Waterfalls brought me back to this corner of Northern California. A night in Dunsmuir, beside the young Upper Sacramento, gave me a reason to return. By Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Magazine I left Lassen Volcanic National Park with a long drive still ahead of me and a fairly simple idea for my final night … Read more
Getting kids outside doesn’t require a trip to Yosemite, expensive outdoor gear or an elaborate family adventure. Some of the best outdoor activities for kids may be hiding just a few minutes from home. Our Guest: Deanna Ratnikova Founder and CEO The Go Decks Deanna Ratnikova is the founder of GO Deck, a collection of … Read more
Camping with kids doesn’t require the perfect RV, expensive outdoor gear or a perfectly planned family adventure. Sometimes it starts with a borrowed tent, a pair of hand-me-down boots and simply deciding to get outside. Our Guest Natalie Vereen Davis Natalie Vereen-Davis is the creator of CampingKiddos, a family camping and outdoor travel resource helping … Read more
This long-weekend route combines an early morning in Yosemite Valley, swimming at Tenaya Lake, hiking near Pinecrest, exploring the Red Hills and a scenic drive over Sonora Pass. Tuolumne County is one of those Sierra regions that can be difficult to explain in a single sentence. It acks as a base camp region in the … Read more
Why Planning Like a Local Changes Everything A few years ago I was invited to Mammoth Lakes for the opening weekend of trout season. The group was made up of friends from Los Angeles who had been making the trip together for years. Fishing was the reason everyone came to the Eastern Sierra, but it … Read more
Driving through The Sierra feels different than typical driving through the city. Here are the small details that start to stand out on longer mountain drives.
Learn how to prepare for sudden mountain weather in the Sierra with practical tips on gear, safety, and staying found when conditions shift fast.
Most people don’t realize this until after they’ve driven it once: Sonora Pass Highway 108 out of Sonora California isn’t just a scenic drive… it’s a sequence of moments. The problem is, if you don’t know where those moments are, you’ll drive right past them. I did. More than once. So if you’re heading up … Read more
Sonora Pass Is Open: What to Expect Driving the Sierra Right Now Every year in the Sierra, there’s a moment when everything starts to come back to life. The roads that have been buried all winter begin to open. Snowbanks line the edges of the pavement. Waterfalls start pouring off granite walls. The rivers rise, … Read more
Are you looking for somewhere to take your RV for a weekend? Consider the Sierra Nevada! See why The Sierra is perfect for an RV weekend getaway here.
Get your bike ready for The Sierra with some practical maintenance tips for safer, smoother motorcycle road trips through the mountain terrain.
By Charlie Pankey After 18 years of exploring the Sierra Nevada, I’ve come to see winter not as a limitation—but as the season that teaches the clearest lessons. Snow strips away shortcuts. Weather dictates decisions. Familiar landscapes demand new respect. As an active snowshoer, I don’t let winter shorten my adventure calendar—but I’ve learned to … Read more
A New Mountain Home and Sierra Winter Update By Charlie Pankey, Sierra Rec Magazine In this week’s Sierra Rec Now Podcast, I share a major personal update that will shape the next chapter of Sierra Rec while keeping the Sierra Nevada firmly at the heart of everything we do. After nearly a decade rooted in … Read more
By Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Magazine | Sierra Rec Now Podcast This week on the Sierra Rec Now Podcast, we’re taking listeners to the southern gateway of Yosemite National Park, where community spirit, heritage, and mountain adventure come together for something entirely new — the first-ever Yosemite Celtic Festival & Highland Games, happening November … Read more
California’s Sierra Nevada isn’t just another mountain range—it’s the kind of place that gets under your skin and stays there. I’ve spent countless hours exploring these peaks, and honestly, there’s something almost magical about how this region weaves together incredible trails, authentic community events, and stories that go back generations. Whether you’re someone who lives … Read more
Plan the ultimate RV ski trip in California with tips for winterizing your vehicle, packing essentials, and enjoying the slopes at iconic resorts.
By Sierra Rec Magazine When you head into the Sierra Nevada for a weekend of dispersed camping near Mammoth, an overlanding trip down Highway 395, or a snow-filled RV adventure at Blue Lakes, one question always comes up: how do you keep everything powered without the drone of a generator? This week on the Sierra … Read more
Families and youth groups love the Sierra Nevada for good reason. In a single weekend you can paddle Tahoe’s clear bays, stroll among giant sequoias, then finish with pizza in Truckee or Bishop while the sun catches the granite. The trick is planning a route and rhythm that fits younger travelers, the region’s big distances, … Read more
If your goal is to spice up your drive along the 395 with pit stops that steer clear of the crowds, offer an authentic Eastern Sierras experience, and upgrade your road trip adventure, then this list is for you! Photo: Ella Clifford The section of 395 that stretches from the Tahoe area to Lone Pine … Read more
Prepare your RV for the Sierra mountains with these maintenance checks. Prevent breakdowns, and enjoy worry-free camping in stunning locations.
