This week on the Sierra Rec Now Podcast, we welcome back returning guest Paul Wagner — author, blogger at BackpackingSierra.com, and longtime volunteer for multiple wilderness areas across the Sierra Nevada.
Paul joins host Charlie Pankey for a wide-ranging conversation about backpacking adventures, trail stewardship, volunteering in Desolation Wilderness, and hidden gems in the Sierra Nevada backcountry.
Listen now on your favorite platform:
Exploring the Emigrant Wilderness
Early in the show, Paul and Charlie swap stories about off-trail adventures in the Emigrant Wilderness. Both recount the mental challenge of navigating the hot granite ridges, where unexpected cliffs and bluffs can force frustrating backtracks.
“I just mentally, it wasn’t physically challenging. It was mentally challenging. I was in this big granite bowl having to backtrack 60 yards every time I picked the route.” – Charlie Pankey
Paul echoed the experience from another route:
“We just could not find a route up that granite. Everything’s gone fine and then there’s a cliff or a thicket of manzanita you do not want to whack through.” – Paul Wagner
Volunteer Work in Desolation Wilderness
One of the most compelling parts of this episode is Paul’s story about volunteering in Desolation Wilderness. He describes his work monitoring solitude, restoring campsites, and educating hikers about wilderness rules.
“I adopted zone 39… no trail to it, so it’s cross-country. But I go in, spend a couple of days checking out campsites. If there are sites too close to the water, I restore them. If there’s trash, I pick it up. And of course, I’m answering tons of questions on the trail.” – Paul Wagner
Charlie, who has also volunteered in Desolation, reflected on the role:
“We’re volunteers, right? We’re just given education. That’s why we do it—because we want to help.” – Charlie Pankey
First Aid Experiences in the Wilderness
Paul also shared a memorable moment when he used his first aid kit at Lake Aloha:
“I ran into a couple of women, one had clearly sprained her ankle. I wrapped it the way they used to wrap mine 50 years ago when I played soccer. Just then, a guy walked up and said, ‘Well, I’m an ER doctor.’ He checked it and said, ‘That’s exactly how I’d wrap that ankle.’” – Paul Wagner
The Importance of Trail Etiquette
The discussion also dives into wilderness etiquette — especially the common issue of camping too close to water.
“When you get to a lake, you want to see wilderness, not someone else’s tent. And animals are going to the water at night. Staying right there just puts you in harm’s way.” – Charlie Pankey
Paul added:
“There’s an old rule in backpacking: you never take the first campsite you find. Hike another five minutes and you’ll find something better.” – Paul Wagner
Restoration Efforts in the Sierra
From filling in illegal campsites with rocks and pinecones to hauling out torn-up backpacks from bear caches, Paul and Charlie both share how small actions protect the wilderness for the next visitor.
“I packed out a tent and a couple other things this summer that people left. Sometimes, you just have to restore an area so it looks like nobody should camp there.” – Paul Wagner
Adventures in Yosemite and Beyond
The episode also touches on favorite backpacking routes in Yosemite, including off-trail routes around McCabe Lakes and Roosevelt Lake. Charlie recounts:
“We didn’t see a human being for about 36 hours. It was complete solitude—just us, the coyotes, and the sound of water rushing through the canyons.” – Charlie Pankey
Paul Wagner’s Book Series
Paul is also the author of the Dan Courtright wilderness mystery series, inspired by his experiences in the Sierra.
“The latest book is called Running Downhill. It’s the first one where Dan isn’t working as a ranger, he’s simply out having an adventure and things happen.” – Paul Wagner
Paul’s first book in the Dan Courtright series, Falling Rocks, immediately set the tone for the adventures that follow. His storytelling is grounded in the Sierra in a way that makes the world of Wilderness Ranger Dan feel authentic and lived-in. Multiple times while reading, I found myself thinking: “I know this place.” That Sierra foundation makes the story all too real and deeply relatable for anyone who has spent time in these mountains.
His books are available on Amazon, in local Sierra bookstores, and at BackpackingSierra.com.
Gear Recommendations
To close the show, Paul shared his go-to gear:
“I have to put in a good word for Henry Shires and his Tarptents. Lightweight, dependable, and when you call, it’s Henry himself who answers the phone.” – Paul Wagner
Listen and Subscribe
Catch the full conversation with Paul Wagner wherever you listen to podcasts:
Have you volunteered or gone off-trail in the Sierra? Share your story in the comments — we’d love to hear about your wilderness experiences.
