Yosemite Guide Service Team

On every youth trip (not exceeding 12 participants) there is a ratio of at most 1:6, but in most cases the ratio is 1:4. Each trip will also have at least one male and one female Guide/ Counselor as necessary.

Through our Guide Service, on day trips and backpacking trips, we will staff each adventure with 1-2 experienced guides who bring with them significant Yosemite backcountry experience. Ratios will not exceed 1:6; usually less.

Every leader has, at least, certification as a Wilderness First Responder and C.P.R. All leaders have also completed an extensive background check including criminal history.

Looking to join our team? Check out our Employment Page.

Scott is the Founder and Executive Director for Lasting Adventures, Inc and has been facilitating the Yosemite High Country Adventure since 1997 in which he has personally logged over 5,000 miles as a guide in the Yosemite backcountry. As both a credentialed school administrator and counselor, Scott has well over 25 years of experience working with youth. Scott attended Sonoma State University in California where he obtained both his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Masters in Counseling. Scott holds certification in Basic Backpacking Awareness, is certified as a Wilderness First Responder by the Wilderness Medicine Institute of the National Outdoor Leadership School, and he is trained as an Outdoor Emergency Care professional. In addition to actively leading and guiding the Yosemite High Country Adventure and through community collaborations and support, Scott has also successfully developed many other youth development programs; and he is also a requested presenter on these topics. When not in Yosemite, you might be able to catch Scott on the slopes snowboarding in Tahoe.

Otto Ross is a High School English Teacher from Tucson, Arizona who fell in love with Yosemite and backpacking during annual trips to the valley with his family as a child. As he grew older, he continued returning yearly to John Muir’s “range of light” to backpack in the high country. Otto also spent a month volunteering in the park during 2009 and completed the 2,660-mile Pacific Crest Trail as well as the 250-mile John Muir Trail in 2014. In Tucson, Otto enjoys backpacking, rock climbing and mountain biking. He guides students on hiking trips at his school and is a Wilderness First Responder certified through the NOLS Wilderness Medicine Institute.

Amelia comes to us with an extensive background in not only the outdoors, but also with administration, marketing, and summer camp experience. After graduating from UC Davis in 2012 with a double major in Communication and Sociology, Amelia spent two summers at YMCA Camp Orkila running their Horseback Riding Program and season in between working for the Children’s Ski School at Northstar in Tahoe. During her second year at Camp Orkila Amelia made a promise to her friend to hike the Pacific Crest Trail the following summer. Without any previous backpacking experience she completed the 2,668 mile trail in 2014. It was during this trip that she first visited Yosemite. Freshly off the JMT she did not think there could be any natural wonders left to impress her in California, but after just a day in Yosemite summiting Cloud’s Rest and Half Dome and standing under the mist of Nevada Falls as she hiked down to the valley, she understood why words alone could not describe the magic of this place. After the trail Amelia returned to her home in San Diego continuing a job she had as Sales and Marketing Coordinator for a corporate event planning company. During this time she gained invaluable experience learning business management and marketing strategies. She looks forward to investing all that she has learned throughout her professional and personal life into the success and growth of Lasting Adventures!

Kimball Stewart has been an outdoor enthusiast since his first hike in the White Mountains of New Hampshire as a six year old. His passion for environmental stewardship and outdoor leadership has led him to pursue a variety of jobs, including work with New Zealand’s Department of Conservation and the Appalachian Mountain Club. Kimball began working for Lasting Adventures in 2015 and has since made the Sierras his home. Sharing his love of Yosemite with others is his favorite part of the job. In addition to backpacking, Kimball enjoys mountain biking, running, and knitting. He is also certified as a Wilderness Emergency Medical Technician through the Wilderness Medicine Institute.

Will Heaps started his outdoor education in Appalachia, found his passion for adventure in the Rockies, and found his home in the Sierra Nevada. Thanks to parents that booked campsites instead of hotel rooms to save on travel expenses, he is quite comfortable laying his head close to the ground to sleep. Along the path to becoming an Eagle Scout, Will learned the outdoor survival skills that have given him the confidence to leave behind the craziness of civilization and live in the wilderness. Will began camping as a child, backpacking as a teenager, and climbing/canyoneering in college. He graduated from BYU with a degree in Therapeutic Recreation and worked near Zion National Park as a therapist. Discovering that his heart yearned to spend even more time in the wild, he left behind the life of a therapist and went full time into guiding with Lasting Adventures during the summer of 2015. Will loves being a guide because it affords him the opportunity to invite others to share in the experiences that have given him the hope to carry on through difficult times. When your life is simple enough to fit all necessary possessions in a backpack, you have plenty of room left to fill yourself with happiness and adventure.

