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Join us on the Sierra Rec Now podcast as we explore the beauty, history, and adventure of the Sierra Nevada. Hear from local experts, outdoor enthusiasts, and passionate storytellers.
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Sierra Rec Now Podcast — Episode Feature By Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Magazine A New Mountain Home — But the Same Spirit of Adventure After 18 years beneath the peaks of Lake Tahoe and the High Sierra, my family has officially begun a new chapter in Washington State. We now call Mount Vernon home … Read more
A New Mountain Home and Sierra Winter Update By Charlie Pankey, Sierra Rec Magazine In this week’s Sierra Rec Now Podcast, I share a major personal update that will shape the next chapter of Sierra Rec while keeping the Sierra Nevada firmly at the heart of everything we do. After nearly a decade rooted in … Read more
Audrey Payne’s 2,650-Mile Pacific Crest Trail Journey: From Carson City to Canada on the Capital to Canada Quest This summer, long-distance hiker Audrey Payne set out to do what few ever complete—walk the entire Pacific Crest Trail from Mexico to Canada.As the first participant in the Capital to Canada Quest, Audrey became the only hiker … Read more
When most travelers picture winter in the Sierra Nevada, they picture Tahoe. Deep snow. Packed parking lots. Lift lines. High elevation drama. What they rarely picture — is Carson City. And honestly, that might be one of the biggest misses Sierra travelers still make every year. Because Carson City in winter is not a consolation … Read more
By Charlie Pankey, Sierra Rec Magazine For more than a decade, Carson Valley has been home base for Sierra Rec Magazine — the place where our adventures begin and where we always return. It’s where the open spaces meet the Sierra front, where trails climb into the Pine Nut Mountains, and where small-town festivals keep … Read more
Nevada is full of secrets — and none of them are on the Strip. In this episode of the Sierra Rec Now Podcast, host Charlie Pankey talks with explorer, photographer, and author Sydney Martinez, whose new book Finding Nevada Wild uncovers the true heart of the Silver State. For nearly 20 years, Sydney has roamed … Read more
By Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Magazine For most people, when you say “Nevada,” one image comes to mind — flashing lights, crowded casinos, and the non-stop buzz of Las Vegas. But for those of us who live along the Sierra Front, we know a different Nevada — one filled with wide-open basins, wild mustangs, … Read more
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. … Read more
By Sierra Rec Magazine When you head into the Sierra Nevada for a weekend of dispersed camping near Mammoth, an overlanding trip down Highway 395, or a snow-filled RV adventure at Blue Lakes, one question always comes up: how do you keep everything powered without the drone of a generator? This week on the Sierra … Read more
Every fall, the quiet town of Genoa, Nevada—the oldest settlement in the state—transforms into one of the busiest places in the Sierra. Known for its historic charm, stunning Carson Valley setting, and small-town hospitality, Genoa is also home to one of Nevada’s most beloved festivals: the Candy Dance. In this week’s Sierra Rec Now Podcast, … Read more
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 … Read more
Looking for open spaces, fewer crowds, and a chance to truly disconnect this Labor Day? The Sierra Nevada holds more than 17,000 miles of free, legal, dispersed camping opportunities — and thanks to new tools from OnX Off-Road, finding your next hidden campsite just got a whole lot easier. Discovering the Sierra’s Wild Side In … Read more
Sierra Rec Now Podcast | August 19, 2025| Episode 44 When it comes to outdoor adventures, sometimes it’s the gear that defines the experience. This week on the Sierra Rec Now Podcast, host Charlie Pankey sat down with Stuart Rudolph, co-founder of Travoca, to talk about how one brand is changing the way we think … Read more
This week on Sierra Rec Now, Charlie sits down with South Lake Tahoe artist and photographer Jennifer Haran to talk about the upcoming Tahoe Art League Studio Tour, happening August 1–3. From capturing wild bear cubs to telling the Sierra’s story through a camera lens, Jennifer shares what it means to be a local creative … Read more
By Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Now PodcastListen now on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts Last week I sat down for what turned out to be one of the most inspiring interviews I’ve done in a long time—right from the heart of Taylorsville, CA, with Jonathan Kusel and Ariana Bernstein from the Sierra Institute for … Read more
A Journey of Hidden Gems, Remarkable Stories and Healing Landscapes in the Sierra What does it mean to find your true nature in the Sierra Nevada? For author Lisa Michelle, it meant trading the rodeo arena for hidden ridgelines, misty alpine lakes, and the quiet lessons the wilderness is willing to teach those who slow … Read more
By Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Magazine Tucked along Highway 50 just west of South Lake Tahoe, Lover’s Leap rises like a storybook cliff out of the pine-covered canyon. With its towering granite face and layered climbing routes, it draws climbers from around the world—and legends from long ago. But to truly understand what makes … Read more
Podcast Feature: Sierra Rec Now – Episode with Owen White, Visit Alpine County If there’s one place in the Sierra Nevada that still feels like it belongs entirely to the mountains, it’s Alpine County. Tucked between towering volcanic ridges and granite peaks, Alpine County has long been my go-to escape—especially when I need a day … Read more
Sierra Rec Now Podcast Interview: An Insiders view of the Opening of Crystal Cave and how it shapes your visit to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks By Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Magazine | June 2025 After four years of closure due to wildfire damage, floods, and landslides, Crystal Cave in Sequoia National Park … Read more
By Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Magazine | Trail-Tested Stories Podcast Thinking about visiting Yosemite this summer or fall? Confused by the reservation system, unsure where to stay, or want to avoid the crowds? You’re not alone—and you’re in the right place. Earlier this spring, I had the chance to drive Highway 49 through Mariposa … Read more
Meet the Man Behind Lake Almanor’s Outdoor Adventures: Bobby Smith of High Elevation Rentals If you’ve ever dreamed of trading the crowds of Tahoe for a quieter alpine escape—where bald eagles glide overhead, glassy waters stretch for miles, and trails feel like they were built just for your family—Lake Almanor might just be your next … Read more
What It’s Like to Fish Lake Tahoe 365 Days a Year — Captains Zach & Zach Tell All “Some of the nicest days of the year are in the middle of winter. We call it ‘complete glass.’ No boat wakes, no wind—just a mirror.”— Captain Zach Gordon, Tahoe Sports Fishing Lake Tahoe isn’t just a … Read more
🎙 New Episode of Sierra Rec Now Podcast If you’ve ever hiked a scenic trail near Truckee and paused to take in the views of meadows, lakes, or peaks, there’s a good chance the Truckee Donner Land Trust (TDLT) had something to do with it. In our latest Sierra Rec Now Podcast, I sat down … Read more
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 … Read more
By Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Magazine The Eastern Sierra is full of iconic destinations, but Carson Valley continues to quietly surprise travelers with its unique blend of local charm, outdoor recreation, and summer entertainment. This is why we call the Carson Valley our home and base camp to all the Sierra discovery we do … Read more
By Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Magazine Backpacking might sound intimidating to someone new to the outdoors, but for James O’Neill and Kelsey Bollman of Sierra Summit Expeditions, it’s all about helping people fall in love with the backcountry—without the stress. In this week’s Sierra Rec Now podcast episode, we sat down with James and … Read more
Featuring Seth Diemel from Aspen Meadow Pack Station on the Sierra Rec Now Podcast Looking for a summer adventure into the less-crowded corners of the Sierra Nevada? Whether you’re a family introducing your kids to backpacking or a solo hiker wanting to go light and go deep, this week’s episode of Sierra Rec Now is … Read more
Exploring Carson Valley with Adam DeVargas of Full Access Tahoe At Sierra Rec Magazine, we’ve spent years chasing adventures across the Sierra Nevada — but sometimes, the best stories are waiting right in our own backyard. That’s why we’re kicking off a new series focused on the Carson Valley, a place we call home and … Read more
