Some Leaders are Made: Yosemite Photo Update 3.21.14
Yosemite Glacier Point Apron Rock Climbing Adventure By John P. DeGrazio Some leaders are born, some are made. I consider myself a born leader, always have. Sometimes it’s tough to be a leader in this world. Despite being picked on in grammar school, passed over for kickball teams, left out of the cool group in high school, […]
International Women’s Day
Honoring the Women of YExplore on March 8, 2014 Today is International Women’s Day, and we’d like to share some contributions made by the women of YExplore who continue to share wonderful Yosemite experiences with guests from around the world. We are so thankful to have such strong women on our team and would like […]
Yosemite Snowshoe Adventures
After a slow start to our wet season, we have received enough snow in the Yosemite High Sierra to open the Badger Pass Road today, February 7th. What does that mean, you ask? It means Yosemite National Park can now officially host winter activities like snowshoeing and skiing from Badger Pass. It means we will be […]
Mirror Lake: Yosemite iPhonography Panoramas 2.6.14
Massive Granite By John P. DeGrazio Looking up at Half Dome is quite impressive no matter where one stands. I recently had the opportunity to visit the first place I ever hiked in Yosemite National Park, Mirror Lake. On my first wide eyed visit, I knew very little about the majestic peak above me; only […]
Winter Activities Welcome in Yosemite
Time to Celebrate Winter in Yosemite by John P. DeGrazio The snow is here, it’s time to celebrate another winter in Yosemite National Park. As you may know, we have been pretty dry here in Yosemite for the past 2 years, but this winter has already been pretty promising in terms of precipitation. I was […]
May Your Holidays be Filled with Adventure and Cheesecake
Happy Holidays from YExplore! It’s important to remember the holiday season is for sharing special times with family and friends. As you sit around the table eating that last piece of cheesecake, just remember it’s never too early to enact your pre-summer fitness plan. I’ve recently published a couple of articles explaining the importance of […]
Cathedral Rocks: Yosemite iPhonography Panoramas 12.16.13
I recently led a hike in Yosemite Valley with a visitor from Germany on his first Yosemite adventure. The forecast called for rain and snow during the day with some clearing in the afternoon. Our hike led us to the top of Yosemite Falls where our sight was limited, but it did not hamper our […]
Yosemite Adventures: Merced Pass Lakes
Hike the Extra Miles to Reconnect with Friends, Yourself By John P. DeGrazio Sometimes it takes extraordinary circumstances to bring two parties together. Other times, it’s a simple meeting in a familiar setting. My friend Evan and I have hiked much of the Yosemite backcountry in the past several years, but we both recognized we […]
Cystic Fibrosis Xtreme Yosemite El Capitan Hike 9.28.13
This Saturday we will be proudly leading the group from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation on their Xtreme Yosemite Hike to the top of El Capitan. Last year’s trip was a smashing success, and we have about 30 participants this year who have already raised over $100,000. This is a dedicated group who are determined to […]
Backpacker Backstories: Yosemite Weekly Photos 6.05.13
A Week in the Woods By John P. DeGrazio Reaching the solitude of Yosemite’s wilderness is often the cure to life’s doldrums. We often share this magical place with many who sometimes feel worn down when they meet us and amazingly feel refreshed after hiking a 20+ miles in 3 days. Isn’t it funny how […]