By Charlie Pankey – Sierra Rec Magazine | May 3, 2025
The final installment of our Capital to Canada Quest podcast series is here — and it’s filled with laughter, wisdom, and a powerful reminder to slow down and savor the trail.
In Episode 3, we meet Julianne Mahoney, a uniquely joyful and soulful adventurer who calls herself a “trail granola,” ultralight lollygagger, and lover of the long way.” As one of two hikers representing Carson City in this year’s inaugural Quest, Julianne brings a poetic approach to the Pacific Crest Trail — one that values the wind in the trees, the wildflowers in bloom, and the freedom to be the first to leave camp and the last to arrive.
🎧 Listen now on Spotify
🔗 Capital to Canada Quest Ep. 3: Julianne Mahoney on Spotify
📺 Watch on YouTube
🔗 Watch the episode on YouTube
🥾 Hiking to the Beat of Her Own Trail Song
Julianne is no stranger to challenge. She’s an ultra-marathoner, a DIY ultralight backpacker, and a deep appreciator of wild places. But her approach to the Capital to Canada Quest is different from most high-mileage hikers.
“I’m a lollygagger,” she laughs in the episode. “I love the days where I’m up early, out first, and still the last one into camp — because I stopped to paint a flower, or listen to the wind, or just lay down in the grass.”
That’s the magic she brings to this trail — a gentle challenge to the fast-paced expectations of thru-hiking culture, and a permission slip to walk with joy.
🌄 Representing Carson City — With Heart
Although she’s originally from Colorado, Julianne is proudly representing Carson City on the Quest, and says she’s honored to carry the spirit of Nevada with her.
“It means a lot to have that kind of support — not just personally, but to be a voice for a city that’s stepping into its role as a trailhead for major adventures.”
Unfortunately, Julianne won’t be bringing her beloved dog along due to a recent injury, but she remains optimistic and eager to connect with fellow Quest hiker Audrey “Glowstick” Payne, even if Audrey is miles ahead by the time they meet.
“I think by the time I hit the trail, Audrey will already have her trail family, her legs, her flow. But maybe I’ll get to learn something from her — and maybe lollygag a little together.”
🛠️ Ultralight and Handmade
Julianne’s passion for ultralight backpacking runs deep. She crafts much of her own gear, values simplicity, and looks for ways to reduce her footprint — both physically and environmentally.
She’s a true multi-sport adventurer, too: part trail runner, part artist, part backcountry philosopher. She brings depth and creativity to this episode that rounds out the Quest series beautifully.
📖 Catch Up On the Full Capital to Canada Quest Series
This special series follows two hikers taking on a new 1,600-mile challenge from Carson City, Nevada to the Canadian border via the Pacific Crest Trail. Learn how it started, what it means to the local community, and why this may be the most exciting Sierra launch story of the year.
🔹 Episode 1 – Lydia Beck of Visit Carson City: How the Quest began and why Carson City is redefining its outdoor legacy
🔹 Episode 2 – Audrey “Glowstick” Payne: A seasoned thru-hiker with her sights set on Canada
🔹 Episode 3 – Julianne Mahoney: Trail joy, art, and the spirit of slowing down
🌲 Keep Following the Journey
As the Capital to Canada Quest unfolds on trail, you can follow updates and reflections from Audrey, Julianne, and the team at Visit Carson City.
📍 Follow Julianne’s journey and creative work on Instagram: @visitcarsoncity or @wyldjules
📍 Learn more about the Quest and trail access from Carson City: VisitCarsonCity.com/quest
✨ Final Words from Julianne
“It’s not about crushing miles. It’s about noticing — being present. If I can do that, I’ve done the trail the way I’m meant to.”
And we couldn’t agree more.
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