Guide Roster
I’m thrilled to have assembled this all-star guide team, and to work beside them. Each one is an expert backpacker and guide — they combine extensive first-hand backcountry experience with a passion for teaching, excellent people skills, relate-able family and work lives, engaging story-telling, and necessary medical certifications.
Our team:
- Andrew Skurka
- Audrey Abbott
- Brandon Chase
- Brian Robinson
- Christy Rosander
- Dahn Pratt
- Ella Nuttelman
- Hunter Hall
- Jeff Wohl
- Jessica Winters
- Joe McConaughy
- Jose Mendez
- Katie Gerber
- Katrina Weyland
- Melodie Kao
- Mikaela Osler
- Nicco Tyson
- Samuel Novey
- Sarah Stratton
- Scott Christy
- Tina Currin
- Witt Wisebram
Andrew Skurka
- Boulder, CO
- 44 years-old
- Married to Amanda and adoring parent of Esmerelda and Luxor, our feline fur children
Since founding this program in 2011, I’ve led over 115 trips and have spent over 550 days in the field with clients. In the first five years, I guided every single trip (58) and spent up to 76 days in the field. The program has grown considerably since then, but I guide as often as I practically can while maintaining the overall quality and while remaining married — it’s the most fun and rewarding aspect of my work.
My goal on every trip is to make clients more self-sufficient in the wilderness by teaching them skills, having them lead, and expanding their comfort zones. It’s an extra perk if I can learn from my group, have fun, and explore a new setting.
As a twenty-something I was a prolific long-distance thru-hiker. My most notable trips were the:
- Alaska-Yukon Expedition (6 months, 4,700 miles),
- Great Western Loop (7 months, 6,875 miles), and the
- Sea-to-Sea Route (11 months, 7,775 miles).
In my thirties, I focused on high routes and long-distance running. I pioneered and wrote guidebooks for four off-trail backpacking routes in the High Sierra, Wind River Range, and Colorado Rockies. I completed six 100-mile races, and set a fastest known time on the Pfiffner Traverse. In my forties, I’ve not yet slowed down — I ran 2:27:59 (5:38/mile pace) and placed eighty-third at the 2022 Boston Marathon.
My definitive book, The Ultimate Hiker’s Gear Guide: Tools & Tips to Hit the Trail, was published by National Geographic and has sold over 120,000 copies.
I received many testimonials from 2024 clients, but I’ll share just one that seems to encapsulate nearly everything that I am and try to do:
Embarking on a trip with Andrew was akin to hiking alongside a living, breathing backpacking encyclopedia. His knowledge spanned from identifying every bird’s chirp and deciphering animal prints to teaching you about pockets you never knew existed in your pants – all while weaving captivating narratives of the land’s history. Most notably, Andrew’s navigation skills have been honed through years of practice and are truly remarkable. He equipped the group to navigate through challenging desert terrains and each member was empowered to practice their navigation skills throughout the trip. Beyond his expertise, his genuine interest in each group member fostered a sense of camaraderie, as he skillfully encouraged us to share our own stories along the trail, while also entertaining us with stories of his cats and epic adventures. Andrew’s ability to adeptly handle group dynamics was also evident in his keen ability to gauge when to address topics publicly, while his private check-ins at night ensured every team member felt comfortable and supported throughout the journey. It is evident that Andrew has poured into this program and I am truly honored to have been on the receiving end of his remarkable gifts.

Audrey Abbott
- Virgin, Ut
- 30 years old
- Partner to Mike and pup parent to Buckley.
- She/her
I grew up in Dallas, Texas but spent most of my childhood summers in Colorado, where I fell in love with the great outdoors. My career as an outdoor educator began in the summers between college when I started to lead canoe expeditions through Quetico Provincial Park, just north of the boundary waters.
After graduating, I traveled and worked internationally, leading weeklong biking and hiking trips. Over the course of those early years I developed a deep regard for adventure travel, as well as the wilderness experience, and I believe strongly in the innate connection between outdoor exploration and self-reflection and growth. By the time I moved to Southwest Utah in 2018, I had lived and worked on several continents, spending the most significant chunks of my time in Catalonia, Spain, Zambia and Zimbabwe, Patagonia, and Southeast Asia.
The dramatic landscapes of Southern Utah deepened my love for rock climbing, and it was here too that I discovered a new passion: canyoneering. I found the exploration of slot canyons intoxicating, and I have had the privilege of sharing that passion with others for the past six years as a canyon guide and AMGA climbing instructor based out of Zion National Park. This will be my second season working with Andrew Skurka Adventures. I genuinely believe that time spent outdoors is the best way to spend time, and the connections you make with others along the way are some of the strongest bonds I’ve ever known.
When I am not working as a guide or instructor, I am planning my own outdoor adventures with friends. In the past few years, those escapades have included climbing big walls in the Spanish Pyrenees, backpacking in the Wind River Range, packrafting the Colorado River through Grand Canyon, and bikepacking the White Rim in Canyonlands National Park.
My favorite testimonials from 2024 clients
- “Audrey is very patient and empathetic, sensing each person’s needs without any hint of judgment. She is an engaged listener and genuinely considers everyone’s input. You implicitly respect and like her.”
- “Audrey’s such a great teacher. She’s calm and patient, and was excellent at explaining complex topics clearly and simply. Early in the trip I was struggling with stemming and down-climbing narrow slots — all those moves were totally new to me. She spent a while those first few days coaching me through the moves, and by the middle of the trip that stuff had moved from scary to fun for me. I also really appreciated getting to learn from her canyoneering experience, and her willingness to get into the weeds on that stuff with me.”
- “Superb technical knowledge, skill, and physical ability. Open, authentic, and welcoming presence, including excellent support of a client who was facing fears of their own – Audrey supported them with incredible patience and grace. Audrey fits into the Skurka program and ethos so well that it is hard to believe that this season is her first and our trip was only her second week.”

