Conversations, stories and destinations from across the Sierra Nevada.
This weeks feature:
With a new Episode published each Tuesday on Spotify, Apple, Amazon and YouTube, discover more Sierra weekly on your favorite channels. Each week Charlie meets hosts people from around the Sierra to discuss the insights and insider tips from destinations, trips, events and passions of the Sierra.
Past Episodes
Lessons from an Ultra Athlete on Community, Gear, and the Outdoors
April 16, 2026
There’s a moment on every trail where things shift. Maybe it’s mile three. Maybe it’s mile ten. Maybe it’s that first overnight when the noise fades and it’s just you, your thoughts, and the dirt under your feet. For me, that shift often happens somewhere in Tuolumne Meadows—a place that continues to redefine what “far
Why National Parks Matter More Than Ever | Yosemite, Travel Stories & The Landmark Project
April 9, 2026
In this episode of the Sierra Rec Now Podcast, Charlie Pankey sits down with Matt Moreau, founder and CEO of The Landmark Project—an outdoor lifestyle brand built around art, storytelling, and a deep connection to America’s national parks and forests. With National Parks Week and Earth Day around the corner, this conversation explores why public
Why We Keep Coming Back to National Parks
April 9, 2026
Yosemite, Travel, and The Landmark Project on This weeks Podcast There’s a moment—and I don’t know exactly when it happens—but if you’ve spent any real time in a place like Yosemite National Park, you know it. It’s that feeling when you’re leaving… and you’re already thinking about coming back. That’s really where this conversation with
Do You Really Need New Outdoor Gear? A Different Conversation
April 1, 2026
We just released our 25th edition of Sierra Rec Magazine—our Spring Gear Guide packed with new products, innovations, and gear we genuinely love. But this episode asks a different question: Do we actually need all of it? In this conversation with Ron Donchez of Thacker NYC, we step outside our normal Sierra-focused storytelling to explore
Do We Really Need All This Gear? A Conversation Worth Having
April 1, 2026
This week on the Sierra Rec Now Podcast, we step outside our normal trail talk and into something a little more uncomfortable—and maybe more important. A Different Kind of Episode We just released our 25th edition of Sierra Rec Magazine—our Spring Gear Guide. Hundreds of products.New innovations.Gear we genuinely love. And then we recorded this
Denied at Rainier and North Cascades… But Yosemite Said Yes
March 20, 2026
This year, I got denied at Mount Rainier. Then I got denied again at North Cascades. But somehow… I still landed a Yosemite permit. That didn’t make sense. In this episode of Sierra Rec Now, I break down what’s really happening with wilderness permits across the West—and why it’s not about how popular a park
Mount Rainier vs Yosemite Permits: Why I Got Denied Twice
March 20, 2026
What Sierra Backpackers Need to Know About Permits in the West After more than a decade of backpacking in the Sierra Nevada, I’ve developed a rhythm to planning trips. I know how to read snowpack. I know how to map routes. And over the years, I’ve figured out how to work within the permit systems
Rae Lakes Loop Backpacking Tips | Discovering One of the Sierra Nevada’s Best Backpacking Routes with Rob Scott Author of Into the Range of Light
March 12, 2026
The Rae Lakes Loop in Kings Canyon National Park is one of the most iconic backpacking routes in the Sierra Nevada—and a dream trip for many hikers exploring California’s high country. In this episode of the Sierra Rec Now Podcast, host Charlie Pankey sits down with author Rob Scott, whose new book Into the Range
Rae Lakes Loop Backpacking Guide: Kings Canyon’s Iconic Sierra Trail
March 12, 2026
Rae Lakes Loop Backpacking Tips: Discovering One of the Sierra Nevada’s Most Iconic Trails One of California’s Most Desired Backpacking Loops For many hikers exploring the Sierra Nevada, the Rae Lakes Loop in Kings Canyon National Park sits high on the bucket list. The route is legendary among backpackers for good reason. Over roughly 40
Yosemite Backpacking Permits, Outdoor Gear Trends & OMA Highlights
March 5, 2026
In this solo episode of the Sierra Rec Now Podcast, Charlie Pankey shares updates from the trail, insights from the outdoor industry, and practical advice for planning your next Sierra adventure. Charlie recently returned from the Outdoor Media Alliance (OMA) event in Denver, where outdoor brands gather with media to showcase upcoming gear and innovations
Are You Really Trail Ready?
