Past issues and Flip E-editions
Affiliate & Sponsored Gear
Essential Upgrade: Prioritizing First-Aid on the Trail
Hey Sierra Rec readers! It's that time again – time to celebrate a decade of exploring the incredible Sierra Nevada! To kick off our 10th-anniversary we are going to do a summer gear update series. Starting with this issue I'm focusing on a crucial but often overlooked piece of kit: the first-aid kit. Let's be [...]
Fire News Alerts
When Is Wildfire Season and How Can You Prepare?
When you head into the great outdoors, make sure you know what to do if a wildfire breaks out. Here are a few tips to keep in mind and stay safe.
Central Sierra
A Decade of Discovery: Trekking Through the Soul of the Sierra Ten years. It seems like just yesterday we were staring up at the jagged peaks of the High Sierra, the rising sun painting the pristine alpine lakes in a magical light. That sense of awe and reverence for the raw beauty surrounding us is [...]
Camping
Tune In: Your Mobile Basecamp for Eastern Sierra and Lake Tahoe Adventures
The Eastern Sierra Nevada and Lake Tahoe – a haven for skiers, hikers, kayakers, and anyone who craves epic mountain adventures. But let's be honest, sometimes the perfect backcountry location means sacrificing comfort for exploration. Not anymore. The Tune M1 truck topper is here to change the game for Sierra and Tahoe adventurers. The Mobile [...]
Camping
Cooking Tips When You’re Camping in the Sierra
The Sierra offers breathtaking views, diverse wildlife, and a serene environment that’s perfect for camping. Hearty meals will help you keep your energy up as you stargaze, explore scenic trails, and connect with nature. Enjoy creating tasty meals and snacks with these cooking tips for when you’re camping in the Sierra. Plan Your Meals Strategize [...]
Affiliate & Sponsored Gear
Protecting Your Eyes on the Bright Granite of the Sierra
The Sierra Nevada, with its towering granite peaks and crystal-clear lakes, is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Hikers, backpackers, mountain bikers, and anglers alike flock to the Sierra to experience its breathtaking beauty. But the beauty of the Sierra comes with a hidden danger: the sun's harsh ultraviolet (UV) rays. Reflected off the bright granite [...]
Horseback Riding
The Tevis Cup: A Legend Forged in Granite
The Sierra Nevada, a spine of granite that slices through California, whispers tales of resilience and grit. Amongst these rugged peaks and whispering pines lies a testament to both – the Tevis Cup, a 100-mile equestrian odyssey that pushes riders and their horses to the very edge. This isn't your Sunday afternoon trail ride. The [...]
Hiking/Backpacking
Escaping the JMT Crowds: A Local’s Guide to Sierra Solitude
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 [...]
Boating
Signs It’s Time To Do a Complete Boat Overhaul
A complete boat overhaul might be your next big undertaking, but knowing when to do this for your vessel is vital. We explore the signs and solutions here.
Ansel Adams Wilderness
Unveiling the Secrets of Bloody Canyon
A Ladies' Weekend in the Wild The Mammoth sun beat down on our little band of adventurers – four women fueled by a deep-seated wanderlust and a thirst for something beyond the usual tourist trail. Our destination: Bloody Canyon, a whisper of a path promising solitude and Sierra splendor. Forget the crowded vistas of Yosemite [...]
Hiking
How To Trek the Sierra Safely With Asthma
Taking a trip through The Sierra is an exciting dream many have, but those of us with asthma may have second thoughts. While it’s easy for those without breathing problems to answer when adventure calls, it takes a guide like this to support those who are courageous and confident enough to climb, let alone hike, [...]
Lifestyle
When You Should and Shouldn’t Use Your High Beams
Headlights are for driving in low light. Learn when you should and shouldn’t use your high beams to avoid overwhelming other drivers and keeping yourself safe.
Alpine County
A Backpacker's Treasure Hunt in the Mokelumne The golden light of late afternoon was painting the Carson Pass Summit in warm hues as I shouldered my pack and hit the trail. The backpack felt familiar, a comforting weight on my seasoned shoulders. Tonight, I would be following the usual well-trodden path of many past day [...]
