Born in Tuolumne County, Christelle Harris began exploring Yosemite at the age of four. Her parents and grandparents were avid hikers and engrained the importance of nature in her at a very young age. By the age of six her grandfather and she would get “lost” for Tuolumne County search and rescue drills.

At age fourteen, she and her mother moved to Monterey, California. In this breathtaking coastal region, she learned to rock climb, road cycle, trail run and surf. She discovered Pinnacles National Monument, and the many regional and state parks of Monterey. She enjoyed climbing trips to the stunning red ryolitic breccia rocks of Pinnacles, long uphill runs to Sobrantes peak and sunset surf sessions in the waters of Asilomar State Park.

In 2001, Christelle enlisted in the Air Force, and spent six years working at Travis Air Force Base in California as a KC-10 aircraft mechanic. This allowed her to travel with her plane and see many exciting places. She took time off to travel in Europe and see Germany, France, Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. During this time she also began her journey in college at Monterey Peninsula College. Here she learned her love of Geology, Anthropology and the science of nature.

Christelle’s love of Geology and nature finally lead her back home to the grandeur of the Sierra. She worked in the High Sierra at Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp, and fell back in love with Yosemite National Park. She has been learning about and exploring Yosemite National Park ever since.