Brandon Chase
- Lives in Southwest Harbor, ME with wife Veronica and 2 y/o daughter, Lupine.
- 37 years old
- Instagram, Website
- he/him/his
I have been involved with Andrew’s program since 2020 in multiple capacities including logistical support, program design, instruction for the Plan Like a Pro course, and guiding. In a previous life, I was a Foreign Service Officer with the Department of State and had the opportunity to explore more than 60 countries while serving at U.S. Embassies in Egypt, Cyprus, and Pakistan.
As a Registered Maine Guide for Whitewater and Recreation, I lead rafting trips, wildlife canoe tours, and guided hikes in the Pine Tree State. I enjoy sharing my passion for the outdoors and helping others surpass perceived limitations to show that valuable, positive, and memorable backcountry experiences are achievable by anyone, anywhere with the proper skills and mindset.
Along with a 98-day thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail, I have summited Mt. Kilimanjaro, hiked the West Highland Way, fastpacked in the Himalayas, and trekked around New Zealand, South Africa, and the U.S. While abroad, I picked up an affection for endurance athletics and regularly compete in ultramarathons at 50k, 50-mile, and 100-mile distances around the globe. I write about hiking, trail running, and fastpacking on publications such as Fit For Miles and TheTrek.
My favorite testimonials from 2024 clients
- “Brandon is always smiling and engaged in conversation with the clients. This helps the miles fly by particularly in tougher sections. He is eager to help and provides great instruction whenever asked. He was always ready with supplies before even being asked by clients, whether it was at dinner preparing group rations or for Aquamira at water stops.”
- “Vibes. Brandon is a very chill, personable, easy-to-get-along-with guy who was great to hike with and always happy to help out.”
- “Brandon is a great teacher in the field and has a natural positive energy in his leadership.”

Scott Christy
- Lander, WY
- 48 years old
- He/him/his
This coming season will be my sixth year guiding with ASA, but for over twenty years I’ve taught backpacking skills for NOLS and helped develop the NOLS lightweight backpacking program. In that capacity, I’ve had the honor of backpacking and training a diverse range of participants including NASA Astronauts, MBA students, US Marines, and Google directors. I’m also a river guide rowing expedition rafting trips in the Grand Canyon. As a guide, I am moved by the fact that our lives are richer for the experiences we share with others, and I believe that expeditions succeed together or largely don’t succeed.
When I’m not guiding I do a fair bit of personal adventuring. In 2021 I completed a continuous almost all off-trail end-to-end hike of the Grand Canyon. Additionally I enjoy long packrafting trips in the Arctic and canyoneering explorations of the Colorado Plateau. Also, it turns out that lightweight backpacking systems work exceptionally well for bikepacking and backcountry elk hunting!
My favorite testimonials from 2024 clients
- “Throughout our trip, I found Scott’s most prominent quality was simply true leadership. Leadership in this case being the ability to rally folks and bring out the best of folks within a group (Not just managing a group or situation). Scott’s experience guiding here shines through as there is a natural ‘vibe’ that simply commands respect and appreciation. In ‘worst-case’ scenarios, he was able to maintain a process and keep folks in happy spirits. It was a true delight watching his experience quickly allow him to navigate stressful, complex and extremely dynamic scenarios while maintaining a good composure and example for the rest of the team.”
- “Scott is a crystal clear communicator, and he expresses himself with both a genuine sense of joy about being out in the wilderness and a sense that everything will be fine. This communication style sets a tone for the group of shared awe and ease. Scott has an extraordinary amount of backcountry knowledge and it is really fun to talk to him about the landscape we’re traveling and other places he’s been. He is also comfortable answering a question with, “I don’t know,” which is a surprisingly rare and authentic answer, and a sign of a leader you trust. “
- “Mountain whisperer – Scott knows everything there is to know. Scott is a strong leader and communicator with superb skills and judgment about wilderness situations.”
Tina Currin
- Boulder, CO
- 37 years old
- Married to Grayson + 2 cats
- She/her
I joined ASA in 2024 as an Online Instructor, and 2025 marks my first year as a guide. For years, I’ve worked as a Park Ranger with the National Park Service; now, I’m based in the foothills above Boulder. I am a Wilderness EMT and a Certified Interpretive Guide. Before settling in Colorado, my husband, two cats, and I crisscrossed the country in our van, hiking, climbing, and running through all 50 states—one giant, chaotic adventure. Over the last six years, I’ve logged 11,000 miles of backpacking, plus countless hours scrambling up cliffs, carving through snow, and pounding pavement. Right now, I’m obsessively ticking off the National Scenic Trails:
- Ice Age Trail — 1,200 miles, November 2024
- Continental Divide Trail — 3,000 miles, Summer 2023
- New England Trail — 220 miles, February 2023
- Arizona Trail — 800 miles, October 2022
- Florida Trail — 1,200 miles, January 2022
- Pacific Crest Trail — 2,652 miles, Summer 2021
- Appalachian Trail — 2,192 miles, Summer 2019
Each trail has taught me something new about keeping spirits high when the rain won’t stop, the food runs out, and the miles stretch on. Guiding isn’t just about showing people the way—it’s about helping them find their grit, their humor, and their capacity for awe. Because that’s the wilderness: it will humble you, and, if you let it, change you.
In another life, I worked as a journalist, founded a social justice nonprofit, collaborated with Duran Duran and Dave Matthews Band, organized music festivals and bike races, crafted “viral” internet campaigns, and even snagged a Guinness World Record. The throughline? Changing how people see the world and, hopefully, themselves along the way.
New for the 2025 season

