From Kentucky’s Red River Gorge to Yosemite’s Cloud’s Rest, Chloe Huggins has followed her curiosity, energy, and love for wild places into a career helping others discover the outdoors. Now in her fourth year of guiding and first with Lasting Adventures, Chloe brings a contagious enthusiasm and an impressive knowledge base, from geography and geology to ultra-distance trail running.
From Trail Newbie to Trail Leader
Chloe’s journey into backpacking began just before college, when her dad took her on a backpacking trip through Kentucky’s Red River Gorge. That first taste of the trail sparked something bigger.
“I immediately wanted more,” she says. “So I signed up for a 6-day Wilderness Welcome backpacking trip with Ohio State.”
From there, she joined the university’s Outdoor Adventure Center, where she learned how to climb and began leading her own trips.
“It felt like a natural progression. I wanted to learn as much as I could about the outdoors, and I feel like the best way to do that is to try teaching others.”
What She Loves About Guiding
For Chloe, every group is different — and that’s part of the magic.
“I love being able to dive into whatever niche the participants want to. If people are really excited about geology, I can talk about that! If they want to learn about flora and fauna, I bring out my book. Or if they just want to have fun, I’m all in.”
She finds meaning in being a non-judgmental, knowledgeable presence in a world that can sometimes feel intimidating for beginners.
“I think the biggest barrier to entry is when someone who knows more than you makes you feel bad about your lack of knowledge.”
Chloe Outside the Backpack
When she’s not guiding, Chloe is a force of nature in her own right. She’s a trail runner with two 50Ks under her belt and a 50-miler on the horizon. She’s also a climber, an audiobook lover, and a self-described amateur guitar player.
If she had to pick a spirit animal?
“I absolutely love foxes,” she says. “Every encounter I’ve had with one felt magical.”
Favorite Trail Song & Trail Food
Chloe’s backcountry soundtrack often includes the quirky groove of “Fishing For Fishies” by King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard. And while she describes herself as a “low-maintenance backcountry chef,” she swears by the classic ramen + peanut butter combo — with dehydrated veggies if she’s feeling fancy.
Favorite View: Cloud’s Rest, Yosemite
Of all the views in the national parks she’s explored, Cloud’s Rest in Yosemite stands out:
“It stuns me every time! Looking down into Tenaya Canyon and realizing how remote and technical it is down there is so exciting. I’d love to do that route someday.”
Wisdom for Future Guests
When it comes to gear, Chloe’s top pick is simple but essential:
“Sunglasses. It’s brighter out there than you think with all that granite reflecting light!”
And if you’re packing cotton? Maybe rethink it. “That stuff is no good out here,” she warns with a laugh.
Mentors and Lessons Learned
Chloe credits her former boss at Ohio State’s Outdoor Adventure Center, Spenser Herkelman, as one of her biggest mentors.
“He lit the way for me during my years there and taught me a considerable chunk of what I know — especially about how to be a leader.”
Chloe’s Guide Philosophy
When asked what qualities make an excellent guide, Chloe doesn’t hesitate:
Excitement – because experiencing Yosemite for the first time is magic, and it’s important to remember what that felt like.
Go-with-the-flow attitude – because no trip goes perfectly to plan.
Non-judgmental mindset – because everyone’s starting from somewhere different.
We’re so excited to have Chloe joining the Lasting Adventures team this season! Keep an eye out for more ‘Meet the Guide’ stories as we introduce the passionate individuals behind your next big adventure.