Day Trips

Sierra Nevada Day trips. Not all adventures require an overnight Stay. Discover our compiled list of stories and recreation itineraries that require you only to go and play, then return home for bed.

Kayakers lake Tahoe shore

Escape to the Sierra: Your Guide to Day Trips

Looking for a quick getaway to the mountains? The Sierra Nevada offers a variety of stunning day trip destinations, perfect for a weekend adventure or a mid-week escape.

Explore the Sierra’s Best Day Trip Spots:

  • Yosemite National Park: Visit iconic landmarks like Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, and Glacier Point.
  • Lake Tahoe: Enjoy crystal-clear waters, sandy beaches, and stunning mountain views.
  • Mammoth Lakes: Experience world-class skiing, snowboarding, and mountain biking.
  • Bodie State Historic Park: Step back in time and explore a ghost town.
  • Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve: Marvel at the unique tufa formations and stunning scenery.

Find inspiration for your next day trip and discover the hidden gems of the Sierra.

The Grapes Are Calling

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California chardonnay grapes

Fall Travel Guide to California Foothills Grape Festivals Placerville Ca, September 2022 – Looking for an exciting and fun-filled weekend away from the Eastern Sierra? Ready to discover why the Sierra Nevada Foothills have gone from Gold to Grapes?  42 Sierra Foothill Wineries to Explore Whether you’re planning a trip to Lake Tahoe and want to stop … Read more

HIT THE OPEN ROAD ON THESE RENO TAHOE MOTORCYCLE ROUTES

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You don’t have to wait until Street Vibrations Fall Rally to explore Reno on two wheels. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Northern Nevada with one of these breathtaking road trips. Whether it’s a quick trip around town, a half-day getaway or a ride into the desert, there are motorcycle routes for everyone. GEIGER GRADE The main … Read more

Waterfall Chasing

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a waterfall is shown in the middle of a canyon

A Sierra Nevada Springtime Tradition Spring in the Sierra. A season of anticipation, new opportunities and the sound of roaring water deep in the canyons and off the mountainsides. It is a season of mixed opportunities for the outdoor explorer. In many areas you can still find incredible snow to ski and snowshoe. In other … Read more

Visit Visalia Unveils New Orchard and Blossom Trail Map

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Visitors are invited to take this self-guided agricultural tour Visalia, Calif (Feb 24, 2021)– Visit Visalia is excited to announce the release of its 2021 Blossom Trail Map, just in time for the annual springtime event. The seasonal display of brilliant color traditionally begins in Mid-February and continues through March, making it prime blossom viewing time … Read more

Apple Hill Open For Business 2020

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Traditional-Pie-Slice Apple hill website

Covid-19 has Not Claimed One of the Sierra Regions Favorite Annual Events – restrictions are in place, but they are open Camino, CA – As we enter into the busiest time of year, the Apple Hill Growerslook forward to welcoming visitors this harvest season. While this year will be different thanyears past, guests will still … Read more

Echo Summit Lake Tahoe Starts Traffic Restrictions Sunday Sept 13, 2020

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Echo summit

Explore A New Route To South Lake Tahoe During the partial and full closures, take advantage of the beautiful alternate route to get to Lake Tahoe. The alternate route to South Lake Tahoe unfolds a surprising new adventure of history, scenery and discovery. When travelling remember to practice safe social distancing and wear a face … Read more

Yosemite National Park Designates Wildlife Protection Zones Throughout the Park

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Speed enforcement will be in effect to help protect bears and other wildlife– Traffic slow downs Expected for Holiday Weekend August 30, 2019 – Yosemite National Park – In preparation for a busy Labor Day Weekend, Yosemite National Park has designated several new Wildlife Protection Zones located on stretches of roadway throughout the Park where … Read more

Epic Discovery Park At Heavenly Mountain Resort Opens June 21

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South Tahoe’s Mountain Playground Kicks Off Summer Mountain Adventure Park Today. Sierra REC Magazine – South Lake Tahoe – June 21, 2019- Heavenly Mountain Resort and Village kicks off the summer season with the opening of Epic Discovery on Friday, June 21, offering scenic, family-friendly and thrill-seeking outdoor activities for guests to explore and enjoy. This weekend … Read more

Tioga Pass and Glacier Point Will Close Tuesday Nov. 20 In Preparation of Winter Storm

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TRAVEL UPDATES: TIOGA PASS, Glacier Point, Sonora Pass and Ebbets Pass Thanksgiving Weekend Sierra Rec Magazine, Yosemite National Park, November 19th 2018, – Each year we arrive at today with mixed emotions. Yosemite National Park has announced The Tioga and Glacier Point Roads in Yosemite National Park will close to all vehicular traffic beginning at … Read more

