By Charlie Pankey The Best Travel Backpack I’ve Ever Owned I’m 56 years old, and for most of my life my travel strategy could best be described as… a duffel bag. Throw everything inside, zip it shut, and hope I remembered socks. If you asked my wife to describe my packing style, she’d probably refer … Read more
A Story About Preparedness, Perspective, and Why the Little Things Matter on the Trail There are moments in the mountains that stay with you — not because of the view, but because of what they teach you. This week’s Sierra Rec Now episode opens with one of those memories. A late-afternoon descent from Cathedral Lakes … Read more
2025 projects repaired 30+ trails, recruited 400+ volunteers MISSOULA, Mont. – Building off of the success of 2025’s Trail Revival Projects which repaired 30+ trials, recruited 400+ volunteers, and donated more than $50,000 to offroad clubs and groups across the country – onX Offroad today announced that it is searching for applicants for 2026 Trail Revival Projects.. Anyone … Read more
In the Sierra, we don’t just celebrate one season at a time — we chase them both. This weekend, Carson City and the Eastern Sierra are glowing with autumn color while snow-dusted peaks above Carson Valley whisper that ski season is just around the corner. It’s that sweet overlap where pumpkins meet powder — where … Read more
By Sierra Rec Magazine Staff | August 7, 2025 Lake Tahoe, CA/NV — Trail lovers, rejoice! Just one week into August, the Tahoe Rim Trail Association (TRTA) has already hit its $15,000 fundraising goal for its annual “Raise the Rim” campaign—and the momentum is still building. “This early success is a testament to how much … Read more
If you love hiking, biking, or exploring the beautiful trails around Bear Valley, here’s your chance to give back while connecting with your community. This Saturday, July 12th, the Bear Valley Trail Stewardship is hosting a Trail Work Day, inviting local trail users to help maintain and improve some of your favorite local routes. Trail … Read more
Mammoth Lakes, CA — July 2025 | This weekend, the Mammoth Lakes community marks a milestone long in the making: the official opening of the Sherwin Trails Recreation Area, a vision nurtured since 2009 and now brought to life with a new paved trailhead, restrooms, and the first of many miles of planned trails at … Read more
Words & Photos by Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Magazine Sponsored by Mountain House, EXPED, and Nestout Summer is finally here, and with it comes our favorite way to explore the Sierra: boondocking adventures that get us closer to trailheads, earlier on the trail, and deeper into the wild. This past weekend, we kicked off … Read more
Ride, Paddle, and Savor the West Shore By Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Magazine If you’re searching for a place to slow down, breathe in the high mountain air, and reconnect with the simple joys of outdoor travel, Lake Almanor’s western shore is waiting. Anchored by one of the most scenic and accessible trails in … Read more
By Charlie Pankey, Sierra Rec Magazine Escape the crowds and experience one of the Eastern Sierra’s most rewarding early-season alpine hikes. Hiding just off Highway 108, Leavitt Lake is a rugged, high-elevation gem near the summit of Sonora Pass that offers solitude, snowmelt waterfalls, and glacier-fed beauty just as the Sierra awakens in late spring. … Read more
Olympic Valley Becomes the Epicenter of Trail Running This June with Broken Arrow, TrailCon, and the Western States 100 Olympic Valley, CA — June 2025 — If you’re a trail runner, a fan of endurance sports, or simply someone who thrives on high-altitude energy and community vibes, Palisades Tahoe is where you want to be … Read more
By Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Magazine There’s a saying that echoes through the backcountry this time of year: trails aren’t born—they’re built. And in Bear Valley, that truth couldn’t be more real in 2025. As the snow melts and the first wildflowers break through the forest floor, Bear Valley’s beloved trail system is waking … Read more
By Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Magazine There’s something ancient about the sound of a fast-moving creek echoing through a canyon. It’s a sound that draws you in—pulls you toward mystery, motion, and a little bit of magic. On a warm spring morning just west of Chester, California, I found myself exploring that sound along … Read more
From Balloons to Bass Boats—A Sierra Weekend That Had It All By Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Magazine Some weekends remind us just how wide the emotional spectrum of adventure can be. What started as a joyful Friday morning soaring above the Carson Valley in a hot air balloon ended with still water and quiet … Read more
TAHOE CITY, Calif. – One of Tahoe’s most beloved lakeside trails is getting a much-needed upgrade this summer. The Tahoe City Public Utility District (TCPUD) has announced a full reconstruction of 2.4 miles of the West Shore Trail, stretching from Sunnyside to Blackwood Creek—a scenic corridor known for its peaceful lake views, walkable access, and … Read more
🎙 New Episode of Sierra Rec Now Podcast If you’ve ever hiked a scenic trail near Truckee and paused to take in the views of meadows, lakes, or peaks, there’s a good chance the Truckee Donner Land Trust (TDLT) had something to do with it. In our latest Sierra Rec Now Podcast, I sat down … Read more
Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship Opens New Acorn Grotto Trail If you’ve ever bombed down Mount Hough, you know it’s not just a ride—it’s a full-blown rollercoaster of flow, tech, and big Sierra views. And now, thanks to the absolute legends at Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship, we’ve got a brand-new reason to load the bikes and … 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
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
Climb into and Out of the Lakes Basin on the Rim Loop for a great Day hike Discover the pristine beauty of the Lakes Basin near Graeagle with this epic 7.5-mile loop. Beginning at the Bear Lake trailhead, this adventure takes you on a journey through some of the most picturesque alpine scenery in the … Read more
Big Lake is a gem of the Emigrant Wilderness. The journey there is as rewarding as the destination itself, with trails winding through diverse terrains, from lush meadows to rugged granite slabs. The lake’s remote setting ensures a tranquil escape, perfect for fishing or simply soaking in the panoramic views. While the journey requires effort, … 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
