SIERRA REC NOW | Your Guide to Sierra Adventures

Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Magazine • Authentic Mountains
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Places & Travel
  • Updated Weekly

Sierra Rec Now is where mountain stories, unforgettable places, and the people who know them come together. Hosted by Charlie Pankey, each episode explores the Sierra Nevada and the mountain communities, trails, lakes, and adventures that make the range so special. From backpacking and hidden destinations to local history, outdoor skills, conservation, gear, and conversations with guides, creators, and lifelong locals, every episode is designed to help you experience the mountains with greater confidence and curiosity. Whether you're planning your next Sierra adventure or simply love mountain

  1. 1d ago

    You Can Leave the Sierra... But It Never Leaves You

    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 Sierra Valley, Rocci Twitchell grew up fishing alpine lakes, riding horses through Mohawk Valley, exploring the Sierra Buttes, and spending weekends around Yuba Pass, Packer Lake, Gold Lake, and the Lakes Basin Recreation Area. Like so many people raised in small mountain towns, he couldn't wait to leave. Years later, after building a career in martial arts, authoring books, raising a family, and traveling the country, he found himself drawn back to the very mountains he once couldn't wait to escape. In this conversation, Charlie and Rocci reflect on growing up in the Sierra Nevada, the lessons learned far from home, and why certain places continue to shape us long after we've left. Along the way, they share stories of fishing hidden lakes, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, family traditions, Native American perspectives on reconnecting with the land, and preserving the communities that make the Sierra so special. Whether you know Sierra Valley by heart or you're discovering this remarkable corner of the Sierra Nevada for the first time, this conversation is a reminder that the mountains aren't simply places we visit—they become part of who we are. Sierra Rec explores the people, places, history, and outdoor experiences that define the Sierra Nevada. Through conversations with guides, historians, outdoor experts, conservationists, and lifelong locals, we help you experience these mountains more deeply—whether you're planning your next adventure or simply dreaming about the next time you head for the trail. Continue exploring the Sierra at Sierrarecmagazine.com, where you'll find destination guides, trip ideas, trail stories, the latest editions of Sierra Rec Magazine, and more conversations celebrating the people and places that make the Sierra Nevada unlike anywhere else.

    You Can Leave the Sierra... But It Never Leaves You

  2. Jul 14

    Search & Rescue Volunteers Need Your Help | How One Simple Donation Could Save a Life

    Search & Rescue Volunteers Need Your Help | How One Simple Donation Could Save a Life Every year, Search & Rescue volunteers head into the mountains to help hikers, backpackers, climbers, and outdoor adventurers on what may be the worst day of their lives. What many people don't realize is that rescuers often give up their own warm clothing to protect injured patients during a rescue. In this episode of the Sierra Rec Now Podcast, Charlie Pankey sits down with Lawson Glidden, fifth-generation owner and president of Minus33 Merino Wool, to explore an inspiring nationwide program helping Search & Rescue teams across the United States. You'll learn how gently used merino wool base layers are being repurposed into life-saving SAR kits, why merino wool remains one of the most trusted materials for mountain safety, and how every outdoor enthusiast can help support the volunteers who answer the call when emergencies happen. • Why Search & Rescue teams sometimes give away their own clothing during rescues • How the Minus33 SAR Kit Program is helping rescue teams nationwide • Why merino wool remains one of the best materials for hiking, backpacking, and mountain travel • Tips for layering in changing mountain conditions • How you can donate used merino wool clothing to help save lives Whether you spend your weekends hiking the Sierra Nevada, backpacking wilderness trails, camping with family, or simply love the outdoors, this conversation offers a unique behind-the-scenes look at the people working to keep mountain recreation safer for everyone. Learn more about the SAR Kit Program: https://minus33.com/pages/sar-kits Read Sierra Rec Magazine's original feature: https://sierrarecmagazine.com/minus-33-sars-kits/ Visit Sierra Rec Magazine for destination guides, hiking ideas, backpacking routes, camping inspiration, road trips, fishing destinations, seasonal adventures, and outdoor stories from across the Sierra Nevada. 🌲 Website: https://SierraRecMagazine.com 🎥 Watch full podcast episodes, destination videos, hiking adventures, and travel guides on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SierraRecMagazine If you enjoy authentic outdoor stories, please follow the Sierra Rec Now Podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who loves spending time in the mountains. #SearchAndRescue #HikingSafety #Backpacking #MerinoWool #OutdoorSafety #SierraNevada #Camping #MountainSafety #SierraRec In this episode:Explore the Sierra year-round

