Sierra National Parks including Lassen Volcanic, Yosemite, Sequoia, Kings Canyon, Death Valley and other regional Parks with in driving distance.
Key Reservation Dates Announced for Popular Yosemite Campgrounds March 14, 2025 – After an unexpected delay, Yosemite National Park has officially announced the new release dates for summer 2025 campground reservations. If you’re planning a camping trip to Yosemite between June 15 and August 14, here’s what you need to know: New Release Schedule for … Read more
As winter fades and spring temperatures settle into the Sierra and the California desert, it’s the perfect time to plan a trip to Death Valley National Park. With mild daytime temperatures, ideal stargazing conditions, and ranger-led programs, early 2025 offers visitors a chance to experience the park’s striking landscapes and night skies without the sweltering … Read more
When it comes to outdoor exploration, nothing stirs the soul quite like the mystery of the wilderness and the thrill of uncovering unexplored gems. If you’re an Outdoor Enthusiast, a Weekend Explorer, or a Family Adventurer, this blog post is designed to light a fire under your sense of adventure while keeping your journey safe, … Read more
A Podcast Interview with Kate Holden of Madera County In our latest episode of the Sierra Rec Now Podcast, we had the pleasure of hosting Kate Holden from Visit Madera and yosemitethisyear.com . With her extensive background—including her unique experience as a Yosemite ranger—Kate offers an insider’s look at what makes Madera County one of … Read more
Discover the Hidden Gems of Joshua Tree National Park Tomorrow on the Sierra Rec Now Podcast, we are thrilled to welcome Alice Ford, an award-winning adventure filmmaker, travel host, stuntwoman, and sustainability expert! 🌍🎥 Alice’s passion for the outdoors has taken her across the globe, and now she’s bringing that energy to our show. Alice … Read more
Springtime in Visalia: A Bloom-Filled Southern Sierra Adventure Spring in the Visalia region is nothing short of magical. As winter fades, the orchards of Tulare County explode with color, creating one of California’s most unique and stunning springtime experiences. Whether you’re looking for a scenic drive through pink and white blossoms near Visalia, a gateway … Read more
Update March 14, 2025 – Yosemite National Park today announced plans to start Camp Ground Reservations for select campgrounds starting March 24th, 2025 – If you’re planning a camping trip to Yosemite between June 15 and August 14, here’s what you need to know: New Release Schedule for Wawona, Hodgdon Meadow, & Upper Pines (Sites … Read more
Stargazing is one of the most awe-inspiring ways to connect with the natural world, and America’s national parks provide some of the darkest skies and clearest views of the cosmos. A recent study by Lake.com identified the best national parks for stargazing, highlighting places where light pollution is minimal, and the stars shine brightly. On … Read more
Discover Hidden Gems in the Sierra: Your Ultimate Guide to Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks Are you ready to trade your indoor routine for towering trees, cascading waterfalls, and jaw-dropping vistas? Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are calling, and these underrated gems promise adventure, serenity, and the chance to immerse yourself in nature … Read more
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
In the summer of 2023 my wife and I took an epic journey around the Southern tip of the Sierra. Home of the Kern river and the Kaweah river basins. After a day of river rafting the Kern river we headed up the Great Western divide and over into Three Rivers California and the base … Read more
Get ready to pack your bags and lace up those hiking boots! Yosemite National Park has announced its six fee-free days for 2025. These special dates are your golden opportunity to experience one of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world without paying an entrance fee. Mark your calendars for: While entrance fees are waived … Read more
New Year’s Day has always carried a special energy for me—a promise of fresh starts, new goals, and a chance to embrace life’s adventures with renewed enthusiasm. Over the past eight years, I’ve developed a tradition of kicking off each year with a winter excursion. This year, I returned to one of my favorite destinations: … Read more
The Yosemite Conservancy recently announced Cassius M. Cash as its new president and CEO, bringing a fresh perspective to lead the organization’s mission of conservation, public engagement, and environmental education. Set to assume his new role in January 2025, Cash has a profound background in conservation , having served as superintendent of Great Smoky Mountains … 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
An Interview with Withanee Milligan Co Author of Walk of Ages Today on the Sierra Rec Now podcast , host and Publisher Charlie Pankey welcomes Withanee Milligan, the co-author of Walk of Ages, an inspiring memoir that captures one of the most challenging yet meaningful adventures of her life. This extraordinary tale began as a … 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
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
Capturing the Sierra’s Beauty and Tragedy Through the Lens of Joy Pan Amateur photographer Joy Pan has captured the awe-inspiring beauty of the Sierra Nevada while also documenting the harsh realities of the region’s wildfire season on a recent family vacation trip to Sequoia National Park.. Her images highlight both the stunning natural scenery and … 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
