Sierra Nevada, CA — October 28, 2025This Veterans Day, California State Parks invites all U.S. service members, veterans, and their families to enjoy free admission at more than 140 parks statewide — including some of the Sierra Nevada’s most treasured destinations. “California State Parks is proud to provide free access to veterans who have stood … Read more
By Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Magazine For most people, when you say “Nevada,” one image comes to mind — flashing lights, crowded casinos, and the non-stop buzz of Las Vegas. But for those of us who live along the Sierra Front, we know a different Nevada — one filled with wide-open basins, wild mustangs, … Read more
By Charlie Pankey, Sierra Rec Magazine California State Parks Week Comes to the Sierra Nevada, June 11–15 California State Parks Week returns this June 11–15, and here in the Sierra Nevada, we’ve got every reason to celebrate. With some of the most iconic state parks in the system—Calaveras Big Trees, Donner Memorial, Emerald Bay, and … Read more
Ride the East Shore Express and Reserve Your Spot This Summer Sand Harbor State Park is one of Lake Tahoe’s crown jewels—but with that beauty comes summer crowds. Thankfully, there’s a smarter way to enjoy it in 2025. New Rules, Same Paradise: What You Need to Know If your summer tradition includes lounging on the … Read more
By Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Magazine Lake Tahoe’s East Shore backcountry is facing a major shift this summer — and beyond. As of March 31, 2025, the Nevada Division of State Parks has closed large portions of the trail network around Marlette Lake for critical dam repairs, a project expected to last into 2026. … Read more
Incline Village, NV January 14, 2025 – Nevada State Parks has announced that the day-use reservation system trialed at Sand Harbor State Park in 2024 will become a permanent feature during peak season, starting April 15, 2025. Sand Harbor, renowned for its pristine waters, sandy beaches, and stunning boulder formations, is one of the most … Read more
The new year is just around the corner, and what better way to welcome 2025 than by exploring the stunning landscapes of California? This January 1, California State Parks invites outdoor enthusiasts to join the highly anticipated First Day Hikes. With over 90 guided hikes across more than 70 state parks, this is your chance … Read more
A Disappointment for Lake Tahoe Campers We’ve received some unfortunate news from California State Parks: D.L. Bliss State Park will remain closed for camping and partially closed for day use into summer 2025. This extended closure is necessary to complete essential waterline infrastructure replacement that they started last winter. What Does This Mean for Campers? … Read more
Mammoth Lakes, Calif., October 31, 2023 — To provide for public safety due to the impending storm, the Inyo National Forest has decided to close the Lakes Basin area and Reds Meadow Road this Friday, November 1 at 6:00 p.m. or earlier, depending on weather. National Weather Service Reno is forecasting up to 4-5 inches of … Read more
Underwater divers restoring popular Tahoe-adjacent lake with stewardship funding from Travel North Tahoe Nevada INCLINE VILLAGE, NEV. (OCTOBER 30, 2024) – Travel North Tahoe Nevada (TNTNV) partnered with Tahoe-based nonprofit Clean Up The Lake (CUTL) for an extensive cleanup of Marlette Lake on October 24-25, 2024. With halloween just around the corner tomorrow, we thought we would lead off with … Read more
Department of Interior Investment to Bolster Recreation and Conservation in Nevada and California’s Lake Tahoe Basin Lake Tahoe – The Department of the Interior has announced a landmark $375 million investment for 36 projects across Nevada and the California side of the Lake Tahoe Basin. This funding, derived from land sales in the Las Vegas … Read more
Get ready for an exciting new chapter in conservation efforts at Marlette Lake! After years of planning and dreaming, Clean Up The Lake is thrilled to kick off its first-ever backcountry cleanup at Marlette Lake this week. The initiative, aimed at removing submerged and shoreline litter while performing environmental research, marks a significant milestone for … 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
I’ve roamed far and wide across the Sierra Nevada, immersing myself in the region’s breathtaking natural wonders. Yet, until this past summer, the enigmatic allure of the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest in the White Mountains near Bishop, California, remained an unexplored chapter in my outdoor adventures. A fortuitous window of time before a backpacking expedition … Read more
