Sierra National Parks including Lassen Volcanic, Yosemite, Sequoia, Kings Canyon, Death Valley and other regional Parks with in driving distance.
What happens when a child steps into Yosemite National Park for the first time? For thousands of students each year, that first experience comes through NatureBridge, where Yosemite becomes something more than a national park they have seen in photographs or learned about in school. It becomes an outdoor classroom filled with granite walls, waterfalls, … Read more
From canvas tent cabins inside national parks to a Conestoga wagon near Yosemite and a mountain cabin overlooking California’s Central Valley, one family discovered that you don’t need an RV—or even your own tent—to keep a national park road trip connected to the outdoors. By Natalie Vereen-Davis | Contributing Guest Writer The first morning of … Read more
For many visitors, Yosemite National Park begins and ends in Yosemite Valley. They’ll marvel at Half Dome, photograph Yosemite Falls, and spend a few unforgettable days exploring one of America’s most iconic national parks. But according to Yosemite guide Kara Maceross of Lasting Adventures, the real magic often begins when you leave the pavement behind. … Read more
When people think about California National Parks, Yosemite, Sequoia, and Joshua Tree usually dominate the conversation. Yet tucked away in Northern California is a park many travelers have never explored—one filled with steaming geothermal features, volcanic landscapes, alpine lakes, wildlife, and surprisingly few crowds. On this week’s episode of the Sierra Rec Now Podcast, I … Read more
Beyond Ranger Lake, a final push leads to one of the quietest and most memorable mornings in Sequoia National Park. The Decision at Ranger Lake I was still standing in Ranger Lake, letting the cold do its thing, when I looked back up toward Silliman Pass. Middle of the day now. Sun sitting right on … Read more
Why Tioga Pass feels like a completely different way to experience Yosemite National Park. Every year when Tioga Pass opens for the season, something shifts in the Sierra Nevada. The mountains suddenly feel connected again. Backpacking trailheads reopen. Snow-lined roads begin winding back into the high country. Tuolumne Meadows slowly wakes up after another long … Read more
Tenaya Lake sits right in the middle of Yosemite’s high country, which means you’re not just visiting a lake—you’re standing at the trailhead to some of the most dynamic terrain in the park. We have spent years hiking all around Tenaya and the Cathedral Range and when Tioga Pass is open this region of the … Read more
Yosemite, Travel, and The Landmark Project on This weeks Podcast There’s a moment—and I don’t know exactly when it happens—but if you’ve spent any real time in a place like Yosemite National Park, you know it. It’s that feeling when you’re leaving… and you’re already thinking about coming back. That’s really where this conversation with … Read more
Overview: A High Sierra Route Guide for Sequoia National Park That Rewards Those Who Go a Little Farther There are routes in the Sierra that check all the boxes—alpine lakes, high passes, wildflowers, and solitude—and then there are routes that quietly exceed expectations. The Silliman Pass route out of Lodgepole is one of those. At … Read more
What Sierra Backpackers Need to Know About Permits in the West After more than a decade of backpacking in the Sierra Nevada, I’ve developed a rhythm to planning trips. I know how to read snowpack. I know how to map routes. And over the years, I’ve figured out how to work within the permit systems … Read more
Rae Lakes Loop Backpacking Tips: Discovering One of the Sierra Nevada’s Most Iconic Trails One of California’s Most Desired Backpacking Loops For many hikers exploring the Sierra Nevada, the Rae Lakes Loop in Kings Canyon National Park sits high on the bucket list. The route is legendary among backpackers for good reason. Over roughly 40 … Read more
A road trip to Yosemite National Park is more than a scenic drive through the Sierra Nevada. For many travelers, it becomes something deeper — a moment when granite cliffs, alpine lakes, and quiet wilderness reconnect us with the landscapes that inspired John Muir and helped shape America’s national park system. Yosemite’s towering walls and … Read more
Setting out under heavy packs, we knew the day ahead would test our strength. Sixteen miles separated us from the ski hut in Yosemite’s Tuolumne Meadows. Starting at dawn, we hiked an hour to reach the snowline around 8,500 feet. From here, we expected difficult trailbreaking to last the rest of the day. But to … Read more