Unveiling Hidden Gems and Creating Lasting Memories in Yosemite National Park I’ve returned to Yosemite’s high country for the past seven summers, each trip revealing new wonders among the granite peaks and alpine lakes of the High Cathedral Range. I’ve trekked through the rugged beauty near Mt. Conness and North Peak and swooned beneath the … Read more
If you’re one who enjoys epic peaks and alpine lakes, Kearsarge Pass is the hike for you. Clocking in at approximately 14 miles round trip within 3 days, the Kearsarge Pass to Kearsarge Lakes Trail most definitely filled my desire for an impressive High Sierra adventure. The trailhead is located at the end of Onion … Read more
Death Valley might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think about a family camping trip, but it’s a hidden gem that has the potential to offer unforgettable experiences. Despite the less-than-appealing name, this vast desert landscape in California is known for its dramatic scenery, unique wildlife, and rich history. If … Read more
As the vibrant hues of autumn paint the Sierra Nevada, there’s a special celebration taking shape in the quiet town of Wawona inside Yosemite National Park. The Redwoods In Yosemite , a beloved destination for travelers seeking the beauty of nature and the comforts of home, is marking its 75th anniversary this year. For decades, … Read more
SEQUOIA PARKS CONSERVANCY AND SEQUOIA AND KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS INVITE YOU TO “DISCOVER THE DARK” AT THE 11TH ANNUAL DARK SKY FESTIVAL THREE RIVERS, CA – Sequoia Parks Conservancy, in partnership with Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, is thrilled to announce the return of the highly anticipated Dark Sky Festival to Sequoia and … Read more
The giant forest in Sequoia National Park is a special place in the Sierra Nevada. It was discovered in 1858 by local Hale Tharp, guided by a native Indian search party. Later named the Giant Forest by John Muir is not only the largest display of Giant Sequoia in the Sierra but is most recognized … Read more
Yosemite’s North Entrance Gets a Luxurious Upgrade Imagine waking up not to the cacophony of hawkers and bars, but to the gentle chirping of birds and the rustling of leaves. Breathe in crisp mountain air, invigorating your senses after a restful slumber in a luxurious cottage. Firefall Ranch isn’t your average hotel ; it’s a … Read more
As a seasoned backpacker, I find myself drawn to the vast Wilderness of California’s Sierra Nevada each summer. This past June, I embarked on a five-day adventure through Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, a journey that left me awestruck by the sheer scale of nature’s beauty and the resilience of the human spirit. While … Read more
Calling all Yosemite campers! Crane Flat Campground, a popular destination for over a hundred thousand visitors annually, has finally reopened its doors after a four-year renovation project. The $9.8 million dollar investment, funded by the Great American Outdoors Act, has transformed the campground from well-loved to luxurious. “I hope people come back and notice how … Read more
The continuing saga of learning to Paddleboard in the Sierra. Yosemite National Park holds a special place in my heart. Over the past decade, I’ve become a regular visitor, making the trip 4-6 times a year. Tenaya Lake, centrally located between May Lake and Cathedral Peak at the foot of the Cathedral Range, is always … Read more
Lassen Volcanic National Park, a wonderland of geothermal wonders and dramatic volcanic landscapes, beckons adventurers with its diverse offerings. During a recent four-day exploration of the Lake Almanor and Lassen Volcanic National Park region, we embarked on a captivating day hike to Widow Lake, a hidden gem located behind the stunning landscape of Butte Lake. … Read more
Celebrating Milestones: The 25th Anniversary of the Desert Pucker Camp Shirt Imagine Yosemite Valley in the 1960s. Camp 4 is buzzing with a vibrant community of climbers. Among them are two young and brilliant climbing maven, Royal Robbins, already a legendary climber pushing the boundaries of the sport, and Liz Burkner, a newcomer with wanderlust … Read more
I’ve always been captivated by Yosemite National Park and all of the hiking opportunities the iconic National Park has to offer, but I haven’t explored much of the trails a bit outside of the park along Tioga Pass Road until a recent, somewhat spontaneous trip to Tioga Peak. During an early June camping trip to … Read more
Cedar Grove Roars Back to Life in Kings Canyon National Park! Calling all Sierra adventurers! Mark your calendars for June 10th, 2024, because Cedar Grove in Kings Canyon National Park is finally reopening its doors to the public! After a long closure due to significant road damage from winter storms in 2022-2023, this beloved wilderness … Read more
Yosemite Announces the Opening of Tioga Pass 2024 – June 10th. Get ready to dust off your hiking boots and stock up on bug spray, Sierra Nevada adventurers, because HEAVEN OPENS on MONDAY, JUNE 10th! That’s right, folks, Yosemite National Park is THRILLED to announce the official HIGH COUNTRY SEASON KICKOFF with the reopening of … Read more
MINERAL, CA – May 28, 2023 — The Manzanita Lake Camper Store, operated by authorized concessioner ExplorUs, is scheduled to open on June 1. Located at the entrance to the Manzanita Lake Campground in the northwest section of the park, the Camper Store offers ready-to-go meals and picnic supplies, such as hot and cold sandwiches, snacks, … Read more
Brokeoff Mountain, Lassen Volcanic National Park’s second-highest peak, offers a challenging 7.4-mile round trip hike with an elevation gain of over 2,600 feet. Renowned for its diverse terrain and breathtaking vistas, Brokeoff rewards determined hikers with an unforgettable experience. Insider’s Tip: A Local Favorite Planning your Lassen adventure? Take a cue from seasoned park enthusiasts. … Read more
