Every August, a unique mix of tradition, trail-taming, and community comes alive in the High Sierra. Sierra Trek—hosted at Meadow Lake near Truckee, California—is more than just a wheeling event. It’s a legendary gathering where the off-road community reconnects with California’s 4x4 roots, and this year, Cal4Wheel has added exciting new multi-day trail runs to the lineup.
Whether you're chasing granite climbs, historic mining roads, or alpine lakes, Sierra Trek is a summer must-do for every off-road enthusiast.
When is Sierra Trek 2025?
Sierra Trek 2025 will be held August 7–10, 2025 (Thursday through Sunday), with early arrivals and staging options available for those running longer trails earlier in the week.
Where is Sierra Trek Held?
The basecamp for Sierra Trek is Meadow Lake, tucked high in the Sierra Nevada mountains just northwest of Truckee, California. This remote spot offers the perfect mix of rugged landscape, serene lakeside camping, and high-altitude challenge.
To get there:
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From Truckee, head north on CA-89
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Take Henness Pass Road toward Jackson Meadow Reservoir
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Continue to Meadow Lake Road – high-clearance vehicles recommended!
What’s Basecamp Like?
Basecamp is the heart of the event, with:
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Lakeside camping
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Live music
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Hot meals (breakfast/dinner available with pre-registration)
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Vendor Row
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Family-friendly games
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Raffles and prizes
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Kids' activities and RC track
It's a community gathering just as much as it is a 4x4 challenge.
What Trails Can I Run at Sierra Trek?
This year, Sierra Trek offers its most diverse trail program ever, with multi-day adventures added for the hardcore crowd and scenic options for those who prefer sightseeing.
For the first time ever, Sierra Trek introduces Platinum-Level Multi-Day Trek-to-Trek Adventures—three epic two-night off-road experiences that begin Wednesday before the main event and are built for fully self-reliant campers and experienced drivers. Each run includes meals, entertainment, exclusive perks, and unforgettable backcountry exploration.
These runs are extremely limited (only 10 vehicles per run) and include:
Overlanding Trek to Trek
Led by: Del Albright, Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame Inductee
This narrated overland journey is more than a drive—it's a history lesson, geological tour, and backcountry storytime with one of off-roading’s most respected voices. You'll explore remote Sierra routes, learn about forestry, flora, fauna, and enjoy cowboy poetry and live music at camp.
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Self-reliant rigs only
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Scenic high-country travel
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Includes: 2 dinners (Fri/Sat), 2 breakfasts (Sat/Sun)
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Platinum meal line, drink ticket, exclusive raffle entry, and sponsor swag
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Not for PGE campsites
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GMRS radio required
Rocklander™ Trek to Trek
Led by: Bill Ellis, Retired Air Force Veteran & Past Sierra Trek Chair
Sponsored by: MetalCloak
This trail is perfect for those who want a mix of moderate trail challenge and high-altitude overlanding, with a guided route through Sierra mountain passes, forest roads, and rocky trails. Ideal for Rocklanding rigs that are built but not extreme.
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Moderate off-road terrain
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Paved, dirt, and rocky sections
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Fully self-supported camping
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Includes: Meals, raffle perks, drink ticket, Platinum meal line, and swag
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GMRS radio required
RubiDyce Trek to Trek
Led by: Jeff Greenwood, Retired Firefighter/Medic
This one's for the seasoned pros. A hardcore loop hitting both the Rubicon and Fordyce Trails—arguably the two most brutal and legendary Jeep trails in California. Expect technical terrain, deep water, granite climbs, and remote recovery situations.
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35” tires and dual lockers required
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Driver must be skilled and self-recovery capable
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Trailside camping
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Full Platinum perks: meals, drink ticket, raffles, swag
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GMRS radio required
Day Runs and Historic Routes
For more casual (but still capable) rigs:
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Signal Peak
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Fordyce Trail (Short Course)
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Scenic Historic Tour – Great for stock rigs and families
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Sunset Tour
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Ladies Run
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Beginner Trek
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Side-by-Side Run
These runs accommodate a wide range of setups—from lightly modified rigs to full-built crawlers.
Who Benefits from Sierra Trek?
Sierra Trek is a fundraiser for Cal4Wheel, the California Four Wheel Drive Association. Proceeds support:
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Land use advocacy
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Trail maintenance
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Legal defense funds
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Off-road education
Your registration helps protect California’s public lands for future generations of off-roaders.
Who Puts on Sierra Trek?
Sierra Trek is operated by Cal4Wheel (California Four Wheel Drive Association) and powered by dozens of volunteers. These are seasoned wheelers who know the terrain, the history, and the logistics—ensuring your experience is safe, organized, and unforgettable.
Is Sierra Trek Right for Me?
If you:
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Drive a 4x4 (Jeep, Bronco, Toyota, Ram, etc.)
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Love rock crawling or overland exploring
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Want to support land use access
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Enjoy off-road community vibes
...Sierra Trek is for you. It’s one of the last true grassroots 4x4 events that blends history, advocacy, and world-class terrain.
How Do I Register?
Visit the official registration page: cal4wheel.com/sierra-trek
Early registration is recommended—trails fill up fast, especially the new multi-day routes.
What Should I Bring?
Basic trail gear:
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Recovery kit
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Tools & spare parts
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Comms (HAM, GMRS)
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Water, snacks, first-aid
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Camping gear for basecamp or trail runs
Your vehicle should be prepped for high-altitude wheeling, rock crawling, and potentially wet crossings (especially on Fordyce).
What’s the History Behind Sierra Trek?
Launched in 1967, Sierra Trek began as a way to showcase the incredible terrain of Fordyce Creek and rally off-roaders in defense of land access. Over five decades later, it's become a pilgrimage for many West Coast Jeepers.
Each year, old friends return, new faces arrive, and the trail legacy grows.
Will Metalcloak Be There?
You bet. Metalcloak will be on-site at Sierra Trek camping , wheeling, and enjoying every ounce of the fun. Metalcloak has been going to Sierra Trek every year since 2009 and have become one of it's primary sponsors.
Come find us at Vendor Row—we’re here to support your build and your adventure.
What Else Can I Do at Sierra Trek?
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Enter the raffle (major gear prizes!)
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Play with the RC Cars provided by State Parks
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Play in the Corn Hole Tournament (they're mean competitors)
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Relax by the lake
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Meet trail legends and off-road icons
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for an event that mixes historic trails, hardcore wheeling, and a deep sense of off-road community, Sierra Trek 2025 is the place to be. From the thunder of tires on granite to quiet starlit nights at Meadow Lake, this is the kind of event that reminds you why you fell in love with wheeling in the first place.
