Rogue Ranger Radio

By Don Schmidt and Jenna Randar

This is the podcast that explores our amazing Northern California parks, public lands, and recreation areas by two park experts, Don Schmidt and Jenna Randar. This is the podcast to find your happy pl... more

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FAQs about Rogue Ranger Radio:

How many episodes does Rogue Ranger Radio have?

The podcast currently has 4 episodes available.

Rogue Ranger Radio episodes:

January 16, 2026 Park Passes and Camping Reservations
Summary:
In this episode, Don Schmidt and Jenna Randar explore outdoor recreation opportunities in Northern California with Andrew Shipley from the California State Parks Pass Office. They focus on camping, park passes, and reservation systems for both the state and federal parks. They discuss the various types of park passes available, how to make camping reservations, and tips for navigating the reservation process. The conversation also covers group camping, cancellation policies, and the differences between federal and state park passes. Listeners are encouraged to read the rules and stay informed about park conditions to enhance their outdoor experiences.

Takeaways:
California has nine national parks, the most in the country.
Reservations for camping can be made up to six months in advance.
It's important to understand the difference between state and federal park passes.
Cancellations should be made through the Reserve California website.
Group campsites are available for larger gatherings.
Bears are increasingly habituated to human food, so precautions are necessary.
Check the park's social media for updates on closures and conditions.
Read the rules and regulations before making a reservation.
The reservation system can be complex, so it's important to ask questions.
Planning ahead is key to securing a campsite in popular parks.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Outdoor Recreation in Northern California
02:37 Understanding Park Passes and Reservations
10:34 Exploring Camping Reservations and Popular Parks
18:48 Group Camping and Special Considerations
22:21 Cancellation Policies and No-Shows
25:16 New Laws and Policies for Reservations
26:07 Updates on Campground Availability
26:47 Park Passes and Reservation Insights
29:58 Federal Passes and Their Benefits
37:53 Making Reservations on Recreation.gov
47:26 Final Tips for Camping Reservations
Show Notes:
A mistake was made concerning the entry pass to national parks at the 25:10 mark. The entry pass is good for 7 days, not 5 days as stated. Many apologies.
·      Rogue Ranger Radio Contacts:
o   E-mail – [email protected]
o   Facebook – Rogue Ranger Radio
o   Instagram - @RogueRangerRadio
o   Linkedin – Rogue Ranger Radio
·      National Park (Lassen, Yosemite, etc…) camping reservations
o   https://www.recreation.gov
·      California State Parks camping reservations
o   https://www.reservecalifornia.com
·      California State Parks:
o   Passes: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=1049
o   Outdoors for All: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=30641
o   Camping Information: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=1029
o   Reservations and Fees: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=737
...more
39min
December 12, 2025 Where to Play in the Snow, Part 2
Summary:
In this episode, Don Schmidt and Jenna Randar explore outdoor recreation opportunities in Northern California, from Lassen to Yosemite, focusing on winter activities. They discuss various state parks, hidden gems for snow play, and provide practical travel advice for families looking to enjoy the winter landscape.
Takeaways:
California has over 280 state parks, each with unique beauty.
Plumas Eureka State Park is a favorite for winter activities.
Snow parks provide safe areas for winter recreation.
Pack out what you bring to keep parks clean.
Yosemite offers stunning winter scenery and activities.
Traveling in the Sierras requires careful planning and safety measures.
Gas stations are limited in national parks, plan accordingly.
Winter activities include sledding, snowshoeing, and ice skating.
Always check weather conditions before heading out.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Outdoor Recreation in California
02:54 Exploring California's Most Beautiful Parks
05:28 Winter Recreation: Snow Activities and Parks
08:09 Hidden Gems: Lesser-Known Snow Parks
11:02 Family-Friendly Snow Play Areas
13:47 Traveling South: Snow Parks and Activities
16:21 Yosemite National Park: A Winter Wonderland
19:00 Planning for Winter Travel in the Sierras
21:53 Conclusion and Future Adventures
Show Notes:
Rogue Ranger Radio Contacts:
o   E-mail – [email protected]
o   Facebook – Rogue Ranger Radio
o   Instagram - @RogueRangerRadio
o   Linkedin – Rogue Ranger Radio
National Park (Lassen, Yosemite, etc…) camping reservations
o   https://www.recreation.gov
