Carson City is having a moment. Not only is it one of the most accessible winter basecamps in the Sierra — where you can ski Tahoe by day and come back to clear trails and small-town holiday magic at night — it’s also now stamped into PCT lore as the launch point of one of … Read more
Fall meets Celtic heritage in the Sierra foothills!Join host Charlie Pankey as he welcomes Kimberly Vaughan, director of the first-ever Yosemite Celtic Festival & Highland Games, coming to Oakhurst, California, on November 1–2, 2025. Together, they explore what makes this new cultural celebration such a unique addition to Yosemite’s southern gateway — from Highland athletic … Read more
From Tahoe to Sicily: Filmmaker and Clean Up The Lake Director Colin West Premieres New Documentary “SICILIA” at Newport Beach Film Festival By Sierra Rec Magazine StaffLake Tahoe, NV – October 15, 2025 Known across the Sierra as the driving force behind Clean Up The Lake, filmmaker and conservation leader Colin West is stepping into … Read more
This week on Sierra Rec Now, host Charlie Pankey sits down with Keith Lewis, Director of Visit Carson Valley, and Josh Rudelbach, endurance runner and community voice, to dive into what makes fall in Carson Valley one of the Sierra’s best-kept secrets. From the Genoa Loop Trail and Pine Nut Mountains to Topaz Lake’s quiet … 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
In this episode of the Sierra Rec Now Podcast, host Charlie Pankey welcomes explorer and lifelong Sierra adventurer Brian Martz. Known to many as the “Water Guy” in Southern California, Brian brings a unique mix of family tradition, personal exploration, and trail-tested wisdom to the conversation. Brian shares stories of growing up in the Sierra … Read more
Powering Adventure: Off-Grid RV & Overlanding with Dragonfly Energy How do you keep your RV, van, or overland rig powered up in the Sierra Nevada without relying on noisy generators? In this week’s episode of Sierra Rec Now, Charlie sits down with Jesse Asay and Tyler Bourns from Dragonfly Energy, the Reno-based team behind Battle … Read more
Mammoth Lakes, Calif., September 17, 2025 – Over the last couple of weeks, there have been multiple suspicious fires in the Mammoth Lakes area, both on the Inyo National Forest and within the Town of Mammoth Lakes. A multi-agency task force, consisting of investigators from the USDA Forest Service, Law Enforcement and Investigations, and the … Read more
Every fall, a town of 225 swells to 40,000 for one of Nevada’s most unique traditions—the Candy Dance in Genoa. This week on Sierra Rec Now, host Charlie Pankey talks with Town Manager Jody Brunz about: The 106-year-old history of the Candy Dance How this small-town event funds Genoa’s survival Why 430+ vendors and thousands … Read more
First Look at Ultralight Innovation, Sun Protection, and Trail-Ready Versatility When Outdoor Research talks about building gear “born in the elements, built on the trail,” they mean it. For Spring 2026, the Seattle-based brand is leaning into its Pacific Northwest roots with a fresh lineup that blends ultralight mountain performance, new takes on sun protection, … Read more
Author, blogger, and wilderness volunteer Paul Wagner (BackpackingSierra.com) returns to the Sierra Rec Now Podcast! Paul and Charlie swap stories of hidden lakes, off-trail challenges, volunteering in Desolation & Emigrant Wilderness, and gear insights from the trail. 👉 Highlights include: Off-trail adventures in the Sierra backcountry Wilderness volunteering & trail etiquette Backpacking routes from Emigrant … Read more
Protecting the Lakes We Love: A Regional Effort Against Aquatic Invasive Species The Eastern Sierra has always been defined by its pristine alpine lakes, clear rivers, and wide-open landscapes. This Labor Day weekend, a new coalition—the Eastern Sierra Mussel Prevention Collective—is taking action to keep it that way. Formed by the California Department of Fish … Read more
Looking for wide-open spaces, hidden trails, and the freedom of dispersed camping in the Sierra Nevada? In this episode, we sit down with Chris Cordes from OnX Off-Road to dive into their new Motorized Dispersed Camping feature — a game-changer for campers, off-roaders, and outdoor adventurers. From 17,710 miles of legal dispersed camping opportunities across … Read more