Katie Gerber
Since joining ASA in 2021, I’ve spent 186 days in the field with clients in Utah, Alaska, California, Colorado, and West Virginia. At the beginning of 2023, I took on the role of Co-Director of the company.
As a guide and outdoor educator, my goal is to empower individuals with the knowledge, experience, and confidence to safely pursue trips of their own. I enjoy teaching risk-management, sharing about local flora, and creating a group environment where everyone feels safe to be themselves.
In addition to guiding and co-directing at ASA, I’m a health and nutrition coach for outdoor enthusiasts, creator of the Backpacker Academy online courses and author of Adventure Ready: A Hiker’s Guide to Planning, Training, and Resiliency.
A few of my favorite personal trips:
- a ridgeline traverse of the Sangre de Cristo range;
- an off-trail, end-to-end hike of the Grand Canyon;
- the Pacific Crest, Continental Divide, Oregon Desert, and Colorado Trails;
- the Pfiffner Traverse;
- the Wind River High Route;
- and a 900-mile off-trail route in the Great Basin.
I love alpine travel and have summited all of Colorado’s 14ers. I also enjoy backcountry skiing, canyoneering, and volunteering on local trail crews.
My favorite testimonials from 2024 clients
- Katie was encouraging, approachable, and empowering. She took incredible care of us and also gave us space to learn, make mistakes, and grow our skills in a supportive and safe environment.
- Katie is just an absolutely top notch guide. She’s a complete badass, but very understated, allowing others in the group to shine. She is deeply knowledgeable about all aspects of backcountry travel – food, walking, packing, gear and is happy to share when asked. I love hearing her stories and following along on her adventures. She does an excellent job managing group dynamics, never flinching, showing exasperation and keeping everyone on task and in a good mood.
- Katie is an exceptional guide and leader. She demonstrated deep experience with the area and with backpacking generally. She demonstrated great on-the-fly decision-making skills. She is an excellent instructor; her instruction on maps and navigation was the clearest and most complete that I have experienced (and this is my 4th Skurka trip). She related to everybody in the group on a warm, personal level. She “led from behind” very well: she gave the group room for an appropriate amount of individual freedom and opportunities to take on leadership roles, while ensuring the group was staying cohesive and on point. I think everybody in the group had complete trust in her abilities. I can’t say enough good things about Katie. I really enjoyed meeting her, and would be overjoyed to have her as my guide again.
- Katie goes out of her way to check in with every client and make sure they’re getting the best out of the experience and themselves. She’s a calm presence who offers tons of reassurance at any time. It was great to learn from her and her enthusiasm for the outdoors is inspiring.
- Katie is the rock on which the trip stood. I can’t overemphasize how much her steady, evenhanded guidance added to the trip. What stood out most was: 1. Expert shepherding of the dynamics of the group across a wide range of personalities, experience levels, and day-to-day fitness levels. She turned a rambunctious all-male group into a harmonizing boy-band in under 36 hours, and somehow the key to this was teaching us the names of 30 wildflowers. 2. Skillful matching of the route and responsibility sharing to Curriculum. We were continually challenged but never beaten down, and never were we given a problem we didn’t have the toolbox to solve.
Hunter Hall
- Los Angeles, CA
- 43 years-old
- Partner to Jenn. Fur Pawrent to Ploof, Phi Phi, Mr. Muffin, and Capone.
- he/him
I’ve been working as an instructor for Andrew’s guided trips and online class, Plan Like a Pro, since 2019. I’m thrilled to be the new Program Manager in 2025!
I love being an instructor and guiding because it gives me an opportunity to share hard-won knowledge with others and empower people with the skills to do their own exploring. In the field, I’m very level-headed, safety conscious, and believe in fostering a culture of risk awareness, open/transparent decision making, and healthy, fun group dynamics.
In another life, I’m a hospitality industry executive, HR professional, lobbyist, government contractor, and management consultant. I’ve led over 50 seminars and workshops in this capacity and have directed teams of 100+ since 2007.
I spend most of my outdoor time in the mountains of California, from the San Gabriels to The Sierra, most of which is off-trail along high routes like the SHR, KCHBR, SoSHR, YHR, etc. I love winter backpacking, snowboarding/skiing, adventure cycling, and packrafting. Recently, I’ve combined these pursuits with things like Bikerafting, Skirafting, and more traditional Bikepacking. I have a newfound fascination with geology and natural history.
My favorite testimonials from 2024 clients
- “Wealth of knowledge. Excelled at understanding and adapting to the group’s emotional and physical state. He was also great at allowing the group to learn by experimenting, only stepping in when necessary to correct or alter a decision if needed.”
- “Uncanny ability to explain something so you understand quickly and retain it.”
- “Great at teaching us how to travel in difficult terrain safely. I felt completely safe knowing he was there.”
- “Amazingly supportive and encouraging. Generous, kind, soft-hearted, and fascinating to talk to.”
- “Great teacher who made sure each of us intentionally walked the group through how we came to conclusions while we were leading.”
- …and my favorite (thanks to the beard): “The Most Interesting Guide in The World!”

Melodie Kao
- Flagstaff, AZ
- 36 years old
- Lots of plant children and enthusiastic cat auntie
- Website
- she/her
I explore the natural world, whether it is the physics occurring in faraway worlds as an astronomer as an astronomer at Lowell Observatory or roaming mountains and canyons. In 2019 I got my start as a guide by teaching a semester-long Wild Astro class with a 7-day backpacking trip at Arizona State University. After going to the Brooks Range in 2021 with Andrew’s program, he recruited me to guide in the Sierras, and I’m delighted to be back!
Backpacking skills help us grapple with challenges that we face in the rest of our lives, including at work and at home. On my trips, I show people how to traverse their internal landscapes while they learn how to become skilled route-finders. Wild places and their lessons are a shared human inheritance, so I also work to make nature more accessible including by co-launching our Scholarship Program in 2022.
I especially like analog navigation and spend most of my personal outdoor time soloing on-the-fly routes that I develop in the field with minimal advance planning. I have an abiding relationship with the Sierras and the Wind River Range. I also enjoy pair and small-group travel all up and down the Sierras in early and late season, as well as the Escalante and Grand Canyon. In 2022 I won an American Alpine Club Catalyst Grant for a route in the Brooks Range. The rest of the time, I mentor emerging scientists and backpackers, cross-train, study Capoeira Angola, read, and nerd out occasionally as a civilian tourist at my observatory.
My favorite testimonials from 2024
- Melodie was AWESOME. Her trail enthusiasm and abundance of energy is infectious and heartwarming. She made sure to connect with and learn about each of us. Knowledgeable, kind, no-nonsense, and overall a badass.
- Melodie was exceptional at taking the temperature of the group and set a great tone in terms of mentality, attitude, and mutual respect for each other. This really helped us enjoy the experience but also be pushed in every way.
- Love the astrophysics discussions – great to see her intellectual side as well as her outdoorsy self!
- The objectives for this trip were ambitious. We set out to learn many new skills as well as complete a route that was quite challenging. I was very impressed at how Melodie was able to balance the needs, preferences, and goals of everyone in the group while still achieving everything we set out to achieve.