Taylor Creek Visitor Center to host Fall Fish Festival

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Sierra Rec Magazine, October 7, 2018 – SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The Fall Fish Festival will take place at the Taylor Creek Visitor Center this Saturday and Sunday, October 6 – 7, 2018. The Taylor Creek Visitor Center is located on SR Highway 89, three miles north of the City of South Lake Tahoe. Hosted … Read more

EnerPlex 1200 Power Center by Sierra Wave The Perfect Lightweight Companion For Every Roadtrip Adventure

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The New EnerPlex 1200 Provides Needed Power Supply for Camera and Drone Batteries on Road Trip Adventures Sierra Rec Magazine- Product Review – August 2018 – The bigger the adventure the bigger the needs or desire for more conveniences and an increased need for alternative power solutions. We are honored to introduce to you the … Read more

Summer in Calaveras: Go for it! Active adventures

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Calaveras Big trees park ca Trail

Discover the Active Lifestyle of Calaveras County Kayaking on Lake Alpine | SNAC-Arnold Upcountry exploring | Photo: Ben Davidson Hop in the car for a high country day. As you head up Hwy. 4 stop at the Stanislaus National Forest Ranger Station in Hathaway Pines for trail information and maps. For one of the best … Read more

Don't Miss The Thunderbirds Flying high Over The Carson Valley October 7, 2017

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Visitors Will Be looking To the Sky This weekend for The Action In the Carson Valley Sierra Rec Magazine, October 2017 – Sierra Events –  Are you looking for an event to add to your calendar this weekend? Look no further than The Carson Valley. The Annual Aviation Round-up kicks off this weekend highlighted by … Read more

An Epic Adventure Awaits in The 20 Lakes Basin Of The Hoover Wilderness

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saddlebag lake

Crystal Clear Waters Combined With High Alpine Peaks That Will Stop You In Your Tracks Sierra Rec Magazine Adventure Review – September 2017 –  Visiting and Exploring 20 Lakes Basin was so much more than I had expected. Have you ever heard a review of a location and it just didn’t do it for you, so … Read more

The Reds Meadow Road and Devils Postpile National Monument to Open Friday July 21

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The Inyo National Forest and Devils Postpile National Monument announce that the Reds Meadow Valley Road will open on Friday, July 21 at 8:00 am. Sierra Rec Magazine – Sierra Access Updates- July 20, 2017 – The Road to Devils Postpile, Rainbow Falls and Reds Meadow will open Friday, July 21, at 8:am to the public. … Read more

High Sierra Passes and Popular Recreational Areas Starting to Open For Summer 2017- Latest Updates

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Inyo National Forest Opens Lakes Basin Road Wednesday Here Are The Most Recent Update For Popular Sierra Passes and Scenic Byways Sierra Rec Magazine, Eastern Sierra News – June 22, 2017-  Almost on cue with the Summer solstice in 2017 road crews and county agencies have started to get the upper hand on the 2017 snowpack and access … Read more

Three Days in the Hoover Wilderness- A great beginners backpack trip out of Leavitt Meadow

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west woker river - hoover wilderness

Hoover Wilderness Backpacking From Leavitt Meadow Sonora Pass – Leavitt Meadow Ca, – Sonora Pass is known for its rugged steep drive over the Sierra. The vista-view points, access to the PCT  and various backcountry lakes and hikes.  However, for a true experience of Sonora pass a backpacking trip into the Hoover Wilderness provides an … Read more

Mammoth Fall Hikes For Every Level

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Parker Lake

Eastern Sierra Color Is Starting To Show Mammoth Ca, Sept 1. 2016 – Reports out of the Eastern Sierra for this Labor Day Weekend are reporting that fall color is just starting at various spots around the Eastern Sierra.   the Eastern Sierra, the Mammoth Area has long been celebrated for its renowned skiing and … Read more

Bodie Ghost Walk and Star Stories August 27th

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 Eastern Sierra Ghost Town Comes to Life After Dark  Bodie Ca, August18, 2016 August 27 2016, – Seeking one last family event before summer comes to a close in the Sierra? How about a late night trip to the just off the edge of the Eastern Sierra to the Historic Ghost Town of Bodie?  Saturday, August … Read more

