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

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

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