In this episode of Sierra Rec Now, we break down the major 2025 trail closures affecting Lake Tahoe’s East Shore near Marlette Lake due to critical dam repairs. These closures, which began March 31 and extend through 2026, include popular mountain biking and hiking routes like North Canyon Road, Marlette Lake Trail, and sections of the Flume Trail near Spooner Lake State Park.

If you're planning a trip to Lake Tahoe this summer or operate a local bike shuttle or rental service, this episode is essential listening. We cover:

• Full list of trails closed in the Spooner Lake backcountry

• How the closure affects biking routes from Spooner to Incline Village

• What trails remain open (including Tahoe Rim Trail and Capital to Tahoe Trail)

• Alternative options for riders and hikers

• Why it’s critical to respect construction zones and stay informed

Stay up to date on trail conditions and plan your Sierra Nevada adventures with confidence. Subscribe to Sierra Rec Now for the latest in trail access, recreation updates, and destination tips from around the Sierra.

🔗 For more information, visit SierraRecMagazine.com

Welcome to Sierra Rec Now! In this episode, we kick off our new Carson Valley series with local legend Adam DeVargas, founder of Full Access Tahoe and a Polaris Adventures partner.

Adam takes us behind the wheel (literally and figuratively) into the less-traveled, high-reward terrain of the Carson Range, East Ridge above Lake Tahoe, and the Pine Nut Mountains. From breathtaking views at Genoa Peak to wild horse encounters near Mt. Siegel, this episode is packed with insider knowledge, scenic storytelling, and inspiration for your next off-road adventure.

🚙 Hear how Adam helps guests experience the freedom of the open range, explore epic 4x4 trails, and discover a whole new side of Tahoe and Carson Valley you might be missing.

🔹 Topics we cover:

• What makes Carson Valley an emerging outdoor hub

• The views from Tahoe’s eastern ridges

• Full Access Tahoe’s adventure offerings

• Wild horses, epic vistas, and the beauty of the Pine Nuts

• How locals can rediscover their backyard in a whole new way

🌄 Whether you're a local, a first-time visitor, or an off-road enthusiast looking to go beyond the crowds, this episode is for you.

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review — and stay tuned for more Carson Valley episodes coming this quarter!

#LakeTahoe #CarsonValley #OffRoadAdventures #FullAccessTahoe #SierraNevada #PineNutMountains #SierraRecNow #UTVAdventure #TahoeViews #PolarisAdventures

Discover More about Full Access Tahoe today at : https://fullaccesstahoe.com/

Exploring the Sierra One Story at a time

In this episode of the Sierra Rec Now Podcast, we dive deep into the thrilling world of whitewater rafting in the Sierra Nevada with Jeremiah Cooper and Eva, owners of . Based in Northern California, Tributary is one of the region’s most respected and experienced rafting outfitters, guiding guests down iconic waterways like the American River, Yuba River, and the East Fork of the Carson River—as well as numerous other rivers across the Western United States.

We talk with Jeremiah and Eva about:

• What makes rafting the Sierra Nevada rivers such a unique experience

• How Tributary helps guests choose the right trip based on skill level, flow conditions, and adventure goals

• The natural snowmelt-fed flows of the Yuba and East Carson Rivers, and how seasonal changes affect river runs

• Their personal journey from whitewater guides to business owners

• What it’s like to raise a family while running a successful outdoor adventure company in the Sierra

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in rafting, river conservation, adventure travel, or starting a lifestyle business in the outdoors. Whether you're planning your first rafting trip or you’re a seasoned paddler, you'll enjoy the insight, passion, and experience that Jeremiah and Eva bring to the conversation.