After the Longboard Skis are Stored Away Spring Comes to Life in this Historic corner of the Northern Sierra Graeagle California – Spring paints Plumas-Eureka State Park in a vibrant palette. Lush greenery replaces winter’s stark beauty, wildflowers burst forth in meadows, Jamison Creek roars to life and the crisp mountain air invigorates the soul. … Read more
Projected schedule for public access during 2024 summer season now available Mammoth Lakes, Calif., January 19, 2024 —Inyo National Forest, partner agencies and contractors responsible for the reconstruction of Reds Meadow Road, which leads to Devil’s Postpile National Monument , are ready to share the projected schedule for the summer 2024 season starting Friday, June 7. … Read more
Discover more in the home of ancient giant trees and jumping frog competitions. California’s Gold Country in Calaveras Count y beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its diverse and captivating landscapes. From the towering peaks of the Sierra Nevada to the tranquil beauty of its rivers, giant forests and valleys, this region is a haven for those … Read more
California State Park Adventure Pass Expands to 54 Participating Parks for All California Fourth Graders and Teachers Get your pass now and start exploring the outdoors for free! SACRAMENTO, Calif. – November 21, 2023 — Just in time for the Thanksgiving holiday, California State Parks, in partnership with First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom and the California … Read more
Mammoth Lakes, Calif., November 8, 2023 — Due to the need for removing additional large trees from Reds Meadow before the impending winter snow, Reds Meadow Road will be now be closed for the winter. While contractors work on the weekdays due to the Reds Meadow Road Reconstruction Project, contractors through the Whitebark Institute are removing … Read more
California State Parks Encourages Off-Highway Vehicle Enthusiasts to ‘Be Off-Road Heroes’ During OHV Safety Week November 11 to 19 SACRAMENTO, Calif.—California State Parks Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR) Division and partners are proud to announce the upcoming fall OHV Safety Week, taking place from November 11 to 19. This semiannual event promotes safe and responsible … Read more
ARNOLD, Calif.— California State Parks today announced that the two monarch giant sequoias known as “The Orphans” at Calaveras Big Trees State Park are alive and no longer stand alone. The sequoias were damaged during a prescribed burn in the park’s North Grove area last fall. Several scientists visited The Orphans on Thursday, October 5, and observed … Read more
Waterline Replacement Project will Close Several West Tahoe Summer Destinations in 2024 TAHOMA, Calif.— California State Parks today announced that D.L. Bliss State Park in the Lake Tahoe Basin will remain temporarily closed through summer 2024. Contract work to replace aging waterlines at the park is ongoing and expected to be completed next year. Work will … Read more
SACRAMENTO, Calif.— With Hurricane Hilary expected to impact several parts of California this weekend and early next week, the California Department of Parks and Recreation (State Parks ) is urging the public to limit outdoor recreation during the storm. Potential heavy rain, strong wind gusts, rip currents, storm surges, flash floods, etc., can be dangerous in … Read more
MAMMOTH LAKES, Calif., July 20, 2023 – Inyo National Forest will open Reds Meadow Road from Minaret Vista to the public tomorrow, July 21 at 8:00 a.m., pending any unforeseen circumstances while clearing hazard trees along the road and in parking lots, while conducting minor pothole repairs on the road. The Reds Meadow Road, which … Read more
Exploring Mono Lake and Bodie State Historic Park Are you looking for a unique and adventurous trip that will take you off the beaten path? Look no further than Mono Lake and Bodie State Historic Park! These two destinations offer a fascinating glimpse into California’s history and natural wonders, just Highway 395 in the Eastern … Read more
Ready for an unforgettable adventure in the heart of the Sierra Nevada mountain range? This majestic area in California and Nevada offers jaw-dropping natural beauty, rich history, and an incredible array of outdoor activities. From mighty peaks and crystal-clear lakes to fascinating historical sites, there’s something for everyone in “A Travelers Guide to State Parks … Read more
Summer Vacations are winding down across the west already. Is there still time for one more Family memory maker in the Sierra? Are you looking for an exciting adventure vacation spot for your family before school starts? While popular destinations like Yosemite and Lake Tahoe are rightfully famous, there are plenty of hidden gems to … Read more
