This week on the Sierra Rec Now Podcast, I had the pleasure of chatting with David Ciccarelli, the creator of Lake.com, a revolutionary platform that simplifies finding lake vacation rentals. Beyond his entrepreneurial success, David’s passion for National Parks has led to fascinating research on park rankings and experiences. David and I dive into the … Read more
Tioga Pass (State Route 120) has officially closed for the 2024 winter season. Caltrans, in coordination with the National Park Service and Tuolumne County, announced the seasonal closure on Monday, November 25, 2024, at 6:45 p.m. The closure begins at Crane Flat Road inside Yosemite National Park, as winter weather conditions have made the high-altitude … Read more
Latest Snow Closes Lassen Volcanic National Park to Vehicle Traffic Winter has arrived in Northern California, and with it comes the closure of the main park road (Hwy 89) through Lassen Volcanic National Park. As of November 13th, 2024, you can’t drive all the way through the park. This also marks the time in which … Read more
As winter approaches, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are preparing for seasonal closures in some of their most popular areas. Cedar Grove, known for its dramatic cliffs and riverside tranquility, closed to the public on October 28th, with access cut off just east of Boyden Cavern on Highway 180. Tomorrow, October 30th, Mineral King—famous … Read more
Essential Tips for Family Adventures in the Sierra Nevada that Boost Child Development Family vacations are more than just a chance to escape the daily grind—they’re an opportunity for your children to grow in ways that no classroom can offer. Research shows that spending time outdoors helps kids develop resilience, creativity, and problem-solving skills. The … Read more
Experience the beauty of fall in Yosemite National Park, where solitude meets vibrant autumn colors and unforgettable wildlife encounters on quiet trails. Why Fall Hiking in Yosemite is Unforgettable Fall hiking in Yosemite National Park is one of the best-kept secrets for nature enthusiasts. During this season, perfect hiking temperatures, fewer crowds, and a refreshed … Read more
A Personal Reflection on the Park that Inspires Sierra Rec Magazine Today, as we turn the calendar into October 2024, we pause to celebrate the 134th birthday of Yosemite National Park. The 134th anniversary might be a number too many, but in so many ways, it is not just the anniversary of its establishment but … Read more
It was a warm summer afternoon in June 2023 when my wife and I first visited the Wawona Hotel. Tired from a morning hike up Chilnualna Falls but not wanting to rush away from this historic site we lingered a bit. As we strolled across its manicured lawns, the sun casting soft golden light on … Read more
The venue where you tie the knot holds a special significance. It’s the place that sets the scene for a day of celebration, where you come together with all of your collective friends and family and start your life together as a married couple. As such, you want to find something special. Fortunately, California is … Read more
Could a Government Shut Down Monday Close Yosemite and Other Sierra National Parks for visitors? Friday September 29. 2023 – 3:30 pm – Updates- House Fails to Pass Bill – government Shut down looming Monday. The Department of the Interior is committed to upholding the highest standards of public access to and maintenance of America’s … Read more
Joshua Tree national Park and Death Valley National Park Prepare for Flash Flood Dangers from Tropical Storm Hilary with Closures Joshua Tree National Park , Ca – August 19, 2023 – Due to Tropical Storm Hilary, Joshua Tree National Park today Closed the entire park until Monday August 21st and Death Valley National Park started … Read more
We Asked Chat GPT to Rank the Nine California National Parks and It gave us some surprising Results California is blessed with an abundance of natural wonders, and its national parks are a testament to the state’s diverse landscapes and breathtaking beauty. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, nature lover, or adventure seeker, these nine national … Read more
The Grand Canyon is one of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders in the world, attracting millions of visitors every year. But when is the best time to visit? While the answer to this question may vary depending on your preferences, there are a few key factors to consider when planning your trip. In this article, … Read more
Witnessing the celestial spectacle of the Sierra night skies is an experience that transcends time and leaves an indelible mark on your soul. Picture this: cruising along the vast expanse of U.S. 50, from the Nevada border to Delta, Utah, under the spell of a pitch-black canvas illuminated solely by the brilliance of a myriad … Read more
