Best Sierra Rec Publisher Charlie Pankey Podcasts (2025)

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Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail: Audrey Payne’s Story from Carson City to Canada | Sierra Rec Now Podcast 36:03

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4d ago36:03

36:03

What’s it really like to hike from Mexico to Canada—alone, for six months? In this episode of Sierra Rec Now, host Charlie Pankey welcomes back Audrey Payne, the first participant in the Capital to Canada Quest, who became the only hiker to complete the entire Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) in 2024. Audrey shares the full story of her 2,650-mile journey…

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Carson City Winter Basecamp + Capital-to-Canada Quest Debrief with Visit Carson City 30:12

12d ago30:12

30:12

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 the most unique long-distance campaigns the Sierra saw this year. Today, Lyd…

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Capital to Canada Quest: Inside Julianne Mahoney’s 1,600-Mile Pacific Crest Trail Adventure 43:43

19d ago43:43

43:43

This week on the Sierra Rec Now Podcast, host Charlie Pankey sits down with Julianne Mahoney, the first hiker to complete the Capital to Canada Quest — a 1,600-mile section of the Pacific Crest Trail starting in Carson City, Nevada. Julianne opens up about the highs and lows of trail life: battling record heat in Northern California, hiking solo th…

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Get Your Celt On: Inside the First-Ever Yosemite Celtic Festival & Highland Games in Oakhurst, CA 28:53

26d ago28:53

28:53

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 gatew…

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Fall in Carson Valley – Trails, Festivals & the Ferris Fifty Endurance Run 26:47

1M ago26:47

26:47

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 shoreline and Main Street …

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Finding Nevada Wild: Hidden Hot Springs, Dark Skies & Desert Secrets with Sydney Martinez 34:02

1M ago34:02

34:02

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Backpacking Sierra Secrets: Fishmas, Hidden Lakes & Family Legacy with Brian Martz 45:02

2M ago45:02

45:02

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 u…

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Powering Adventure: Off-Grid RV & Overlanding with Dragonfly Energy 31:38

2M ago31:38

31:38

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 Born Batteries®. …

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Candy Dance 2025: Genoa’s Sweetest Tradition & Sierra Weekend Guide 33:16

2M ago33:16

33:16

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 of visitors return year…

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Secrets of the Sierra: Backpacking Stories & Trail Stewardship with Paul Wagner 38:22

2M ago38:22

38:22

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 …

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17,710 Miles of Free Camping in the Sierra Nevada with OnX Off-Road 32:46

3M ago32:46

32:46

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 opportuni…

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Overlanding in Style: Travoca’s Rigel Cooler & Outdoor Living Gear | Sierra Rec Now Podcast 32:13

3M ago32:13

32:13

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 t…

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Tahoe Games Takes Over Lake Tahoe - Snow in September & X Games Vibes in Tahoe | Sierra Rec Now Podcast 27:37

3M ago27:37

27:37

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 Schultz, Marketing & Events Director for the ina…

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Inside the Grebe Festival: Birding, Conservation, and Wild Encounters in Plumas County 32:17

3M ago32:17

32:17

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 grebes, what happens when boating an…

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Discover the Soul of Tahoe Through Artist Jennifer Haran |Tahoe Art League Studio Tour 2025 Preview 34:01

4M ago34:01

34:01

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 in a region that inspires s…

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How the Sierra Institute Is Rebuilding Forests—and Teens—One Trail at a Time 36:20

4M ago36:20

36:20

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 Community and Environme…

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Is 1,300 Pounds of Trash… Good News? | How Keep Tahoe Blue is Changing Lake Culture for the Better 29:42

4M ago29:42

29:42

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 largest clean…

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From Ashes to Almanor: Captain Rob’s Journey, Lake Almanor Fishing Secrets & Community Spirit 33:59

4M ago33:59

33:59

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…

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Finding True Nature in the Sierra with Author Lisa Michelle 59:57

5M ago59:57

59:57

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 memoir, adventure, and the emotional…

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Climbing the Sierra’s Legendary Lover’s Leap with Petch 30:58

5M ago30:58

30:58

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 (Did they jump?) Climb…

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How a Small-Town Cowgirl Built a National Nonprofit at 16 | Hanna Beth Bryce of Dare to Be a Cowboy 31:32

5M ago31:32

31:32

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 she does. From breaking barriers as a first-generation cowgirl t…

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Why Alpine County is California’s Most Underrated Outdoor Playground 33:06