Sierra Rec Magazine Guide to State Parks – Vol1- Special Edition 2023 Tuolumne County Ca – July 2023 – Imagine stepping back in time to experience life during the California Gold Rush. Sounds exciting. Well, buckle up for a journey to Columbia Historic State Park, where the echoes of the past ring loud and clear. … Read more
Located off of Highway 50 and Sawmill rd. near Meyers California , at the base of the breathtaking Echo Summit sits Washoe Meadows State Park. The undeveloped park encompasses a vast expanse of pristine meadows and lush woodlands, providing a serene retreat for visitors seeking solace from the hustle and bustle of tourism in Lake … Read more
Muscle Power and City of Carson City Are Excited To Announce Grand Opening of 5 year Project to Connect Capital City to Spooner State Park Carson City, Nevada – July 6, 2023 – We are inviting everyone to come celebrate with us on July 8th, 2023 from 10 AM-1 PM at Spooner Lake State Park … Read more
SACRAMENTO, Calif.—California State Parks is excited to announce its partnership with innovative location technology, what3words. A new tool in the State Parks toolkit, what3words provides dispatchers with technology to assist visitors in the event they become lost, stranded or who otherwise need help from emergency services. Using this revolutionary technology, State Parks dispatchers will now … Read more
Popular Nevada State Park Warns Visitors of Potentially Harmful Conditions for Pets Washoe Lake State Park – June 29, 2023 – Water samples at Washoe Lake State Park have identified a potential Harmful Algal Bloom. These blooms, made up of Cyanobacteria, are toxic to humans and may be fatal to animals. Visitors and their pets … Read more
California Second Annual state Park week June 14-18th 2023 State parks California, June 2023 – As we head into our Fathers Day weekend a quick reminder that California State parks are celebrating state Parks week this week with special events at 280 California State Parks. If you are looking a fun and educational experiences this … Read more
TAHOMA, Calif.—May 3, 2023 – California State Parks today issued a travel notice for outdoor enthusiasts planning a trip to the Tahoe region, due to the historic snowpack in the Sierra. Many state parks still have 3-6” of snow throughout campgrounds and day-use areas. While temperatures in the forecast should assist the snow in melting, … Read more
With the closure of the Generals highway in Sequoia National Park for the summer of 2023, access to some of the worlds largest trees will be limited to summer travelers. Turning your attention North, to Yosemite and Calaveras big tree state park, might be the perfect vacation alternative is you are seeking the biggest trees … Read more
State Parks, Dept. of Water Resources and CAL FIRE urge the public to take extra precautions as snowmelt increases. SACRAMENTO, Calif.— With this season’s statewide snowpack at 237% of average as of April 3, California State Parks’ Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW), the Department of Water Resources (DWR) and the California Department of Forestry and … Read more
Parks across the state will offer special community events with in-person and virtual programming SACRAMENTO, Calif., — The public is invited to celebrate the second annual California State Parks Week, June 14-18, presented by California State Parks , Save the Redwoods League, Parks California and California State Parks Foundation. Through special community events and in-person and virtual programming, this week-long event celebrates … Read more
Digital Passport Program to Broaden Access and Deepen Engagement Across Nation’s Largest State Park System Developed with OuterSpatial, app invites and informs visitors with an interactive challenge that prompts collection of badges across 200+ parks. California State Parks today enters a new era with its new digital Passport Program, driven by OuterSpatial, designed to increase … Read more
Pam Emmerich Memorial Pinedrop Trail in North Lake Tahoe Receives Grant SACRAMENTO, Calif. – February 8, 2023 – California State Parks today announced the selection of 12 local park projects that will receive grants totaling $2.8 million from the California Habitat Conservation Fund Grant Program. This competitive program, funded by the California Wildlife Protection Act … Read more
Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park COLOMA Calif. – January 18, 2023 – California State Parks invites the public to commemorate the 175th anniversary of James Marshall’s discovery of gold at Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park (SHP) this Saturday, January 21 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Gold Discovery Day, which was inaugurated in Coloma … Read more