Law’s historic investments in national parks and public lands are creating jobs and strengthening local economies WASHINGTON – August 4, 2022 — On Thursday, designated as “Great American Outdoors Day,” the Department of the Interior will celebrate the two-year anniversary of the signing of the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA). The law, which passed with strong … Read more
Virtual public forum to conclude scholar’s roundtable NPS – July 25, 2022 – The National Park Service (NPS) National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Program and the NPS Pacific West Cultural Resources Program are joining the Organization of American Historians (OAH) to host a public forum on July 28 at 6:30-7:30 p.m. PT to explore current scholarship surrounding the history … Read more
Lassen National Park Highway Open to Vehicles MINERAL, CA – The 30-mile highway through Lassen Volcanic National Park will open to through traffic on Friday, June 3. A lower-than-average snowpack accelerated snow clearing operations. Intermittent closures along the highway are possible due to repair work, as well as inclement weather. Please check the weather forecast before … Read more
Celebrate National Park Week 2022 April 16 to 24! National Parks USA- April 15, 2022 – The Kick off of the spring and summer season across the nation in our National parks will start Saturday April 16 with a Free Access Pass to all our National Parks. Each year across the nation the National Parks … Read more
WASHINGTON – The National Park Service will have five entrance fee-free days in 2022. The free admission days are designed to encourage discovery and visitation of the country’s variety of national parks. With at least one in every state, national parks are accessible places to visit to refresh body, mind and spirit. The free entrance dates for 2022 are: Monday, January 17 – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Saturday, … Read more
Apply to hike Angels Landing in April and May SPRINGDALE, Utah – Planning a visit to Zion National Park this spring? Starting today and until 11:59 p.m. MT on January 20, you can apply for a permit to hike at Angels Landing between April 1 and May 31. Learn how at go.nps.gov/AngelsLanding. “We expect many visitors … Read more
Reds Meadow area update – Opens Thursday BISHOP, CA June 15, 2021 — Reds Meadow Road (Hwy 203) will be opening this Thursday, June 17, providing public access to Devils Postpile National Monument, Rainbow Falls, Reds Meadow Resort and recreation sites, trailheads and campgrounds in the Reds Meadow Valley. The Reds Meadow Shuttle Service, provided by Eastern … Read more
We celebrate today with the NPS our US Military Service Men and Women. Thanks for your Protection! Monday April 19th is Military Monday in our National Parks System. We’d like to thank you for yours and your family’s military service. We all have family that has served or is serving, so it is with much … Read more
Free National Parks Admission on Saturday across the Nation Saturday April 17th 2021 We kickoff a week long celebration of National Parks. families and visitors an enjoy free admission on Saturday to any national park across the country. Each National Park week has themed days top enhance user experiences in the parks. Saturday April 17th … Read more
Yosemite National Park to Re-Implement a Day-Use Reservation System Beginning on Friday, May 21, 2021 Yosemite National Park – Beginning Friday, May 21, visitors to Yosemite National Park will need a day-use reservation to enter the park. The temporary day-use reservation system will allow the park to manage visitation levels to reduce risks associated with … Read more
Celebrate, Recreate Responsibly and Support Our National Parks WASHINGTON – The Department of the Interior announced that National Park Week – an annual weeklong celebration of America’s national parks – will run from April 17 to April 25. National Park Week encourages the public to explore the vast network of our national parks, sacred sites, and historical landmarks, as … Read more
National Park Service (NPS) today implemented a mask requirement for employees, visitors, partners and contractors. WASHINGTON – To protect the health of those who live, work and visit our national parks and facilities, and in support of the President’s Executive Order on Protecting the Federal Workforce and Requiring Mask-Wearing, the National Park Service (NPS) today implemented a mask requirement for employees, visitors, partners and contractors. “Wearing a mask around others, physical distancing, … Read more
NPS , December 2020 – The national Parks Service announced that all National Park Service sites will have six entrance fee-free days in 2021. The fee-free days are part of the commitment to increase access, promote recreational opportunities, improve visitor facilities and conserve natural and historical treasures in national parks for the benefit and enjoyment of the … Read more