    Search & Rescue Volunteers Need Your Help | How One Simple Donation Could Save a Life

  3. Jul 7

    Hidden Sierra Nevada Adventures | Owens Valley Hiking, Kearsarge Pass & Off-Roading

    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 of the **Sierra Rec Now Podcast**, Charlie Pankey sits down with outdoor adventurer, photographer, and creator **Nick Breaks Everything (Nick Valdovinos)** to talk about **Sierra Nevada hiking**, **Pacific Crest Trail adventures**, **Kearsarge Pass**, **Owens Valley**, **Death Valley**, **California off-roading**, mountain photography, backpacking, and the mindset that keeps drawing us back into the mountains.Whether you're planning your next **California hiking trip**, searching for **hidden Sierra Nevada destinations**, looking for **off-road adventures in the Eastern Sierra**, or simply love hearing stories from people who live for the outdoors, this conversation is packed with inspiration, practical insight, and a genuine love for exploring beyond the famous viewpoints. From technical mountain bike trails to remote desert canyons, Nick shares what it means to chase challenge, curiosity, and adventure throughout the Sierra Nevada.If you enjoy stories about backpacking, hiking, mountain photography, overlanding, off-roading, the Pacific Crest Trail, or discovering lesser-known places across California's mountains, be sure to subscribe for new Sierra stories every week.⛰️ **In this episode you'll discover:**00:00 Introduction01:05 Meet Nick Breaks Everything03:20 How mountain biking shaped a lifetime of adventure05:10 Favorite off-road destinations and why canyons matter07:10 Kearsarge Pass and combining backpacking with off-roading09:00 Why Owens Valley is one of California's greatest adventure regions11:00 Planning multi-sport Sierra Nevada weekends12:50 Hiking for the trail—not just the destination15:10 Building mountain bike trails and understanding trail design17:20 Photography as storytelling in the outdoors20:30 Why the Sierra Nevada and Death Valley inspire creativity22:30 Learning to appreciate different landscapes24:00 Seeking challenge through outdoor adventure26:00 The Rubicon Trail story and overcoming setbacks27:30 Why the mountains keep calling us back29:30 Authentic outdoor storytelling and social media32:00 Favorite trails, hidden places, and the Inyo Mountains35:00 Rapid-fire Sierra Rec questions39:00 Final thoughts🌲 **Featured Topics**• Sierra Nevada hiking• Pacific Crest Trail• Kearsarge Pass• Owens Valley• Eastern Sierra• Inyo Mountains• Death Valley National Park• California backpacking• California off-roading• Mountain biking• Mountain photography• Outdoor adventure• Overlanding• Hidden California destinations• Sierra travel inspiration📍 **Learn more from Sierra Rec Magazine**Explore destination guides, hiking articles, backpacking stories, campground reviews, road trips, podcasts, and travel inspiration from across the Sierra Nevada:https://www.sierrarecmagazine.com🎙️ **Guest**Nick ValdovinosInstagram: @nickbreakseverythingPhotography: https://vxposure.com👍 If you enjoyed this episode, please Like, Subscribe, and Share. Every subscription helps us continue telling authentic stories from the Sierra Nevada and introducing you to remarkable people who inspire others to get outside.#SierraNevada #HikingCalifornia #Backpacking #PacificCrestTrail #OwensValley #KearsargePass #DeathValley #MountainPhotography #Overlanding #OffRoading #CaliforniaAdventure #EasternSierra #SierraRec #OutdoorAdventure #ExploreCalifornia

    Hidden Sierra Nevada Adventures | Owens Valley Hiking, Kearsarge Pass & Off-Roading

