Discover the Trails That Connect the Sierra
From iconic national park hikes to remote wilderness routes and legendary long-distance trails, the Sierra Nevada offers thousands of miles of adventure. Whether you’re planning a short walk to an alpine lake or preparing for a multi-day backpacking trip, this guide connects you with the Sierra’s most important trail systems, destinations, and hiking resources.
Explore Sierra Trail Experiences
The Sierra Nevada is home to some of North America’s most iconic hiking and backpacking experiences. From legendary long-distance trails and classic overnight loops to famous mountain passes and community trail systems, these routes have helped define generations of Sierra adventures.
Whether you’re planning a thru-hike, searching for your first backpacking trip, or looking for an unforgettable day hike, start here.
Explore Trails by Region
Every region of the Sierra Nevada offers a different hiking experience. From Lake Tahoe’s granite peaks and alpine lakes to the remote wilderness of the Eastern Sierra and the giant sequoias of the south, start by choosing the region you want to explore.
Then the six square region cards we’ve already been using throughout the site.
Signature Trail Guides
Trail-Tested: Lake Almanor Recreation Trail
Ride, Paddle, and Savor the West Shore By Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Magazine If you’re searching for a place to slow down, breathe in the high mountain air, and reconnect with the simple joys of outdoor travel, Lake Almanor’s western shore is waiting. Anchored by one of the most scenic and accessible trails in…
Hiking to Leavitt Lake: A Hidden Sierra Adventure off Sonora Pass
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.…
Chasing Waterfalls on Deer Creek: A Trail Experience Through Canyon Gorges, Fish Ladders, and Spring Runoff Magic
By Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Magazine There’s something ancient about the sound of a fast-moving creek echoing through a canyon. It’s a sound that draws you in—pulls you toward mystery, motion, and a little bit of magic. On a warm spring morning just west of Chester, California, I found myself exploring that sound along…
Plan Your Next Sierra Hike
A great Sierra hike starts before the trailhead. Use these planning resources to choose the right route, understand seasonal conditions, prepare for permits and parking, and head into the mountains with a safer, more flexible plan.
Sierra trails in the News
Stay informed with the latest trail openings, restoration projects, recreation updates, access changes, and outdoor news from across the Sierra Nevada.
Are You Really Trail Ready?
A Story About Preparedness, Perspective, and Why the Little Things Matter on the Trail There are moments in the mountains that stay with you — not because of the view, but because of what they teach you. This week’s Sierra Rec Now episode opens with one of those memories. A late-afternoon descent from Cathedral Lakes…
onX Offroad Searching for Applicants for 2026 Nationwide Trail Revival Projects
2025 projects repaired 30+ trails, recruited 400+ volunteers MISSOULA, Mont. – Building off of the success of 2025’s Trail Revival Projects which repaired 30+ trials, recruited 400+ volunteers, and donated more than $50,000 to offroad clubs and groups across the country – onX Offroad today announced that it is searching for applicants for 2026 Trail Revival Projects.. Anyone…
Halloween & Nevada Day: A Perfect Sierra Weekend
In the Sierra, we don’t just celebrate one season at a time — we chase them both. This weekend, Carson City and the Eastern Sierra are glowing with autumn color while snow-dusted peaks above Carson Valley whisper that ski season is just around the corner. It’s that sweet overlap where pumpkins meet powder — where…
Raise the Rim Hits $15K Goal in Just 7 Days—But the Trail Love Doesn’t Stop There
By Sierra Rec Magazine Staff | August 7, 2025 Lake Tahoe, CA/NV — Trail lovers, rejoice! Just one week into August, the Tahoe Rim Trail Association (TRTA) has already hit its $15,000 fundraising goal for its annual “Raise the Rim” campaign—and the momentum is still building. “This early success is a testament to how much…
Join the Bear Valley Trail Work Day: Give Back to the Trails You Love This Saturday
If you love hiking, biking, or exploring the beautiful trails around Bear Valley, here’s your chance to give back while connecting with your community. This Saturday, July 12th, the Bear Valley Trail Stewardship is hosting a Trail Work Day, inviting local trail users to help maintain and improve some of your favorite local routes. Trail…
Sherwin’s Trail Network: Mammoth’s New High Desert Playground Opens
Mammoth Lakes, CA — July 2025 | This weekend, the Mammoth Lakes community marks a milestone long in the making: the official opening of the Sherwin Trails Recreation Area, a vision nurtured since 2009 and now brought to life with a new paved trailhead, restrooms, and the first of many miles of planned trails at…
Continue Exploring the Sierra
Hike the Sierra →
Explore regional hiking hubs, wilderness areas and day hikes.
Camping & Backpacking →
Find overnight adventures, backpacking routes and camping guides.
Explore Sierra Destinations →
Choose a base camp and start planning your next adventure.
The Sierra Begins With a Trail
Whether you’re setting out on a short family hike, climbing a high mountain pass, or planning a week in the backcountry, every Sierra adventure begins with choosing the right trail. We hope this hub helps you discover new places, plan with confidence, and find another reason to keep exploring California’s Sierra Nevada.