Looking for open spaces, fewer crowds, and a chance to truly disconnect this Labor Day? The Sierra Nevada holds more than 17,000 miles of free, legal, dispersed camping opportunities — and thanks to new tools from OnX Off-Road, finding your next hidden campsite just got a whole lot easier. Discovering the Sierra’s Wild Side In … Read more
Dispersed Camping with Exped – Part Three: Sonora Pass Sunset & a Night Above Aspen Meadows Late Thursday afternoon, Tom and I left Carson Valley with our sights set on the rugged granite country of the Emigrant Wilderness. We were headed for Aspen Meadows Pack Station to join a backpacker’s assist trip the next morning. … Read more
Why June Is the Perfect Time to Explore Reno and the Sierra’s Northern Edge When it comes to spontaneous weekend escapes, Reno has a way of surprising even the most seasoned Sierra travelers. With its mix of historic charm, riverfront nightlife, and quick access to the outdoors, Reno is the perfect hub for a weekend … 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
By Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Magazine The Road That Never Stops Giving There’s a moment—usually somewhere between Big Pine and Mammoth—when the Sierra Nevada just takes your breath away. The shadows deepen in the canyons, the ridgelines sharpen, and suddenly every lake, trail, and dirt road feels like a secret you’re being invited to … Read more
Key Takeaways Hiking, a timeless activity deeply rooted in our desire to explore the outdoors, becomes an even richer experience when shared with a loyal four-legged companion. More and more pet owners recognize the joy and health benefits of bringing their dogs along as they traverse scenic trails. Before lacing up your boots, consider insights … Read more
By Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Magazine | Trail-Tested Stories Podcast Thinking about visiting Yosemite this summer or fall? Confused by the reservation system, unsure where to stay, or want to avoid the crowds? You’re not alone—and you’re in the right place. Earlier this spring, I had the chance to drive Highway 49 through Mariposa … Read more
May 16–18, 2025 If spring in the Sierra had a calling card, this would be the weekend it delivered it with a stampede of color, community, and adventure. From hot air balloons rising over Carson Valley, to kayaks slicing across Lake Almanor, and the bold bite of chili cook-offs in Virginia City, there’s no shortage … Read more
Prevent pests from invading your RV with regular inspections and simple fixes. Secure entry points and enjoy hassle-free adventures on the road.
TUOLUMNE COUNTY, CA – May 12, 2025 – Good news for Sierra adventurers: Caltrans has announced that Sonora Pass (State Route 108) will officially reopen on Thursday, May 15 at 10:00 a.m. after five weeks of intensive spring snow clearing. If you’ve been itching to explore some of the most dramatic alpine landscapes north of … Read more
By Charlie Pankey, Sierra Rec Magazine There’s a moment in every Sierra spring where you can feel the season flip—when snow starts melting fast, trailheads begin to peek through, and scenic byways open their gates to exploration. This past weekend was that moment. With Ebbetts Pass reopening Friday and an invite to Clean Up the … Read more
Explore the Eastern & Western Sierra in One Epic Adventure Explore the Sierra with this flexible 5-7day adventure, ideal for families, nature lovers, and road trippers craving to see it all! From high desert canyons to giant sequoias and glacial lakes, this road trip is your gateway to the best of the Sierra — without … Read more
By Charlie Pankey, Sierra Rec Magazine The gates are open—Ebbetts Pass (Highway 4) is officially open for the season, and we couldn’t be more excited. For those of us who wait all year for this stretch of rugged alpine beauty to thaw and welcome us back, this announcement feels like a personal invitation to rediscover … Read more
Finally, a gear-hauling suitcase that does it all—and still looks like it belongs on an adventure. By Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Magazine I’ve never been a luggage guy. For years, I’ve just crammed everything into a big gym-style duffel, slapped on a baggage tag, and hoped for the best. My wife has tried to … Read more
Find thrilling hikes, peaceful kayaking, and unforgettable camping in the Sierra. Uncover the top outdoor activities for every adventurer in the region.
Discover essential advice for a safe and fun Sierra Nevada trip with your dog, including packing tips, safety precautions, and trail etiquette.
A Weekend Escape to Wawona: Experiencing Yosemite from The Redwoods in Yosemite Before the sun had fully risen, I stepped onto the wooden deck of our cabin in Wawona, coffee steaming in my hands. The air was sharp and fresh, carrying the scent of pine and damp earth from the melting snow. The chill in … Read more
For some, the thrill of a non-stop festival weekend, a multi-day hiking expedition, or a sporty outdoor escapade is unmatched. The Sierra Nevada is a playground of opportunity for such adventurers, but once all of the fun has been thoroughly enjoyed, there’s the challenge of the long drive home to consider. Whether you’ve been trekking … Read more
Keep your RV road-ready with these essential maintenance tips, from checking tires to extending your RV roof’s life for long-lasting protection and reliability.
Camping overnight can be a beautiful experience, especially if you have an RV, but cooling temperatures at night will still be something to plan for.