Listen Now:
🔗 Spotify:
🔗 Apple Podcasts:
🔗 YouTube:

Visit Tributary Whitewater Tours at: [Insert Link]

📸 Instagram: @Sierra_rec_magazine
🌐 Website: SierraRecMagazine.com

#WhitewaterRafting #TributaryWhitewater #SierraNevadaRivers #AmericanRiverRafting #YubaRiverRafting #EastCarsonRiver #AdventureTravelSierra #OutdoorBusiness #SierraRecNowPodcast #RaftingCalifornia

Plan Your Own Rafting Adventure: Stay Connected for More Sierra Stories:

Experience the Bodie Hotel in Bridgeport CaliforniaThe Bodie Hotel is more than just a place to stay—it’s a living piece of Sierra Nevada history. In this episode of the Sierra Rec Now Podcast, we sit down with Jeff and Jo Hebert, the new owners of this iconic hotel in Bridgeport, California.

Originally located in the famous ghost town of Bodie, the hotel was moved to Bridgeport in 1921, where it has continued to welcome travelers looking for a stay steeped in history, character, and a few ghost stories. Jeff and Jo share their journey from Southern California to the Eastern Sierra, their deep-rooted love for the region, and what it means to preserve a historic hotel that captures the spirit of the Old West.

What We Cover in this Episode

• The History of the Bodie Hotel and its relocation from Bodie to Bridgeport
• Ghost Stories and Paranormal Encounters at the hotel
• Outdoor Adventures Near Bridgeport, including Green Creek, Twin Lakes, and Virginia Lakes
• Bridgeport’s Fourth of July Celebration, one of the best small-town Independence Day experiences in the Sierra
• What It’s Like to Stay at the Bodie Hotel, a true historical experience for travelers seeking authenticity over modern conveniences

This episode is perfect for history lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and those who enjoy exploring the rich past of the Eastern Sierra.

Plan Your Stay at the Bodie Hotel:

🔗 Website: [Insert Link]

Stay connected with Sierra Rec Magazine for more adventure stories, hidden gems, and historic experiences in the Sierra Nevada.

📸 Instagram: @SierraRecMag
🌐 Website: SierraRecMagazine.com

#BodieHotel #BridgeportCA #EasternSierra #SierraHistory #GhostTowns #HistoricHotels #TwinLakes #VirginiaLakes #FourthOfJuly #SierraNevadaAdventures #ExploreBridgeport

After delays, Yosemite National Park has confirmed the summer 2025 campground reservation release dates! 🌲🏕️

🗓️ March 24, 7 AM PDT → Reservations open for June 15 - July 14 arrivals
🗓️ March 31, 7 AM PDT → Reservations open for July 15 - August 14 arrivals

🎟️ Book at Recreation.gov – campsites sell out within minutes!

Yosemite may release more sites later, with seven days' advance notice. Existing reservations are NOT affected.

🚨 Plan Ahead: Yosemite’s campgrounds are on a strict reservation system from April - October. Different campgrounds release at different times, so make sure you know when your window opens!

⏳ Sync your clock, log in early, and be ready to grab your spot!

Tag a friend planning a Yosemite camping trip this summer! 🏕️🌲 #YosemiteCamping #SierraRec #YosemiteNationalPark #CampingLife #GetOutside

https://sierrarecmagazine.com/yosemite-camping-reservations-2025/

In this episode of Sierra Rec Now, host Charlie Pankey sits down with Rich Booher, the driving force behind Mammoth Off-Road Adventures, to talk about exploring the Eastern Sierra like never before! 🚜💨

As part of the Polaris Outdoor Adventure Network, Rich and his team take guests on thrilling off-road tours deep into the Mammoth region, reaching hidden trails, soaring Sierra peaks, and remote gems like the Crowley Lake Columns. Whether you're craving high-speed adventure, breathtaking scenery, or a new way to experience the backcountry, this episode is packed with inspiration and expert insight.

Adventure without the anxiety. No worries—just epic vistas and unforgettable experiences. 🌄

🔗 Learn more & book your off-road adventure: Mammoth Off-Road Adventures

🎧 Tune in now and get ready to explore Mammoth from a whole new perspective! #OffRoadAdventure #MammothLakes #SierraNevada #ExploreMore

For the first time ever, we welcome back a repeat guest—Colin West, founder of Clean Up The Lake—to share exciting news about the launch of Make A Difference Creative and its new documentary series, "What Lies Unseen."