Day Hikes
Items To Pack in Your Adventure Travel First Aid Kit
When you’re gearing up for an adventure in the Sierra Nevada, there’s one crucial thing you shouldn’t overlook—a well-prepared first aid kit. Whether you’re hiking through rugged mountains or exploring remote beaches, having the right medical supplies on hand can make all the difference. Let’s break down the essential items you need to pack for [...]
Horseback Riding
Saddle Up for the Sierra: Essential Gear for Your High Country Horseback Adventure
A well-prepared hike is all about planning ahead. With this in mind, it’s important to consider the location and gear necessary to stay safe and comfortable.
Destinations
A Gold Rush Gem at Yosemite’s Gateway
A weekend in Groveland California The dust clinging to my boots told the story – a long day of adventure at Hetch Hetchy Reservoir. Sunrise had found me leaving The Carson Valley in a cloud of exhaust, the radio blasting classic rock as I sped towards Yosemite's north gate. Early season access for us on [...]
Camping
Must-Have Outdoor Accessories for Camping
Camping is more than a tent and a good sleeping bag. We’re discussing several must-have accessories for camping that will take the experience to the next level.
Field Tested Gear
Sun, Sweat & Style: Adventures with the Astroman Air Hoodie
Sierra Rec Magazine - Gear Reviews 2024 - The recent trip to Sierra Buttes with my wife was a perfect encapsulation of spring in the mountains. Crisp mornings gave way to warm afternoons with just a hint of snow-drenched breeze, with snow lingering in some areas while wildflowers peeked through in others. Our days were [...]
Hiking/Backpacking
Sharing the Sierra with the Silent Hunter
A Guide to Hiking in Mountain Lion Country Have you ever been hiking in the Sierra Nevada and felt a thrill run down your spine at the sight of a majestic peak? The feeling is unmatched - the crisp mountain air, the endless trails, and the stunning scenery. But the Sierra Nevada is also home [...]
Ancient Bristlecone Scenic Byway (Route 168)
Ancient Giants: A Journey to the Schulman Grove
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 [...]
Field Tested Gear
Exploring the Sierras on My Paddleboard: How the Cachalot 2S Mini Pump Fueled My Adventure
Spring had sprung in the Sierra Nevada, and I was excited. This year, I was determined to add a new dimension to my outdoor adventures – exploring the crystal-clear lakes on a stand-up paddleboard (SUP). The board arrived in March, and I envisioned myself gliding effortlessly across the water, soaking in the breathtaking mountain scenery. [...]
Hiking
Brokeoff Mountain: Lassen’s Crown Jewel Awaits in 2024
Brokeoff Mountain, Lassen Volcanic National Park's second-highest peak, offers a challenging 7.4-mile round trip hike with an elevation gain of over 2,600 feet. Renowned for its diverse terrain and breathtaking vistas, Brokeoff rewards determined hikers with an unforgettable experience. Insider's Tip: A Local Favorite Planning your Lassen adventure? Take a cue from seasoned park enthusiasts. [...]
Boating
Ready To Sail: Restoration Tips for Boat Owners
Those who enjoy boating know that care and attention are needed to ensure the vessel is ready to go anytime. Here are tips to get you started on your journey.
Food & Tap
Indulge Taste Buds with Better-for-You Snacks
(Family Features) The foundation of healthy eating may include nutritious breakfasts, lunches and dinners, but just as important are the snacks in-between meals. Regardless of when or where you snack, encourage better-for-you eating habits with nutritious nibbles to power through your day. According to an online survey conducted among 1,000 Americans ages 18 and older [...]
Destinations
Kicking Off Summer at Lake Almanor
A Sierra Adventure Awaits As the first rays of summer sun warms over the Sierra Nevada, the call of adventure echoes in my soul. This year, I'm starting off summer by trading the city's hustle and bustle for the refreshing embrace of Lake Almanor, a crown jewel surrounded by the towering pines of Plumas County. [...]
Family REC
How to Support Your Pet’s Health During Summer
(Family Features) As a pet parent, you know your pet's needs are continually evolving. That's true during different stages of growth and even as the seasons change. Part of supporting your pet throughout the year is understanding the specific risks that come with changing weather and special seasonal events. Supporting pets this summer can be [...]
