Six guides . 60 seasons between them

The guides.

No photos of faces here, just the stuff they carry. You will meet them at the trailhead. Every one holds a wilderness first responder card and has walked their route more times than they can count.

Ask for a guide by name
Worn hiking boots, striped wool socks and a trekking pole on a paved forest path

What is always in their pack.

We asked each guide for the one thing they would never leave at home. Then Ash drew them.

  • a real compass

    Maya

    Founder and lead guide, Sierra

    Guiding
    14 seasons
    Certified
    Wilderness first responder, avalanche level 1

    Started the company after years leading trips for other outfits. Still writes every route card by hand.

  • a spare paddle

    Teo

    Sea kayak lead, Channel Islands

    Guiding
    9 seasons
    Certified
    Wilderness first responder, open water kayak instructor

    Grew up on a harbor. Can tell you the wind forecast by looking at a gull.

  • headlamp, spare batteries

    Rosa

    Coast treks, Lost Coast and Big Sur

    Guiding
    11 seasons
    Certified
    Wilderness first responder, leave no trace trainer

    Walks the narrows in the dark if the tide says so. Keeps a tide booklet in a zip bag in her chest pocket.

  • the camp percolator

    Dev

    Overland guide, drives the trucks

    Guiding
    8 seasons
    Certified
    Wilderness first responder, off road recovery

    Former mechanic. Has fixed a truck with a hose clamp and a sock. Coffee is ready before anyone else is up.

  • binoculars, for condors

    June

    Big Sur guide, plants and birds

    Guiding
    6 seasons
    Certified
    Wilderness first responder, naturalist course

    Knows the name of every flower on the ridge and which ones to keep off your legs.

  • a cast iron pan, yes really

    Ash

    Guide and camp chef, every route

    Guiding
    12 seasons
    Certified
    Wilderness first responder, food safety manager

    Plans every menu around allergies and still makes it taste like a restaurant. Carries the heavy pan on purpose.

House rules for guides.

  • One guide for every five guests, never fewer
  • A satellite messenger and a full medical kit on every trip
  • Wilderness first responder renewed every two years, CPR every year
  • Any guide can turn the group around. No one argues with the weather
  • Guides get paid for scouting days, so routes are checked every season

Want to go with someone in particular? Ask on the trip desk form and we will match dates. See where they lead on the trips page.