Dahlia Blau grew up along the California coast but now resides where she can be close to the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains. She has gone from fish to full mountain goat. While she is still a fish at heart she continues to thrive in aquatic environments; from kayaking or river rafting to simply floating down a river. However, her newfound loves are the mountains where she can trek, climb, and hike. When Dahlia isn’t in the mountains she can be found canyoneering in Utah. Dahlia graduated from UC Santa Cruz in 2015 with a degree in Environmental/Biology. It was at UC Santa Cruz that she discovered her passion for being a naturalist. By observing nature and doing some of her favorite activities such as birding and botanizing, she can share the importance of our natural resources with others. One of her greatest accomplishments so far has been completing the Khumbu Three Pass trek in Nepal during the summer of 2015. Along the trek she got the amazing opportunity to visit Everest Base Camp and to sit at 18,500ft looking up at the top of Everest Mountain itself. Her philosophy: Feed your soul through curiosity.

Pietra Brettkelly is a Mainer with a Kiwi twist. She embraces the rugged and thrives on adventure. She grew up exploring the coastal tide pools and frolicking in the woods. Pietra attended Phillips Exeter Academy, where her increasing passion for science and photography fueled her love for the outdoors. While earning her Environmental Science and Geography degrees at University of Auckland in New Zealand, Pietra spent every weekend guiding rafts down gnarly waterfalls, whitewater kayaking, and backpacking amidst volcanoes. Recently, Pietra roamed the beautiful landscapes of Iceland and Norway. One of her proudest accomplishments is the Teardrop camper she built from scratch last year. When she finished building, she hit the road and has been exploring the west on road trip and backpacking adventures. This winter she taught kiddos how to ski in Vail, Colorado, and took up ice climbing. She went to Alaska in the spring for some mountaineering and to become a Wilderness First Responder. Pietra is extremely excited to be working for Lasting Adventures and to explore Yosemite and the Sierras this summer!

Quinn was raised in Missoula, MT where she found all there really was to do was be outside, whether it was trekking up the surrounding mountains or floating down the rivers. She went on her first backpacking trip when she was in high school, and after being inspired by the power of nature, she was determined to continue this passion. The next summer she worked as an AmeriCorps VISTA for an all girl backpacking camp, where she helped organize and lead trips. After high school she took a gap year and participated on a five month long NOLS course in Chile. During the course she did a 50-day backpacking trip through Torres del Paine National Park, where she gained many skills in backcountry living and wilderness medicine. She received her Wilderness First Responder from NOLS WMI in December of 2016. When she isn’t in her hiking boots, she’s either climbing, playing guitar or doing yoga. Quinn has three years of experience as a summer camp backpacking instructor, and is excited to continue her passion for teaching and the outdoors.

Isabelle Grew up being dragged on family hikes by her French father and plopped in igloos for cold nights in the mountains around Ashland, OR. Though she complained at the time, she later found herself seeking out these same adventures. Isabelle obtained her Wilderness First Responder in 2012 and went on to guide backpacking trips for three summers in Colorado. This past winter, she had her first opportunity to work as a winter trips guide in the beautiful PNW. Isabelle is also passionate about photography, rock climbing, and has recently fallen in love with ski mountaineering. She is looking forward to sharing her love of outdoor adventure this summer during her first season with Lasting Adventures!

Michael Cox was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona and grew up hiking and camping in the White Mountains of Arizona. His love for the outdoors as a kid drove him to pursue an education in Parks and Recreation Management. Michael graduated from Northern Arizona University in 2016 with an emphasis on Outdoor Education and Leadership. In the summer of 2015 Michael spent his time with the Boy Scouts of America as an Assistant Director in their Mountain Biking program. In 2012 he encountered the magnificence of Yosemite while on a road trip throughout the west coast and fell in love with the towering granite walls and vowed to return every year and explore something new in the park. Michael’s main goal in working with Lasting Adventures is to leave every participant he encounters with a new found love for nature and knowledge for conserving Yosemite for years to come. Michael enjoys Backpacking, hiking, Skiing, Mountain biking, photography and just being outside in nature. Safety is always on his mind is a Wilderness First Responder certified through NOLS WMI and is a Leave No Trace Master Educator.