Joe McConaughy (“Stringbean”)
- Seattle, WA
- 33 years old
- Married to Katie and Australian Shepherd, Crash Bandipooch
- Website
- He/him/his
This is my seventh season guiding with Andrew. I’ve guided in West Virginia, California, Washington and Utah. My goals on each trip are to explore interesting places, learn, and have fun. I guide because of the wide range of passionate outdoors people I get to meet. I’m particularly grateful to guide for Andrew Skurka Adventures because of the creative routes we draw up in interesting places.
Growing up an Eagle Scout and runner helped cultivate a lifelong interest in the outdoors and my physical limits. I’ve backpacked or run a handful of long trails in the US, including the PCT, AT, JMT, LT, and AZT. I love ultralight backpacking and moving quickly through nature. I’m also a sponsored ultramarathon runner with Brooks and trail running coach. I like to combine the disciplines of backpacking and trail running. The mountains and forests are the places I like to visit to be introspective. It’s my place of zen, and I love sharing that with other people.
My favorite testimonials from 2024
- “Joe surprised me in all of the best ways. What I expected was a super dialed, super fit guide who would push me physically. I got that, but what I also got was just a goofy, warm, teddy bear of a human.”
- “It was so easy to laugh with and learn from Joe and he constantly shined a spotlight on the small treasures of the landscape and environment.”
- “Incredible teacher about everything but especially map and compass. I understand it now!”

Jose Mendez
- Denver, CO
- 36 years old
- He/him
For the past four years I’ve worked in outdoor education and guiding as a camp instructor, day guide, and multi-day guide teaching backpacking, climbing, canyoneering, and kayaking. I started with Andrew Skurka Adventures in 2022 guiding trips in the Sierra and have now also guided in Utah, Alaska, and Yellowstone.
I didn’t grow up spending much time outdoors and had to pick it all up as an adult later on in my life. Guiding gives me the opportunity to share my newfound love of the outdoors with those who also haven’t had the ability or resources to discover these amazing places and experiences. On each trip I lead, I try to share all the skills I’ve acquired as an outdoor enthusiast and my passion for preserving these beautiful wild places.
I’ve gone on some long walks on the John Muir Trail, Tahoe Rim Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, Colorado Trail and routes like the Lowest to Highest, Hayduke Trail, Wind River High Route and Yosemite High Route. I’ve also done a lot of technical climbing all over the West including Yosemite, Joshua Tree, Tahoe, and the Grand Tetons among many other places. I love to focus on the geology and indigenous history of the area I’m guiding in in order to expand the client’s perception of these wild and wonderful places. I also love identifying wildflowers, especially in the Sierra.
My favorite testimonials from 2024
- “He was very supportive of my weather/cold anxiety, very patient with us, really listened to everyone, clearly communicated our route and goals, attentive to physical support if needed. He put our safety first.”
- “Jose is very caring, attentive and patient to the needs of others.”
- “Demonstrated techniques (with some flair); Calm and Resolute”

Samuel Novey
- Salt Lake City, UT
- 38 years old
- Lives with: Partner – Ashley; Boston Terriers – Sigmund, Birch, and Margot; Pit Bull – Rosie; and usually one or two foster dogs
Born and raised in the bay area I grew up hiking and climbing in the Sierra Nevada. I mostly like mellow nature walks but I’ve also been serious about climbing mountains for almost twenty years. I’ve climbed difficult routes on big mountains all over the world. I’ve hiked, run, climbed, or skied every peak in my local Wasatch mountains, including completing the WURL. My experience in alpine climbing distills a lightweight and physical approach to backpacking. This will be my fourth season guiding with ASA.
I just completed my graduate studies as a Nurse Practitioner, after 10+ years as an Emergency/Triage nurse and Wilderness First Responder instructor. On the side I work as a coach for mountain athletes and I volunteer as the Salt Lake Chapter Chair of the American Alpine Club.
Some of my personal experiences include:
- Climbing Highlights: Multiple climbs in the Khumbu region of the Himalayas; the Cassin Ridge on Denali; Mt. Rainier’s Liberty Ridge in 24 hours; The North Face of Quitaraju in the Cordillera Blanca, Peru; and the three tallest peaks of the Rwenzori Range, Uganda
- Off trail scrambles, high routes, rock climbs, ice climbs, and peak bagging adventures in the Cascades, Sierras, Wind River, Teton, San Juan, Front, Lost River, Wasatch, and Uinta mountain ranges
- Backcountry hiking and rock climbs all over the desert southwest, including: Grand Staircase Escalante, Canyonlands, Greater Moab area, Bears’ Ears, Vermillion Cliffs, and the Grand Canyon
My favorite testimonials from 2024
- “Sam was committed to creating exceptional group cohesion, came prepared with knowledge about the flora and fauna, and approached the environment with a sense of joy.”
- “Sam was very fun and friendly and also inspired lots of confidence. He demonstrated significant expertise, particularly with navigation, and had lots of interesting knowledge that he shared with the group. I appreciated his willingness to push the group beyond our comfort zones in order to really attain the “adventure” part of the trip.”
- “Sam is a bonafide legend. I’d do another trip just to hang and learn more from Sam”
- “Sam was super knowledgeable and complemented Scott well in terms of areas of expertise. Both Scott & Sam were among the best guides I’ve ever had on trips.”

