Destiny has led John DeGrazio to become a wilderness guide in Yosemite National Park. After graduating from his state school, Rutgers University, John embarked on a cross-country adventure with longtime friend, Ram Rao that forever opened his eyes to the outdoors. Ironically, John's initial foray into the national parks with Ram did not include Yosemite; however, a 2003 trip into the park made up for that transgression. He experienced an epiphany while hiking to Half Dome's summit on that hot July day and vowed to return to the Sierra at the next available opportunity.

John's love of the natural world grew with each excursion into the backcountry. He and his wife Catherine spent the greater part of the next decade exploring state and national parks throughout the East Coast, the West, Hawaii, and Alaska. Following a 1996 "day hike" to Camp Muir on Mt. Rainier, John committed himself to reaching its 14,411' summit which he accomplished the following year. He began his guiding career on Breakneck Ridge in upstate New York while training for Rainier and has been leading hikes and backcountry expeditions ever since.

The allure of California's outdoor culture led the DeGrazios out West, and they decided it would be for more than a visit. They moved their family to Tuolumne County in 2005, and Y Explore Yosemite Adventures was established soon after. 2006 marked the beginning of John's career in Yosemite as Y explore's lead adventure guide. In 2009 he led his 30th successful summit of Half Dome as well as a 14,495' ascent of Mt. Whitney, the highest peak in the lower 48 United States.

As the company's founder, John leads several Yosemite naturalist hiking tours and relishes every opportunity to share this true national treasure with wide eyed clients of all ages from around the globe. He blends enthusiasm with a patient approach to coaching that provides assurances to his groups when they need it most. His biggest thrills come from providing leadership to fellow adventurists and sharing the celebration of lifetime accomplishments on some of Yosemite's best known peaks including Clouds Rest and Half Dome.

In his spare time, John enjoys backpacking with his family, playing softball, and road cycling. You may spot him hammering through some of the Gold Country Foothills at any time throughout the year. He is also a volunteer coach at Sonora High School.