Why We Keep Coming Back: Sierra Stories with Juan Veruete

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.com [https://sierrarecmagazine.com/] Instagram: @sierra_rec_magazine Facebook: @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.

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/ [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

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 [https://lastingadventures.org] Explore more Sierra Nevada adventures: https://sierrarecmagazine.com [https://sierrarecmagazine.com]

Lassen Volcanic National Park Is Opening: Hidden Gems, Road Trips & Travel Tips

Discover why Lassen Volcanic National Park may be one of California's most overlooked summer adventures. This week on Sierra Rec Now, I sit down with Sharon Roberts from St. Bernard Lodge to talk about planning a Lassen getaway, hidden road-trip stops, family travel ideas, wildlife, geothermal wonders, and why this region deserves a place on your summer adventure list. Most travelers know Yosemite and Lake Tahoe, but Northern California hides a different experience. Volcanoes, mountain lakes, wildflowers, lava caves, waterfalls, wildlife, and quiet mountain communities all combine to create one of the most unique National Park experiences in the West. We also talk about: • Lassen Highway seasonal opening • Family-friendly things to do in Lassen • St. Bernard Lodge and Lake Almanor as a basecamp • Hidden roadside stops and scenic drives • NASA research happening in Lassen • Wolves and wildlife in Northern California • Ideas for larger road trips connecting Lassen and Crater Lake If you're planning a Sierra Nevada adventure, road trip, or National Park vacation this summer, this episode may give you ideas you hadn't considered. Read more at Sierra Rec Magazine: https://sierrarecmagazine.com [https://sierrarecmagazine.com] Stay at St. Bernard Lodge: https://stbernardlodge.com/

51 Years of Mountain Music: Inside Grass Valley's Father's Day Bluegrass Festival

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 Sierra foothills. This week on Sierra Rec Now, Charlie sits down with Pete Ludé of the California Bluegrass Association to explore the 51st Father's Day Bluegrass Festival in Grass Valley, California. Whether you're a longtime bluegrass fan or simply looking for your next Sierra road trip, this conversation goes beyond music and into the culture that surrounds it — pine forest camping, late-night jam sessions, Gold Rush history, family activities, and why visitors keep coming back year after year. In this episode: • The surprising history behind the festival's beginnings in 1976 • Why Grass Valley and Nevada County make incredible Sierra base camps • What makes bluegrass different from other styles of music • Family-friendly experiences and Kids on Bluegrass programs • Camping, food vendors, workshops, and late-night jam culture • Festival headliners and what to expect this year • Local tips around Grass Valley, Nevada City, and the Yuba River Father's Day Bluegrass Festival June 18–21 Tickets & details: fathersdayfestival.com Explore more Sierra stories, travel ideas, and podcasts: Sierra Rec Magazine Suggested chapter timestamps for Spotify: 00:00 Welcome to the show 02:15 The history of the festival 06:00 Why Grass Valley feels different 09:15 Music, camping, and jam culture 15:00 Headliners and festival highlights 18:30 Family activities and Kids on Bluegrass 21:20 Why people keep coming back 24:10 Tickets and planning your visit 29:30 Sierra Rec closing questions