The Sierra Nevada has been Dave’s playground for over 35 years. Growing up in central California, exposure to the nearby national parks and forests came at an early age. Family camping and backpacking trips were the norm during the summer months, while skiing and snowshoeing were common winter activities. From these early years, Dave’s experience, knowledge, and, above all, love for the outdoor has continually grown.

After graduating from the University of California, Santa Cruz (Go Banana Slugs!) with a degree in biology, the outdoor lifestyle continued to call upon Dave. Working as a fishing guide in the high Sierra, and as a biologist in the Jackson, Wyoming area were stepping stones to Dave’s current career as a high school teacher. One of Dave’s first teaching positions was at Mammoth High School in Mammoth Lakes, CA.

Currently residing in Sonora, CA, Dave is now employed by the Sonora Union High School District as a credentialed biology & geosciences instructor where he shares his knowledge of the outdoors with his students on a daily basis. As a member of the Y explore team in his spare time, Dave continues to share his passion for wild places with our clients with in a way that will hopefully make your guided hike with him a truly memorable experience!

If you get a chance, ask Dave to share a story or two about some of the perils of life in the Eastern Sierra. Recalling such exciting events as helicopter rides off the sides of high altitude mountains or working as a photographer for the local ski will certainly bring a smile to his face.