Hiking
The Trail Mix: 10 Hikes That Won’t Kick Your Butt (Too Hard)
Sierra Smackdown: A Beginner's Guide to Crushing (and Not Crashing) in the Wild Okay, so you've seen the postcards – Yosemite's granite cliffs scraping the sky, turquoise lakes reflecting double rainbows. You've dreamt of conquering those peaks, breathing in that crisp mountain air. The Sierra Nevada beckons with a symphony of sights and sounds. Imagine [...]
Off Roading
Helpful Tips for Off-Roading the Rubicon Trail
Are you planning an off-road adventure to tackle the famous Rubicon Trail? Here are some helpful tips for off-roading the Rubicon Trail before you do.
Desolation Wilderness
An introductory note to the reader:In a previous issue of Sierra REC published last year, I wrote an article entitled: Desolation Wilderness Lake Name Origins. At the conclusion of the article, I said I would write a follow-up article in a future issue about the naming of Lake Aloha. Here it is: Considering the way [...]
RV Travel
First Timer Tips for Towing a Travel Trailer
Discover essential tips for first-time travel trailer towing, from choosing the right vehicle to mastering driving techniques, ensuring an enjoyable trip.
Lakes
What Are the Health Benefits of Stand-Up Paddleboarding?
Discover the various health benefits that stand-up paddleboarding can offer you, from building core strength to enhancing mental well-being.
Off Roading
3 of the Best Ways To Customize Your ATV
Are you getting ready for an off-roading trip? Here are 3 of the best ways to customize your ATV to make your ride more comfortable and functional.
Destinations
Lake Almanor’s Bass Brawl: Pearson Claims Back-to-Back BAM-TRAIL Victories
A Rookies View from the Sidelines of The West Coast Premier Professional Bass Tournament Lake Almanor stretched out before me, a mirror reflecting the scenic beauty of Plumas County. Picture perfect, except for the knot of anxiety twisting in my gut. For three days, I was glued to the sidelines, a world away from my [...]
Destinations
Unplug and Recharge at Sierra Pines Resort: A Springtime Escape in the Sierra Nevada
Oh, that sound! It is the sound of youthful exuberance that rushes through the canyon as snowmelt cascades and streams into the Yuba, announcing spring with abundant energy. The sound both allured me to sleep last night and invited me to explore and enjoy this morning as we woke at Sierra Pines Resort in Sierra [...]
Lake Almanor
A New Adventure: Learning to Paddleboard the Sierra Nevada Lakes
As the crisp air of winter faded and spring bloomed across the Sierra Nevada, I , along with many Sierra Rec readers, embarked on a personal challenge: to discover a new outdoor activity. For me, the answer came in the form of paddleboarding. Drawn by the allure of exploring the countless lakes nestled within the [...]
Business
NV-US Silver Works: Handcrafted Nevada Silver Jewelry
Unearth a Treasure in the Carson Valley Based in the heart of Nevada, NV-US Silver Works is a haven for lovers of unique, handcrafted jewelry. Founded by Carly Strauss, a native Nevadan with a lifelong passion for rocks and a keen eye for design, NV-US Silver Works offers visitors a chance to discover the beauty [...]
Hiking/Backpacking
The Short, Steep Hike to Tioga Peak
I've always been captivated by Yosemite National Park and all of the hiking opportunities the iconic National Park has to offer, but I haven't explored much of the trails a bit outside of the park along Tioga Pass Road until a recent, somewhat spontaneous trip to Tioga Peak. Craig Cooper ascending Tioga Peak During an [...]
Camping
Nature’s Rx: The Healing Power of Camping for Mental Health
Nature has always been a sanctuary for weary souls wanting to escape the chaos of life for a bit. Andthere’s nowhere more suitable to do this than in the Sierra amidst the towering pine trees, majesticMount Whitney, sparkling Lake Tahoe, and all the other local attractions. It’s almost impossible not torelax and unwind when you’re [...]
Camping
The Primary Purpose of an Outdoor Knife for Camping
An outdoor knife for camping can serve a multitude of purposes but what are they and why do you need one? Read this post to learn all you need to know.