Exploring the Rivers with Tributary Whitewater Tours Whitewater rafting in the Sierra Nevada isn’t just a seasonal thrill—it’s a way of experiencing the landscape through the powerful, untamed waterways that define this mountain range. In this week’s Sierra Rec Now Podcast, we sit down with Jeremiah Cooper and Eva, the passionate owners behind Tributary Whitewater … Read more
In Bridgeport, California, the Bodie Hotel stands as a living testament to the rich history of the Eastern Sierra. Once a part of the famous ghost town of Bodie, this historic hotel was relocated to Bridgeport in 1921, where it has been welcoming travelers for over a century. But unlike modern accommodations, the Bodie Hotel … Read more
If you’ve ever dreamed of exploring the Eastern Sierra beyond the pavement, this week’s Sierra Rec Now Podcast is one you won’t want to miss. Host Charlie Pankey sits down with Rich Booher, owner of Mammoth Off-Road Adventures, to talk about high-speed, dirt-filled excursions that take adventurers deep into the rugged backcountry of Mammoth Lakes. … Read more
New Film Series by Clean Up The Lake Reveals More Than Just Pollution—It Uncovers History, Danger, and a Fight for the Future of Our Freshwater Truckee & South Lake Tahoe Premieres This Weekend | YouTube Launch Sunday, March 9 The lakes of the Sierra Nevada hold more than just stunning reflections of towering peaks and … Read more
A Podcast Interview with Kate Holden of Madera County In our latest episode of the Sierra Rec Now Podcast, we had the pleasure of hosting Kate Holden from Visit Madera and yosemitethisyear.com. With her extensive background—including her unique experience as a Yosemite ranger—Kate offers an insider’s look at what makes Madera County one of California’s … Read more
Discover the Hidden Gems of Joshua Tree National Park Tomorrow on the Sierra Rec Now Podcast, we are thrilled to welcome Alice Ford, an award-winning adventure filmmaker, travel host, stuntwoman, and sustainability expert! 🌍🎥 Alice’s passion for the outdoors has taken her across the globe, and now she’s bringing that energy to our show. Alice … Read more
An Exclusive conversation with the Feather River Land Trust on this new prized destination The Sierra Valley is one of the Sierra Nevada’s best-kept secrets—a vast, breathtaking landscape teeming with wildlife, rich in cultural history, and vital to the Feather River watershed. And now, thanks to the Feather River Land Trust (FRLT) and its partners, … Read more
Tourism, Hidden Gems & Finding Your Own Sierra Story – A Conversation with Carl Ribaudo The Sierra Nevada has always been a place of adventure, but in recent years, the way we experience it has shifted. Since COVID, the mountains have seen a surge in visitors—some looking for solitude, others seeking outdoor escapes. But with … Read more
Discover Hidden Gems in the Sierra: Your Ultimate Guide to Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks Are you ready to trade your indoor routine for towering trees, cascading waterfalls, and jaw-dropping vistas? Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are calling, and these underrated gems promise adventure, serenity, and the chance to immerse yourself in nature … Read more
This week on the Sierra Rec Now Podcast, I had the pleasure of chatting with David Ciccarelli, the creator of Lake.com, a revolutionary platform that simplifies finding lake vacation rentals. Beyond his entrepreneurial success, David’s passion for National Parks has led to fascinating research on park rankings and experiences. David and I dive into the … Read more
Exploring the Sierra with Nikki Umatum: Founder of Venturing Out Guide Service The Sierra Nevada is home to countless outdoor enthusiasts, but few bring as much heart and passion to their adventures as Nicole Umatum. Nikki, the founder of Venturing Out Guide Service in Truckee, California, joined us this week on the Sierra Rec Now … Read more
Mammoth Lakes is kicking off 2025 with a campaign that’s as bold as its beauty: “Real Unreal.” Sierra Rec Magazine recently had the pleasure of sitting down with John Urdi, director of Visit Mammoth, to learn about the vision behind this inspiring message and what makes Mammoth so extraordinary. Unreal Beauty, Real ResponsibilityJohn opened the … Read more