I’ve never chased winter camping. I don’t sleep well cold. I never have. And no amount of romantic language about “embracing the elements” changes the reality of a long night when the temperature drops and sleep comes in short, restless stretches. But winter still holds something I keep returning to. Some of my earliest outdoor … Read more
Southern Sierra Miwuk Nation Gains Ownership of Critical Watershed Lands Near Yosemite Behind Yosemite’s iconic waterfalls and granite monoliths lies a quieter force shaping life in the Sierra — water. And in the southern gateway to the park, Henness Ridge plays a critical role in delivering that water to the Wild & Scenic South Fork … Read more
When snow blankets the Sierra Nevada, adventure need not hibernate. Those seeking winter wonder without the crowds and traffic of Lake Tahoe can find an attractive alternative at Kings Canyon National Park. The park’s Grant Grove area provides striking scenery, moderate terrain and rewarding day trips for beginning and advanced cross-country skiers and snowshoers. Grant … Read more
By Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Magazine | Sierra Rec Now Podcast This week on the Sierra Rec Now Podcast, we’re taking listeners to the southern gateway of Yosemite National Park, where community spirit, heritage, and mountain adventure come together for something entirely new — the first-ever Yosemite Celtic Festival & Highland Games, happening November … Read more
Early in the year, I gave myself a goal that felt both ambitious and deeply personal: hike more than one hundred miles of Sierra Nevada backcountry as part of the Outdoor Vitals 100-Mile Challenge. On paper, it sounded straightforward enough. I’ve come close to that kind of mileage in past seasons, but I never really … 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
This week on the Sierra Rec Now Podcast, we welcome back returning guest Paul Wagner — author, blogger at BackpackingSierra.com, and longtime volunteer for multiple wilderness areas across the Sierra Nevada. Paul joins host Charlie Pankey for a wide-ranging conversation about backpacking adventures, trail stewardship, volunteering in Desolation Wilderness, and hidden gems in the Sierra … Read more
By Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Magazine A Four-Day Three-night trip into McCabe, Roosevelt and Young Lakes The planning for this trip started in January, but the dream of it began years earlier. On this July morning, as I packed the final gear into the truck and headed out to pick up Tom, I felt … Read more
By Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec MagazineTrip Date: Saturday, June 15, 2025 This past weekend, after enjoying the hometown charm of Carson Valley Days—including a hearty breakfast in the park and our local parade—we decided to chase some high Sierra magic with a spontaneous trip into Yosemite National Park’s wilderness. Saturday marked the first day … Read more
Sierra Rec Now Podcast Interview: An Insiders view of the Opening of Crystal Cave and how it shapes your visit to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks By Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Magazine | June 2025 After four years of closure due to wildfire damage, floods, and landslides, Crystal Cave in Sequoia National Park … Read more
By Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Magazine | Trail-Tested Stories Podcast Thinking about visiting Yosemite this summer or fall? Confused by the reservation system, unsure where to stay, or want to avoid the crowds? You’re not alone—and you’re in the right place. Earlier this spring, I had the chance to drive Highway 49 through Mariposa … Read more
Another summer without the loop. What does it mean for the future of Yosemite’s most iconic backcountry experience? Yosemite National Park and Aramark have announced that the High Sierra Camps will not reopen in 2025. This marks the fifth consecutive summer the full system of camps has been closed — a once-cherished experience now caught … Read more
Explore the Eastern & Western Sierra in One Epic Adventure Explore the Sierra with this flexible 5-7day adventure, ideal for families, nature lovers, and road trippers craving to see it all! From high desert canyons to giant sequoias and glacial lakes, this road trip is your gateway to the best of the Sierra — without … Read more
Stay in Yosemite’s quiet southern village of Wawona while exploring waterfalls, Sequoia groves, and scenic river trails. This 3-day itinerary combines cozy cabin living with snow-dusted spring adventure in Yosemite National Park.