  4. Jun 30

    Explore Siskiyou County: 89 Alpine Lakes, Mount Shasta & Northern California's Best Kept Secret

    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 down with AJ Brown from Discover Siskiyou to explore one of California's most overlooked outdoor destinations. From the iconic slopes of Mount Shasta to 89 alpine lakes, hidden waterfalls, scenic byways, mountain communities, and uncrowded adventures, discover why more travelers are beginning to look north for their next Sierra escape. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or searching for somewhere beyond the crowds, this conversation is packed with practical travel ideas and local insight. 🏔️ Why locals compare Siskiyou to a less crowded Tahoe 💧 Come for the mountains. Stay for the water. 🥾 Hiking, backpacking and the Pacific Crest Trail 🚗 Scenic drives and hidden mountain communities 🏕️ Camping, alpine lakes and outdoor adventures 🌋 Mount Shasta's history, mystery and outdoor recreation 🌄 Why Siskiyou County deserves a place on your California bucket list Guest:AJ BrownDiscover Siskiyou 🎧 New episodes every Tuesday. Until next time... Keep Exploring. In this episode

  5. Jun 23

    Discover Shaver Lake & Huntington Lake: Trails, Hiking, Fishing, Cycling & Summer Adventures in California's Sierra

    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 McGee from the Shaver Lake community to explore one of the Sierra Nevada's most diverse outdoor recreation hubs. From boating, fishing, and sailing on Shaver Lake and Huntington Lake to mountain biking, backpacking, rock climbing, and the growing Shaver Lake Recreational Trail project, this conversation highlights why so many visitors return to the area year after year. We discuss: • Shaver Lake and Huntington Lake recreation opportunities• The new Shaver Lake Recreational Trail system• Family-friendly outdoor experiences and lake access• McKinley Grove's giant sequoias• Kaiser Wilderness backpacking and hiking destinations• Rancheria Falls, Ely Mountain, Potter Pass, Twin Lakes, and the San Joaquin River Trail• Climb to Kaiser and the area's growing cycling culture• Summer events, camping, fishing, and local businesses Whether you're planning a Sierra Nevada road trip, searching for a new camping destination, looking for great hiking trails, or simply dreaming about your next mountain getaway, this episode offers local insight into one of California's classic mountain communities. Subscribe to Sierra Rec Now for destination guides, outdoor stories, travel tips, and conversations that help you discover more of the Sierra Nevada. #ShaverLake #HuntingtonLake #SierraNevada #CaliforniaTravel #Camping #Hiking #Fishing #MountainBiking #Backpacking #KaiserWilderness

    Discover Shaver Lake & Huntington Lake: Trails, Hiking, Fishing, Cycling & Summer Adventures in California's Sierra

  6. Jun 16

    Why We Keep Coming Back: Sierra Stories with Juan Veruete

    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, and creator behind Juan Backpacks, Juan Veruete, for a conversation about the Sierra Nevada and the experiences that continue to draw us into the wilderness year after year. Juan shares stories from hiking the John Muir Trail, tackling the Tahoe Rim Trail during a heavy snow year, and fly fishing alpine lakes and streams throughout the Sierra. Together, Charlie and Juan discuss everything from ultralight backpacking and favorite Sierra routes to the importance of slowing down, disconnecting from technology, and finding quiet moments in the outdoors. The conversation also explores the role backpacking has played in their lives, how sharing these experiences with family creates lasting memories, and why spending time in wild places can help us reconnect with ourselves. In this episode: Backpacking the John Muir Trail northbound Tahoe Rim Trail experiences and lessons learned Fly fishing Sierra alpine lakes and streams Moving from traditional backpacking to ultralight gear Backpacking with family and building lifelong memories Advice for hikers planning their first backpacking trip The importance of disconnecting and embracing quiet in the outdoors Favorite Sierra destinations and dream backpacking routes Whether you're planning your next Sierra adventure or simply looking for inspiration to spend more time outside, this conversation is a reminder of why so many of us keep returning to the mountains. Connect with Juan Backpacks:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx2k248qhABvRkkY21QoRHgInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/juanbackpacks/ Learn more about Sierra Rec:Website: https://sierrarecmagazine.comInstagram: @sierra_rec_magazineFacebook: @sierrarecmagazine If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Sierra Rec Now and leave a review. Your support helps us continue sharing the stories, people, and places that make the Sierra Nevada special.

