Past issues and Flip E-editions
Camping
Is Vehicle Camping Better Than Tent Camping?
Explore the pros and cons of vehicle camping and tent camping! Decide which camping style works best for your next adventure in The Sierra Nevada.
Affiliate & Sponsored Gear
Paka Launches Their Lightest Knitwear Yet – The Ultralight Coolplus® Crew
Launching May 1st, 2025, Paka introduces the Ultralight Coolplus® Crew — a high-performance summer layer that blends natural alpaca fiber with cutting-edge Coolplus® yarn technology for the most breathable, moisture-managing knitwear Paka has released to date. Built for life on the move, the Ultralight Coolplus® Crew is designed for those of us who shift from [...]
Magazine Articles
Traveling the Sierra Nevada With Your Dog
Discover essential advice for a safe and fun Sierra Nevada trip with your dog, including packing tips, safety precautions, and trail etiquette.
Magazine Articles
How To Build the Ideal Off-Road Recovery Kit
The abundant trails and scenic beauty of the Sierra Nevada make it a top destination for off-roaders. Here’s how to build the ideal off-road recovery kit.
Magazine Articles
A Trail Reconnected: San Joaquin Bridge Restored in Kings Canyon National Park
By Charlie Pankey, Sierra Rec Magazine One of the most critical links for thru-hikers in the Sierra Nevada has officially been restored just in time for summer. After suffering catastrophic damage during the severe winter storms of 2022–2023, the San Joaquin Bridge — a vital crossing point for Pacific Crest Trail and John Muir Trail [...]
Lifestyle
The Best National Parks for Stargazing – A Sierra Nevada Perspective
Stargazing is one of the most awe-inspiring ways to connect with the natural world, and America’s national parks provide some of the darkest skies and clearest views of the cosmos. A recent study by Lake.com identified the best national parks for stargazing, highlighting places where light pollution is minimal, and the stars shine brightly. On [...]
Yosemite Itineraries
For nearly a century, the Ahwahnee Hotel has stood as a grand testament to Yosemite Valley’s breathtaking beauty and timeless allure. Towering granite cliffs frame this historic lodge, while the Merced River winds its way through the valley floor, reflecting the golden hues of sunrise. To stay at the Ahwahnee is to step into a [...]
Boating
Must-Know Maintenance Tips for Your Boat
Keep your boat in top shape with essential maintenance tips, from hull cleaning to outboard engine selection, ensuring long-lasting performance and reliability.
RV Travel
Maintenance Tips To Know for Your Recreational Vehicle
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.
Plumas County
Honoring the Women Who Shaped Plumas County
Plumas County has long supported Sierra Rec Magazine, and we have had the pleasure of working with several amazing women to build and share their Sierra stories. So, when presented with an opportunity to learn about the significance of women in the history of Plumas County, we only felt it appropriate to shine a light [...]
Madera County
Beyond the Valley: A Perfect Yosemite Retreat
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 [...]
Travel
Action-packed Adventures and Driving: Four things you need to know
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 [...]
Gear Guides & Industry News
Buzz Off: A New Era of Mosquito Protection in the Sierra
By Charlie Pankey, Sierra Rec Magazine There’s a reason backpackers sometimes refer to late June in the Sierra as “Mosquito Season.” There’s a special kind of serenity that comes with standing lakeside in the alpine hush—places like May Lake in Yosemite, Grass Lake in Desolation Wilderness, or Long Lake in the Hoover. But if you’ve [...]
Destinations
Crystal Cave Reopens in Sequoia National Park
An Underground Wonder Returns for the 2025 Season | By Charlie Pankey, Sierra Rec Magazine After four long years of silence, the echoing chambers of Crystal Cave are finally ready to welcome adventurers once again. Tucked deep within the granite heart of Sequoia National Park, this marble masterpiece is set to reopen its gates to [...]
Carson City
Unwind in Nature: Exploring the Best Hot Springs Near Lake Tahoe
Imagine sinking into warm, mineral-rich waters as the crisp mountain air rejuvenates your senses. The Jewel of the stunning Sierra Nevada, Lake Tahoe isn’t just a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts; it’s also great access to some of the most mesmerizing hot springs experiences waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat after a [...]
Camping
5 Essential Tools for Safe and Secure Camping
Prioritize these safety essentials before heading out for your camping trip or vacation in the great outdoors to keep yourself secure and ready for anything.