5M ago33:06

33:06

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 volc…

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Inside Sequoia’s Reopened Crystal Cave – With Local Guide Pani Schauffler 39:32

6M ago39:32

39:32

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.…

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Yosemite Reservations, Hidden Gems & Mariposa Secrets: Insider Tips with Visit Mariposa County 31:10

6M ago31:10

31:10

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 Cou…

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Lake Almanor Adventures with Bobby Smith of High Elevation Rentals 30:49

6M ago30:49

30:49

Join Charlie Pankey of Sierra Rec Now for a conversation with Bobby Smith, the local behind High Elevation Kayak and Bike Rentals in Lake Almanor. In this episode, we explore: The incredible outdoor experiences available in Chester and Lake Almanor Bobby’s unique fleet of rental gear — including kayaks, row yaks, water bikes, and mountain bikes Why…

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Inside the High Sierra Music Festival 2025: Music, Mountains & the Spirit of Quincy, CA 29:02

6M ago29:02

29:02

The High Sierra Music Festival turns 33! In this episode of Sierra Rec Now, Charlie sits down with Dave Margulies, from High Sierra Music Festival to talk all things 2025 — from the eclectic artist lineup to family-friendly vibes, late-night campsite jams, and why Quincy, CA, is the perfect place to celebrate music and community in the Sierra. Here…

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Fishing Tahoe 365: Captains Zach & Zach, From Tahoe Sport Fishing, on Big Catches, Guest Stories & the Tahoe Triple 31:07

6M ago31:07

31:07

Fishing Lake Tahoe 365: Captains Zach & Zach of Tahoe Sports Fishing Share Big Fish Stories, Local Tips & the Tahoe Triple Love the idea of reeling in a 30-pound lake trout while surrounded by snow-capped peaks? Ever wondered how it’s possible to fish, ski, and hike all in one day in Lake Tahoe? In this episode of the Sierra Rec Now Podcast, host C…

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Inside Truckee’s Trail System: New Routes, Hidden Gems & Land Conservation | TDLT on Sierra Rec Now 28:52

6M ago28:52

28:52

Truckee’s trail network is thriving — and the Truckee Donner Land Trust is leading the charge. In this episode, we’re joined by Greyson Howard and Jesse Cassidy from the Truckee Donner Land Trust to talk about the exciting progress being made on local trails, including the long-anticipated southern section of the Donner Lake Rim Trail. We explore w…

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Up, Up & Inspired! Hot Air For Hope Balloon Festival Returns to Carson Valley – 2025 Preview with Amanda Johnson 34:28

6M ago34:28

34:28

Hot Air for Hope 2025 is taking flight! In this episode of Sierra Rec Now, host Charlie Pankey welcomes back Amanda Johnson, co-founder and director of the Hot Air for Hope Balloon Festival in Carson Valley, Nevada. Set for May 16–18, 2025, this free, family-friendly festival continues to grow—this year featuring over 30 hot air balloons, regional …

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Capital to Canada Quest Ep. 3: Julianne Mahoney on Ultralight Hiking, Trail Joy & Slowing Down 33:37

7M ago33:37

33:37

Capital to Canada Quest Series | Episode 3 – Julianne Mahoney: Ultralight Thru-Hiker, Artist, and Joyful Lollygagger In the final episode of our three-part Capital to Canada Quest series, we meet the one-of-a-kind Julianne Mahoney — ultralight backpacker, ultra-marathoner, trail artist, and a proud representative of Carson City, Nevada on her Pacif…

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Capital to Canada Quest Series | Episode 2: Meet Audrey “Glowstick” Payne – Thru-Hiker, Storyteller, and Quest Ambassador 32:17

7M ago32:17

32:17

Capital to Canada Quest Series | Episode 2: Meet Audrey “Glowstick” Payne – Thru-Hiker, Storyteller, and Quest Ambassador In this second episode of our Capital to Canada Quest podcast series, we meet one of the incredible hikers selected to take on the 1,600-mile challenge from Carson City, Nevada to the Canadian border along the Pacific Crest Trai…

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Capital to Canada Quest Series | Episode 1: The Trail Begins in Carson City with Lydia Beck of Visit Carson City 30:49

7M ago30:49

30:49

Welcome to the kickoff of a very special three-part podcast series on the Capital to Canada Quest, an exciting new 1,600-mile hiking challenge that follows the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) from Carson City, Nevada all the way to the Canadian border! 🌲🥾 In today's episode, we sit down with Lydia Beck from Visit Carson City to learn how this bold new Qu…