    Why We Keep Coming Back: Sierra Stories with Juan Veruete

  7. Jun 9

    Saving Sierra History: Restoring the 160-Year-Old Jesse Ross Cabin with HistoriCorps

    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 Cabin—a remarkable hand-hewn log cabin built around 1860 during the Gold Rush era. Joining the show is Aaron Smith of HistoriCorps, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving historic places through hands-on volunteer projects across America's public lands. Together, they explore the fascinating history behind one of Madera County's oldest surviving cabins, the traditional techniques used to restore it, and how volunteers can help protect these pieces of Sierra history for future generations. Along the way, Aaron shares stories from historic preservation projects throughout the West, reflects on why preserving our shared outdoor heritage matters, and offers a few favorite Sierra adventures of his own. • The incredible history of the Jesse Ross Cabin• How HistoriCorps restores historic places on public lands• Volunteer opportunities in Sierra National Forest• Traditional 19th-century building techniques still used today• Why preserving Sierra history matters• Aaron's favorite Sierra destinations and backcountry stories Whether you're passionate about California history, Sierra Nevada adventures, or simply looking for a meaningful way to give back to the outdoors, this conversation offers a unique perspective on the stories hidden among the mountains we love. Learn more or volunteer with HistoriCorps:https://historicorps.org/ Sierra Rec Now explores the people, places, and stories behind California's Sierra Nevada. Through conversations with guides, conservationists, outdoor leaders, and local experts, we help listeners discover new adventures while deepening their connection to the mountains. Subscribe for new episodes every week. In this episode:Sierra Rec Now

    Saving Sierra History: Restoring the 160-Year-Old Jesse Ross Cabin with HistoriCorps

  8. Jun 2

    How Backpacking Changes the Way You Experience National Parks | Kara Maceross, Lasting Adventures

    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 Pankey sits down with Kara Maceross of Lasting Adventures to explore some of the best backpacking experiences in Yosemite National Park, Olympic National Park, and Sequoia National Park. Kara shares how Lasting Adventures has spent 30 years helping young people, families, and first-time backpackers discover the magic of the backcountry. From youth wilderness programs and family camping adventures to hidden Yosemite routes that most visitors never see, this conversation is packed with practical advice and inspiration for your next trip. Along the way, we discuss: • Why backpacking creates a deeper connection to our national parks• Youth backpacking camps and leadership programs• Family-friendly guided adventures in Yosemite and Olympic National Park• Hidden Yosemite destinations beyond Half Dome• Cathedral Lakes, Glen Aulin, Snow Creek, and the Yosemite high country• Olympic's rainforests, glaciers, and coastal wilderness• Sequoia National Park's spectacular Mineral King region• Beginner backpacking tips and common gear mistakes• The night skies, wildlife encounters, and unforgettable moments that keep people coming back to the trail Whether you're planning your first overnight trip or dreaming about your next big wilderness adventure, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at some of the most remarkable backpacking destinations in the American West. Learn more about Lasting Adventures:https://lastingadventures.org Explore more Sierra Nevada adventures:https://sierrarecmagazine.com

See All (154)

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Sierra Rec Now is where mountain stories, unforgettable places, and the people who know them come together. Hosted by Charlie Pankey, each episode explores the Sierra Nevada and the mountain communities, trails, lakes, and adventures that make the range so special. From backpacking and hidden destinations to local history, outdoor skills, conservation, gear, and conversations with guides, creators, and lifelong locals, every episode is designed to help you experience the mountains with greater confidence and curiosity. Whether you're planning your next Sierra adventure or simply love mountain

Information

  • Creator
    Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Magazine • Authentic Mountains
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    154
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Magazine • Authentic Mountains
  • Show Website
    SIERRA REC NOW | Your Guide to Sierra Adventures

You Might Also Like