MEET YOUR EXPERT GUIDES
Jesse Dunlap
Owner, Wilderness Guide
Stationed around the world with a Marine Corps dad, Jesse was born into action. He was a hiking guide in Upstate New York, a sea kayaking guide in the Prince William Sound, and a fly-in backpacking guide in the Alaskan backcountry. In Utah, he led teenage boys through a therapeutic wilderness program. He even hiked all 2,650 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail!
Jesse feels right at home in the wild. Talk to him about Russian novels and scary movies, or ask him to entertain you with his storytelling skills!
Patrick Osborn
Manager & Lead Guide
Patrick has a deep curiosity for the natural world, strengthened by years of hands-on experience. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education and an Associate’s degree in Natural Resources.
He worked as a substitute teacher, a sawyer, a tree climber, and as a silviculturist with the U.S. Forest Service.
With over seven years of experience guiding backpacking, sport climbing, and freshwater spinner fishing adventures, Patrick brings a special passion for birding, plant identification and wild foraging to every trip.
Whether he’s teaching kids how to spot edible greens on the trail or helping newcomers feel at home under the stars, Patrick brings patience, practical knowledge, and a genuine love for the outdoors to every adventure. Ask him about his favorite wild edible, his secret fishing spots, and swap trail while hiking!
Sarah Blohowiak
Wilderness Guide
Sarah didn’t grow up in the mountains, but she was destined for them. After her first visit to Yosemite, she dreamed of leaving from Wisconsin and heading out west.
She accomplished her mission when she got a job at Zion National Park. She fell in love with the beauty of the western states and spent all her time backpacking, climbing, skiing, and biking.
She has taught climbing in Utah, worked in Grand Teton National Park, backpacked parts of the John Muir Trail, and climbed to many of the tallest peaks in the US.
She is a confident leader in the outdoors and hopes to build the same confidence in others. Ask her for tips on how to take the most awe-inspiring nature photos or about her knowledge of the climbing routes on El Capitan and Half Dome!
Micah Bauer
Wilderness Guide
Born in Michigan, Micah discovered his love for endurance and the outdoors early. His father, a camp director and backpacker, took Micah backpacking along the Colorado Trail, North Country Trail, and the Alta Via 1 in the Dolomites.
Micah celebrated his high school graduation by hiking from Mexico to Canada on the Pacific Crest Trail in just 78 days! As a freshman collegiate runner Micah was named All-American in the marathon. He was also the youngest finisher in the hellbender 100 miler, and he even established the fastest known time on the Olympic Discovery Trail.
Drawn to bigger objectives, Micah moved to the Pacific Northwest, where he refined his skills on peaks like Mount Rainier, Mount Baker, and Mount Shuksan while studying Recreation Management & Leadership at Western Washington University.
Micah brings endurance, technical skill, and genuine stoke to every adventure. In his free time, he enjoys playing the bagpipes and spending time with his wife and dog.
Sarah Frost
Wilderness Guide
From a humid Missouri upbringing to miles trekked in high, dry Colorado, Sarah is never more alive than with a pack on her back.
Her travels have taken her across the western U.S. and Middle East while her studies have taken her figuratively around the world. With a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Geography/GIS, Sarah has seven years of experience in the study of landscapes and in mapmaking. In her view, the only thing better than designing maps is exploring the places they depict!
Along with being an expert in maps and navigation, Sarah came to us as a seasoned backpacking guide for youth in southwest Colorado.
Younger or older, newer or well traveled, Sarah is eager to help you experience new places in new ways. Ask her about her newest trail recipe, or why every map you’ve ever seen has lied to you in order to tell the truth…
Xander Alderson
Wilderness Guide
Whether in Alaska, Utah, Oregon, or California, Xander is always planning his next adventure. Born and raised in the heart of Texas, he grew up hiking all over Palo Duro Canyon while dreaming of heading north.
Xander quickly fell in love with Alaska’s wild beauty and rich history. Over the past two years, he has taught rock climbing, led sea kayaking tours, and guided mountaineering expeditions through the backcountry of British Columbia. Along the way, he also backpacked the Chilkoot Trail, ice climbed on the Nadahini Glacier, and kayaked throughout Chilkat State Park!
Xander feels most at home in the backcountry and is passionate about sharing these incredible places with others. Ask him about van life in Alaska, his wildest wildlife encounters, or for a good joke/trail story!
Zackery Vaughan
Wilderness Guide
What began as weekend escapes into the outdoors eventually led Zackery to thru hike the Pacific Crest Trail from Mexico to Canada, where months spent moving through deserts, forests, and alpine terrain reshaped how he wanted to live.
