By Sierra Rec Magazine Staff | June 6, 2025 LA PORTE, CA — As summer recreation ramps up in the Sierra, visitors to Little Grass Valley Reservoir should be aware of a partial closure at Wyandotte Campground, where a pair of nesting bald eagles is raising two young eaglets. The Plumas National Forest has announced … Read more
After four years of closures due to wildfire, floods, and landslides, Crystal Cave in Sequoia National Park has finally reopened—and we’ve got the inside scoop. Join Sierra Rec Now host Charlie Pankey in this exclusive interview with Pani Schauffler of Mountain Trekking Adventures, one of the first media guests invited into the newly restored cave. … Read more
By Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Magazine There’s a moment in the Sierra when the light doesn’t just fade — it transforms. Long after the sun dips below the horizon, a hush falls across the granite. And then it begins: that soft blush of pink, the golden-orange whisper that climbs the peaks like a final … Read more
Thinking of visiting Yosemite this summer? Don’t hit the road without listening to this essential episode! Charlie sits down with Kim Lawson, Communications Director for Visit Mariposa County, to unpack everything you need to know about Yosemite’s 2025 vehicle reservation system — including how to get around it, secret ways in, and why Mariposa County … Read more
Join Charlie Pankey of Sierra Rec Now for a conversation with Bobby Smith, the local behind High Elevation Kayak and Bike Rentals in Lake Almanor. In this episode, we explore: The incredible outdoor experiences available in Chester and Lake Almanor Bobby’s unique fleet of rental gear — including kayaks, row yaks, water bikes, and mountain … Read more
The High Sierra Music Festival turns 33!In this episode of Sierra Rec Now, Charlie sits down with Dave Margulies, from High Sierra Music Festival to talk all things 2025 — from the eclectic artist lineup to family-friendly vibes, late-night campsite jams, and why Quincy, CA, is the perfect place to celebrate music and community in … Read more
Fishing Lake Tahoe 365: Captains Zach & Zach of Tahoe Sports Fishing Share Big Fish Stories, Local Tips & the Tahoe Triple Love the idea of reeling in a 30-pound lake trout while surrounded by snow-capped peaks? Ever wondered how it’s possible to fish, ski, and hike all in one day in Lake Tahoe? In … Read more
Truckee’s trail network is thriving — and the Truckee Donner Land Trust is leading the charge. In this episode, we’re joined by Greyson Howard and Jesse Cassidy from the Truckee Donner Land Trust to talk about the exciting progress being made on local trails, including the long-anticipated southern section of the Donner Lake Rim Trail. … Read more
Hot Air for Hope 2025 is taking flight!In this episode of Sierra Rec Now, host Charlie Pankey welcomes back Amanda Johnson, co-founder and director of the Hot Air for Hope Balloon Festival in Carson Valley, Nevada. Set for May 16–18, 2025, this free, family-friendly festival continues to grow—this year featuring over 30 hot air balloons, … Read more
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, CA — Just when you thought spring in the Sierra was warming up, Clean Up The Lake (CUTL) is here to remind us that the waters of Lake Tahoe haven’t gotten the memo yet. This Saturday, May 10th, brave souls from around the basin will gather at Lakeside Beach for a chilly … Read more
Capital to Canada Quest Series | Episode 3 – Julianne Mahoney: Ultralight Thru-Hiker, Artist, and Joyful Lollygagger In the final episode of our three-part Capital to Canada Quest series, we meet the one-of-a-kind Julianne Mahoney — ultralight backpacker, ultra-marathoner, trail artist, and a proud representative of Carson City, Nevada on her Pacific Crest Trail journey. … Read more
By Charlie Pankey, Publisher – Sierra Rec Magazine Let’s be honest—when Yosemite National Park first rolled out timed-entry systems a few years back, it felt like a punch to the gut for spontaneous Sierra adventurers. For many of us who live nearby or travel often to the park’s quiet corners, the idea of needing a … Read more
Capital to Canada Quest Series | Episode 2: Meet Audrey “Glowstick” Payne – Thru-Hiker, Storyteller, and Quest Ambassador In this second episode of our Capital to Canada Quest podcast series, we meet one of the incredible hikers selected to take on the 1,600-mile challenge from Carson City, Nevada to the Canadian border along the Pacific … Read more
Episode 2 – Meet Audrey “Glowstick” Payne — Thru-Hiker, Storyteller & Capital to Canada Quest Ambassador By Charlie Pankey – Sierra Rec Magazine | April 30, 2025 This week on the Sierra Rec Now podcast, we continue our Capital to Canada Quest Series by introducing one of the two bold hikers chosen to take on … Read more
