Podcast Feature: Sierra Rec Now – Episode with Owen White, Visit Alpine County

If there’s one place in the Sierra Nevada that still feels like it belongs entirely to the mountains, it’s Alpine County.

Tucked between towering volcanic ridges and granite peaks, Alpine County has long been my go-to escape—especially when I need a day away from the noise. No lines. No crowds. No pressure. Just pure Sierra air, a wandering trail, and enough alpine silence to make you believe in magic again.

In this week’s Sierra Rec Now podcast episode, I had the chance to sit down with Owen White from Visit Alpine County—a passionate voice for this rugged, underappreciated region. Together, we dug into what makes Alpine so special, what’s new this summer, and why more and more Sierra lovers are quietly adding this pocket of the mountains to their must-explore list.

🎧 Listen Now: Spotify , Apple, Amazon

Why Alpine County Is Called “The Alps of the Eastern Sierra”

As Owen and I shared stories from the trail, it became clear: Alpine County earns its name every spring when jagged snow-dusted peaks rise above meadows lit with wildflowers. Locals have long called it “The Alps of the Eastern Sierra,” and for good reason. From Ebbetts Pass to Hope Valley, the landscape rises and falls with such drama and texture you’d think it was lifted from Europe.

Yet this is California. And it’s ours.

Grover Hotsprings waterfall Trail

Secret Trails, Hidden Waterfalls, and High Country Solitude

We talked about the gems—the kinds of places you won’t find in a top ten list or on the cover of a travel brochure. Think:

  • 🌿 Grover Hot Springs Waterfall Trail (and the second waterfall above it, if you know where to look)
  • 🏞️ Thornburg Canyon, a volcanic trail that sneaks up to the wilderness edge with few footprints
  • 🐾 Hope Valley in early summer, where bobcats prowl the meadows and snowmelt carves fresh braids through the riverbed
  • 🎣 Golden trout lakes hiding in the high alpine along lesser-known stretches of the PCT

We even dove into the growing presence of beavers in Alpine County’s waterways—an unexpected sign of ecological rebirth that’s reshaping the riverbanks and inviting other wildlife home.

Death Ride & Summer Events in the High Sierra

One of the region’s most iconic events, the Death Ride, returns July 12, drawing cyclists from all over the country to climb five Sierra passes in one grueling day. It’s not a race—it’s a test of grit, beauty, and high-altitude resolve.

Whether you’re riding or just watching in awe, the weekend turns Alpine County into a celebration of mountain strength and summer spirit. And yes, volunteers are still welcome.

“Some people do all five passes. Others stop after one. But every rider who finishes knows they’ve accomplished something incredible,” Owen said.

Alpine County Ca
High in alpine County

Trail Conditions & Wilderness Access: What’s Open Now?

Early June in Alpine County means watching the snowlines retreat day by day. Here’s what we learned:

  • Hope Valley Campgrounds and Grover Hot Springs are open and accessible
  • Highland Lakes Road is still closed (expect July 4th or later for full access)
  • Burnside Lake and Charity Valley are clearing up fast, with trail work underway
  • Dispersed sites along Highway 4 are muddy but opening up
  • Lake Alpine and Caples Lake are thawing—but bring boots, it’s still wet up high

Why Alpine Feels Like the Last Wild Place

At one point in the conversation, Owen said something that stuck with me:

“We don’t have banks or big stores. There’s no major grocery, no chain gas station. You bring what you need. You come to disappear—and to feel small in the best way.”

And that’s the soul of it.

Alpine County near Blue Lakes

Alpine County is where I go when I want to remember why I fell in love with the Sierra in the first place. Not just the trails or the trout, but the quiet. The sense of finding something no one else has seen yet. A pocket of peace in a world that moves too fast.

Plan Your Escape

If this episode inspires anything, I hope it’s a spontaneous trip up Highway 4 or 88. Don’t overplan it. Just load the cooler, pack the first aid kit (Owen’s non-negotiable), and go.

Need a few ideas?

  • Hike to Raymond Peak for one of the best views in the Eastern Sierra
  • Float the East Fork of the Carson River from Markleeville to Hangman’s Bridge
  • Camp in Hope Valley and stargaze like the world’s gone quiet
  • Explore volcanic ridges and rock arches near Reynolds Peak
  • Chase trout, track bobcats, or just swing in a hammock and breathe

Because in Alpine County, you’re never far from the wild. You just have to step off the pavement and follow the sound of water.

🎧 Listen to the Full Episode Now
Title: Secrets of Alpine County: Wilderness, Waterfalls & Why You’ll Never Want to Leave
Guest: Owen White, Visit Alpine County
📍 [Listen on Spotify] | [Watch on YouTube] | [Explore More on SierraRecMagazine.com]

📣 Do You Love Alpine County?
Tell us your story or share your favorite hidden gem using #SierraSummers and tag [@sierrarecmagazine].