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What Makes Carson Valley a Must-Visit Summer Destination? | Live Music, Great Food & Outdoor Fun 30:58

7M ago30:58

30:58

What makes Carson Valley one of the best-kept summer secrets in the Sierra Nevada? Join Sierra Rec Now host Charlie Pankey as he interviews Maggi Vandenburg from the Carson Valley Inn, and uncover why this scenic valley is becoming a favorite summer escape. 🎶 From outdoor concerts at TJ Corral to the valley’s rising food scene and full-service reso…

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Exploring Tahoe & Emigrant Wilderness with Sierra Summit Expeditions 34:05

7M ago34:05

34:05

In this episode of Sierra Rec Now, we head into the heart of the Sierra with James O’Neill, co-founder of Sierra Summit Expeditions, and Kelsey Bollman, a seasoned trail guide and thru-hiker. Together, they share how their guided backpacking adventures are helping beginners take their first steps into the backcountry—and how experienced hikers can …

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Saddle Up or Pack In: Exploring Emigrant Wilderness with Seth Diemel of Aspen Meadow Pack Station 32:24

7M ago32:24

32:24

In this episode of Sierra Rec Now, we welcome back Seth Diemel from Aspen Meadow Pack Station — a lifelong guide and passionate steward of the Emigrant Wilderness. This week, we dive into two incredible ways you can explore the backcountry this summer: 🐴 Family Horseback Trips – Seth shares his go-to routes for introducing young adventurers (ages 7…

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Major Trail Closures Near Marlette Lake: What Hikers and Bikers Need to Know for 2025 10:43

8M ago10:43

10:43

In this episode of Sierra Rec Now, we break down the major 2025 trail closures affecting Lake Tahoe’s East Shore near Marlette Lake due to critical dam repairs. These closures, which began March 31 and extend through 2026, include popular mountain biking and hiking routes like North Canyon Road, Marlette Lake Trail, and sections of the Flume Trail …

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Exploring Tahoe’s East Ridge & the Wild Pine Nuts with Full Access Tahoe | Sierra Rec Now Podcast 33:23

8M ago33:23

33:23

Welcome to Sierra Rec Now! In this episode, we kick off our new Carson Valley series with local legend Adam DeVargas, founder of Full Access Tahoe and a Polaris Adventures partner. Adam takes us behind the wheel (literally and figuratively) into the less-traveled, high-reward terrain of the Carson Range, East Ridge above Lake Tahoe, and the Pine Nu…

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Whitewater Rafting the Sierra: Tributary Adventures on the American, Yuba, and East Carson Rivers 32:00

8M ago32:00

32:00

Exploring the Sierra One Story at a time In this episode of the Sierra Rec Now Podcast, we dive deep into the thrilling world of whitewater rafting in the Sierra Nevada with Jeremiah Cooper and Eva, owners of . Based in Northern California, Tributary is one of the region’s most respected and experienced rafting outfitters, guiding guests down iconi…

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The Bodie Hotel: Ghosts, Sierra History & Bridgeport’s 4th of July with Jeff & Jo Hebert 33:32

8M ago33:32

33:32

Experience the Bodie Hotel in Bridgeport CaliforniaThe Bodie Hotel is more than just a place to stay—it’s a living piece of Sierra Nevada history. In this episode of the Sierra Rec Now Podcast, we sit down with Jeff and Jo Hebert, the new owners of this iconic hotel in Bridgeport, California. Originally located in the famous ghost town of Bodie, th…

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BREAKING: Yosemite Campground Reservations Announced! 6:03

8M ago6:03

6:03

After delays, Yosemite National Park has confirmed the summer 2025 campground reservation release dates! 🌲🏕️ 🗓️ March 24, 7 AM PDT → Reservations open for June 15 - July 14 arrivals 🗓️ March 31, 7 AM PDT → Reservations open for July 15 - August 14 arrivals 🎟️ Book at Recreation.gov – campsites sell out within minutes! Yosemite may release more site…

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Exploring Mammoth at Full Throttle: Off-Road Adventures with Rich Booher 33:00

8M ago33:00

33:00

In this episode of Sierra Rec Now, host Charlie Pankey sits down with Rich Booher, the driving force behind Mammoth Off-Road Adventures, to talk about exploring the Eastern Sierra like never before! 🚜💨 As part of the Polaris Outdoor Adventure Network, Rich and his team take guests on thrilling off-road tours deep into the Mammoth region, reaching h…