Hire A Pack Guide Out Of Leavitt's Meadow And Enjoy The Backcountry

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a wooden building

Leavitt Meadow Pack Station Provides Quality Trip into Hoover Wilderness for Visitors and Guests Leavitt’s Meadow, Sonora Pass Ca –  So does hiking 12 miles round trip seems a bit excessive to you?  How about riding a horse and enjoying the backcountry all the same? Plus the Pack Horse can carry all you favorite items, fishing … Read more

Tioga Road in Yosemite National Park to Open on Wednesday, May 18

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The Tioga Road in Yosemite National Park will open for all vehicular traffic tomorrow, Wednesday, May 18, 2016, at noon. The Tioga Road, bounded on both sides by State Highway 120, is the popular east-west crossing of the Sierra Nevada. https://www.nps.gov/yose/learn/news/tioga-road-in-yosemite-national-park-to-open-on-wednesday-may-18.htm Source: Yosemite National Park News

The Dogwoods are Blooming at Calaveras Big Tree State Park

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Calaveras Big trees park ca Trail

Arnold Ca, May 2016 –  Calaveras Big Tree State Park in Arnold CA, off HWY 4  is a great place to visit year round.  However, the spring brings about a delicate beauty that is worth the visit. If your looking for the a nice Mother’s Day  location to get out and explore this weekend, you … Read more

Yosemite National Parks Waterfalls Showing Their True Colors

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A Sierra REC Exclusive – Yosemite Valley and Hetch Hetchy Waterfall Tour  Spring 2016 Yosemite National Park –  Spring, a typical season of unpredictable weather patterns, fresh breezes , flowers and flowing waterfalls in the Sierra. But the last 4-7 years have been anything but typical, as warmer winters have caused severe drought, resulting in very … Read more

15' in review – 16 Great Adventure Trips into the Sierra

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Vernal Falls Yosemite National Park Clarks Point

Our Top Adventure Locations Visited in the Sierra in 2015

Sierra Mountains 2015 –  What a great year of exploring in the Sierra. The Low 2015 snow pack gave us access to greater areas earlier and Sierra REC had a blast exploring new areas and sharing our adventures.  As we sit and look into 2016 and the various places we look forward to seeing for the first time, here is an end of the year review of the top 16 places we explored in 2015!

Gold Lake
Mist Trail
Nevada-Falls-from-JMT-Yosemite
Nevada-Falls-from-JMT-Yosemite
Shealor Lake
lake winemunucut, california
highland_lakes stanislaus National forest
Highland_lakes Stanislaus National forest
a bear standing on a rock in a forest
Heavenly Resort Ropes Course
Sonora Pass
the lake is surrounded by mountains and trees
Elizabeth Lake Yosemite
Devils Post Pile
Devils Post Pile

Lake Tahoe and the Tahoe Rim Trail

Access to the Tahoe Rim trail in 2015 gave us great Views of Lake Tahoe

2) Grovers Hot Springs in Alpine County

Grovers Hot Springs in Alpine County was a great Winter Hike in 2015

3) Horsetail Falls Trail off HWY 50


 



2) Grovers Hot Springs in Alpine County

Grovers Hot Springs in Alpine County was a great Winter Hike in 2015
Grovers Hot Springs in Alpine County was a great Winter Hike in 2015


 

3) Horsetail Falls Trail off HWY 50

Horsetail Falls - HWY 50 West of Lake Tahoe
Horsetail Falls – HWY 50 West of Lake Tahoe


 

4) Family trip to The Gold Lakes Area in the Central Sierra

Golds Lake Hwy and the Graeagle Recreational area
Golds Lake Hwy and the Graeagle Recreational area


 

5)Yosemite National Park – Mist Trail & Vernal Falls

Vernal Falls along the Mist Trail
The Mist Trail in Yosemite National Park and Vernal Falls


 

6) Nevada Falls


7) Donner Lake and the Old Train Tunnels

Donner Lake from the old Train tunnels
Donner Lake from the old Train tunnels


8)Shealor Lake in Alpine County

Shealor Lake
Shealor Lake in Alpine County


 

9)Emigrant Lake in the Central Sierra.

Emigrant Lake
Emigrant Lake Hike .


10) Winnemucca Lake

Winnemucca Lake
Winnemucca Lake and Woods Lake – Kickoff to the start of Lifepoint Expeditions


11)Highlands Lake

Highlands Lake
Day Trip into Highlands Lakes on Ebbett’s Pass


 

12)Family Day on the Ropes at Heavenly Mountain Resort and Views of Lake Tahoe

a person riding on a ski lift over a mountain
Lake Tahoe From Heavenly Mountain – Family day on the Ropes at Heavenly


 

13)Sonora Pass – Many Recreational Stops

Sonora Pass
A great Day exploring Sonora Pass.


