SIERRA REC NOW | Your Guide to Sierra Adventures

Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Magazine • Authentic Mountains
  • 5.0 (4)
  • PLACES & TRAVEL
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Sierra Rec Now, an Authentic Mountains Production, dives into the stories and adventures that define the Sierra Nevada. Hosted by Charlie Pankey, the show brings you trail discoveries, backcountry experiences, and conversations with the people who know these mountains best. Each episode blends inspiration with practical insight for exploring the range. If you love granite peaks, big landscapes, and real Sierra culture, this is your home. Let’s get into it.

  1. 3D AGO

    Trails, Towns & The Future of the Lost Sierra | Greg Williams

    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 the economic power of outdoor recreation to the realities of rebuilding after the Dixie Fire, Greg shares how connecting communities through trails is creating new opportunities for residents, visitors, and future generations alike. This conversation is about more than trails — it’s about stewardship, resilience, and why the future of the Sierra may be unfolding north of Truckee. • What the Connected Communities initiative is• Why trails are key to rural mountain economies• How the Dixie Fire reshaped the region• The role of recreation in conservation• How visitors can support small Sierra towns Sierra Rec Now explores the stories, people, and places shaping outdoor recreation across the Sierra Nevada and beyond — from trail insights to conservation conversations and travel inspiration. In This EpisodeAbout Sierra Rec Now

    36 min

  2. FEB 11

    Car Camping 101: SUV Tents, Dispersed Camping & Sierra Vehicle Camping Trends

    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 growing so quickly, and how families are using car camping to explore the Sierra. If you’ve been curious about: • Car camping in the Sierra• Dispersed camping on BLM land• Truck camping setups• SUV tents and vehicle tents• Camping with kids or first-time campers• Camping near Yosemite, Mammoth, Bishop or Death Valley This conversation walks through real-world setup, beginner tips, and the evolving camping trends reshaping outdoor recreation. Charlie also shares his own experience sleeping out of his truck across the Sierra and why adding an SUV tent is opening up new possibilities for family camping and trailhead access. Whether you’re new to camping or looking to expand into dispersed camping and vehicle camping, this episode will help you simplify your setup and get outside. Sierra Rec Now is your weekly podcast covering hiking, camping, backpacking, gear, and exploration across the Sierra Nevada. #napiernation

    31 min

  3. FEB 4

    TRANGO - First Descents with Jim Morrison and Christina “Lusti” Lustenberger - Sierra Rec Now

    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” Lustenberger to talk about their first ski descent of the West Face of Great Trango Tower in Pakistan’s Karakoram Range. This story isn’t about chasing a record. It’s about trust, restraint, and a deep personal connection to a place that demands respect. I’m grateful to sit with them and explore that mindset today.We all have a mountain story to share, in the Trango project Jim and Christina share their personal experiences with our host Charlie Pankey before the final release of the TRANGO Documentary to VOD Feb 13th. Directed by Leo Hoorn, Trango follows ski mountaineers Christina “Lusti” Lustenberger and Jim Morrison as they attempt the first ever ski descent of Great Trango Tower in Northern Pakistan’s Karakoram Range. On May 9, 2024, the team successfully climbed and skied the 20,000 foot West Face of Great Trango Tower, navigating extreme exposure, physical risk, and the emotional weight of high altitude decision making. The film is as much about partnership and trust as it is about the objective itself. Jim Morrison has also been widely covered in recent weeks for his historic ski descent on Everest, providing timely context for Trango and his ongoing work at the highest level of the sport.Check out the official Trango trailer here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BnaDjlqNRdw

    23 min

  4. 12/24/2025

    Snow Has Arrived: Where to Play, Snowshoe & Explore the Sierra This Holiday Weekend

    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 Eastern Sierra who want to enjoy winter without battling resort crowds. Charlie highlights trusted snowshoe routes in Hope Valley, Tahoe Meadows, Spooner Summit, Silver Lake, and more—plus practical advice on winter safety, parking, and gear. Whether you’re new to the Sierra or a longtime local looking for quieter places to explore, this episode will help you experience the magic of winter in the mountains. ❄️ No skis required—just fresh snow, good planning, and a love for the outdoors.

    15 min

  5. 12/19/2025

    Inside the 72-Mile Deep Dive to Clean Lake Tahoe | Clean Up the Lake

    Clean Up the Lake is launching a bold new effort to clean Lake Tahoe’s deepest zones, and in this episode of Sierra Rec Now, we go underwater to understand why it matters. Host Charlie Pankey talks with Jenny Uvira, Programs Manager at Clean Up the Lake, about cold-water diving, toxic debris, historic artifacts, invasive species monitoring, and how volunteers play a critical role in protecting one of the Sierra’s most iconic alpine lakes. If you love Lake Tahoe, the Eastern Sierra, or conservation-focused adventure stories, this episode is for you. This conversation goes beyond cleanup. We discuss: Why tires and batteries are among the most toxic items found underwater How underwater currents move debris into deeper zones The role of diver propulsion vehicles (DPVs) and enriched air (Nitrox) How Clean Up the Lake works with historians and archaeologists when artifacts are discovered The connection between lake health, invasive species prevention, and Sierra stewardship Jenny also shares how listeners can volunteer, even without scuba experience, and how everyday actions around docks, boats, and marinas can prevent future pollution. This is a must-listen episode for anyone who loves Lake Tahoe, the Eastern Sierra, conservation, diving, or outdoor stewardship. 🔗 Learn more or get involved: https://cleanupthelake.org📺 Watch Clean Up the Lake’s documentary series: Make A Difference Media Sierra Rec Now explores the people, places, gear, and events that make the Sierra Nevada one of the most extraordinary outdoor regions in North America. 👍 Like, subscribe, and share to support Sierra-based storytelling. 🎙️ About Sierra Rec Now 00:00 Introduction & Episode Overview 01:18 Meet Jenny Uvira (Clean Up the Lake) 03:01 2025 Cleanup Projects Across the Sierra 05:19 First 72-Mile Tahoe Cleanup Explained 06:45 Why Deeper Water Holds More Trash 08:31 Cold-Water Diving Conditions in Lake Tahoe 10:17 Underwater Currents & Trash Movement 12:11 Historic Artifacts Beneath the Lake 13:26 Diver Propulsion Vehicles & Nitrox Explained 15:30 Dive Safety & Conservative Planning 16:56 Most Toxic Trash Found Underwater (Tires & Batteries) 19:49 Are People Intentionally Polluting? 20:12 What’s Next for Clean Up the Lake in 2026 22:00 Invasive Species & Lake Monitoring 24:12 How You Can Volunteer & Get Involved 27:21 Jenny’s Favorite Sierra Adventure Spot 27:45 Post-Adventure Food Picks Around Tahoe 28:57 Essential Gear Jenny Never Leaves Behind 30:16 Final Thoughts & 2026 Preview

