Climbing the Sierra’s Legendary Lover’s Leap with Petch Podcast By  cover art

Climbing the Sierra’s Legendary Lover’s Leap with Petch

Climbing the Sierra’s Legendary Lover’s Leap with Petch

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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?)

  • Climbing for beginners and advanced climbers alike

  • The unique geology that makes the Leap feel like “climbing a ladder”

  • Tales of guiding first-timers and watching them soar

  • Stewardship and wildlife, including peregrine falcons and golden eagles

  • Other climbing gems in the area like Phantom Spires, Sugarloaf, and Calaveras Dome

  • What to expect at this summer’s Lover’s Leap Festival

  • And the joy of sharing climbing with community

Whether you're a climber, hiker, or Sierra explorer, this episode delivers a rare inside look at a place where adventure and story meet.

🧗‍♂️ Learn more or book a guided climb: https://www.loversleap.net
🎧 Subscribe to hear more Sierra stories: Sierra Rec Now Podcast

Spotify Chapters:

  • [00:00] Welcome + “Did They Jump?”

  • [02:59] Petch’s Climbing Origins

  • [05:44] Lover’s Leap Routes & Ratings

  • [08:55] Phantom Spires, Sugarloaf, Calaveras Dome

  • [12:01] Wildlife & Falcon Conservation

  • [15:40] First-Time Climbers & Guiding Joy

  • [17:30] The Climbing Community

  • [20:23] History: Pony Express to Present

  • [22:37] Exploring the Area Around the Leap

  • [25:28] Guide Services + Lover’s Leap Festival

  • [28:12] Popcorn, Gear, & Where Petch Climbs When He’s Off Duty

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