February 27, 2026
A Story About Preparedness, Perspective, and Why the Little Things Matter on the Trail There are moments in the mountains that stay with you — not because of the view, but because of what they teach you. This week’s Sierra Rec Now episode opens with one of those memories. A late-afternoon descent from Cathedral Lakes
Are You Really Trail Ready? Hiking Safety, Whitney Lessons & The Trail Ready Program
February 25, 2026
What does it really mean to be “trail ready”? In this episode of the Sierra Rec Now Podcast, Charlie sits down with Liz and Paul, the founders of the Trail Ready Program, to talk about hiking preparedness, real-world mistakes, and the small decisions that can make a big difference in the backcountry. The conversation begins
Trails, Towns & The Future of the Lost Sierra | Greg Williams
February 18, 2026
The Lost Sierra is one of California’s most breathtaking — and least understood — mountain regions. In this episode of Sierra Rec Now, Charlie sits down with Greg Williams, founder of the Connected Communities initiative, to explore how a bold vision for trails and recreation is helping rural mountain towns build a sustainable future. From
Car Camping 101: SUV Tents, Dispersed Camping & Sierra Vehicle Camping Trends
February 11, 2026
Car camping and dispersed camping are exploding across the Sierra Nevada — and for good reason. In this episode of Sierra Rec Now, Charlie Pankey sits down with Emma from Napier Outdoors — one of the original innovators behind truck tents and SUV tents — to break down what vehicle camping really means, why it’s
Napier SUV Tent 84000 Setup & First Look – Your 2026 Car Camping Gear Guide
February 11, 2026
We’re kicking off camping season with a hands-on setup and first look at the Napier SUV Tent 84000 with Screen Room — a versatile vehicle camping shelter designed for SUVs, Jeeps, and other adventure vehicles. In this video, we take you through the real first setup on a Jeep Wrangler in Central Oregon with family,
Car Camping in the Sierra: SUV Tents, Dispersed Camping & Vehicle Camping Trends
February 11, 2026
Car camping in the Sierra is having a moment. With lighter snowpack this year and more families looking for flexible ways to get outdoors, we’re seeing a real shift in how people approach camping across the Sierra Nevada. Campgrounds are often full. Permits can be competitive. And more and more people are looking at dispersed
Trango: Trust, Restraint, and the Meaning of a First Descent
February 5, 2026
Sierra Rec Now Podcast with Jim Morrison and Christina “Lusti” Lustenberger For most of us in the Sierra Nevada, a “big day” in the mountains might mean a long approach, a steep climb, or timing conditions just right. For ski mountaineers Jim Morrison and Christina “Lusti” Lustenberger, that idea scales to an entirely different level.
TRANGO – First Descents with Jim Morrison and Christina “Lusti” Lustenberger – Sierra Rec Now
February 4, 2026
Today’s conversation is one I’ve really been looking forward to. A few weeks ago, I watched a new North Face Documentary film called TRANGO and it stayed with me—not because of how steep or extreme it was, but because of how thoughtfully it approached the mountain. Today, I’m joined by Jim Morrison and Christina “Lusti”
Snow Has Arrived: Where to Play, Snowshoe & Explore the Sierra This Holiday Weekend
December 24, 2025
Snow has finally arrived across the Sierra Nevada, and holiday travelers are heading for the mountains. In this festive Sierra Rec Now update, Charlie Pankey shares his favorite non-ski winter adventures—from snowshoeing and sledding to quiet meadow walks and family-friendly snow play. This episode is perfect for travelers visiting Lake Tahoe, Alpine County, and the
Snow Has Arrived in the Sierra: Where to Snowshoe, Sled, and Play This Holiday Season
December 24, 2025
Snow has finally arrived across the Sierra Nevada—and for many holiday travelers, that first fresh storm brings both excitement and questions. What if the ski resorts are crowded?What if you don’t ski at all?Where can families go to enjoy the snow without the chaos? In today’s Sierra Rec Now Podcast, host Charlie Pankey shares decades
- Camping with kids doesn't require the perfect RV, expensive outdoor gear or a perfectly planned family adventure. Sometimes it starts with a borrowed tent, a […]
- Courtney Rosiak-Quinto set out on her first solo thru-hike, following the 174-mile Tahoe Rim Trail around Lake Tahoe through high-elevation terrain, long water carries, unexpected […]
- Richard Campbell spent decades exploring the world by foot, bicycle, ski and boat before turning that life outside into 10Adventures, a global platform for guided […]
- What if becoming better outdoors isn't about going farther—but learning to see more?Wildlife photographer and author Larry Laverty has spent a lifetime doing exactly that. […]
- How Sawyer Became an Outdoor Essential | Founder Kurt AverySawyer Products is one of the most trusted names in backpacking water filtration—but that's not where […]
- After foot surgery kept author and Sierra explorer Lisa Michelle away from the trail for nearly three months, returning to Sierra Nevada backpacking gave her […]
- Some places are almost impossible to explain until you’ve stood in them. Juan Veruete calls the Sierra Nevada “million-word places”—landscapes where even the best photograph […]
- It's hard to believe our grandson is already a year old.Last weekend, we took him on his very first camping trip. We weren't sure how […]
- Planning a Sierra Nevada trip isn't about finding the most famous destination—it's about building a better weekend.In this solo episode, Charlie shares the planning framework […]
- Why do so many of us leave the mountains… only to spend the rest of our lives finding our way back?Raised in Portola in California's […]
- Search & Rescue Volunteers Need Your Help | How One Simple Donation Could Save a LifeEvery year, Search & Rescue volunteers head into the mountains […]
- Discover why people keep returning to the **Sierra Nevada** and how a lifetime of exploring creates a deeper connection with the mountains. In this episode […]
- If you've only driven through Siskiyou County on Interstate 5, you've barely scratched the surface.In this episode of the Sierra Rec Now Podcast, Charlie sits […]
- What makes Shaver Lake one of California's most underrated mountain destinations?In this episode of Sierra Rec Now, Charlie sits down with Lindsey Chargin and Michelle […]
- What is it about the mountains that keeps calling us back?In this episode of Sierra Rec Now, Charlie Pankey sits down with backpacker, fly fisherman, […]
- This week on Sierra Rec Now, Charlie Pankey travels into the heart of California's Sierra National Forest to uncover the story of the Jesse Ross […]
- What happens when you trade crowded viewpoints for remote lakes, star-filled skies, and unforgettable nights in the wilderness?In this episode of Sierra Rec Now, Charlie […]
- For more than 50 years, one of California's most unique mountain traditions has been quietly bringing families, musicians, campers, and outdoor travelers together in the […]
- Tioga Pass is finally opening for the season, reopening one of the most incredible drives into Yosemite National Park and the Sierra Nevada High Country.But […]
- Every spring, when Ebbetts Pass opens for the season, Charlie Pankey feels the pull to go.For nearly a decade, opening weekend on Highway 4 has […]
🎙️ Welcome to Sierra Soundscapes: Your Gateway to Discovering more Sierra Adventures!
