SIERRASTOP
THIS WEEKEND
IN THE SIERRA
SEPT. 11–13
TAHOE · MAMMOTH · SEQUOIA + KINGS CANYON
Three corners of the Sierra. Three very different reasons to get out of town.
Whether you want an afternoon of bear-country education at Lake Tahoe, a long ride through the Eastern Sierra or a weekend beneath some of California’s darkest skies, SierraStop has one trip-worthy pick for each region this Sept. 11–13.
Northern Sierra
Tahoe Bear Fest
When: Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026 · 2:00–6:00 PM
Where: Ed Z’berg Sugar Pine Point State Park
What it is: A free, family-friendly event featuring bear education, guided hikes, interactive exhibits and activities.
Why it’s worth the trip: Tahoe Bear Fest combines an afternoon outdoors with a closer look at one of the region’s most recognizable animals. It is an approachable choice for families and anyone interested in understanding Tahoe bear country.
Central Sierra
Mammoth Gran Fondo
When: Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026 · 6:00 AM–5:00 PM
Where: The Village at Mammoth / Eastern Sierra
What it is: A cycling event offering 42-, 70- and 102-mile routes.
Why it’s worth the trip: The routes pair a serious day on the bike with High Sierra, Mono Lake and White Mountains scenery. Three distances give riders different ways to experience one of California’s most dramatic cycling landscapes.
Southern Sierra
13th Annual Dark Sky Festival
When: Friday–Sunday, Sept. 11–13, 2026
Where: Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
What it is: A free festival featuring astronomy programs, stargazing, ranger programs, solar viewing and family activities.
Why it’s worth the trip: The festival turns a national-park visit into an opportunity to experience the Southern Sierra after dark, bringing together mountain scenery, night skies and astronomy programming across the weekend.
Plan before you go: Event programs, route information and park conditions can change. Review the appropriate official event or park information before departure.
Planning a Sierra weekend? Follow SierraStop for weekly Northern, Central and Southern Sierra picks.
