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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Gear Review: XShot Sport GoPro Pole
XShot Sport Delivers Sleek and Strong Extended Pole for GoPro and Phone Gear Review Sierra REC – The power of the action shot has transformed the media we consume and the expectations in which our devices work for us in capturing that one great image that will be shared or liked by all. So when I…
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New Fuel 100 Electro Bites Baked Treat A Unique Alternative for Endurance Training
Gear Review Sierra Rec, December 2015 – Are you part of that elite athlete crowd that looks at a 50-mile run and says let’s do it? Or Maybe your part of that “training to be elite” cycling group that is set to take on the Death Ride in High Sierra or just loves to feel…