Yosemite, Sequoia/Kings Canyon and Death Valley Open with No Additional services California National Parks Update – December 7, 2020 – In support of California Regional Stay Home order, beginning on Mon, Dec. 7,. Lodging and campgrounds are temporarily closed through out the parks. Limited Services will be available. Yosemite National Park update: Yosemite national Park … Read more
SEQUOIA AND KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS, Calif. December 1, 2020 — Beginning in 2021, overnight visitors to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks wilderness areas will be able to make their quota season wilderness permit reservations using the website Recreation.gov. This will replace the old system, by which reservations were submitted by email and processed manually. Recreation.gov provides trip planning and reservation services for public lands nationwide, and using it for wilderness permit issuance will … Read more
For my 51st Birthday I share with you today 51 of my favorite Sierra Locations through the Images I have taken. In no order as that would just make me think way to hard. Hope you enjoy! Hope you enjoyed my 51 favorite images for my 51st birthday. Wonder what great locations will make my … Read more
Death Valley Establishes Earth’s Hottest Temperatures of Record DEATH VALLEY, CA – Over the summer of 2020, numerous heat records were broken, as the park experienced what may be some the hottest days ever recorded on Earth. This meteorological summer (June-August) had an average (day and night combined) temperature of 102.7. This makes 2020 the … Read more
As a seasoned backpacker with over 10 years exploring Yosemite’s trails, I’ve always craved adventure. But my 2020 trip to Vogelsang Pass via Rafferty Creek was unlike any other. It wasn’t just about the destination; it was the journey filled with unexpected solitude and breathtaking scenery. In February 2020 when I booked this trip to … Read more
NPS proposes improvements to visitor service program Members of the public are invited to share their comments on the proposed rule. Comments can be submitted online. WASHINGTON – Today, the Trump Administration announced that for the first time in twenty years, the National Park Service (NPS) is proposing long overdue improvements to the regulations that govern contracts … Read more
National Park Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service working together to support birds’ recovery SEQUOIA AND KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS, Calif. July 2020 – Recently reintroduced endangered California condors continue to reoccupy parts of their historic range, including the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California and adjacent foothills. Condors were seen atop Moro Rock, a … Read more
Camping at Potwisha, Lodgepole and Sunset campgrounds with reservations only. SEQUOIA AND KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS, Calif. June 25, 2020 – Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are increasing recreational access to include three campgrounds and limited concession services following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and … Read more
Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, Joshua Tree National Park is increasing recreational access. The National Park Service (NPS) is working servicewide with federal, state, and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and using a phased approach … Read more
Yosemite National Park is Modifying Operations to Implement Latest Health Guidance Yosemite National Park – March 21, 2020 – Well this would be considered a very dark day for us and many national park enthusiasts across our region. Last night in ligth of the California Shut down bacause of the Covid-19 virus outbreak we received … Read more
Yosemite NP, California – Yosemite National Park is announcing modifications to operations to implement the latest guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), and local and state authorities to promote social distancing. As of March 17, 2020 park visitor centers, the Yosemite Valley Theater, the Yosemite Museum, along with all restaurants and … Read more
Yosemite, Lassen, Sequoia, Kings Canyon And Death Valley Could Be Fee Free During The Corona Virus Shutdown WASHINGTON – After careful consideration, Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt directed the National Park Service (NPS) to temporarily suspend the collection of all park entrance fees until further notice. “I’ve directed the National Park Service to waive entrance fees … Read more
Yosemite National Park, Calif. (Feb. 24, 2020) – Visit California honored tourism destinations and attractions across California for excellence in tourism marketing at the organization’s biennial Poppy Awards, held Feb. 11 in San Diego. Yosemite National Park along with Yosemite Gateway Counties- Mono, Tuolumne, Mariposa, and Madera are proud to announce that they were selected as … Read more
