Episode 2 – Meet Audrey “Glowstick” Payne — Thru-Hiker, Storyteller & Capital to Canada Quest Ambassador
By Charlie Pankey – Sierra Rec Magazine | April 30, 2025
This week on the Sierra Rec Now podcast, we continue our Capital to Canada Quest Series by introducing one of the two bold hikers chosen to take on the full 1,600-mile journey from Carson City, Nevada to the Canadian border: Audrey “Glowstick” Payne.
Audrey is already deep into her 2025 Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) journey as of this episode’s release, but before hitting the trail, we had the chance to sit down and talk about her hiking background, her excitement to represent Carson City, and the passion that drives her to seek long-distance wilderness experiences with a purpose.
🎧 Listen on Spotify:
➡️ Capital to Canada Quest Series – Episode 2 with Audrey “Glowstick” Payne
📺 Watch on YouTube:
➡️ Capital to Canada Episode 2: Audrey Payne on YouTube
🥾 Meet Audrey “Glowstick” Payne
With one successful thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail (AT) already behind her, Audrey brings a seasoned yet joyfully open-hearted perspective to this new challenge. Known on trail as “Glowstick”, she embodies what many long-distance hikers aspire to: grit, curiosity, connection with nature, and a deep respect for the ecosystems she walks through.
“Many people don’t realize the depth of the friendships you make along the trail, which is one of my favorite parts of a thru-hike. It’s also a personal mission of mine to leave as little impact as possible, while leaving a good impression on the local communities,” Audrey shared in the official announcement.
In this episode, we talk about:
- Her epic snow-filled John Muir Trail hike in 2023
- A love for wildflowers and learning ecosystems along the trail
- Host charlie Pankey shares the joys of Chickadee Ridge near Lake Tahoe with a local tip.
- How it feels to be supported by Carson City on such a meaningful journey
🌄 The Capital to Canada Quest: More Than a Thru-Hike
Created in partnership with Visit Carson City, the Capital to Canada Quest invites thru-hikers to launch their Pacific Crest Trail adventure from the steps of Nevada’s capital city — adding an estimated 80–100 miles via the Capital to Tahoe Trail, a new IMBA-rated blue trail that has been eight years in the making.
“This trail is special to us and the many committed individuals that helped make it happen,” said David Peterson, executive director of Visit Carson City. “This was not an overnight execution… and we can’t wait for our two adventurers to break it in.”
Audrey and fellow Quest participant Julianne Mahoney are expected to be on trail for two to three months, experiencing backcountry lakes, wildlife-rich ecosystems, and sweeping ridgeline views from the Sierra Nevada to the Pacific Northwest.
🌟 Why Carson City?
While many PCT hikers begin their journey near the U.S.–Mexico border, this Quest highlights Carson City as a true trailhead city — offering rich history, vibrant summer events, and direct access to adventure from the Capitol steps to the crest of the Sierra.
Audrey expressed how deeply honored she feels to represent Carson City on this trek, and the importance of the local support behind her:
“It’s humbling. I’m not just walking for myself. I’m walking for the people who helped me get here — and for the places that matter.”
Catch the full conversation and feel the energy of someone at the edge of something remarkable.
🎧 Spotify: Listen Here
📺 YouTube: Watch Here
🔗 Related Links
📍 Follow Audrey’s Journey on Instagram: @audipayne
📍 Catch Episode 1 with Lydia Beck of Visit Carson City: Watch Now
📍 Follow updates from Visit Carson City: @visitcarsoncity
📍 Learn more about the Capital to Canada Quest: Visit Carson City Website
🥾 Stay Tuned for Episode 3 This Friday
Don’t miss our final episode in the Capital to Canada Quest series featuring Julianne Mahoney, a fellow thru-hiker sharing her purpose-driven reasons for embarking on this epic journey.
👉 Subscribe to the Sierra Rec Now podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube so you don’t miss the stories that connect us to the mountains, the trail, and the people walking it.