In this episode of Sierra Rec Now, host Charlie Pankey sits down with Stuart Rudolph, co-founder of Travoca, to explore how one brand is reshaping the overlanding and camping lifestyle. From the story behind Travoca’s beginnings to the innovative Rigel Electric Cooler, titanium drinkware, and off-grid power solutions, this conversation dives into the gear and … Read more
Clean Up The Lake’s inspiring documentary series What Lies Unseen has returned with a brand-new chapter—and this time, the spotlight is on two Sierra reservoirs just outside of Truckee. Episode 4, released August 16, 2025, takes viewers beneath the surface of Boca and Stampede Reservoirs, where the team conducted its first-ever pilot research project in … Read more
What if we told you South Lake Tahoe will have real snow this September? And not just snow — but a snow sledding hill, rail jams, big air mountain biking, live concerts, DJs, food trucks, and activities for all ages. In this episode of the Sierra Rec Now Podcast, host Charlie Pankey chats with Leslie … Read more
By Charlie Pankey, Sierra Rec Magazine Today I had the privilege of attending my first-ever Lake Tahoe Summit—an annual convergence of leadership, community, and environmental vision held at the historic Valhalla Estate on the South Shore. The setting was unmistakably Tahoe: sun glinting off the lake, crisp alpine air, and towering pines shadowing the crowd. … Read more
This week, we head to one of the richest birding regions in the Sierra Nevada — Plumas County — for a deep dive into the 2025 Grebe Festival and the incredible wildlife that calls this place home. Liz Ramsey from the Plumas Audubon Society joins Charlie to discuss how Lake Almanor supports thousands of migratory … Read more
The 2025 Downieville Classic Bike Festival Returns August 7–10 If there’s one weekend where dusty singletrack, alpine views, and rowdy Sierra spirit all collide—it’s the Downieville Classic, coming August 7–10, 2025. Held in the historic gold rush town of Downieville, this nationally recognized bike festival delivers more than just epic racing. It’s a mountain town … Read more
Sierra Rec Now Podcast Episode | Guest: Liz Ramsey, Plumas Audubon Society – Grebe Festival August 8-10 Lake Almanor If you’ve ever visited Lake Almanor in early spring, you may have witnessed one of nature’s most fascinating courtship displays — the synchronized “rushing” dance of Western and Clark’s Grebes skimming across the water in a … Read more
Lake Tahoe Summit Returns August 6, 2025 — Senator Schiff to Host Event Honoring Dianne Feinstein’s Legacy South Lake Tahoe, CA — The 29th annual Lake Tahoe Summit is set to take place on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. PT at Valhalla Tahoe, one of the region’s most cherished historic venues and a … 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
Capture the wild, win new gear, and celebrate the artistry of adventure July 27, 2025 – Sierra Rec Magazine – Hiking boots meet camera lenses this summer as Oboz Footwear and Flickr team up to launch a new global photo contest and immersive outdoor event to honor World Photography Day on August 19. For Sierra … Read more
Trekking and hiking have gained global popularity, attracting enthusiasts seeking both physical challenge and the tranquility of nature. This rising interest is evident in market projections. GlobeNewswire reports that the global trekking and hiking market is expected to reach $182.9 million by 2028, with a 6% CAGR from 2023. Driving this growth are heightened health … Read more
Enhancement) Builds Wildfire Resilience and Community Strength Plumas County, CA — California’s forests and communities are facing historic challenges — and a network of dedicated partners is rising to meet them.The Sierra Institute for Community and Environment’s Sierra to California All Lands Enhancement (SCALE) project is a statewide forum uniting local collaborative groups, Tribes, state … Read more
Episode Summary: What happens when you unplug a teenager, hand them a shovel, and send them into the backcountry for five weeks? You just might help grow the next generation of forest stewards. In this episode of Sierra Rec Now, host Charlie Pankey speaks with Jonathan Kusel and Ariana Bernstein from the Sierra Institute for … Read more
Reno, NV – If your summer travels take you anywhere near Reno, Nevada, there’s a new nightlife venue you’ll want to put on your radar. Behind the historic Depot Brewery & Distillery on East 4th Street, a bold new live music experience is emerging in the heart of Reno’s Brewery District. Welcome to The Barrelhouse … Read more