Ella Nuttleman
- Boulder, CO
- 38 years old
- Married to Charlie and mother to Logan (3 year-old)
- Website
- she/her
I began working with Andrew in the summer of 2022. My guiding history began in my early-20s at a YMCA camp, where I took youth into the Goat Rocks Wilderness in Washington. From 2012-2021 I led backpacking, canoeing, and rock climbing trips for Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center throughout western Colorado and southern Utah.
I believe outdoor recreation is an essential human need and is intrinsically therapeutic. Being active in the outdoors through human-powered travel is what makes me tick, and I want to share that with others. I strive to teach outdoor skills and instill confidence in backcountry travel, and I hope that the lessons and experiences gained through backpacking can be taken back to benefit one’s everyday life.
Outside of guiding, I am a coach, helping people train for goals ranging from running their first half-marathon to training for ski mountaineering objectives, to running a 100-mile race. With family as my #1 priority, you’ll often find me with Logan on my back exploring the trails these days.
Personal highlights include:
- Section hiking the length of the Grand Canyon, AZ
- Trail running the Rockwall Traverse and the Lake O’Hara Circuit in the Canadian Rockies
- FKT’s on the East Ridge of Edith Cavell, R2R2R.alt, and Big Sister
- Mountain biking the White Rim (3x), UT
- Traversing the Grand Pacific Glacier, a link up from Glacier Bay to Yakutat, AK
- The Grand Traverse of the Tetons split into the Cathedral Traverse and then Middle to Nez Perce, WY
- Fastpacking the Wonderland Trail, WA
- Gannett Peak Project, WY
- Climbing the Kautz Route (2x) on Mount Rainier
My favorite testimonials from 2024 clients
- “Ella was the epitome of kindness and empathy, going above and beyond to check in on us regularly throughout the day – and giving much-needed pep talks when we needed them most. Ella is passionate about helping others achieve their goals, which was evident in the way that she patiently answered questions and took the time to teach new skills outside of the curriculum. I’ll never forget her patient guidance as she helped Chelsea and me master knots. Her thorough and selfless teaching approach was truly empowering, fostering a supportive environment where I felt valued and capable. Secondly, Ella’s undeniable badassery in real life served as an inspiring
reminder of what women are capable of in the backcountry.” - “1) Humble and competent powerhouse 2) Connecting with the group and bringing the group together”

Mikaela Osler
- Albuquerque, NM
- 30 years old
- she/her
This is my fourth season guiding with ASA; last year I surpassed 100 days with the program. I also have more than a decade of experience in outdoor education with kids and young adults. My favorite thing about guiding is helping others gain the skills and comfort they need so they can challenge themselves, grow, and have a blast outdoors.
I hiked the PCT in 2016. Since then, I’ve completed the triple crown and have set FKTs on the Colorado Trail and Long Trail. When I’m not on trail, I dabble in ultrarunning and backcountry skiing. I’m also a writer; I completed my MFA in creative nonfiction in 2022. You can find my writing about the outdoors in places like Archetype and Blood, Sweat, Tears, an anthology about women outdoors.
In the winter and between trips, I work as a ski patroller and volunteer EMT in rural New Mexico. I previously spent several years instructing college English. Whether I’m teaching how to structure a paragraph, assess a patient, or read a map, I love finding creative ways to help people connect with new skills and ideas.
My favorite client testimonials from 2024
- Mikaela has superb people management skills. She made sure everyone felt included and listened to.
- Always upbeat, even when things weren’t perfect. She helped me feel safe, when I was terrified.
- Mikaela’s knowledge and her willingness to share it in a way that worked for me was wonderful. She is thoughtful in her presentation and was willing to adjust her teaching style to fit the learner and the occasion.
- It is also an absolute joy to see and hear Mikaela’s appreciation for the plants and animals of an ecosystem!
- Mikaela maintained a positive and bubbly attitude for the entire length of the trip. The energy she brings to the trip is unmatched and it really has a big impact on the trip.

Dahn Pratt
- Ojai, CA
- 34 years old
- Two dogs (one tripod courtesy of Jeff Wohl!)
The outdoors have always been my refuge. In-between semesters at college I worked on a helicopter-assisted sled dog camp in the Panhandle of Alaska on the Denver Icefield. Post-grad I have worked with various non-profits focused on interpersonal and leadership skills in an outdoor setting logging over 500 nights in outdoor classrooms. I have also guided with Andrew since 2020 and plan on guiding for many more years to come!
I’ve hiked and guided extensively on six continents and each time I meet new people or witness new places I look forward to learning more and sharing the knowledge I’ve gained from a life lived exploring. There hasn’t been a day spent outdoors where I haven’t learned something new and I intend to keep that streak going in 2025 🙂
A lifetime ago I was a Bronze Medalist at the Canadian Track & Field National Championships in Triple Jump. After graduating I decided to hike the Appalachian Trail and have been longing for outdoor exploration ever since. Between late 2017 and early 2020 I hiked well over 10,000 miles in perpetual summer along national scenic trails in various countries, even pioneering a 1,250 mile loop in the Middle East called the Peace Trail, a combination of the Israel National Trail and the Jordan Trail.
After University I was a teaching assistant for a travel abroad program and also taught Human Kinetics, Geography, and Orienteering at an International School in Tokyo.
Special areas of interest for me in the backcountry are wild edibles, hydrology, and geology.
My favorite testimonials from 2024 clients
- “Dahn had an ever positive attitude, fun loving personality that was great to be around when things were good. He had quite an accomplished backpacking career as well, which he lent a lot of during conversations. It was awesome to hear about different birds, trees, plants, mushrooms, wildfire, geology, etc. Such a nice bonus to get all these tidbits of knowledge and learn about the world around us, rather than just how to navigate through it. Makes it more about living with it and less about getting past it.”
- “Dahn’s enthusiasm and energy was infectious. He always had a cool or funny story to share; talking with and getting to know him was great. He approached leading the team more in the role of a coach, never really giving instructions but instead pointing out information, giving feedback, and talking through options.”
- “Early in the trip Dahn shared that he feels like he is his best self when on the trail, and I think his example helped set the extremely positive, constructive, and helpful tone for the expedition. Dahn has an impressive amount of hiking and general life experience that he was able to draw on to illustrate the teaching he did during the trip, in a characteristically humble and understated way. I learned a lot about navigating (including specific skills like triangulating my location, and being systematic about trying to disprove my navigator story), and about picking good lines, and about safe backcountry travel. Dahn can also do a pretty good Australian accent.”

