By Charlie Pankey – Sierra Rec Magazine | April 29, 2025

What if your summer adventure started not on a mountaintop or forest trail — but at the steps of Nevada’s capital?

Today on the Sierra Rec Now podcast, we kick off an exciting new three-part series exploring one of the most ambitious hiking experiences to ever launch from the Sierra: the Capital to Canada Quest — a 1,600-mile challenge connecting Carson City, Nevada to the Canadian border via the iconic Pacific Crest Trail (PCT).

In this opening episode, we’re joined by Lydia Beck of Visit Carson City, who walks us through how this bold new quest came to life and why Carson City is embracing its role as a true trailhead city. From civic pride to trail dreams, Lydia shares an insider’s look at what makes Carson City not just the starting line — but a destination in its own right this summer.

🎧 Listen to Episode 1: “The Trail Starts Here – Lydia Beck on the Capital to Canada Quest”
📍 Now streaming on Spotify , Apple Podcasts, and YouTube

What Is the Capital to Canada Quest?

This unique hiking initiative invites adventurers to start their PCT journey in Carson City , turning a symbolic capital city into the literal starting point for a northbound hike toward Canada. Spanning more than 1,600 miles, this challenge blends thru-hiking grit with a sense of cultural and geographical connection — linking the desert beauty of western Nevada to the forests of Oregon and Washington and, ultimately, the Canadian border.

The Quest is more than a long walk — it’s an evolving platform for storytelling, community, and transformation.

Carson City: Trailhead and Summer Destination

As Lydia Beck shares in today’s episode, Carson City is leaning into its identity as a gateway to adventure. With quick access to the PCT corridor, Lake Tahoe, the Eastern Sierra, and some of Nevada’s best alpine trails, it’s uniquely positioned to host hikers, explorers, and travelers looking for an authentic launchpad.

This summer, Carson City is buzzing with local events, historic downtown energy, family-friendly attractions, and easy access to day hikes and overnight escapes. Whether you’re a hiker chasing the Quest or a visitor soaking up the culture and scenery, Carson City offers a blend of outdoor recreation and small-town charm that’s hard to beat.

Upcoming in the Series

This week’s podcast series continues with two incredible hiker interviews as we follow the first footsteps of this groundbreaking Quest:

  • 🥾 Thursday: Meet Audrey Payne, a long-distance hiker preparing to take on the Capital to Canada challenge in full. She shares her mindset, gear tips, and what it means to begin this journey from Nevada’s capital.
  • 🥾 Saturday: Wrap up the series with Julianne Mahoney, another fierce and thoughtful adventurer charting a course to Canada, inspired by purpose and the power of walking forward.

Make sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast platform or follow us on YouTube to catch every episode.

Plan Your Own Capital-to-Canada Inspired Adventure

Not hiking the full 1,600 miles? You can still experience the spirit of the Quest this summer in Carson City. Here are a few ways to join the movement:

  • Hike a section of the Tahoe Rim Trail or Kings Canyon Waterfall Loop or hike the first 10 miles of the quest on the Capital to Tahoe trail
  • Take a weekend trip through Hope Valley, Ash Canyon, or Washoe Lake State Park
  • Join summer events like the Levitt AMP Concert Series or Epic Rides’ Carson City Off-Road
  • Walk the Capitol Mall and imagine the start of your own trail story

This is trail culture redefined — where the journey begins in a city built on exploration and continues into the heart of the wilderness.

🎙 Listen Now & Share the Journey

Catch the full episode now on:
🔗 Spotify | 🔗 Apple Podcasts | 🎥 YouTube

Want to share your own PCT dreams or summer travel plans in Carson City? Tag us @SierraRecMagazine or use #CapitaltoCanadaQuest and #SierraRecNow to join the conversation.

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