Riley Cox was born and raised in Chico, CA, at the base of the foothills of the Sierra Nevada’s. Although he spent most of his childhood outside under the sun, it wasn’t until his freshmen year of college that he truly fell in love with Outdoor Education. Now an avid backpacker and rock climber, Riley has a degree in Outdoor Education from Chico State, spent three years as a trip leader for Adventure Outings, and is a graduate of the NOLS Outdoor Educators Mountaineering course. Coming in on his first season with Lasting Adventures, Riley is beyond excited to begin sharing his passion for life, rocks, and silliness with everyone he meets.

Cambrey Knapp grew up in Northern California’s Cascade Mountains with Lassen Volcanic National Park for a backyard and outdoor enthusiasts for parents. Weekend adventures typically included hiking, mountain biking, camping, wakeboarding, or snowboarding with her family.  From an early age, Cambrey learned about the value and importance of all aspects of our natural world, which sparked her interest to obtain a degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from UCLA.  While in college, she discovered her passion for rock climbing and started working as a rock climbing instructor through the student-run Outdoor Adventure program and was a member of UCLA’s Club Rock Climbing team.  Cambrey has backpacked all over the world, from the alpine mountains of southern Montana, to the cloud forests of Costa Rica, but she is excited to return to the Yosemite Valley, the place where her love for backpacking began. She is a certified Wilderness First Responder and has gathered significant experience working with kids of all ages through her church and environmental education programs over the past few years.  Cambrey deeply values the benefits (and necessity) of outdoor recreation, and is honored to be able to help provide new, challenging and inspiring experiences to others who are seeking the same.

Rachel is a Pacific Northwest native, who grew up hiking, fishing, skiing, and backpacking with her family in the Cascade Range. After graduating high school, Rachel went for a gap year in Southeast Asia and in the Ecuadorian Amazon, where she worked on several volunteer projects. After this year exploring, Rachel moved to Flagstaff, Arizona, to attend university and to explore the American southwest. She graduated with her Bachelor’s of Science in Environmental Studies and a minor in Biology. Ever since her first visit to Yosemite, Rachel has been enchanted with the Sierra and the wondrous foothills that prelude the majestic range. Her favorite part of working with Lasting Adventures is the connections she gets to develop with participants along the trail. Her favorite memories are the long conversations while putting in the miles, silly evenings at camp, and witnessing individuals grow into their most authentic selves while facing challenges as a community in the backcountry. It is her passion to playfully explore this incredible world and to assist others on their personal journeys of the wilds within. She has recently finished her second, post-university gap year. The first half was spent exploring the western United States, and the second half backpacking in Chile, Peru, Argentina, and Bolivia. She is very happy to be returning to the States to spend another season in Yosemite, and excited to see what this marvelous path of life has in store for her!

Nolan Fisher was born and raised in beautiful Truckee, California where he grew up developing an intense love for the outdoors along with all the recreational opportunities it has to offer. On any given day you can find Nolan enjoying a variety of outdoor activities including fishing, hiking, skiing, and most recently; mountain unicycling! Currently, Nolan is pursuing a degree in Parks, Hospitality & Recreation at California State University, Chico and completed his Wilderness First Responder in early May 2013. This will be Nolan’s second summer with Lasting Adventures and we are excited to have him join the team!

Meaghan was born and raised in the great mitten state of Michigan, where she has always enjoyed the outdoors and camping with her family. Since graduating from Aquinas College in the spring of 2015, she has worked in a few different places around the country working as a Teen Coordinator & teaching Outdoor Education. She truly fell in love with the west while teaching outdoor education in the San Bernardino Mountains in Southern California. Meaghan’s most cherished memories of the outdoors come from bringing kids from Los Angeles and New York City into nature, some of whom have never left their block at home, and helping them experience and learn in the outdoors. She is beyond excited for the summer with Lasting Adventures, so she can continue to spread knowledge and awareness of all that nature has to offer, in one of the most beautiful places in the world!

