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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MSR Launches ParadigmTM Bindings on Explore Series snowshoes for Fall 2024
New bindings offer efficient, comfortable, and durable performance paired with an easy-to-use design and repairability. Seattle, Wash. (February 20, 2024) – Today, Mountain Safety Research (MSR) announces the launch of new ParadigmTM bindings on their Explore Series snowshoes, as well as new colorways, available Fall of 2024. The Explore Series snowshoes are designed for intermediate to advanced-level snowshoers exploring…
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Bear Vault, Breaking Down Wilderness Adventure Walls for Christmas
Greetings, Sierra Rec Magazine readers! As the snow blankets the Sierra and the holiday spirit fills the air, we’re thrilled to bring you an exclusive opportunity to gear up for your winter adventures while making a positive impact. BearVault, our trusted affiliate partner, is hosting an extraordinary holiday sale, and we’re excited to share the…
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Shed a Pound On Your Next Pack Trip
OSPREY BACKPACKS STRIPPING ANOTHER POUND OFF LIGHTWEIGHT PACKS Sierra REc Magazine – Gear – 2023- That is always the goal, correct? How little weight can I carry into the wilderness and still stay comfortable sleeping in the wilderness and traveling safely? Well, as you prep for the 2023 backpacking season, Osprey has made it easier…
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Right-On-Trek Coconut Chicken Curry A Delightful Bite for Backpacking
The Next Generation Prepared Backpacking Food Company RightOnTrek Provides Maximum Taste in Curry Dish Sierra Rec Magazine – Gear Review – I am a pretty simple backpacker. I like ease, convenience and not a lot of extra fluff. So when I was introduced to Rightontrek backpacking meals all I really wanted to know, is does…
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Arcade Belt Co. Announces Shift to REPREVE® Recycled Polyester
Changing For Good: Brand’s Performance Stretch Belts Keeps Focus on Comfort, Durability, and Functionality for Freedom of Motion – While Reducing Environmental Footprint OLYMPIC VALLEY, Calif. – July 19, 2022 – Arcade (https://arcadebelts.com), founded on the belief that belts should function better for freedom of motion, be designed to last longer, and be more comfortable,…
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A Winter Gear Bag Update: C2 Extreme Tights A New Required Element For Winter Adventures
Sierra Rec Magazine Publisher Discovers “New Favorite” In Adventure Gear Layer Product Review: C2 Extreme Tights Don’t put away your winter gear just yet, in the Sierra. As the forecast for this week is calling for up to another 4 feet of snow in early April. But maybe better advice would be to check out this…
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Screamin Energy ~ Just The Pick Me Up; I Needed On My Sierra Snowshoe Adventure
After Miles of Snowshoeing, A Quick Screamin Energy” Max Hit” Was In Order March 28, 2017 – Typically speaking I am an over packer. I always head to the trail with too many supplies for the day and more than enough layers. Which makes this product review unique for me, as today’s snowshoeing adventure was doomed…
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Product Review: FrostPak Coolpak From Seattle Sports Delivers in the Heat
Exclusive Sierra REC Magazine Product Review – Sept 28, 2016 – Ok who loves coming back from a long day hike to a cold beer or bottle of water? I know I do, so when given the opportunity to review the Seattle Sports Cool Pak, one of the products from its FrostPak™ Soft Cooler Line, I…
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Gear Review Relief Bed – Changing lives around the world one great nights sleep at a time!
Revolutionary new sleep pad not only great for backcountry camping but is set to change lives around the world May 2016, Gear Review by Sierra REC Staff – Ok remember back to that first camping trip when mom and dad rolled out the egg crate mattress pad in the tent and you thought your world of camping…
