About Us

Yosemite Guides is an organization of expert local naturalists, renowned photographers, nature writers, and mountaineering guides. We are dedicated to helping visitors explore, understand, appreciate and protect Yosemite and the greater natural world. Our guides have all lived and worked in Yosemite for many years, guiding for the Yosemite Association, Yosemite Institute, the Yosemite Mountaineering School, and the National Park Service. We formed our company in response to what we feel are disturbing trends. Millions of people experience Yosemite through their windshields, or get stuck in crowded photo-op spots, or in line at the many gift shops. Over the last ten years the National Park Service has had to cut funding for interpretive programs reducing access to environmental interpretation even as visitation is increasing. We are experienced naturalist/guides in the region. We have strong relationships with the Park Service and local hospitality providers. We feel that we can create services that will bring back the magic to a Yosemite visit - increasing environmental understanding and appreciation for the visitors who join us.

Biographies

Founder Peter Mayfield:
Peter has been a successful leader, pioneer and innovator in mountain sports for the last 26 years. He has served as Chief Guide for the Yosemite Mountaineering School, and as Chief Examiner for the Professional Ski Instructors Association (Far West). As the founder and General Partner of CityRock Gym, the first large urban climbing gym, Peter was a catalyst for the growth of indoor climbing in North America. As a consultant Peter has designed and developed adventure programs for Disney, Discovery Communications, and Posades Resorts. As a creative mountaineer Peter has succeeded on many fronts. He has made first ascents on Yosemite's El Capitan and Half Dome, climbed new routes in Peru, Patagonia, and the Alaska Range, and pioneered difficult snowboard descents. In addition, Peter has competed in sport climbing World Cups, and performed for nine years with the aerial dance/climbing troupe, Project Bandaloop.

Educational Director Michael Ross:
Michael has been leading natural history field classes and backpacking trips in Yosemite since 1975. His guiding specialties are birds, flowers, and insects. Michael also has an in depth knowledge of park wildlife, history and geology. Using this broad background Michael shares the intricate relationships between all elements of the Park as a program designer and guide. He is presently on the seminar staff of the Yosemite Association and has also taught classes in Yosemite for Merced College and U.C. Santa Cruz. In addition he is an award-winning author of more than 20 children’s books about nature and science.

Guide List: Karen Amstutz,  Lynnea Anderson,  Jerry Anderson,  Annie Barrett, Andrea Canapery, Mathew Cohen, Fred Grote, Ellie Hawkins, Tim Hutchins, Wade Larsen, Greg Magruder, Roxan Mulvey, Csuri Odry Terry Walker, Howard Weamer, Ann Whitesides.