Explore Emigrant Wilderness Without the Pack Weight

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 packed with trail-tested tips and backcountry inspiration.

🎙️ I’m joined once again by Seth Diemel of Aspen Meadow Pack Station, a long-time guide in the Emigrant Wilderness who’s sharing two standout ways to experience the backcountry differently this season. Located between Yosemite National Park and the Stanislaus National Forest, the Emigrant Wilderness is a 113,000-acre alpine paradise known for its expansive granite basins, sparkling high-elevation lakes, and relative solitude compared to its famous neighbor. With elevations ranging from 5,000 to over 11,000 feet, Emigrant offers a true backcountry experience — from mellow family-friendly trails to rugged off-trail adventures. Popular among horsepackers, anglers, and seasoned backpackers alike, this wilderness area features over 100 named lakes, historical routes used by emigrants in the 1800s, and campsites that feel like your own private slice of the Sierra. It’s one of California’s best-kept secrets for summer and fall exploration.

In This Episode of the Sierra Rec Now Podcast, We Cover:

• ✅ Family-Friendly Horseback Trips into Emigrant Wilderness
• 🎒 Seth’s new Backpacker Assist Program — your gear gets packed in, so you can hike light and take extra luxury items
• 🐟 The best lakes for fishing with kids (ages 7–10), including Toe Jam Lake & Upper Relief Lakes
• 🏞️ Hidden gems like Huckleberry Lake, Big Lake, and Hyatt Lakes, where few visitors tread
• 🗺️ How to plan a 3–5 day adventure with pack support (like my upcoming 4-day trip in August!)
  
  
  
  
  👣 Learn More or Book with Aspen Meadow Pack Station
  🔗 Visit Aspen Meadow Pack Station
  📍 Located near Pinecrest, CA