California State Parks camping reservations
o   https://www.reservecalifornia.com
California State Parks:
o   Plumas Eureka SP - https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=507
o   Grover Hot Springs SP - https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=508
o   Calaveras Big Trees SP - https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=551
o   SnoParks - https://ohv.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=1233
US Forest Service – Pinecrest Lake
https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/stanislaus/recreation/pinecrest-lake
Yosemite National Park - https://www.nps.gov/yose/index.htm
o   Yosemite Skating, Lodging, and Skiing - https://www.travelyosemite.com
CalTrans and Highway Conditions - https://roads.dot.ca.gov
California Highway Patrol - https://www.chp.ca.gov
...more
28min
November 21, 2025 Where To Have Fun In The Snow, Part 1
In this episode of Rogue Ranger Radio, hosts Don Schmidt and Jenna Randar discuss winter recreation opportunities in Northern California, focusing on snow parks, their importance, and how to access them safely. They provide insights on permits, costs, facilities, and tips for planning a successful winter adventure. The conversation also covers popular snow play areas, travel safety in winter conditions, and encourages listeners to explore the beauty of California's winter landscape.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Rogue Ranger Radio
01:01 Planning Winter Adventures
04:16 Understanding Snow Parks
08:17 Snow Park Permits and Costs
11:06 Facilities and Amenities at Snow Parks
12:01 Preparing for a Day in the Snow
13:22 Safety and Etiquette in Snow Parks
14:51 Exploring Interstate 80 Snow Play Areas
18:18 Highway 50 Snow Play Options
24:52 Nevada Side Snow Play Areas
26:35 Traveling Safely in Winter Conditions
32:05 Recap and Next Episode Preview
Websites:
California State Parks - SnoParks and Winter Recreation: https://ohv.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=1233
Truckee Donner Land Trust: https://www.truckeedonnerlandtrust.org/johnson-canyon
Truckee Donner Recreation & Park District Ice Skating: https://www.tdrpd.org/161/Ice-Rink
North Tahoe Public Utilities District - NT Regional Park: https://ntpud.org/recreation-parks/parks-facilities/north-tahoe-regional-park/winter-recreation/
California State Parks - Ed Z'Berg Sugar Pine Point State Park: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=510
Nevada Snow Play Areas:
- Tahoe Meadows: https://sierrasnowplay.com/tahoe/tahoe_meadows.html
- Spooner Summit:
https://sierrasnowplay.com/tahoe/spooner_summit.html
California State Highway Information and Conditions: https://roads.dot.ca.gov/
California Highway Patrol: https://www.chp.ca.gov/
Nevada Highway Information and Conditions: https://www.dot.nv.gov/travel-info
Nevada Highway Patrol: https://nhp.nv.gov/
...more
35min
November 04, 2025 Fall Into Winter S1, E1
We introduce you to the parks of the Grass Valley, Nevada City, and Colfax areas including Empire Mine State Historic Park, South Yuba River State Park, and Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Rogue Ranger Radio
02:07 Exploring Parks and Outdoor Recreation
03:14 Focus on Grass Valley and Surrounding Areas
04:37 Highlighting Empire Mine State Historic Park
05:30 Exploring Empire Mine State Historic Park
14:22 Discovering South Yuba River State Park
18:36 Exploring the Beauty of Wildflowers and Gold Panning
22:25 Navigating the South Yuba River Trails
24:47 Hidden Gems: Purdon Crossing and the South Yuba Trail
26:41 Discovering Edwards Crossing and Hiking Trails
28:10 Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park: A Journey Through History
35:28 Mining History: North Star Powerhouse Museum and Pioneer Trail
36:56 Exploring the Pioneer Trail
37:59 Scotts Flat Reservoir and Colfax Overview
38:50 Iowa Hill Road and Stevens Trail
40:31 River Safety and Environmental Awareness
41:39 Recap and Future Episodes
Websites:
California State Parks :- Empire Mine SHP: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=499
- South Yuba River SP: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=496
- Malakoff Diggins SHP: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=494
Bureau of Land Management - South Yuba River: https://www.blm.gov/visit/south-yuba-recreation-area
Bureau of Land Management - Stevens Trail: https://www.blm.gov/visit/stevens-trail-trailhead
Pioneer Trail: https://www.mtbproject.com/trail/4592328/pioneer-trail
Northstar Powerhouse Mining Museum: https://nevadacountyhistory.org/north-star-mining-museum/
Nevada Irrigation District - Scotts Flat Reservoir: https://www.nidwater.com/scotts-flat-lake-
California State Highway Information and Conditions: https://roads.dot.ca.gov/
California Highway Patrol: https://www.chp.ca.gov/
...more
44min

FAQs about Rogue Ranger Radio:

How many episodes does Rogue Ranger Radio have?

The podcast currently has 4 episodes available.