Audrey Payne’s 2,650-Mile Pacific Crest Trail Journey: From Carson City to Canada on the Capital to Canada Quest This summer, long-distance hiker Audrey Payne set out to do what few ever complete—walk the entire Pacific Crest Trail from Mexico to Canada.As the first participant in the Capital to Canada Quest, Audrey became the only hiker … Read more
When most travelers picture winter in the Sierra Nevada, they picture Tahoe. Deep snow. Packed parking lots. Lift lines. High elevation drama. What they rarely picture — is Carson City. And honestly, that might be one of the biggest misses Sierra travelers still make every year. Because Carson City in winter is not a consolation … Read more
By Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Magazine – Sierra Rec Now Podcast A Journey That Began in Carson City When Julianne Mahoney set out from Carson City, Nevada, last spring, she wasn’t chasing a record. She was chasing connection — to herself, to the land, and to a growing community of hikers who had fallen … Read more
Carson City, NV — September 26, 2025 Carson City is preparing to welcome home one of its most inspiring adventurers. Audrey Payne—trail name Glowstick—will return on Friday, September 26 at 10:00 a.m. at the Kings Canyon Waterfall Trailhead to celebrate the completion of her 1,600-mile Carson City to Canada Quest, a journey that was also … Read more
CARSON CITY, Nev. — August 27, 2025 — The steps of Nevada’s State Capitol turned into a stage of celebration yesterday morning as family, friends, and outdoor enthusiasts gathered to welcome Julianne Mahoney home. After 59 days and 1,600 miles, Mahoney became the first hiker to complete the Capital to Canada Quest, averaging 27 miles … Read more
By Charlie Pankey – Sierra Rec Magazine | May 3, 2025 The final installment of our Capital to Canada Quest podcast series is here — and it’s filled with laughter, wisdom, and a powerful reminder to slow down and savor the trail. In Episode 3, we meet Julianne Mahoney, a uniquely joyful and soulful adventurer … Read more
By Charlie Pankey – Sierra Rec Magazine | April 29, 2025 What if your summer adventure started not on a mountaintop or forest trail — but at the steps of Nevada’s capital? Today on the Sierra Rec Now podcast, we kick off an exciting new three-part series exploring one of the most ambitious hiking experiences … 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
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
Preserving the Sierra Nevada One Step at a Time For over 30 years, the Sierra Nevada Alliance has been at the forefront of protecting and conserving the majestic Sierra Nevada region. Now, through an inspiring collaboration with Pacific Crest Trail hiker and filmmaker Riordan Cicciu, the Alliance is reaching new heights of awareness and support. … Read more
Why The New Carson City to Canada Quest Opportunity is providing an exciting future for Carson City Hiking Calling all adventurers! The Carson City to Canada Quest is a brand new initiative by Visit Carson City that’s set to ignite a passion for thru-hiking and illuminate the hidden gem that is Nevada’s trail system. This … Read more
PCT Friendly reminder that the first registration period opens on October 24 and stays open until November 3 Pacific Crest Trail Updates – October 13, 2023 – Are you looking for a PCT Long-distance Permit? Lucky you! Here’s your friendly reminder that the first registration period opens on October 24 and stays open until November 3. If you plan on hiking … Read more
The Sierra Nevada Range and the Pacific Crest Trail have a symbiotic relationship regarding recreation and public access. Both draw visitors worldwide and invite hikers/backpackers to a stunning landscape to traverse year-round. However, for most, this opportunity to enjoy the Pacific Crest Trail is seasonal at best. Once the snow flies, the PCT is regarded … Read more
What You Need To Know If Planning a PCT long Distance Hike 2023. If you’re hoping to apply for a permit on the day of the first release, you need to register anytime between October 12 at 10:30 AM Pacific Time and November 1 at 5 PM Pacific Time at permit.pcta.org. Unfortunately, you can only apply on the … Read more
VALLEJO, Calif. — May 2022. The USDA Forest Service (USFS) is releasing its Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail (PCT) Foundation Document — that will guide the future preservation and protection of the PCT — right as the season opens for northbound trail users starting their journey. Since the Trail’s designation in 1968, the USFS has been … Read more
Sierra Rec Magazine – November 3, 2021 – Are you going to be long-distance PCT hiking in 2022? Or taking an epic horseback adventure? The 2022 permit season opens on November 9, 2021, for northbound trips on the PCT starting next spring that are starting south of Sonora Pass. Permits for travel along the Pacific Crest Trail are required in … Read more
Kaiser Pass Road to VVR will open to the public June 1st 2020 Sierra Rec Magazine – May 2020 – Feeling safe to get out in explore in 2020? Does beautiful high country scenery, record brown trout fishing, pine trees and camping sound like your jam for the summer? Vermilion Valley resort located at the … Read more
Lake Users Advised to avoid Water Contact at Red Lake and Indian Creek Reservoir The Alpine County Health Department has been working with The Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board, California Department of Fish and Wildlife (Red Lake), South Tahoe Public Utility District (Indian Creek Reservoir), and the Alpine Watershed Group (AWG) in determining that … Read more
Additional Road Closures for the Ferguson Fire in Yosemite National Park include the West HWY 120 Crane Flat region Awahanee, CA, August 2, 2018 – On Sunday, July 29, 2018, Brian Hughes, 33, Captain of the Arrowhead Interagency Hotshots lost his life battling the Ferguson Fire on the Sierra National Forest. An official memorial website has been established … Read more
IMPROVED USER EXPERIENCE EXPECTED WITH PCT/TRT TAIL REROUTE NEAR ECHO SUMMIT Sierra Rec Magazine- December 7. 2017 – Tahoe Rim Trail / Lake Tahoe – Often when we think about our weekend adventures on the Tahoe Rim Trail we think of the amazing vista views of Lake Tahoe or maybe our favorite backcountry lake to … Read more
The Reds Meadow Valley Road is closed for the 2016 season. The Inyo National Forest makes every effort to keep the Reds Meadow Valley Road open through October 15th. After October 15th, the road remains open until natural conditions such as snow or ice warrants closure of the road. The road temporarily closed for a … Read more
Whitney Portal Road Reconstruction Planned for 2016 – Significant Impacts to Access, Parking The Whitney Portal Road Reconstruction is planned for the 2016 season under a funding request from Inyo County. The road will be re-paved and needs significant repairs for safety. The project begins just west of Lone Pine and ends just east of Whitney … 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 … Read more
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
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