This summer, 653 volunteers removed 1,375 pounds of trash from Lake Tahoe’s beaches — and that’s something to celebrate. But should it be? In this episode of Sierra Rec Now, host Charlie Pankey sits down with Marilee Movius, longtime stewardship leader at Keep Tahoe Blue, to explore what’s really happening behind the scenes of Tahoe’s … Read more
Keep Tahoe Blue: How Local Cleanups Are Redefining Lake Stewardship By Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Magazine This July, while most of us were enjoying sunshine, fireworks, and lakefront barbecues, a dedicated group of over 650 volunteers quietly changed the narrative for Lake Tahoe’s Fourth of July weekend. They picked up 1,375 pounds of trash … Read more
In this episode of Sierra Rec Now, we sit down with Captain Rob Ayers to uncover Lake Almanor’s fishing secrets, light tackle strategies, and inspiring community stories. After losing everything in the Camp Fire, Captain Rob rebuilt his life around Lake Almanor’s legendary brown trout and salmon fishery, sharing how the lake’s 365-day feeding cycle … Read more
Looking for a fishing adventure in the Sierra that offers trophy browns, crystal-clear water, and a genuine mountain-town vibe? Lake Almanor might just be your next go-to destination. On this week’s Sierra Rec Now Podcast, we sat down with Captain Rob Ayers of Almanor Fishing Adventures, who shared how he turned tragedy into purpose, building … Read more
What does it mean to truly find your true nature in the Sierra Nevada? In this conversation, author Lisa Michelle joins Charlie on the Sierra Rec Now Podcast to share her journey from rodeo cowgirl to wilderness writer and the lessons learned along the way in the High Sierra. Lisa’s new book, True Nature, blends … Read more
Discover Aviation, Vintage Cars, and Community Spirit at Minden-Tahoe’s Airport Discovery Day Words by Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Magazine The skies above Carson Valley are world-renowned for a reason, and this August, you’re invited to experience them up close as the 2025 Airport Discovery Day: Wings & Wheels returns to Minden-Tahoe Airport for a … Read more
What do legends, eagles, and climbing dreams all have in common? They converge at Lover’s Leap near Lake Tahoe. This week, host Charlie Pankey sits down with Petch, a longtime climber and guide who lives just steps from the base of this iconic Sierra cliff. Together, they explore: The history and mythology behind Lover’s Leap … Read more
By Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Magazine Something remarkable happened this week. In the middle of heated debates over a bill proposing the sale of millions of acres of public land, everyday people—hikers, ranchers, conservationists, off-roaders, small-town residents—raised their voices. And the message reached Washington. In response to overwhelming public outcry and procedural review, a … Read more
A Commonsense Look at the Proposed Sale of Public Lands—And What It Means for the Sierra We Call Home By Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Magazine I’ve pulled off the side of the road just north of Truckee more times than I can count. Sometimes it’s for a spontaneous hike at Prosser Hill. Other times, … Read more
What does it take to turn a high school dream into a national nonprofit? Hanna Beth Bryce, founder of Dare to Be a Cowboy, joins us on the Sierra Rec Now Podcast to share how she started her mission at just 16 years old—and why helping others find purpose is at the heart of everything … Read more
Sierra Rec Now Podcast | Episode Feature: Hanna Beth Bryce There’s something magical about a dream born in the shadow of the Sierra—especially when that dream becomes a movement that changes lives. This week on the Sierra Rec Now podcast, we welcome Hanna Beth Bryce, founder of Dare to Be a Cowboy, a nonprofit rooted … Read more
Camping in Yosemite Just Got a Whole Lot Better For the first time in six years, Yosemite National Park will have all 13 of its official campgrounds open by the end of summer 2025—a major win for those who crave nights under Sierra stars. If you’ve struggled to secure a campsite in recent years, this … Read more
If you’ve ever dreamed of escaping the summer crowds and heading into a wild, off-the-radar Sierra paradise, this episode of *Sierra Rec Now* is your insider guide. Host Charlie Pankey welcomes Owen White from Visit Alpine County to the show for a deep dive into one of California’s most pristine and underappreciated mountain destinations. From … Read more
