By Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Magazine

The Sierra Nevada isn’t just a destination—it’s a legacy. Few people embody that truth better than Brian Martz, this week’s guest on the Sierra Rec Now Podcast. Known to thousands of California students as the Water Guy, Brian’s life story runs far deeper than his classroom mascot role. He’s a lifelong explorer of the Eastern Sierra, a devoted backpacker, and a keeper of his family’s wilderness traditions.

In this conversation, Brian shares memories of growing up under the influence of his legendary Uncle Buster, his love of bringing new friends into the mountains, and the lessons he’s learned along the trails of Yosemite, Virginia Lakes, and beyond.

A Family Legacy: Uncle Buster and the Sierra Tradition

For Brian, the Sierra has always been about more than scenery. It’s about family and tradition. His Uncle Buster, who worked alongside Bell Helmets founder Roy Richter in the 1950s, spent decades leading family and friends into the Eastern Sierra.

“My uncle Buster… he left a legacy and a legend within himself. But what we mostly remember him by is his love for the Sierras. For over seven decades, three generations have followed in his footsteps.” — Brian Martz

Buster’s commitment to Fishmas at Crowley Lake and his relentless enthusiasm for adventure became traditions that continue to shape Brian’s life today.

Backpacking Virginia Lakes, Chocolate Lakes, and Green Creek

Brian organizes multiple backpacking trips each summer—one designed for newcomers, another for hardcore miles. In recent years, his groups have explored Virginia Lakes, Chocolate Lakes, and Green Creek, combining backcountry challenges with evenings of fishing.

Long Lake
Long Lake on the Bishop Pass Trail John Muir Wilderness

“Before we begin, we do a weigh-in… the goal is to try to get your pack down to ultralight. Every item is either a want or a need. If it’s just a want, it’s a luxury.” — Brian Martz

For Brian, ultralight backpacking isn’t about suffering. It’s about being able to go farther and enjoy more of the Sierra’s hidden corners.

Fishmas at Crowley Lake: Tradition in Action

Charlie joined Brian this spring for his first-ever Fishmas, the annual Eastern Sierra trout opener. It was a cold, snowy day on the lake, but the camaraderie was unforgettable.

Man in hoodie holds up trout on crowley lake in boat

“One of Buster’s sayings was: you’re going to the Crowley Lake opener unless your mother’s on her deathbed. You don’t think about it—you just go.” — Brian Martz

Despite the conditions, Brian hauled in a massive 4.5-pound cutthroat and another big brown trout, proving that Fishmas is as much about memories as it is about the catch.

Off-Trail Adventures: Yosemite and Emigrant Wilderness

The Sierra offers more than just marked trails. Brian has spent years exploring off-trail routes with friends and mentors like “Yosemite Sam.” Together they’ve discovered hidden meadows, secret springs, and rarely visited lakes.

Charlie and Brian compare notes from Yosemite’s McCabe Lakes, the granite bowls of the Sawtooth Ridge, and challenging cross-country routes through Emigrant Wilderness, where every mile demands patience and grit.

“Sometimes you hit sections that you wouldn’t send your worst enemy through. But the reward is at night, under the sky, when the whole wilderness feels like it belongs just to you.” — Brian Martz

Must-See Hidden Lakes of the Sierra

When asked for his “must-see before you die” spots, Brian didn’t hesitate:

These aren’t easy hikes. They require multiple nights, careful planning, and stamina. But as Brian describes, the reward is sunsets, reflections, and a sense of awe that few places on earth can match.

Backpacking Lessons: Packing Fears and Finding Friends

One theme that runs through Brian’s stories is the importance of meeting people and sharing the trail. From encounters with strangers who became lifelong friends, to inviting Charlie on a Bishop Pass trip after only meeting once, Brian lives by a simple code.

“When you pass a human being, the minimum you say is hello. If they say hello back, they’re normal. If you get in a conversation… be careful, it could last an hour.” — Brian Martz

It’s this generosity of spirit that has allowed Brian to extend his uncle’s legacy into new generations of adventurers.

Listen to the Full Conversation

This podcast is more than a collection of trail stories. It’s a reminder that the Sierra Nevada is both a personal and shared journey. Whether you’re drawn to backpacking hidden lakes, casting a line on opening day at Crowley, or simply carrying on a family tradition, Brian’s experiences capture the heart of what makes the Sierra timeless.

👉 Listen to the full episode now: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1IdOSTtpCx09yogSpJCGBY?si=jcgW5UgPTb2GoNBhoksYJQ
👉 Read more trail-tested stories at: Sierra Rec Trail tested stories