As snowstorms swirled across the Sierra Nevada and the Lake Tahoe Basin last Saturday, I felt the familiar pull to lace up my boots and hit the trail. Staying close to home in the Carson Valley, my longtime hiking buddy, Tom, and I decided to explore the Sierra Canyon section of the Genoa Trail System. … Read more
Location: Mokelumne Wilderness, Alpine County CaliforniaTrail Length: Approximately 8 milesElevation Change: 2,500’Trailheads: Trail Highlights: Thornburg Canyon offers adventurers a mix of stunning landscapes, rich history, and invigorating challenges. This trail winds through the rugged beauty of the Mokelumne Wilderness, making it a must-visit destination for hikers seeking a memorable outdoor experience. Starting Your Journey Western … Read more
Explore the Sierra Like Never Before: AllTrails’ Offline National Park Guides – The Perfect Holiday Gift The Sierra Nevada is home to some of the most breathtaking national parks in the world—Yosemite, Sequoia, Kings Canyon, Lassen Volcanic, and even the rugged beauty of Death Valley. Each offers unique experiences and miles of trails to explore. … Read more
TAHOE CITY, Calif. — If you’re a regular on Tahoe’s trails, get ready for an exciting update: the Tahoe City Public Utility District (TCPUD) has just completed a major reconstruction project on the North Shore Trail, adding more safety features and smoother paths. This well-loved multi-use trail, which winds along the north shore of Lake … Read more
Truckee Ca. – Last night, the Truckee Trails Association, alongside the Tahoe National Forest, held a vibrant ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the grand opening of the Sawtooth Loop Trail in the Sawtooth Day Use Recreational Area. This trail is a winding single-track loop through a mix of high desert and Jeffrey Pine Forest. It gains … Read more
The Truckee Trails Foundation (TTF) and the U.S. Forest Service have opened up some exciting new terrain in the Sawtooth Ridge area, designed for everyone from mountain bikers and motorcyclists to families and outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds. This effort highlights the growing popularity of our backcountry trails and the need for sustainable, inclusive designs. … Read more
Visitors to Spooner Lake State Park should be aware of several important trail closures and safety updates starting this month due to ongoing construction and a recent gas leak. 🚧 Trail Closures for Dam and Pipeline Replacements: Beginning Monday, October 21, 2024, multiple trails from the Lakeview Trailhead to the Tahoe Rim Trail will be … Read more
Lace up the sneakers and join a fun new event in the foothills of Carson City. The Carson Valley Trail association invites all to the inaugural 5K Trail run at James Lee Park Saturday the 19th. Trail running enthusiasts and families alike will love the opportunity to participate in the inaugural Run the Valley event … Read more
Trail Alert Tahoe – Crews Masticating Vegetation Near Neighborhoods to Reduce Wildfire Risk LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., Oct. 7, 2024 – Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT) forest thinning projects are underway and scheduled to continue through this fall, conditions and weather permitting. The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit will be masticating around the … Read more
Timing is everything in life. In the world of e-bikes the news this week that Tahoe National Forest and the Tahoe basin is opening up over 100 miles of trails for Class 1 e-bikes, giving riders even more ways to experience the breathtaking landscapes of the Lake Tahoe region. With new trail networks like the … Read more
Geothermal Pipeline Maintenance to Impact Roads and Trails Near Shady Rest Park in Mammoth Lakes MAMMOTH LAKES, Calif. — Beginning September 30, 2024, essential geothermal pipeline maintenance will cause temporary road and trail closures near Shady Rest Park in Mammoth Lakes, impacting popular routes such as Sawmill Road, Highway 203, and the Knolls Loop Trail. … Read more
Basin Wide Trails Analysis Project in Lake Tahoe: What It Means for Trail Enthusiasts and E-Bike usage SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. — In exciting news for outdoor enthusiasts and trail lovers, the USDA Forest Service’s Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) has released the final Environmental Assessment (EA) and Draft Decision Notice (DN) for the … Read more
Ebbetts Pass is more than just a scenic drive; it’s a portal to some of the Sierra Nevada’s most pristine wilderness and day trip adventures. With its towering peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and winding trails, this iconic pass offers exceptional backpacking experiences that deliver on the quality solitude sought by most. A great place to target … Read more
The John Muir Trail (JMT) and John Muir Wilderness is a rite of passage for many backpackers across California. It’s a beast of a trail, no doubt, but it’s also a magnet for crowds even with trail quotas and lotteries. Destinations like Mt Whitney and the High Sierra Trail and Kearsarge Pass are iconic adventure … Read more
Unveiling the Pines to Mines Trail – The Missing Link Connecting Truckee to Nevada City In the heart of the Sierra Nevada, where rugged peaks meet sprawling forests and crystalline lakes, a new adventure is about to unfold. The Truckee Trails Foundation, in collaboration with the United States Forest Service, Nevada County, Bear Yuba Land … Read more
Family-Friendly Adventures Await in Reno Tahoe’s Backyard Craving a break from the everyday grind? Do you and your crew dream of wide-open spaces, crisp mountain air, and the calming whisper of nature that blesses us in Reno Tahoe! Here, the great outdoors beckons, offering a haven for families seeking adventure (and relaxation) without venturing far … 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
The Sierra Nevada, a mountain range brimming with, snow-capped peaks, presents a compelling challenge for adventurous climbers seeking a thrilling winter expedition. These icy summits, draped in a pristine white blanket, beckon the brave and the bold, promising an unparalleled, adrenaline-fueled adventure. I was recently reading a forum question posted on summitpost.org regarding how insane … Read more
