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
Discover Lake Almanor: Fishing, Community, and Light Tackle Secrets with Captain Rob
July 9, 2025
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
Finding True Nature in the Sierra with Author Lisa Michelle
July 1, 2025
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
Discovering True Nature in the Sierra with Lisa Michelle
July 1, 2025
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
Climbing the Sierra’s Legendary Lover’s Leap with Petch
June 24, 2025
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
Exploring the Legendary Cliffs and Climbing Culture of Lover’s Leap
June 24, 2025
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
Could Your Favorite Public Lands Be Up for Sale?
June 19, 2025
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,
Trail-Tested: Lake Almanor Recreation Trail
June 18, 2025
Ride, Paddle, and Savor the West Shore By Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Magazine If you’re searching for a place to slow down, breathe in the high mountain air, and reconnect with the simple joys of outdoor travel, Lake Almanor’s western shore is waiting. Anchored by one of the most scenic and accessible trails in
How a Small-Town Cowgirl Built a National Nonprofit at 16 | Hanna Beth Bryce of Dare to Be a Cowboy
June 17, 2025
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
Dreaming Big in Small Towns: The Story Behind Dare to Be a Cowboy
June 17, 2025
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
Yosemite Camping Returns in Full for Summer 2025: All Campgrounds to Open for First Time Since 2019
June 12, 2025
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
A Smarter Way to Explore the Sierra AllTrails Peak Membership
June 11, 2025
AllTrails Peak Membership Launches June 11 Sierra Rec Magazine is excited to announce the arrival of AllTrails Peak, a new premium membership tier launching June 11 from the world’s most trusted outdoor trail platform. For Sierra Nevada adventurers, this means a new level of control and insight—both while planning your trip and once you’re on
Why Alpine County is California’s Most Underrated Outdoor Playground
June 10, 2025
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
Into the Wild Heart of Alpine County: A Summer Escape Guide with Owen White
June 10, 2025
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
Three Iconic Trail Running Events. One Legendary Mountain.
June 9, 2025
Olympic Valley Becomes the Epicenter of Trail Running This June with Broken Arrow, TrailCon, and the Western States 100 Olympic Valley, CA — June 2025 — If you’re a trail runner, a fan of endurance sports, or simply someone who thrives on high-altitude energy and community vibes, Palisades Tahoe is where you want to be
The Great Reno Balloon Race Lifts Off with New Features for 2025 – Sept. 5–7
June 5, 2025
Event organizers mark National Hot Air Balloon Day with reveal of this year’s balloon race features, new and returning. – RENO, NV — In celebration of National Hot Air Balloon Day, organizers of the Great Reno Balloon Race have announced exciting new additions to the 2025 event, scheduled for September 5–7 at Rancho San Rafael
Celebrate Sierra Traditions at the Big Time Logging Jamboree – June 7 in Chester, CA
June 5, 2025
CHESTER, CA — The smell of pine, the sound of chainsaws, and the cheers of the crowd—summer in Lake Almanor is officially in full swing, and there’s no better way to experience the heart and soul of Plumas County than by attending the Big Time Logging Jamboree this Saturday, June 7 at Collins Park in
Inside Sequoia’s Reopened Crystal Cave – With Local Guide Pani Schauffler
June 3, 2025
After four years of closures due to wildfire, floods, and landslides, Crystal Cave in Sequoia National Park has finally reopened—and we’ve got the inside scoop. Join Sierra Rec Now host Charlie Pankey in this exclusive interview with Pani Schauffler of Mountain Trekking Adventures, one of the first media guests invited into the newly restored cave.
Inside Crystal Cave and Sequoia National Park
June 3, 2025
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
Yosemite Reservations, Hidden Gems & Mariposa Secrets: Insider Tips with Visit Mariposa County
May 27, 2025
Thinking of visiting Yosemite this summer? Don’t hit the road without listening to this essential episode! Charlie sits down with Kim Lawson, Communications Director for Visit Mariposa County, to unpack everything you need to know about Yosemite’s 2025 vehicle reservation system — including how to get around it, secret ways in, and why Mariposa County
How to Plan a Smarter Yosemite Trip in 2025: Insider Tips from Visit Mariposa County
May 27, 2025
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
- 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…