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What Lies Unseen: An exciting New Episode Featuring Colin West on the Future of Lake Conservation 33:05

8M ago33:05

33:05

For the first time ever, we welcome back a repeat guest—Colin West, founder of Clean Up The Lake—to share exciting news about the launch of Make A Difference Creative and its new documentary series, "What Lies Unseen." This gripping new YouTube series takes viewers beneath the surface of our mountain lakes, revealing the hidden litter, historical a…

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Exploring Madera County & Yosemite’s Southern Gateway | Kate Holden on Sierra Rec Now Podcast 33:36

9M ago33:36

33:36

In this episode of the Sierra Rec Now Podcast, hostCharlie Pankey sits down with Kate Holden from Visit Madera and yosemitethisyear.com to dive into the wonders of Madera County—the Southern Gateway to Yosemite. With firsthand insights from her time as a Yosemite ranger, Kate reveals the magic behind scenic train rides, the allure of Bass Lake and …

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🎙️ Alice Ford on Adventure Travel, Sustainability & the Perfect Day in Joshua Tree | Sierra Rec Now Podcast 34:47

9M ago34:47

34:47

🌍 Adventure, Travel, and Sustainability with Alice Ford! 🎥✨ In this episode of the Sierra Rec Now Podcast, we sit down with Alice Ford—award-winning adventure filmmaker, PBS travel host, stuntwoman, and sustainability expert! Alice shares her passion for outdoor exploration, filmmaking, and conservation, along with her perfect day in Joshua Tree Na…

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Exploring the Sierra Valley Preserve: A New Hub for Conservation & Public Access 33:22

9M ago33:22

33:22

In this episode ofSierra Rec Now, we sit down with Cory Pargee, Executive Director of the Feather River Land Trust, and Sophia Micheletti from their communications team to discuss the brand-newSierra Valley Preserve Nature Center. Learn about this remarkable new destination in the Sierra Valley, its unique ecology, and why it’s a must-visit for nat…

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Tourism Insights & Hidden Gems of the Sierra with Carl Ribaudo 32:17

9M ago32:17

32:17

This week on Sierra Rec Now, we sit down with Carl Ribaudo—tourism analyst, strategist, and industry thought leader. Carl shares his unique perspectives on Sierra Nevada tourism, hidden gems he's discovered over the years, and how visitors can contribute to the long-term success of the region. Since COVID, the Sierra Nevada has seen an influx of vi…

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Uncovering the Hidden Gems in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park 35:04

10M ago35:04

35:04

This week on the Sierra Rec Now podcast, we're joined by Pani Schauffler, owner of Mountain Trekking Adventures, a guiding service based in Three Rivers, California. 🏔️ Get ready to be inspired as we discuss the best day trips in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks. 🌲 Pani reveals his favorite spots, including Moro Rock, Tokopah Falls, Panorama P…

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🎙️ Exploring National Parks with David Ciccarelli: Rankings, Night Skies, and Lake.com 32:35

10M ago32:35

32:35

This week on Sierra Rec Now, we chat with David Ciccarelli, the visionary behind Lake.com, a groundbreaking platform for lake vacation rentals. 🌊 David, a Harvard graduate featured in Forbes and Travel + Leisure, shares insights from his fascinating research on National Parks, including the best value parks and the top spots for stargazing. Did you…

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Best Places to Avoid Crowds on Yosemite's Free Days 26:51

10M ago26:51

26:51

Sierra Rec now Podcast special Edition. Season 4 - Answers t your most asked Questions! Today we explore where to visit in Yosemite to avoid the crowds on Free entrance days! So are ready to explore Yosemite on its free entrance days in 2025? Discover the top spots to escape the crowds and immerse yourself in the park's tranquil beauty. From hidden…

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Venturing Out in Truckee and Desolation Wilderness - an exclusive interview with Nikki Umatum 32:07

10M ago32:07

32:07

🎙️ On this week’s episode of Sierra Rec Now, we chat with Nicole Umatum, founder of Venturing Out Guide Service in Truckee, California. Nikki shares her journey from city life in San Francisco to leading unforgettable outdoor adventures in the Sierra. From winter snowshoeing treks on Donner Summit (complete with homemade soup!) to summer backpackin…