California’s legacy of gold mining goes back generations, but as the world of mining has evolved, so too have our ideas about public lands. Today’s mining projects are still dictated by the 1872 Mining Law, leaving land managers little recourse to say no to environmentally damaging projects. Last spring, environmental advocates and cycling enthusiasts Emily Markstein and Amber Rassler organized a bike tour along the Eastern Sierra to see firsthand the spaces under imminent threat from mining projects– and to learn that some things are worth more than gold. 
Friends of the Inyo
Outdoor Alliance

Support comes from
Patagonia
Athletic Greens
Kuat Racks
YETI

Endangered Spaces: Eastern Sierra

This is what adventure sounds like. Climb. Ski. Hike. Bike. Paddle. Run. Travel. Whatever your passion, we are all dirtbags. Outdoor writer Fitz Cahall and the Duct Tape Then Beer team present stories about the dreamers, athletes and wanderers.

Sports

Wilderness

“With no roads to this wave, we had hiked in a dozen or so miles along the beach from the nearest town as a huge swell raged next to us,” writes Tyler Homen. A weekend of surfing with buddies turns epic when everyone’s favorite pup, Lyle, goes missing.

In partnership with
1% For The Planet 

Want more episodes? Join Dirtbag Diaries+ today

The Shorts— Everybody Loves Lyle

Creciendo en Michigan, Vanessa Chavarriaga Posada no creía que el esquí era cosa de ella, y no fue hasta que se mudo a Wyoming que descubrió la alegría que le podía traer. El año pasado, decidió esquiar el pico más alto de México, el Pico de Orizaba, con una meta significativa: incluir a sus papás, que nunca habían entendido completamente las actividades que hacía su hija, en el paseo. Durante este viaje, Vanessa reflexiona sobre qué significa pertenecer, crear acceso, y descubrir alegría. 

In partnership with
Kuat Racks
1% Percent For the Planet

Want more episodes? Join Dirtbag Diaries+ today

Querencia (Español)

Growing up undocumented in Michigan, Vanessa Chavarriaga Posada didn't think skiing was for her, and it wasn't until she moved to Wyoming that she found how much joy it brought her. Last year, she set her sights on skiing Mexico's tallest peak, Pico de Orizaba, with a meaningful twist: her parents, who have never quite understood why skiing was so important to their daughter, would join her at basecamp. On this trip, Vanessa reflects on belonging, creating access, and finding joy.
In partnership with
Kuat Racks
1% Percent For the Planet

Want more episodes? Join Dirtbag Diaries+ today

Homecoming (English)

Natalie Brechtel joined the U.S. Antarctic Program at the South Pole for a supposed dream gig, but instead it was the start of a year marked by harassment, a toxic work environment and loss. Despite losing the ability to trust both her colleagues and herself, she kept going back, redefining what it means to feel safe. A decade later, she faced one final exit challenge: to lead her team on a 26-day traverse to the South Pole. 

Support comes from
One Percent For the Planet

The Only Way Out Is Through

At different points in their lives, both Brice Ruiz and Ashley Lose found themselves at a crossroads. Brice wanted to run his first ultramarathon, but wouldn’t call himself a “runner.” Ashley and her partner had just hit the road when she found out she was pregnant, pushing them to reconsider their definition of home. In each of their essays, Brice and Ashley find a path to creating the lives they wanted to lead. 

Support comes from
Kuat Racks 

Want more episodes? Join Dirtbag Diaries+ today

Endangered Spaces: Eastern Sierra

Download our free app to listen on your phone