Brent has varied experience that has taken him around the world. He spent 5 years in South Korea as an English teacher, hiking to temples in the mountains, snowboarding, and surfing the East Sea in his free time. Inspired by the mountains of his Asian abode, he undertook a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail, a 4.5 month walk of the USA’s east coast through one of the world’s oldest mountain ranges. He’s also worked as a camp counselor in West Virginia, and a snowboard instructor in Lake Tahoe, CA. Most recently he found himself in New Zealand with his British wife, where they explored the South Island and worked as Glowworm Cave Guides. With a Wilderness First Responder qualification now under his belt, Brent is ready to learn about and explore Yosemite with his co-guides and new friends for the summer of 2017.

I was born in California, raised in Arizona and moved to the PNW (Washington) 5 years ago from Colorado. I grew up playing in the dirt, as soon as I got my license and started road tripping I fell in love with the mountains. Adventure is my life. I frequently dabble in fishing, hiking, SUP boarding, and climbing. I’m a rookie but have a new love for white water sports. I am certified in CPR and First Aid, Wilderness First Responder, Leave No Trace, Swift Water Rescue, and Aiare Avalanche level 1. I have a passion for teaching experiential education, and love sharing my excitement for the outdoors with others.

James Gallant hails from the great state of Maine. Starting his outdoor career as a Kayak guide in Casco Bay James has learned that going into the unknown is where the magic happens. This mindset has taken James to The shores of Italy to climb with white bearded pros, to the tops of the snow covered peaks in the wind river valley Wyoming, to the depths of Canyons In Utah, and most recently to the Glaciers of Patagonia’s Exploradores Valley. With guidance and a hunger for life, James has found his way To Yosemite to grow and learn and Hopefully spread the wealth along the way on a New Lasting Adventure.

Kyle was introduced to the outdoors when he was 10 years old doing various day hikes with his dad and grandpa. His love for the outdoors continue to grow when he became a boy scout participating in various outdoor activities. His first big backpacking trip was at age 15 when he did a 50-mile trip in Desolation Wilderness. After this trip he was hooked. A couple years later he went to Philmont Scout ranch where he did a 90-mile backpacking trip. Kyle is now a student at Chico State where he studies Biology. He is involved in many sustainability efforts and works for Adventure Outings, a student lead outdoor program. His favorite outdoor activities include backpacking, rock climbing, stand-up paddle boarding and sea kayaking. Kyle’s greatest experience in the outdoors in through hiking the Tahoe Rim Trail last summer. Kyle is excited to begin his first season with Lasting Adventures!

Hannah is an experienced outdoor leader who grew up in South San Francisco. Don’t let her urban upbringing cloud your judgement, she has spent years in the outdoors, growing, learning, teaching and exploring. Her experiences aren’t limited to backpacking, Hannah completed a 20 day climbing endeavour in the heart of the Southwest desert, has completed raft guide school, lead many weekend trips and explored northern california with a band of her most trusted friends. Hannah is studies Health Science and CSU Chico. She is also a student coordinator and Trip Leader for Adventure Outings, a student lead outdoor program. Quiet at first, Hannah has a big personality and will be sure to make an impression in the best of ways!

Kai Kelly found solace growing up in the desert canyons and peaks surrounding his home in Arizona. He was first introduced to Yosemite through Lasting Adventures in 2013, working as a volunteer and returning in subsequent years as a guide and summer camp counselor. He is positively stoked to return again to teach, and be taught, in the most awe-inspiring place on our blue planet! Kai is a certified Wilderness First Responder and currently resides in beautiful Flagstaff, Arizona where he attends college and spends his free time climbing, slacklining, and snowboarding.

Jenna is a Colorado native that transplanted to California seven years ago. After receiving degrees in Environmental Science and French from Chico State in 2014, she moved to Lake Tahoe for what proved to be a short ski season. Jenna changed her focus to outdoor education following a year in Tahoe and moved to Santa Barbara to work as a naturalist. She enjoys combining her affinity for the outdoors with helping kids and the general public to connect with their surroundings. Jenna’s first encounter with Yosemite came several years ago in the form of a six day, 60 mile trip backpacking trip. The incredible landscape of the park along with the simple pleasures and pure connections of trail life lead Jenna to pursue work as a guide. When she’s not exploring, she can be found playing soccer, skiing, taking the bike out for a spin or hanging in a hammock with a good book. Jenna is thrilled to return for a second season with Lasting Adventures and sharing the adventures with you all!