Welcome to the kickoff of a very special three-part podcast series on the Capital to Canada Quest, an exciting new 1,600-mile hiking challenge that follows the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) from Carson City, Nevada all the way to the Canadian border! 🌲🥾 In today’s episode, we sit down with Lydia Beck from Visit Carson City … Read more
Plan a Perfect Sierra Weekend East of Lake Tahoe Looking for a fiery and flavorful detour during your Sierra travels this May? Mark your calendar for a sizzling weekend as Virginia City brings the heat with the 42nd Annual Chili on the Comstock, taking place Saturday and Sunday, May 17–18, 2025. If you’re planning a … Read more
What makes Carson Valley one of the best-kept summer secrets in the Sierra Nevada? Join Sierra Rec Now host Charlie Pankey as he interviews Maggi Vandenburg from the Carson Valley Inn, and uncover why this scenic valley is becoming a favorite summer escape. 🎶 From outdoor concerts at TJ Corral to the valley’s rising food … Read more
Earth Day Festival in South Lake Tahoe Saturday, April 19 South Lake Tahoe, CA (April 15, 2025) – The annual South Tahoe Earth Day festivities are returning to Lake Tahoe Community College on Saturday, April 19 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Featuring more than 20 educational booths, it is an opportunity for adults and … Read more
In this episode of Sierra Rec Now, we head into the heart of the Sierra with James O’Neill, co-founder of Sierra Summit Expeditions, and Kelsey Bollman, a seasoned trail guide and thru-hiker. Together, they share how their guided backpacking adventures are helping beginners take their first steps into the backcountry—and how experienced hikers can expand … Read more
🎶 July 12 – August 10, 2025 | Incline Village, NV If you’ve never experienced the fusion of fine music and alpine serenity, this is your year. Classical Tahoe returns for its 14th season, inviting visitors and locals alike to soak up the summer sounds of orchestral, jazz, and chamber music under the pine-scented skies … Read more
In this episode of Sierra Rec Now, we welcome back Seth Diemel from Aspen Meadow Pack Station — a lifelong guide and passionate steward of the Emigrant Wilderness. This week, we dive into two incredible ways you can explore the backcountry this summer: 🐴 Family Horseback Trips – Seth shares his go-to routes for introducing … Read more
Featuring Seth Diemel from Aspen Meadow Pack Station on the Sierra Rec Now Podcast Looking for a summer adventure into the less-crowded corners of the Sierra Nevada? Whether you’re a family introducing your kids to backpacking or a solo hiker wanting to go light and go deep, this week’s episode of Sierra Rec Now is … Read more
Inyo National Forest and Town of Mammoth Lakes Invite Input By Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Magazine – Trails & Stewardship If you’ve ever wandered the beautiful meadows of Sherwin meadows in Mammoth or climbed the dusty singletrack behind Mammoth Rock, you already know: the Sherwin area is one of the most beloved front-country escapes … Read more
Plumas National Forest – Now Accepting 2025 Applications for Camp ground Hosts If spending your summer surrounded by pine-scented breezes, quiet mountain mornings, and starlit evenings sounds like a dream—you might just be the perfect fit for a campground host role in Plumas National Forest. The U.S. Forest Service is now accepting applications for volunteer … Read more
In this episode of Sierra Rec Now, we break down the major 2025 trail closures affecting Lake Tahoe’s East Shore near Marlette Lake due to critical dam repairs. These closures, which began March 31 and extend through 2026, include popular mountain biking and hiking routes like North Canyon Road, Marlette Lake Trail, and sections of … Read more
Welcome to Sierra Rec Now! In this episode, we kick off our new Carson Valley series with local legend Adam DeVargas, founder of Full Access Tahoe and a Polaris Adventures partner. Adam takes us behind the wheel (literally and figuratively) into the less-traveled, high-reward terrain of the Carson Range, East Ridge above Lake Tahoe, and … Read more
Exploring the Sierra One Story at a time In this episode of the Sierra Rec Now Podcast, we dive deep into the thrilling world of whitewater rafting in the Sierra Nevada with Jeremiah Cooper and Eva, owners of . Based in Northern California, Tributary is one of the region’s most respected and experienced rafting outfitters, … Read more