🏞️ Discover the Diversity of Sierra Soundscapes:
At Sierra Rec Now Podcast, we pride ourselves on offering a diverse range of podcasts that cater to every adventurer’s taste. As we step into 2024, our podcast series has evolved to cover an array of thrilling topics, ensuring there’s something for every Sierra enthusiast.
🥾 Hiking in the Sierra: Lace up your boots and join us on the trails through our “Hiking in the Sierra” series. From expert tips to immersive trail tales, this podcast is your companion for exploring the Sierra one step at a time.
🌲 Sierra Rec Now: Stay updated on the latest and greatest in Sierra recreation with “Sierra Rec Now.” Dive into engaging episodes, insightful guides, and expert advice, guiding you to the heart of the Sierra’s outdoor wonders.
🤔 Out of My Mind in the Sierra: Embrace spontaneity and join the ramblings of a Sierra explorer with “Out of My Mind in the Sierra.” Unfiltered, unpredictable, and always entertaining, this series captures the joy of embracing the unexpected.
🎒 Backpacking the Sierra: For those who seek adventure beyond the beaten path, “Backpacking the Sierra” is your passport to uncharted territories. Let our podcast be your guide to epic backpacking tales and expert advice.
⛺ Base Camp Sierra Exploration: Transform your vacations into unforgettable experiences with “Base Camp Sierra Exploration.” From lodging insights to small town treasures, this series unveils the perfect base camps for your Sierra getaways.
🌐 Experience the Sierra, Episode by Episode:
Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a newcomer to Sierra exploration, our podcast categories cater to all levels of interest and expertise. Each episode is a portal to a new facet of Sierra beauty, offering insights, stories, and insider knowledge that bring the region to life.
🎧 Tune In, Explore, Connect:
Sierra Soundscapes is more than just a collection of podcasts – it’s a community of kindred spirits passionate about the Sierra. Join us in celebrating the diversity of this incredible region, one episode at a time. Tune in, explore the Sierra, and connect with fellow enthusiasts who share your love for adventure and discovery.
Ready to dive into the symphony of the Sierra ? Explore our podcast categories, choose your adventure, and let the Sierra captivate your senses. Welcome to the ultimate auditory gateway to the Sierra – where every episode is a journey waiting to unfold! 🏞️🎧🌲
Latest Podcast Episode
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Experience Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort
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Explore Ansel Adams Wilderness
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Explore Devils Postpile National Monument
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Explore John Muir Wilderness
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Sierra Rec Now Podcast Categories
Explore different interests in our Soundscape library.
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Publisher Charlie Pankey Loves Exploring the Sierra
Out of my mind in the Sierra
13 Episode
🎙️ Welcome to “Out of My Mind in the Sierra”: Unfiltered Ramblings of a Sierra Explorer!…
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Snow Season in the Sierra
4 Episode
Snow Season brings a whole different adventure lifestyle in the Sierra. For Publisher Charlie Pankey, it…
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Hiking Season in the Sierra
2 Episode
🎙️ Welcome to Sierra Rec Now Podcast: Unleashing the Beauty of Hiking Season in the Sierra!…
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backpackers on trail in Mokelumne Wilderness
Backpacking Adventures
1 Episode
Welcome to Backpacking Adventures: Your Passport to Thrilling Tales and Wilderness Wonders! 🎙️ Welcome to Backpacking…
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Sierra Rec Now
17 Episode
The Sierra Rec Now Podcast is a weekly podcast on Spotify covering Sierra Nevada recreation and…
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Base Camp Sierra Exploration
2 Episode
Welcome to Base Camp Sierra Exploration – Your Gateway to Unforgettable Recreation Getaways! Embark on a…