Brian Robinson (“Flyin’ Brian“)
- Monterey, CA
- 63 years old
- he/him
Since 2011 I’ve guided 52 trips over 289 days with Andrew, starting with his very first High Sierra trip. I love to teach all the skills necessary to travel off-trail.
I’ve been backpacking since the 1970’s and helped to popularize ultralight gear and techniques. In 2001 I became the first person to complete the Calendar Triple Crown, which entails thru-hiking the Appalachian, Pacific Crest and Continental Divide Trails (7,400 miles total), all in the same year. This feat earned me the trail name “Flyin’ Brian” and induction into the California Outdoors Hall of Fame. It also caught the attention of Andrew, at the time still a college student, who would take my far, fast, and light style to the next level.
I’m also an accomplished ultra runner. I was the seventh finisher (out of 17 total now) and former course record-holder of the infamous Barkley Marathons, and I completed the 224-mile John Muir Trail in 4 days 7 hours. Before they were really a thing, I established FKT’s on the Pacific Crest, Continental Divide, and High Sierra Trails.
I prepare tax returns seasonally, and volunteer as a trail maintenance crew leader in the Ventana Wilderness of Big Sur.
My favorite testimonials from 2024 clients
- “Brian is just a bottomless well of knowledge about backpacking. Could never get tired of talking to him.”
- “One striking quality I observed was Brian’s unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of everyone in the group. Throughout our journey, he seemed to have an innate ability to anticipate potential risks and was always two steps ahead, ensuring that everyone had what they needed and stayed out of harm’s way.”
- “Brian Robinson is truly an exceptional backpacker, mentor, and human being. His passion for the outdoors, combined with his depth of knowledge and caring nature, made our expedition not only educational but also an unforgettable experience. I feel fortunate to have crossed paths with someone of his caliber and look forward to learning from him again in the future.”
- “He was very approachable. He is truly an expert in the area and can communicate his knowledge very well.”
- “Brian was so generous with sharing his personal background and life experiences, which were all super inspirational.”
- “I knew he understood. Never before as an adult have I felt that whole, nor that alive.”
Christy Rosander
- Tehachapi, CA
- Married to husband Dan with three adult children and 3 grandchildren
- Website
This coming season will be my 6th year as an Andrew Skurka Adventures guide with over 140 days in the field throughout Alaska, California, Utah, Colorado, and Washington. Guiding gives me the opportunity to share the outdoors and empower others with the skills and confidence to plan and execute future personal trips. In addition, I love to encourage, support, and have fun with new friends.
As an elementary school teacher for 20 years, I took advantage of my breaks to hike solo or with family and friends. I love hiking in remote and wild places and documenting trips through writing, photos, and video.
My most notable trips include:
- Long-distance trails like the Pacific Crest, Continental Divide, Great Divide, John Muir (6x), Theodore Solomons, Arizona, Wonderland, Uinta Highline and Tahoe Rim Trails
- Off-trail adventures like the Kings Canyon High Basin Route, Yosemite High Route (4x), Sierra High Route (4x), Lowest to Highest, Scotland’s Great Outdoor Challenge, Wind River High Route, Sky Island Traverse, Northern New Mexico Loop, and Southern Sierra High Route, plus many DIY itineraries in the Grand Canyon, Joshua Tree, Sierras, southern Utah and Death Valley;
- Big peaks like Rainier, Shasta, Whitney (via the Mountaineers Route, 6x), Russell, Williamson, Tyndall, Sahale, Mount Brewer, Banner and Ritter.
In addition to backpacking for over 35 years, I backcountry and alpine ski, road and mountain bike, paddleboard, and rock climb. I’m committed to staying healthy, fit, and having fun. A positive attitude, good planning, a bit of spunk, and lightweight gear are a few of the keys to longevity in this sport.
My favorite testimonials from 2024:
- “Christy is on point with personal support, encouragement, and pushing comfort zones without overdoing it. Super in tune with each of us.”
- “She did a great job ensuring everyone in the group had chances to lead off trail or lead the group on trail or show skills in camp. She was also just so happy to answer questions and relay stories and make backpacking feel accessible and meaningful.”
- “What equally impressed me about Christy was her mentality. She simultaneously exudes positivity and toughness, two qualities that are often in conflict. I felt like she could deal with any situation and stay focused and composed. I got a deep sense of strength from her that I greatly admired and which helped me settle into a situation that was unfamiliar and at times uncomfortable for me.
- “Christy was extremely supportive, encouraging and good at sharing details on how she processed difficult decisions in planning and on route.”
- “Christy listened to the goals of the group, assessing the skills/capabilities and physical states of participants. She actively adapted/modified routes and teachings based on her assessment resulting in a trip perfectly tailored/curated for the individual participants.”

Sarah Stratton
- Virgin, UT
- 41 years old
- she/her
I spent college summers and three years afterwards in Estes Park, Colorado, leading and teaching hiking and backpacking to teenage girls in the high peaks of Rocky Mountain National Park. I got swept into the climbing scene there in the mid-2000s and gained a ton of rope and technical knowledge, working for a climbing guide service in Estes Park. After my first trip to Red Rock Canyon, outside of Las Vegas, I knew the desert was home. I started working in the Zion area as one of the first lead female canyoneering guides. Since 2008, I have called Zion Canyon and the Arizona Strip home and have led and taught hundreds of hikers, bikers and canyoneers across the Colorado Plateau. I joined Andrew Skurka Adventures in 2023 and have loved the chance to share the Escalante area with clients and spend more time in the magnificent and beloved Sierra Nevada of California.
I love time spent outdoors: it’s present, beautiful and contemplative; both alone and with others. Spending time outside with others and teaching ourselves to feel self-sufficient and confident while enjoying the outdoors is what keeps me guiding after nearly 20 years of leading trips. My experience includes long stretches on the AZT, extensive hiking/canyoneering/packrafting in the Grand Canyon and Glen Canyon/Escalante region, high routes in the Wind River range, and 10-day trips in the Death Valley wilderness.
A huge supporter of our National Parks and public lands, I am a member of the Zion National Park Search and Rescue Team and a backcountry volunteer in remote sections of the Grand Canyon. A dedicated yogi, I received my teaching certificate in 2013. I teach yoga classes locally for studios, glamping locations and first responders.
My favorite testimonials from 2024:
- “Sarah was extremely approachable, which is an awesome quality in a teacher. Though she had deep experience and was very generous in sharing it, it never felt overbearing or shaming of others. Her tactful way of sharing her knowledge helped everyone in the group level up.”
- “Sarah is the type of person I would trust with my life. She also has the people skills to ensure a hugely diverse client base always receives the value they expect.”
- “Sarah excelled at genuinely listening to clients before sharing her thoughts and experiential wisdom. She was very personable and used her interpersonal skills to build a positive environment for the group to interact within. She also knew the cultural history of the area in detail and had a technical skillset tailor-made for this trip.”
- “Knowledgeable. Supportive. Great energy. I had total confidence in her ability. The two of them got our group to accomplish things that I wouldn’t have believed possible.”

