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 down to listen. Her new book, True Nature: Hidden in the High Sierra, isn’t just a collection of trail tales; it’s a deeply personal narrative of how the Sierra has the power to change us, heal us, and remind us who we truly are.
Last week on the Sierra Rec Now Podcast, I had the privilege of sitting down with Lisa to talk about the journey behind her book, the stories she hesitated to share, and the moments of vulnerability that often define our time in the mountains. From paddleboarding solo around Lake Tahoe to encounters with mysterious trail companions like “Bob,” Lisa’s experiences echo the quiet truths many of us feel when we’re deep in the Sierra, far from cell service and daily noise.
From Rodeo to Ridge Lines: A Journey of Transformation
Lisa’s path to becoming a wilderness writer wasn’t a direct one. A former rodeo cowgirl and screenwriter in Los Angeles, she eventually found herself pulled back to the Sierra, drawn by the promise of something more enduring than city lights—something, as she shared in our conversation, that feels like coming home.
In True Nature, Lisa weaves memoir with travelogue, taking readers to places many have driven past without stopping: hidden lakes above Silver Lake, quiet stretches of the Tuolumne River, mossy meadows near Echo Lake, and the stillness of Hope Valley after a fresh snow. Her stories remind us that adventure doesn’t always mean miles logged; sometimes, it’s about the quiet moments when nature becomes a mirror for our own transformation.
The Emotional Battle of Sharing Hidden Places
As a fellow storyteller, I resonated deeply with Lisa’s candid discussion about the internal battle of sharing sacred Sierra places. We’ve all felt that tension: the joy of discovering a pristine lake or quiet meadow, paired with the fear that sharing it will take away its solitude. But, as Lisa beautifully put it, if we don’t share these stories, will the next generation ever know the Sierra in the same way?
Her honesty about this struggle is a reminder that stewardship and storytelling go hand-in-hand. Sharing responsibly means we pass along not just a GPS coordinate, but a reverence for the place and an understanding of the responsibility that comes with stepping into these fragile, beautiful spaces.
Favorite Spots and Lessons Learned
During our conversation, Lisa shared stories from her paddle around Lake Tahoe, nights spent solo under the stars, and the invaluable lessons learned when things went wrong on the trail. We also laughed about post-hike cravings (hers: Pepsi with ice and fish tacos), compared notes on fly fishing small streams with lightweight rods, and reflected on why naps beside alpine creeks are sometimes the best part of a big adventure.
Perhaps the most profound takeaway? Lisa’s reminder that nature often changes us in ways we don’t expect. Whether it’s a bear encounter that tests our courage, a river crossing that demands humility, or a chance meeting with a stranger who shifts our perspective, the Sierra has a way of showing us who we really are.
Listen to the Full Conversation
If you’re craving a dose of inspiration, or just want to hear a kindred Sierra soul talk about the places we love and the stories we carry, tune into our latest Sierra Rec Now Podcast episode:
🎧 [Listen to “True Nature: Lisa Michelle on Wilderness, Writing, and Hidden Sierra Stories” here.]
Get Lisa’s Book: True Nature
True Nature: Hidden in the High Sierra is available wherever books are sold, or directly from Lisa at LisaMichelleStories.com. Whether you’re planning your next backpacking trip, dreaming of discovering a new corner of the Sierra, or simply seeking a story that will remind you why you fell in love with the mountains in the first place, this book belongs on your shelf.
What About You?
Have you found your “true nature” in the Sierra? Do you have a hidden spot that’s changed your life, or a story you’re hesitant to share? We’d love to hear it. Drop a comment below, or email us at [your email]—and maybe your Sierra story will become part of a future episode or feature on Sierra Rec.
Until then, keep exploring, keep protecting, and keep telling the stories that matter.