May 7, 2025 | Sierra Rec Magazine Just in time for a spring Sierra escape—Yosemite National Park has announced the official reopening of Glacier Point Road this Saturday, May 10, at 8 a.m., along with the return of Mariposa Grove shuttle service! This is one of the most anticipated seasonal reopenings in Yosemite, offering visitors … Read more
By Sierra Rec Magazine – National Parks Travel Update | Sequoia & Kings Canyon As the gateway weekends of summer approach, here’s a timely heads-up for anyone planning a road trip to Sequoia or Kings Canyon National Parks: Beginning May 21, 2025, both parks will officially transition to a fully cashless fee system. That’s right—no … Read more
Lassen Volcanic National Park breaks Exciting News on Recovery of the Park By Sierra Rec Magazine – National Parks Feature | Lassen Volcanic National Park There’s something special about Lassen’s Warner Valley—a tucked-away alpine escape where geothermal wonders, serene meadows, and volcanic backdrops meet rustic charm and rejuvenation. And after years of recovery from the … Read more
By Sierra Rec Magazine Staff With summer heat rapidly building in the desert, camping in Death Valley may not be the first thing on your mind—but that’s exactly why this news matters. As of late April 2025, Emigrant Canyon Road has officially reopened following extensive repairs from last year’s devastating August floods, restoring access to … Read more
By Charlie Pankey, Sierra Rec Magazine One of the most critical links for thru-hikers in the Sierra Nevada has officially been restored just in time for summer. After suffering catastrophic damage during the severe winter storms of 2022–2023, the San Joaquin Bridge — a vital crossing point for Pacific Crest Trail and John Muir Trail … Read more
Reduced capacity. Limited communication. Rising safety concerns. If you’re planning a wilderness trip into Yosemite National Park this year, take note—significant changes are underway that could impact your entire route. And with little notice or explanation, backpackers are scrambling to adjust. As of April 25, 2025, the Yosemite Valley Backpackers Campground will be temporarily relocated … Read more
Yosemite Valley Loop Trail: The Quietest, Most Authentic Hike in Yosemite Valley The Yosemite Valley Loop Trail is what most visitors miss—and what I sometimes wish I didn’t. At 11.5 miles (or 7.2 for the half loop), this mostly level path loops around the entire valley floor, offering a rare chance to experience Yosemite’s beauty … Read more
Lower Yosemite Fall: The Easiest Way to Touch the Power of Yosemite Lower Yosemite Fall is the most accessible, most visited, and most photographed section of Yosemite Falls—North America’s tallest waterfall. It may be the shortest section of the 2,425-foot drop, but standing near its thunderous base is an unforgettable experience. You don’t need to … Read more
Mirror Lake: When Timing and Curiosity Reveal One of Yosemite’s Most Peaceful Corners Let’s be honest: Mirror Lake is not a lake most of the year, and it can feel more like a tourist funnel than a backcountry escape. But when you time it right—or take the road less traveled—this mellow stretch of Tenaya Canyon … Read more
Bridalveil Fall Trail: The Most Underrated Stop in Yosemite Valley “If you only have time for a few stops, don’t miss this one. Bridalveil is the soul of Yosemite’s entrance.” Some places just hit different every single time—and Bridalveil Fall is one of them. Despite its relatively short trail and easy access, this is one … Read more
Cathedral Lakes Trail Guide: Yosemite’s High Sierra Icon Cathedral Lakes is one of those hikes that almost everyone does in Yosemite High country—and almost everyone experiences differently. This is the hike that I recommend to friends that want to experience Yosemite, but might not want a full back country commitment. This was my first hike … Read more
Sometimes, Yosemite’s most soul-stirring hikes don’t begin in the valley. They start high, stay quiet, and lead you to unexpected encounters with Half Dome, wildlife, and waterfalls the crowds will never see. This loop from May Lake Trailhead to Mt. Watkins and Snow Creek is a lesser-known route that offers a unique perspective of Yosemite … Read more
An Underground Wonder Returns for the 2025 Season | By Charlie Pankey, Sierra Rec Magazine After four long years of silence, the echoing chambers of Crystal Cave are finally ready to welcome adventurers once again. Tucked deep within the granite heart of Sequoia National Park, this marble masterpiece is set to reopen its gates to … Read more