Words & Photos by Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Magazine Sponsored by Mountain House, EXPED, and Nestout Summer is finally here, and with it comes our favorite way to explore the Sierra: boondocking adventures that get us closer to trailheads, earlier on the trail, and deeper into the wild. This past weekend, we kicked off … Read more
Ebbetts Pass is more than just a scenic drive; it’s a portal to some of the Sierra Nevada’s most pristine wilderness and day trip adventures. With its towering peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and winding trails, this iconic pass offers exceptional backpacking experiences that deliver on the quality solitude sought by most. A great place to target … Read more
Some trails leave us yearning for more, wishing we had taken just a few more steps or spent a little more time soaking in the views. Our list of incredible trail experiences we’d like to revisit includes some of our most memorable hikes, each one deserving of a second (or third) look. Whether it’s taking … Read more
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 … Read more
Crossing the Sierra during the summer season is a right of passage for many that love to adventure into the Sierra for travel and recreation. Typically the three largest scenic Byways (Tioga Pass/ 120, Sonora Pass/108 and Ebbett’s Pass / 4) open in mid may to Early June each season and recreational visitors scramble up … Read more
Man stands and views Carson Iceberg Wilderness. Photo Credit Brandon Pankey
Wilderness – Lake Tahoe has so much to offer all year round, but the summer season is off the hook. Do I spend the day in the water, on a beach, on the course of in the mountains? For me, I choose Wilderness 99% of the time. Why? Because in Lake Tahoe basin, there are … Read more
Another Weekend Adventure Into the Carson Iceberg Wilderness – Snodgrass Trailhead Sierra Rec Magazine- Trail Review – Carson iceberg Wilderness – June 2020 – It is not often in my trail reviews that I start at the top of the mountain and hike down into the valleys of the wilderness. Yet on the last day … Read more
WOLF CREEK TRAILHEAD ~ CARSON ICEBERG WILDERNESS ~ ALPINE COUNTY CA. Wolf Creek Trail is a well know horseback trail but I seldom see other hikers on the trail. This is one of our favorite quick trip wilderness escapes in the central Sierra. Wolf Creek is one of those out and back day trips that can … Read more
NOBEL LAKE TRAIL IS ACCESSED OFF HWY 4 IN ALPINE COUNTY ENTERING INTO THE CARSON ICEBERG WILDERNESS. “Life is a journey and not a destination” –Dr. Lynn H. Hough 10 – 10.5 miles round trip- Rated Moderate Hike Sierra Rec Trail Review – By Tom Trelenberg – Looking for a hike with diverse landscape including … Read more
Carson Iceberg Wilderness Once Again Home to Native Paiute Cutthroat Trout Sierra Rec Magazine -Alpine County Ca- September 2019 – California’s native Paiute cutthroat trout, the rarest trout in North America, swims once again in its high Sierra home waters for the first time in more than 100 years. California Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot, … Read more