This gripping new YouTube series takes viewers beneath the surface of our mountain lakes, revealing the hidden litter, historical artifacts, and environmental threats that lie below. From dangerous dive conditions to unexpected archaeological finds, Colin and his team showcase the real-life challenges of underwater conservation.

🎬 Episode Highlights:

✅ The inspiration behind "What Lies Unseen"

✅ The dangers and discoveries of deep lake cleanups

✅ How this project is educating communities and schools

✅ Upcoming in-person premieres & YouTube launch details

📍 Want to see it first? Join the Truckee or South Lake Tahoe premieres before the first episode drops on March 9 on YouTube!

🔗 Watch & Support:

🎥 Subscribe to Make A Difference Creative: youtube.com/@MAKEADIFFERENCECREATIVE

🌎 Follow Clean Up The Lake: @cleanupthelake

💙 Support the Mission: CleanUpTheLake.org

#Podcast #SierraRecNow #CleanUpTheLake #WhatLiesUnseen #LakeTahoe #EnvironmentalConservation #UnderwaterArchaeology #ScubaDiving

In this episode of the Sierra Rec Now Podcast, hostCharlie Pankey sits down with Kate Holden from Visit Madera and yosemitethisyear.com to dive into the wonders of Madera County—the Southern Gateway to Yosemite.

With firsthand insights from her time as a Yosemite ranger, Kate reveals the magic behind scenic train rides, the allure of Bass Lake and Oakhurst, the beauty of the Sierra Vista Scenic Byway, and even the fun Fossil to Falls road trip featuring adorable forest creature collectibles.

Tune in for a deep dive into the region’s diverse landscapes and heritage attractions!

🌍 Adventure, Travel, and Sustainability with Alice Ford! 🎥✨

In this episode of the Sierra Rec Now Podcast, we sit down with Alice Ford—award-winning adventure filmmaker, PBS travel host, stuntwoman, and sustainability expert! Alice shares her passion for outdoor exploration, filmmaking, and conservation, along with her perfect day in Joshua Tree National Park. 🌵☀️

🔹 Topics We Cover:
✅ Hidden gems & adventure spots in the Eastern Sierra 🏔️
✅ How Alice became a stuntwoman & travel filmmaker 🎬
✅ The importance of sustainability in outdoor travel 🌱
✅ Her book 10 Steps to Happiness & how adventure fuels personal growth 📖
✅ Tips for planning your own epic travel experiences 💡

This fast-paced, inspiring episode is packed with insider knowledge, pro travel tips, and incredible adventure stories!

🎧 Listen Now & Subscribe: And Please Share with your Friends who Love adventure.

🌍 Connect with Alice Ford:
🔗 Website: https://alicesadventuresonearth.com/
📸 Instagram: @alicefordadventures

📢 Love outdoor travel? Follow the Sierra Rec Now Podcast for more adventure stories, expert insights, and hidden gems in the Sierra Nevada & beyond! 🌄

#SierraRecNowPodcast #AliceFord #AdventureTravel #JoshuaTree #EasternSierra #OutdoorExploration #Sustainability #PBS #TravelPodcast #HikingLife

In this episode ofSierra Rec Now, we sit down with Cory Pargee, Executive Director of the Feather River Land Trust, and Sophia Micheletti from their communications team to discuss the brand-newSierra Valley Preserve Nature Center. Learn about this remarkable new destination in the Sierra Valley, its unique ecology, and why it’s a must-visit for nature lovers.

We also dive into the significance of the Feather River watershed and other exciting conservation efforts in Plumas County.

Don’t miss this conversation about the future of land stewardship and outdoor recreation in the Sierra!

#wildbirds #naturepreserve #featherriverwatershed #plumascounty