    31 min

  6. 12/09/2025

    Discovering New Adventures: My First 30 Days in Washington’s Outdoor Paradise

    Discovering New Adventures in Washington’s North Cascades | Sierra Rec Now After nearly two decades of Sierra Nevada adventures, my family has officially moved north — to Mount Vernon, Washington. In this week’s episode, I’m reflecting on what it’s like trading Tahoe blue for glacial green, sunny granite trails for fern-covered rainforest slopes, and snowshoe days in Hope Valley for soggy boots in the Mount Baker foothills. From a hilariously wet Christmas tree hunt in the Mountain Baker Recreation Area to discovering the emerald waters of Diablo Lake and the intense passion Washingtonians have for their public lands — it’s already been a month full of surprises. Join me as I compare: Sierra vs. Pacific Northwest winter recreation Snowpack, trail access, and seasonal differences New mountain culture in the Cascades and Salish Sea region What I really miss about hiking and exploring the Sierra Why Mt. Baker and North Cascades National Park are becoming my new backyard Whether you hike, fish, ski, or just love hearing how outdoor life shapes our stories, this episode is for you. And don’t worry — Sierra adventures continue. We’re expanding the journey, not replacing it. 🎧 Listen + ExploreNew episodes every week featuring real mountain towns, local stories, and authentic outdoor experiences across the Sierra and the Pacific Northwest. 🌄 Learn more: https://sierrarecmagazine.com📌 Follow on YouTube: Sierra Rec Now📍 Instagram: @SierraRecMagazine Pacific Northwest Outdoors, Mount Vernon WA, North Cascades, Mt Baker, Sierra Nevada, Christmas Tree Hunting, Outdoor Lifestyle, Hiking Washington, Tahoe to Cascades Keywords for Search

    25 min

  7. 11/25/2025

    From Sierra Roots to Skagit Valley: Winter Sierra Updates and a New Mountain Chapter

    This week on Sierra Rec Now, host Charlie Pankey brings listeners into a new personal chapter: a move from the Carson Valley to Washington’s Skagit Valley. Charlie reflects on nearly a decade documenting the Sierra Nevada and shares what this transition means for the podcast, the digital magazine, and future mountain explorations. He also dives into early season Sierra Nevada conditions, ski resort schedule changes, backcountry reports, and winter destination ideas from Lassen to Tahoe. From discovering Ross Lake National Recreation Area to walking new forest trails filled with moss-covered cedars, Charlie outlines how the show will continue to highlight the Sierra while expanding its lens to include mountain culture across the West. A grounded, authentic episode for anyone who loves mountain life, winter snow, and honest insight from the trail.

    21 min

  8. 11/12/2025

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

    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—starting at the Mexican border, trekking through the Sierra Nevada, and finishing in the remote wilds of Washington State. From icy creek crossings and desert blooms to wildfire scars and trail magic, she opens up about the emotional highs, quiet moments, and lessons learned along the way. 💬 Highlights include: Hiking 700 miles through the Southern California desert Rediscovering joy in the Sierra after a terrifying 2023 JMT season Stopping in Carson City, Nevada, to hike the new Cap to Tahoe Trail Facing burnout and beauty across Northern California & Oregon Finding solitude and meaning in Washington’s Glacier Peak Wilderness Her must-have trail gear and the tent that failed (then redeemed itself) 📍 Destinations featured: Carson City, Desolation Wilderness, Tahoe Rim Trail, Goat Rocks, Glacier Peak, Bend, and more. 🔗 Learn more:Read Audrey’s story and others at SierraRecMagazine.comWatch the full YouTube interview → [link]Listen to past Capital to Canada Quest episodes with Julianne Mahoney and Lydia Beck. 🎙️ Sierra Rec Now is the voice of the Sierra Nevada—where adventure meets storytelling.

    36 min
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About

Sierra Rec Now, an Authentic Mountains Production, dives into the stories and adventures that define the Sierra Nevada. Hosted by Charlie Pankey, the show brings you trail discoveries, backcountry experiences, and conversations with the people who know these mountains best. Each episode blends inspiration with practical insight for exploring the range. If you love granite peaks, big landscapes, and real Sierra culture, this is your home. Let’s get into it.

Information

  • Creator
    Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Magazine • Authentic Mountains
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    133
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Magazine • Authentic Mountains
  • Show Website
    SIERRA REC NOW | Your Guide to Sierra Adventures

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