Graham Mitchell grew up in the beautiful Puget Sound where he pursued a plethora of activities such as backpacking in the Olympic National Park, and kayaking in the Salish Sea. His exposure to the outdoors as an adolescent instilled a fascination with his natural environment. Graham has shared his passion through outdoor education, volunteering and guide work. As he grew older, he began leading kayak and dive tours of his home, Bainbridge Island, and has also guided kayak tours in Portland, Oregon, where he graduated from Lewis and Clark College. In addition to his love of backpacking, Graham is a bluegrass fanatic and enjoys rock climbing and kayaking.

Heidi Nocka comes from Massachusetts and when she’s not spending her time outdoors she’s, rowing and studying at Harvard University. Her major is Human Evolutionary Biology, and she will have a secondary in Global Health and Health Policy when she graduates in the spring of 2018. She has a background in family trips to the White Mountains, and ten years of canoe tripping in Northern Ontario. She has led a number of trips ranging from week long lake-hopping trips to 42 day river trips to Hudson Bay. Her passion for camping, adventure and the outdoors has made her curious about regions beyond the Northeast and canoeing. After hearing about her brother’s (Peter Nocka) experience from last summer, it was impossible for her not to try it herself! Excited for a new adventure she’ll leave the comforts of studying and rowing in Cambridge, and will travel westward for greater heights, new scenery, and refreshing company.

Peter Nocka first visited Yosemite in March of 2014 and was blown away by the spectacular granite faces and beautiful valley floors. Helping others experience this landscape through Lasting Adventures was the perfect opportunity for someone who has always loved sharing his passion for the outdoors with others. He spent his summers traveling through the Ontario wilderness by canoe before moving from Massachusetts to Portland, Oregon to attend Lewis & Clark College. In Portland he worked for his school’s outing club, ran the ski and snowboard club, and worked for Portland Kayak Company. In the summer of 2014 he traveled abroad to Japan to conduct research on (and summit) Mount Fuji. After graduating in December of 2015 with a Bachelor’s in Economics and Environmental Studies, Peter spent the spring of 2016 working as a ski instructor on Mount Hood.

Quinn Sullivan grew up always trying to engulf himself in nature. He started guiding in college while pursuing and earning his degree in Recreational Therapy from Chico State in May of 2017. Growing up within Northern California, Quinn saw from a young age what impacts nature had on him and how those impacts could better so many other lives. Quinn became a Wilderness First Responder in June of 2016 while guiding with Adventure Outings at Chico State. While attending college, Quinn worked as a care provider for kids and adults with cognitive and physical disabilities. Quinn also works for a sports camp called Ability First. This camp is for kids living with spinal chord injuries or disabilities who want to pursue a career in sports. These amazing individuals whom he has been so fortunate to work with have taught Quinn how he should never take his own capabilities for granted in life and to always be an advocate for inclusion. Being from Chico, it was very easy for Quinn to commute to secrets spots within Upper Park, which is famous for its scenic bluffs, beautiful swimming holes, and well kept trails. Quinn has recently taken up rock climbing and archery as well as being an avid backpacker and hiker to add to the plethora of interests that come with Quinn. With a background in Recreational Therapy Quinn understands the benefits that come with engulfing yourself in nature and Quinn will never hesitate to lend a helping hand or be a source of encouragement for anyone coming to Lasting Adventures in need of an adventure.

Greg Nespor grew up surfing along the Ventura coast and first visited Yosemite in the late 1980’s on a camping trip with family friends. The first time he saw Yosemite Valley, it was the beginning of a life-long love affair. Having worked fourteen seasons with the National Park Service as a ranger naturalist and backcountry ranger in Yosemite’s Wilderness, Greg has learned intimately about Yosemite’s natural/human history and loves to share his passion with others. His favorite thing to see with visitors is their, “stoke and ah” when they first see Yosemite’s many marvels. While Greg wants everyone to have a wonderful time, safety is his first priority.