Nicco Tyson
- Oakland, CA
- 38 years old
- Partner: Shelli, Daughter: Ayelet
- he/him
Over the past 21 years, I have guided over 160 trips with the Pacific Outdoor Connection, Unalayee Backpacking Camp, H2OO, Andrew Skurka Adventures and on my own. I have guided groups of adults, children and teenagers on adventures in California’s Sierra Nevada and Trinity Alps, the canyons of the Escalante River in Utah, Olympic National Park, Yellowstone, and the desert landscapes of Joshua Tree and Baja California. A major professional accomplishment of mine was leading a group of 13 -16 year-olds on a 30-day backpacking trip that included a circumnavigation of the Trinity Alps High Route on a record snow year.
On an expedition, I aim for everyone to be challenged by the adventure and also be able to enjoy the wonder and beauty of the wilderness. An important part of the process is connecting and supporting each other as a group, especially as we step out of our comfort zones. I seek to empower participants to make sound decisions in the backcountry, navigate without trails, and have so much fun on their adventures.
When I’m not wandering in the mountains, I’m a performing musician, and harmonica, guitar and ukulele teacher in the Bay Area. I love teaching as it gives me a wonderful opportunity to share my experience and help others develop joy in playing music. For performing, I have crafted a unique sound after spending decades studying West African, Brazilian, and Cuban music as well as blues and American folk.
My other big passions are contact dance and storytelling. On many trips, I have performed entire movies and novels under the starry night sky or while cruising through long dusty trail miles. As a dancer, I have extensively studied Axis Syllabus Movement and Fighting Monkey Training. I enjoy helping others move their bodies with playfulness, power and long term sustainability.
My favorite testimonials from 2024 clients
- “Extremely knowledgeable and personable. Loved learning navigation from him!”
- “It’s hard to imagine a guided trip without Nicco. He’s a great storyteller and has a wonderful sense of humor. Nicco is an amazing naturalist—and his lessons about wildflowers and the geology of the Sierras will not be forgotten. His guitar playing makes the trip magic.”
- “He artfully balanced leading the group with empowering the group to lead itself; he was unfailingly positive and good-humored.”
- “Outstanding navigation skills and teaching. Amazing knowledge of plants, flowers, mushrooms and foraging. Kind and responsive to the clients. Loved his guitar playing. Funny, ebullient, joyful. One of the best guides in my Skurka years.”
- “He told great stories, kept spirits up, helped us forage mushrooms, and was lovely to be around.”

Kat Weyland
- Circleville, WV
- 40 years old
- Live with my partner David and my Beagle mix, Murphy
- she/her
I started my outdoor journey in 2004 at Experience Learning, an outdoor education center in wild and wonderful West Virginia, and I have spent the better part of my adult life working there as an instructor/guide/manager. Through Experience Learning I have learned how to build a community within each group I take out in the woods, helping them excel in the outdoors often with only the resources on their backs. One of my main goals is that the learning does not stop when a participant leaves a trip. By blending the outdoor experience with educational lessons such as geology, forest ecology, forest history, and many others, participants can take home the skills and knowledge that will continue to positively influence their lives. These are the skills and goals that I take on each and every trip as I guide both adults and students in the outdoors.
Working as an outdoor educator has allowed me to hone both my teaching and guiding skills, leading 15 trips a year for over 17 years in both the US and Europe. Whether I am taking people on hut-to-hut hikes in the Alps or canoeing down the Delaware river in New Jersey, connecting people to the outdoors and giving them an opportunity to push past their comfort zones to find out what they’re capable of is a lifelong pursuit of mine.
In addition to 17 years of outdoor education experience, I’ve thru-hiked the Appalachian and the Continental Divide Trails. I have also backpacked through the Swiss Alps, the West Highland Way in Scotland, and the Routeburn Track in New Zealand. For now, Seneca Creek Backcountry in West Virginia is my home, where I like to roam through the forests on a daily basis.
My favorite testimonials from 2023 clients
- “It is so obvious that Kat is a teacher. She knew the entire curriculum and had a sensible answer to every question. She brimmed over with experience in a palpable way whenever she explained something. She was also very friendly and easy to talk to.”
- “Kat’s knowledge of the local area served our group exceptionally well. I learned a lot from her about the history of the area and the native plants. She also did a phenomenal job showing us how to build a fire with one match!! WOW! Very impressive. She is also so passionate about what she does – it is inspiring.”
- “Her calm, reassuring presence was awesome, very experienced.”
- “Kat was very encouraging and had great local knowledge to share.”

