Programs designed to create new opportunities to educate visitors, encourage environmental stewardship and promote responsible recreation TAHOE CITY, Calif. (June 29, 2021) – Last summer, the Lake Tahoe Basin, Truckee and surrounding mountain communities saw a dramatic increase in visitation as travelers sought out the great outdoors. While the mountains provided a much needed respite, it … Read more
TAHOE FUND, TAMBA & US FOREST SERVICE CELEBRATE OPENING OF LILY LAKE TRAIL New multi-use trail provides access to Fallen Leaf Lake and Desolation Wilderness for non-motorized users South Lake Tahoe, July 14, 2021 – Tahoe’s newest trail, sure to become one of the region’s most iconic, is now open thanks to nearly 4,000 volunteer … Read more
New Fee’s being implemented in some recreational hot spots. Bayview Trailhead now has a $10 Parking Day Use Fee. SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif., May 26, 2021 – The majority of National Forest recreation sites around the Tahoe Basin are now open and the 2021 season promises to be a busy one for Tahoe Recreation, the new concessionaire … Read more
Exploring Desolation Wilderness: Backpacking Near Tahoe at the Enchanting Desolation Lake As the winter snow melts away, my heart fills with excitement as I plan my annual backpacking adventure in the picturesque landscapes of Desolation Wilderness. Among my list of must-visit places, one gem stands out, capturing the essence of backpacking and nature’s untouched beauty … Read more
Back to Nature ~ Here our our picks for 7 Great Family Hikes for Kids on the Eastside of the Sierra For the past 6 years of producing Sierra Rec Magazine online, the number one question i get from friends and readers is, “Where is a Good Place to Take my Kids Hiking?” We’ll today … Read more
Keep Tahoe Bears Wild! Agencies Encourage Use of Bear Resistant Canisters LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – As a reminder, backcountry visitors should practice proper food and garbage storage and behave appropriately when hiking and backpacking in Bear Country. This summer, wilderness rangers report bears are successfully taking down food-hangs in Desolation Wilderness. And over the last several … Read more
Discover the Hidden Gem of Lake Tahoe: DL Bliss State Park Hiking Tours Are you ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure in one of the most captivating corners of Lake Tahoe? DL Bliss State Park is your gateway to nature’s wonders, offering a plethora of scenic hiking trails that will leave you in awe … Read more
PCT ADVENTURES FOR TAHOE GUESTS Are you planning a visit to Lake Tahoe this summer? Seeking a Pacific Crest Trail Adventure in the Tahoe area that won’t break the bank or require you to quit your job and get really extreme? The PCT trail has obviously gained some popularity since the movie “Wild” showed in … Read more
WOLF CREEK TRAILHEAD ~ CARSON ICEBERG WILDERNESS ~ ALPINE COUNTY CA. Wolf Creek Trail is a well know horseback trail but I seldom see other hikers on the trail. This is one of our favorite quick trip wilderness escapes in the central Sierra. Wolf Creek is one of those out and back day trips that can … Read more
NOBEL LAKE TRAIL IS ACCESSED OFF HWY 4 IN ALPINE COUNTY ENTERING INTO THE CARSON ICEBERG WILDERNESS. “Life is a journey and not a destination” –Dr. Lynn H. Hough 10 – 10.5 miles round trip- Rated Moderate Hike Sierra Rec Trail Review – By Tom Trelenberg – Looking for a hike with diverse landscape including … Read more
Charity Valley West to Charity Valley East/Burnside Lake Junction 6 miles round trip-moderate Do not make the mistake that you can find the Charity Valley West trailhead with just the general knowledge of where it is located on Blue Lakes Road. I have already made that mistake for you. My first attempt had me in … Read more
GLEN ALPINE TRAILHEAD GIVES HISTORIC ACCESS TO DESOLATION WILDERNESS Desolation Wilderness Trails – Glen alpine trailhead is located at Lilly Lake approx a mile behind Fallen Leaf lake. The Trailhead is a paved parking that gives visitors direct access via rock road to the Historic Glen Alpine Spring Resort. Desolation Wilderness Access from this trailhead … Read more
A GREAT DAY HIKE OR SHORT BACKPACKING DESTINATION SPRING, SUMMER OR FALL AT LAKE TAHOE’S SOUTH SHORES Hiking and Backpacking – Dardanelles Lake in our opinion is the prettiest of the lakes in the Meiss Country of South Lake Tahoe. Located off Hwy 89’s Luther Pass the Christmas Valley trailhead is a less popular starting destination … 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
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
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
