In this episode of the Sierra Rec Now Podcast, host Charlie Pankey welcomes explorer and lifelong Sierra adventurer Brian Martz. Known to many as the “Water Guy” in Southern California, Brian brings a unique mix of family tradition, personal exploration, and trail-tested wisdom to the conversation.
Brian shares stories of growing up in the Sierra under the influence of his Uncle Buster, who passed down a love of the mountains through generations. From early Boy Scout trips at Convict Lake to recent backpacking journeys in the Eastern Sierra, his adventures capture the heart of what makes these landscapes so special.
The discussion covers backpacking Virginia Lakes, Green Creek, Chocolate Lakes, and McCabe Lakes, as well as off-trail routes in Yosemite and Emigrant Wilderness. Charlie and Brian also reflect on Fishmas at Crowley Lake, ultralight backpacking lessons, and the importance of friendships made on the trail.
If you’re looking for inspiration for your next adventure—or simply want to hear how legacy and exploration connect in the Sierra—this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.
Timestamps
00:00 – Intro: Meet Brian Martz, the Water Guy
03:20 – Backpacking Virginia Lakes & Green Creek
06:00 – Ultralight Backpacking: Wants vs. Needs
10:20 – Uncle Buster & Family Legacy in the Sierra
13:00 – Childhood Sierra Adventures: Convict Lake & Lake Dorothy
16:00 – Off-Trail Yosemite Adventures: McCabe Lakes & Sawtooth Ridge
20:00 – Trail Friendships & Yosemite Sam Stories
22:40 – Must-See Sierra Destinations (Smedberg, Bernice, Granite & Thousand Island Lakes)
26:00 – High Sierra Trail Dreams & Challenges
29:00 – Emigrant Wilderness Off-Trail Struggles
32:40 – Hetch Hetchy Exploration & Cherry Lake
35:00 – The Magic of 20 Lakes Basin & McCabe Loop
37:20 – Remembering Uncle Buster & His Traditions
40:40 – Quickfire Sierra Questions (Fav Backpack Spot, Food, Gear)
44:00 – Closing: Adventure, Legacy, and Friendship