Greg enjoys being outdoors as much as possible and loves backpacking, surfing, fly-fishing, and sailing. In 2012 he and his uncle spent two months sailing from California to the Sea of Cortez and back on board the 36 foot sailing vessel Serenity Now pursuing these activities. Along with all his outdoor pursuits, Greg is a credentialed teacher, certified wilderness first responder, AAIRE level 1 certificated, Leave No Trace master educator, and licensed fly fishing guide.

Scott Racine is a biotechnology professor at a local community college back in his hometown of Indianapolis, Indiana.  He was first introduced to backpacking by his father on a trip to the Wind River Range in Wyoming when he was in high school.  After additional trips there and a canoe trip to Quetico National Park in Canada, he was hooked.  Recently, Scott travelled to New Zealand to hike several trails on the South Island, spent two weeks in the backcountry at Glacier National Park, and just made his way through the five national parks in Utah.  When not on backpacking and hiking trips, Scott enjoys mountain biking, whitewater rafting, reading, and woodworking.  Recently certified as a Wilderness First Responder, Scott is looking forward to joining Lasting Adventures and exploring Yosemite National Park, the rest of the Sierras and California.

Jill has grown up in Massachusetts, where her parents favorite get aways were hiking trips and long stays in the woods all across New England. Jill realized her passion for the woods and the outdoors when she first attended summer camp in the New Hampshire mountains. Over the years she has worked in different summer camps, high ropes courses and after school programs. Jill has a passion working in the outdoor setting with youth to help them realize the benefits of the outdoors! She just graduated from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro with a degree in Recreation and Parks Management with a concentration in Community Recreation. She is eager to start her journey to the West Coast to experience more of the outdoor lifestyle, to see the picturesque views, and accompany individuals on their different journeys!

Juliet grew up in Southern Louisiana, where her first wilderness experiences included searching for alligators and crabs in the swamps along the Gulf Coast. She eventually moved to the Smoky Mountains, where she met her true loves- backpacking, rafting, climbing, and sharing those adventures with others. After graduating with a degree in English Literature, she began traveling and working as an environmental educator, hiking guide, white water guide, and wilderness therapy field instructor. Through guiding she learned that exposing others to the wilderness is one of the most wonderful things in the world, and she fell in love with how easy it became to embrace the joy found in the mountains. Juliet obtained her Wilderness First Responder certification in 2015. When not guiding, she enjoys gardening, doing art projects, cooking, and drinking coffee.

Juliet grew up in Southern Louisiana, where her first wilderness experiences included searching for alligators and crabs in the swamps along the Gulf Coast. She eventually moved to the Smoky Mountains, where she met her true loves- backpacking, rafting, climbing, and sharing those adventures with others. After graduating with a degree in English Literature, she began traveling and working as an environmental educator, hiking guide, white water guide, and wilderness therapy field instructor. Through guiding she learned that exposing others to the wilderness is one of the most wonderful things in the world, and she fell in love with how easy it became to embrace the joy found in the mountains. Juliet obtained her Wilderness First Responder certification in 2015. When not guiding, she enjoys gardening, doing art projects, cooking, and drinking coffee.

Emma is from Erie, PA where she got her first taste of the outdoors sailing tall ships throughout the Great Lakes. She is currently a student at Green Mountain College pursuing a degree in Adventure Education and Outdoor Wilderness Therapy. She recently completed a 40 day expedition where she paddled 100 miles, completed a 140 mile thru-hike, and pulled rock in the Adirondacks. During downtime in the front country Emma likes to smooze folks with her mellow Amy Winehouse covers. After spending last summer sailing the Maine coast, Emma is excited to be in the mountains on the left coast working for Lasting Adventures.

Gus grew up in Berkeley, California, and his passion for the wilderness started with day hikes in Lake Tahoe when he was five. He had his first experience with Yosemite with Lasting Adventures in 2013 at age 14, and immediately fell in love with the dramatic granite walls and beautiful trails and rivers. Lasting Adventures and Yosemite became an important part of his life, and came back every year to better his skills and knowledge of the area. He became a junior guide in 2015, and is now super stoked to begin working with Lasting Adventures as an intern! Gus is a certified Wilderness First Responder, and he plans to major in Adventure Education at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado.