Charlie Pankey

2 days ago | sierrarecmagazine.com | Charlie Pankey

South Lake Tahoe, CA – If you love birds, nature walks, and hands-on outdoor fun, don’t miss the Wild Tahoe Festival, happening Saturday, June 28, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Taylor Creek Visitor Center, just off Highway 89 north of South Lake Tahoe. This free, one-day event brings together two beloved gatherings—the Lake Tahoe Bird Festival and the Native Species Festival—into one unforgettable outdoor celebration.

3 days ago | sierrarecmagazine.com | Charlie Pankey

Words & Photos by Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec MagazineSponsored by Mountain House, EXPED, and NestoutSummer 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.

3 days ago | sierrarecmagazine.com | Charlie Pankey

By Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec MagazineSomething remarkable happened this week. In the middle of heated debates over a bill proposing the sale of millions of acres of public land, everyday people—hikers, ranchers, conservationists, off-roaders, small-town residents—raised their voices. And the message reached Washington. In response to overwhelming public outcry and procedural review, a U.S. Senator from Utah, Mike Lee, was forced to revise the proposal dramatically.

1 week ago | sierrarecmagazine.com | Casey Cartwright |Charlie Pankey

Archery is an exciting sport that combines focus, discipline, and skill. Whether you’re looking to join competitions or want to enjoy a new hobby, starting on the right foot can make all the difference. In the heart of the Sierra Nevada, where outdoor traditions run deep and self-reliance is part of the landscape, archery offers a uniquely rewarding way to connect with both nature and personal discipline.

1 week ago | sierrarecmagazine.com | Charlie Pankey

By Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec MagazineI’ve pulled off the side of the road just north of Truckee more times than I can count. Sometimes it’s for a spontaneous hike at Prosser Hill. Other times, it’s to catch the last light hitting Boca Reservoir or to find a stretch of dirt road where I can hear nothing but the wind and my own breath while enjoying the wildflowers. These places don’t come with interpretive signs or visitor centers. They don’t show up in glossy travel brochures. But they matter.