If you’re planning a trip to Yosemite National Park via State Route 140 out of Mariposa, you’ll need to adjust your route. Caltrans has issued a long-term full closure of SR-140 near Briceburg in Mariposa County due to a significant debris slide that occurred late Monday night, March 17, 2025. March 26,2025 Update #TrafficAlert Caltrans … Read more
Experience the Bodie Hotel in Bridgeport CaliforniaThe Bodie Hotel is more than just a place to stay—it’s a living piece of Sierra Nevada history. In this episode of the Sierra Rec Now Podcast, we sit down with Jeff and Jo Hebert, the new owners of this iconic hotel in Bridgeport, California. Originally located in the … Read more
After delays, Yosemite National Park has confirmed the summer 2025 campground reservation release dates! 🌲🏕️ 🗓️ March 24, 7 AM PDT → Reservations open for June 15 – July 14 arrivals🗓️ March 31, 7 AM PDT → Reservations open for July 15 – August 14 arrivals 🎟️ Book at Recreation.gov – campsites sell out within … Read more
In this episode of Sierra Rec Now, host Charlie Pankey sits down with Rich Booher, the driving force behind Mammoth Off-Road Adventures, to talk about exploring the Eastern Sierra like never before! 🚜💨 As part of the Polaris Outdoor Adventure Network, Rich and his team take guests on thrilling off-road tours deep into the Mammoth … Read more
For the first time ever, we welcome back a repeat guest—Colin West, founder of Clean Up The Lake—to share exciting news about the launch of Make A Difference Creative and its new documentary series, “What Lies Unseen.” This gripping new YouTube series takes viewers beneath the surface of our mountain lakes, revealing the hidden litter, … Read more
In this episode of the Sierra Rec Now Podcast, hostCharlie Pankey sits down with Kate Holden from Visit Madera and yosemitethisyear.com to dive into the wonders of Madera County—the Southern Gateway to Yosemite. With firsthand insights from her time as a Yosemite ranger, Kate reveals the magic behind scenic train rides, the allure of Bass … Read more
Skiers and snowboarders, get ready! Palisades Tahoe is bringing back a community favorite—the Town Race League Series—to celebrate the resort’s 75th anniversary. This legendary race series, which has been on hiatus for several years, is returning with a fresh lineup of themed race nights, friendly competition, and an unbeatable après atmosphere. If you’re looking for … Read more
🌍 Adventure, Travel, and Sustainability with Alice Ford! 🎥✨ In this episode of the Sierra Rec Now Podcast, we sit down with Alice Ford—award-winning adventure filmmaker, PBS travel host, stuntwoman, and sustainability expert! Alice shares her passion for outdoor exploration, filmmaking, and conservation, along with her perfect day in Joshua Tree National Park. 🌵☀️ 🔹 … Read more
When you’re out on the trail, the right snack can make all the difference. Over my years of hiking he Sierra I have gone through a variety of changes as it comes to trail snacks. From basic nut mixes, to dried fruit, to trail bars, I find one of the things that I wont put … Read more
In this episode ofSierra Rec Now, we sit down with Cory Pargee, Executive Director of the Feather River Land Trust, and Sophia Micheletti from their communications team to discuss the brand-newSierra Valley Preserve Nature Center. Learn about this remarkable new destination in the Sierra Valley, its unique ecology, and why it’s a must-visit for nature … Read more
Minden NV — February 8, 2025 — Sierra Rec Magazine, a premier digital publication dedicated to hiking, backpacking, and outdoor recreation in the Sierra Nevada, has been recognized as one of the Top 10 Backpacking Magazines on the Web by Feedspot. The selection, curated by Feedspot’s panel of experts, highlights Sierra Rec Magazine’s dedication to … Read more
This week on Sierra Rec Now, we sit down with Carl Ribaudo—tourism analyst, strategist, and industry thought leader. Carl shares his unique perspectives on Sierra Nevada tourism, hidden gems he’s discovered over the years, and how visitors can contribute to the long-term success of the region. Since COVID, the Sierra Nevada has seen an influx … Read more
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — The Bureau of Land Management Central California District is hosting virtual public and stakeholder meetings to gather input on the development of off-highway vehicle grant proposals for submission to the California State Parks Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division. Grants support off-highway vehicle management activities, including visitor services, law enforcement, resource protection, planning and … Read more