Jessica Winters
- Seattle, WA
- 47 years old
- Live with my husband and our 2 dogs, Noodle the Berner, Crash the Great Pyrenees.
- Website
- she/her
This is my 8th season guiding for Andrew and I truly enjoy spending time with our amazing clients! I love making connections and learning about each individual I get to work with in my groups. My goals are to support clients, share my expertise, and just have a really good time in the backcountry.
I’m a full-time yoga teacher and own Cedar River Yoga, a small yoga studio in Renton, WA. I specialize in outdoor yoga and rafting expeditions in places like the Grand Canyon, Alaska, and Idaho and now in Patagonia, Chile. I’m an educator at heart and I love planting seeds of empowerment and knowledge for whatever goals you have next.
I completed the Triple Crown in 2007 by thru-hiking the Pacific Crest, Appalachian, and Continental Divide Trails. I thru-hiked across Iceland, the Arizona Trail, and have logged thousands of miles in the Cascades and Olympics. I’ve climbed two of the seven summits; Aconcagua and Kilimanjaro, and love peak bagging and climbing in the Cascade mountains.
My favorite testimonials from clients
- “Jessica shared with us that this was a brand new route and that she’d only received the beta the night before. She allowed us to be a part of the navigation and decision making process to start letting us all lead. Jessica was super chill and easy to chat with. Of course she has soooo much experience and we could all sense that.”
- ” Pushed me to do things I’ve never done with SUCH grace, humor, kindness that I did not even know she was “pushing.””
- “Jessica excelled in sharing her experiences with an incredibly light touch and in a cheerful way. Jessica was completely respectful and supportive of me as well as the whole group. Her attention to detail, especially teaching self care kept everyone healthy, happy, and moving.”
- “Set a steady pace, lead the group, checked in on people individually, shared food, shared knowledge, and was a great overall guide. We had a challenging river crossing experience but Jessica navigated that like a true professional which was really impressive to see. I totally trust her navigation and outdoor skills 100% and aspire to be like her!”

Witt Wisebram
- Santa Fe, NM
- 40 years old
- Cat Dad to Rutherford (Trail Name: Catmandu), Dog Dad to Agnes (17 year-old Chihuahua), Partner to Megan
- he/him/his
This is my fourth season guiding with Andrew. I am excited to continue learning from such an experienced team, and I am also looking forward to bringing my skill-set, experience, and perspective to our clients this season. I have guided close to 100 days in the field for Andrew and over 100 clients. I grew up backpacking in the Southeast. I worked as an Appalachian Trail Ridgerunner, patrolling 55 miles of trail between Harpers Ferry, WV, and Shenandoah National Park in the years before guiding for Andrew. In the past I have guided for REI and privately guided in Chilean Patagonia.
Some of the most profound and enriching outdoor experiences I have had in recent years have been helping others to achieve their goals. It feels like a natural extension, after achieving many of my own goals and dreams, to help others find their way to their own goals in the outdoors. From helping Stringbean achieve his amazing Arizona Trail FKT to helping friends finish their first 100 mile races to encouraging hikers as they begin the 2nd half of the Appalachian Trail, these experiences have helped broaden and expand my own relationship to the outdoors. I hope to help clients not only learn and grow, but to do so in a way that fosters respect, connection, and a deeper relationship with the natural world.
I thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail in 2003, at the age of 19. Since then I have completed the Triple Crown of long distance hiking, and I have been able to find strength and push my limits in the outdoors in ways that I never thought possible. I have held FKT’s for the 100-mile-wilderness section of the Appalachian Trail (unsupported), the Arizona Trail (self-supported), the four-state-challenge of the Appalachian Trail (unsupported), and the Appalachian Trail through all of Shenandoah National Park (unsupported). I have been competitive in a broad range of ultra marathons, including top 5 performances at the Moab 240 and the Cocodona 250. Most recently I took 2nd place at the Across the Years 10-day-race by running 630 miles in the 10 days. I am a Wilderness EMT as well as a Leave No Trace educator. Lately I have been enjoying instructing Wilderness First Aid classes for the Skurka program.
My favorite testimonials from 2024
- Witt demonstrated deep experience with the area and with backpacking generally. His instruction was clear, comprehensive, and very well done. Witt has a wonderfully calm and quiet, but humorous demeanor, and he exhibited great care and empathy… I really enjoyed my conversations with Witt. I think everybody in the group had complete trust in his abilities. I would not hesitate at all to be guided by him again.
- Witt was an outstanding co-guide, helping to amplify points Andrew made. He was a thoughtful and interesting conversationalist, a great instructor, extremely dedicated to the well-being of the clients (like running back to get my buddy’s lost knee brace), and just an overall pleasure to hike with.
- Witt was just fantastic listening to and learning about each of us. He always took time to explain technical topics in detail. Witt asked us every night what were our Lows, Highs and Lesson’s Learned. That led to great conversations.
- Witt was phenomenal at managing expectations and energy within the group. Early on some members were experiencing health issues, and others in the group expressed their frustration at the potential impact that might have on the success of their trip. Witt was able to diffuse the situation, address the concerns of the group and realign everyone’s expectations accordingly. Secondly, Witt is an exceptional teacher. He has unparalleled patience and his deep experience with all the teaching modules was clear. I also appreciated that he would also step back and let us try out our new skills in a way that felt authentic but also safe.”

Jeff Wohl
- Lander, WY
- Born in 1978
- Live with partner, Nikki Mann, 2 dogs, sometimes ravens, magpies, or other rescue creatures
- Social Media is no fun in rural Wyoming! You should see how long a text takes.
- he/him
In the past, I have worked four of the Skurka locations, and really enjoyed connecting people to nature, as well as teaching skills and decision making that empowered people to embark on their own adventures.
I grew up in Wyoming and climbed my first 13’er when I was six, yet I still get excited about outdoor adventures! I’ve been an outdoor educator for over twenty years and spent 200 weeks in the field instructing: backpacking, climbing, horse-packing, caving and winter programs for NOLS. I also took time off from teaching to thru-hike the Continental Divide Trail. I love technical mountaineering and canyoneering.
I have worked for the Nature Conservancy as a guide/naturalist alongside experts such as ornithologists David Allen Sibley, bear biologist Chuck Jonkel, and Smithsonian paleo-botanists Scott Wing. My book, Alaska: Illustrated Guide for the Curious, is a guide to common land and marine creatures and their habitat.
I am a Wilderness First Aid instructor.
My favorite testimonials from 2024
- “Jeff is a walking encyclopedia of the outdoors- backpacking, biology, animal identification, history and geology.”
- “Jeff is truly brilliant about finding routes and navigating terrain.”
- “I learned more from Jeff in five days than other person or content channel in all of my backpacking experience.”
- “The way in which Jeff excelled for me personally was being a safe place I could depend on.”
- “His experience is off the charts.”
