Real Stories from the Sierra
Welcome to Trail Tested—your go-to destination for real-world hiking and backpacking experiences across the Sierra Nevada. This page brings together all our firsthand adventure stories, written after boots hit the dirt and gear is put to the test. From family day hikes and waterfall treks to multi-day backcountry loops, each post offers practical tips, scenic highlights, and honest gear insights from the trail. Whether you’re planning your next trip or just love reliving the adventure, this is where the Sierra Rec community shares what it truly feels like out there.
Trail Tested Stories
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Discover the Treasures of the Twin Lake Trail in Desolation Wilderness
A Favorite Westside Entry Point into Desolation Wilderness Desolation Wilderness – Trail reports – July 2022 – This one trailhead opens up a world of wilderness resources you can experience that will enliven your spirit, soothe your soul, and recharge your life force. The wilderness resources you’ll see along the Twin Lakes trail include granite…
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Burnside Lake via Charity Valley Trailhead East Near Grover’s Hot Springs
Discovering New Trail Experiences For the Family Sierra Rec Magazine – Trail Review by Tom Trelenberg – This trailhead is accessed off of Hot Springs Road, approximately 3 miles out of Markleeville, CA, about a mile before reaching Grover’s Hot Springs. The trailhead is outside the state park and adds about 20 minutes (one way)…
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An Epic Adventure Awaits in The 20 Lakes Basin Of The Hoover Wilderness
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…
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Three Days in the Hoover Wilderness- A great beginners backpack trip out of Leavitt Meadow
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…
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Hire A Pack Guide Out Of Leavitt's Meadow And Enjoy The Backcountry
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…
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Grovers Hot Spring State Park delivers great day trip hiking experience in Alpine County
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.…
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Best Places to Hike the PCT in Central Sierra Mountains
PCT Segment Hikes near Lake Tahoe Exploring the PCT (Pacific Crest Trail) is bound to become even more popular as the general public falls in love with the ideas and scenes in the New movie ” Wild”.For many who call Sierra’s home the PCT trail is still something of a myth/ legend. So close to…
Field Tested Gear
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Field-Tested in the Sierra: Lowa Innovo GTX Lo Hiker Boot Review
A Reliable Trail Partner for Spring Conditions in the Sierra If you’re looking for a boot that can handle rocky terrain, melting snow, and the unpredictable conditions of a Sierra spring, the Lowa Innovo GTX Lo just might be your new go-to. After logging over 50 miles of varied terrain—from Carson Valley to Convict Lake…
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Trail Butter That’ll Crack You Up (and Fuel Your Next Hike)
By Charlie Pankey, Sierra Rec Magazine You know that mid-afternoon desk moment when your energy crashes and your mind starts wandering to the mountains? Yeah, that happened to me today—post-Spring magazine launch, mid-dual-drum brain fog—and I remembered I had a little something new to try sitting right here on my desk. Canyon Crack Trail Butter.…
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Exploring the 2024 Royal Robbins Spring Line: First Impressions from the Trail
Royal Robbins Declares War on Mosquito Infested Adventures One of the best parts of running Sierra Rec Magazine is getting the opportunity to test out new gear, especially when it comes from brands that truly understand adventure. This spring, I had the chance to check out the latest collection from Royal Robbins, a Yosemite-inspired clothing…
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Roll Recovery R8 Plus™: Bringing Science to Trail Recovery
The Recovery I Wish I Had in the Sierra Backcountry At 55 years old, I’m starting to accept that recovery takes longer after my bigger hiking trips. Last summer, I logged 40 miles in Yosemite’s backcountry, pushing my legs through granite passes, river crossings, and elevation gains that had my quads burning. I felt strong—until…
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Exploring the 2024 Royal Robbins Spring Line: First Impressions from the Trail
Field Testing Gear born for Sierra Adventures. Exploring the 2024 Royal Robbins Spring Line: First Impressions from the Trail One of the many transitions I have made in the past several years in my personal outdoor wardrobe is ditching the blue jeans and cotton for comfortable and durable wear that was made for being in…
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Trail Snack Spotlight: Kate’s Real Food Bars & Garage Grown Gear
When you’re out on the trail, the right snack can make all the difference. Over my years of hiking he Sierra I have gone through a variety of changes as it comes to trail snacks. From basic nut mixes, to dried fruit, to trail bars, I find one of the things that I wont put…
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Keeping it Chill: A Weekend with the GoSun Chillito Rechargeable Cooler
A Product Review From Sierra Rec Magazine Staff on the GoSun Chillito Cooler Let’s face it, packing for a camping trip can be a delicate balancing act. You want to bring enough food and drinks to last, but you also don’t want to be weighed down by a bulky cooler filled with ice. This past…
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Scarpa Moraine Mid WP: A Hiking Boot Built for Safety and Comfort in the Sierra Nevada
The Scarpa Moraine Mid WP boot is a compelling option for Sierra Nevada explorers who value safety and comfort on the trails. This recently released boot from Scarpa, a brand traditionally known for its ski mountaineering footwear, boasts a well-constructed design, impressive features, and a unique safety technology that could be lifesaving. We discovered these…
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Sun Protection on the Sierra Trails: A Review of the Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie
As the sun climbs higher in the sky and the days lengthen, it’s time to shed those heavy layers and trade them in for sun protection that keeps you comfortable. Here at Sierra Rec, I am always on the lookout for gear that performs well on the trail, and we recently got our hands on…