Since finishing the trail, he’s built a life in and around the mountains, feeling especially drawn to the granite landscapes of Yosemite National Park. He feels most at ease with a backpack on and miles ahead, moving steadily through the wild.
Zack has seen how time outdoors helps people slow down, build confidence, and reconnect with themselves, something he helps his clients experience on every trip.
When he’s not outside, you’ll find him reading Stephen King novels, working with glass and jewelry design, or cooking meals to share with friends after long days outdoors!
Parker Smith
Wilderness Guide
An East Coast native born in New York’s Catskill Mountains, Parker grew up hiking and camping in his own backyard. It wasn’t until college near the Blue Ridge Mountains that he truly caught the bug. An introduction to bouldering quickly led to weekend backpacking trips and eventually a full thru hike of the Appalachian Trail.
The youngest of four siblings, Parker takes his role as the fun uncle seriously. With years of experience in both the service industry and trades, he’s built for big miles, early mornings, and late nights. Ask him about East Coast trails or how to shave weight off your backpack base weight!
HERE'S WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING...
THE LAMPLIGHTERS DIFFERENCE
A PERSONAL TOUCH
From the moment you consider joining a Lamplighters adventure, you’ll know you are a welcome member of the family. Before you book, hop on a personal call to get all your questions answered and make sure everything feels just right. As you prepare for your trip, we’ll stay in touch to ensure you’re confident, excited, and ready to dive into the experience.
Once the adventure begins, we’ll trek through awe-inspiring landscapes, pause to soak in the views, and gather around for hearty meals and heartfelt chats. These trips are not only an adventurous getaway—they’re a chance to connect and make lasting memories.
YOU'RE IN SAFE HANDS
Your guide is certified in CPR and Wilderness First Responder (WFR) training, ensuring you’re in skilled hands no matter the circumstances. All trips are equipped with a fully stocked medical kit and a GPS communication device, so we’re prepared for any unexpected situations. Beyond his expertise in wilderness medicine, your guide is a local expert who knows the trails and the rich history of the area inside and out.
QUALITY GEAR. GOURMET MEALS
Just because we’re in the backcountry doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a comfortable journey. Our gear is meticulously maintained and cleaned between every trip, ensuring it’s always in top condition.
When it comes to meals, you’re in for a treat! Get ready to enjoy homemade recipes that bring a touch of comfort to the wild. Good food fuels great adventures!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do I contact you?
We’d love to answer your questions!
Phone: (209) 326-0144
Email: LamplightersAdventures@gmail.com
Can you give me a Yosemite Entrance Reservation?
Yes! All trips will include Yosemite entrance reservations for everyone in your group.
Do you supply hiking gear and food?
Yes! We supply backpacks, trekking poles, lunch, and all the snacks you could want. Your guide will even bring a water filter so you can drink from fresh mountain streams. If you show up with a water bottle and hiking shoes, we will take it from there!
Are your trips private?
All trips are private except for the day trip to Half Dome. On private trips, you will be able to enjoy your own personal guided journey. On Half Dome, you will join a group of 5 adventurers ready to make new friends!
Can you accommodate allergies and dietary needs?
Yes. When you book, please let us know if anyone in the group has an allergy or is on a certain diet. We will make sure to bring snacks and a lunch suitable for everyone.
What will the weather be like?
Summer in Yosemite is quite pleasant. During the middle of summer, expect daytime temperatures from 70°-99° with nighttime temperatures of 40°-50°. In the shoulder season, temperature can vary. It will be anywhere from 60°-90° during the day and 30°-50° at night. Bring layers so that you can adjust as needed. You will also need a raincoat for surprise afternoon rain showers all summer long.
What if it rains the day of my trip?
We don’t cancel trips due to weather. We can, however, alter our agenda in order to make your day as comfortable as possible. Yosemite rain showers usually pass quickly!
For Half Dome trips, it is not safe to climb the dome when it is wet. We will make every effort to avoid or wait out the storm, but we may have to hike to another destination rather than risk our lives attempting to summit.
Can you guarantee we will make it to the top of Half Dome?
Half Dome is a strenuous and steep trip. Those who decide not to climb the cables can enjoy watching from the bottom. Your guide will make every effort to get you to the top, but in the case of a rare summer storm, Half Dome will be life threatening, and we will choose an alternate destination.
Where should I stay when I visit?
We recommend staying in Oakhurst after flying into Fresno. You can also look at availability inside the park at the Ahwahnee Hotel, Yosemite Lodge, or Curry Village tent cabins.
What is your cancellation policy?
Full payment is due upon booking. Cancellations 7+ days in advance will receive a 50% refund.
We never cancel a trip due to weather, however we will be happy to alter or reroute the trip into one that you will enjoy no matter the weather!
Please make sure you read and understand the Terms & Conditions.