What’s it really like to hike from Mexico to Canada—alone, for six months?
In this episode of Sierra Rec Now, host Charlie Pankey welcomes back Audrey Payne, the first participant in the Capital to Canada Quest, who became the only hiker to complete the entire Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) in 2024.

Audrey shares the full story of her 2,650-mile journey—starting at the Mexican border, trekking through the Sierra Nevada, and finishing in the remote wilds of Washington State. From icy creek crossings and desert blooms to wildfire scars and trail magic, she opens up about the emotional highs, quiet moments, and lessons learned along the way.

💬 Highlights include:

• Hiking 700 miles through the Southern California desert

• Rediscovering joy in the Sierra after a terrifying 2023 JMT season

• Stopping in Carson City, Nevada, to hike the new Cap to Tahoe Trail

• Facing burnout and beauty across Northern California & Oregon

• Finding solitude and meaning in Washington’s Glacier Peak Wilderness

• Her must-have trail gear and the tent that failed (then redeemed itself)

📍 Destinations featured: Carson City, Desolation Wilderness, Tahoe Rim Trail, Goat Rocks, Glacier Peak, Bend, and more.

🔗 Learn more:
Read Audrey’s story and others at SierraRecMagazine.com
Watch the full YouTube interview → [link]
Listen to past Capital to Canada Quest episodes with Julianne Mahoney and Lydia Beck.

🎙️ Sierra Rec Now is the voice of the Sierra Nevada—where adventure meets storytelling.