 

14)Devils Postpile and Rainbow Falls National Monument

Devils Postpile National Monument and Rainbow Falls.
Devils Postpile National Monument and Rainbow Falls.


 

15)Yosemite’s Elizabeth Lake Hike with Lifepoint Expeditions

Elizabeth Lake - Yosemite National Park
Elizabeth Lake – Yosemite National Park


16)The Great Tenaya Lake in Yosemite is one of my favorite places to just sit and enjoy the view.

Tenaya Lake – Yosemite National Park


So many great Adventures in 2015. And So many photos that did not make the list. Look forward to bringing you new places and new photos f the Sierra and all its great recreational adventures in 2016. Hope you are able to get out and explore for yourself. Send us your favorite adventure photos from the sierra or Hashtag us at #goexplore or #sierrarec.

Sierra REC Magazine is dedicated to sharing the events, news and adventure opportunities that exist in The Sierra Mountains. From Lassen Volcanic National Park to the North down through the Central Sierra and the Lake Tahoe Basin through the rugged eastern slopes of the Mono county and Yosemite National park to the southern tips near Sequoia National Park and the PCT trail. We invite you to share stories, trips and photos from your adventures in the  Sierra. Please join us on Facebook, Twitter Google +  and You-Tube or email us your events and photos at sierrarecinfo@gmail.com  #goexplore

An October Family Must do in the Sierra – A Trip to Apple Hill

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Apple Hill Ca-  I am reminded yearly about this family favorite in the Central Sierra. Fresh Apples, Apple pies, Apple Cider, Craft Stores, Farm Games etc… A day trip to Apple hill is great for all ages. This year Apple Hill Put out this little Guide that has details on each farm participating, local events … Read more

8 Great Recreation Day Trips to Sierra Valley & Sierra County CA

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Yuba river fall colors

Explore Sierra County with these great day trips Sierra County Ca,-  A trip to this Central Sierra region can often capture your imagination, as the central Sierra does not seem to have changed much from the days of the California gold rush, when gold seeking argonauts worked the rivers and mountains in search of their fortune. Sierra … Read more

Castle RockTrail Loop A Great Day Hike in South Tahoe for Memorial Day Visitors

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Lake Tahoe Castle Rock

A Great Day hike in South Tahoe to Castle Rock Location: Tahoe Rim Trail. South Lake Tahoe, The Brautovich TrailheadDestination: Castle RockDistance: 4 mile loop in and out. This hike is for everyone. Has mild elevation gains and some Rock path areas that can be little difficult, but I saw several kids in the complete this … Read more

Day Trip to Graeagle, Plumas State Park & the Lake Basin the Northern Sierra

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A Sierra REC  Day Trip Adventure into Plumas and Sierra County Recreational areas. Graeagle Ca –  I absolutely love exploring new areas and finding the hidden treasures of a day trip to a region I have never visited. HWY 89 north of Truckee was one of those regions that I had often looked at on … Read more

Day Trip Hiking at Horsetail Falls Near Lake Tahoe

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a waterfall in the mountains with trees and rocks

If you have ever driven over HWY 50 between Sacramento and South Lake Tahoe, you have probably seen a very large waterfall off on the hill-side near ECHO Summit. This is Horsetail Falls. A Spectacular Sierra Waterfall that offers not only a road side view that makes hundreds of tourists stop for a quick picture, … Read more

Grovers Hot Spring State Park delivers great day trip hiking experience in Alpine County

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Grover Hotsprings waterfall Trail

Hiking and Hot Springs: A Day Trip to Grover Hot Springs State Park In the eastern Sierra Nevada, Grover Hot Springs State Park offers a unique blend of natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and geothermal wonder. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a casual adventurer seeking relaxation, the park near Markleville, California, has something for everyone. … Read more

Day Hiking Adventure: Castle Peak near Kirkwood & Must-Do Activities

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Thunder Mountain Peaks

Craving a quick escape? Trade the gym for a breathtaking day hike in the Sierra Nevada! Nestled near Kirkwood Ski Resort, Castle Peak offers stunning views and a moderate challenge, perfect for a short afternoon adventure. Why Choose Castle Peak: So on a busy Saturday when my family had plenty on the table, I needed … Read more

Day Trip to Sunrise Lakes in Yosemite

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Sunrise Lakes Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park – Veteran’s Day, National Free Forest Service, and National Park day always prompt me to think of Yosemite National Park. Yosemite continues to capture my spirit and call me to try new trails, view new heights and challenge my will to complete the climb. On Veterans Day, I skipped the parades. Instead, … Read more