If you’ve ever dreamed of escaping the summer crowds and heading into a wild, off-the-radar Sierra paradise, this episode of *Sierra Rec Now* is your insider guide. Host Charlie Pankey welcomes Owen White from Visit Alpine County to the show for a deep dive into one of California’s most pristine and underappreciated mountain destinations.

From volcanic peaks and alpine lakes to secret waterfalls and quiet trails, Alpine County is a place where solitude meets adventure—and in this episode, you’ll hear exactly why it’s a favorite local escape for seasoned Sierra adventurers.

Topics Covered:

• The Alps of the Eastern Sierra – is Alpine County really that dramatic?

• Trail updates for Charity Valley, Thornburg, and Grover Hot Springs

• Hidden waterfalls and how to find the “second” fall at Grover’s

• Rebuilding after the Tamarack Fire – and how you can get involved

• Wildlife on the rise – bobcats, bears, and the surprise return of beavers

• Scenic drives, Death Ride prep, and dispersed camping secrets

• Alpine’s volcanic past—and the geologic features that still shape it

💬 Connect: Tell us your favorite hidden spot in Alpine County

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Hashtags: #SierraSummers #BackroadAdventure #AlpineCounty

Timestamps:

00:00 – Welcome to Alpine County: Sierra’s Hidden Playground

01:35 – Prepping for the Death Ride: What You Need to Know

02:30 – Is Alpine the Alps of the Eastern Sierra?

03:25 – Hope Valley Wildlife, Wildflowers, and River Time

05:20 – Trail Work & Updates: Charity, Burnside, Thornburg

06:45 – Hiking Fire-Kissed Terrain and Granite Slabs

08:00 – Volcanic Arches, Old Flows & Geological Storytelling

09:45 – Secret Soaks & Waterfalls: Grover and Silver Creek

11:34 – Post-Fire Recovery: Tree Planting and Wildlife Return

13:05 – Beaver Comeback: Natural Engineers in the Sierra

16:00 – Which Campgrounds Are Open Right Now?

18:20 – Lake Alpine Thaw Watch & Dispersed Camping

19:00 – Entering the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness

22:00 – Thornburg Canyon Trail & Golden Trout Secrets

23:42 – The Death Ride: Five Passes. One Day.

27:30 – Scenic Routes to Alpine: Highway 4 and 88 Tips

28:50 – How to Prep for Remote Travel in Alpine County

30:57 – Owen’s Favorite Peak: The Jagged Beauty of Raymond

32:24 – Best Post-Hike Food in Markleeville

33:25 – Owen’s #1 Gear Pick: First Aid + Water Filter

34:00 – Final Thoughts: Alpine’s Power to Help You Disappear