The Lamplighters Adventuring Society
THE LAMPLIGHTERS
ADVENTURING SOCIETY
MEET YOUR EXPERT GUIDES
Jesse Dunlap
Owner, Wilderness Guide
Stationed around the world with a Marine Corps dad, Jesse was born into action. He was a hiking guide in Upstate New York, a sea kayaking guide in the Prince William Sound, and a fly-in backpacking guide in the Alaskan backcountry. In Utah, he led teenage boys through a therapeutic wilderness program. He even hiked all 2,650 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail!
Jesse feels right at home in the wild. Talk to him about Russian novels and scary movies, or ask him to entertain you with his storytelling skills!
Patrick Osborn
Manager, Naturalist & Lead Guide
Patrick has a deep curiosity for the natural world, strengthened by years of hands-on experience. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education and an Associate’s degree in Natural Resources.
He worked as a substitute teacher, a sawyer, a tree climber, and as a silviculturist with the U.S. Forest Service.
With over seven years of experience guiding backpacking, sport climbing, and freshwater spinner fishing adventures, Patrick brings a special passion for birding, plant identification and wild foraging to every trip.
Whether he’s teaching kids how to spot edible greens on the trail or helping newcomers feel at home under the stars, Patrick brings patience, practical knowledge, and a genuine love for the outdoors to every adventure. Ask him about his favorite wild edible, his secret fishing spots, and swap trail stories around the campfire!
Sarah Blohowiak
Wilderness Guide
Sarah didn’t grow up in the mountains, but she was destined for them. After her first visit to Yosemite, she dreamed of leaving from Wisconsin and heading out west.
She accomplished her mission when she got a job at Zion National Park. She fell in love with the beauty of the western states and spent all her time backpacking, climbing, skiing, and biking.
She has taught climbing in Utah, worked in Grand Teton National Park, backpacked parts of the John Muir Trail, and climbed to many of the tallest peaks in the US.
She is a confident leader in the outdoors and hopes to build the same confidence in others. Ask her for tips on how to take the most awe-inspiring nature photos or about her knowledge of the climbing routes on El Capitan and Half Dome!
Micah Bauer
Wilderness Guide
Born in Michigan, Micah discovered his love for endurance and the outdoors early. His father, a camp director and backpacker, took Micah backpacking along the Colorado Trail, North Country Trail, and the Alta Via 1 in the Dolomites.
Micah celebrated his high school graduation by hiking from Mexico to Canada on the Pacific Crest Trail in just 78 days! As a freshman collegiate runner Micah was named All-American in the marathon. He was also the youngest finisher in the hellbender 100 miler, and he even established the fastest known time on the Olympic Discovery Trail.
Drawn to bigger objectives, Micah moved to the Pacific Northwest, where he refined his skills on peaks like Mount Rainier, Mount Baker, and Mount Shuksan while studying Recreation Management & Leadership at Western Washington University.
Micah brings endurance, technical skill, and genuine stoke to every adventure. In his free time, he enjoys playing the bagpipes and spending time with his wife and dog.
Sarah Frost
Wilderness Guide
Her travels have taken her across the western U.S. and Middle East while her studies have taken her figuratively around the world. With a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Geography/GIS, Sarah has seven years of experience in the study of landscapes and in mapmaking. In her view, the only thing better than designing maps is exploring the places they depict!
Along with being an expert in maps and navigation, Sarah came to us as a seasoned backpacking guide for youth in southwest Colorado.
Younger or older, newer or well traveled, Sarah is eager to help you experience new places in new ways. Ask her about her newest trail recipe, or why every map you’ve ever seen has lied to you in order to tell the truth…
Xander Alderson
Wilderness Guide
Whether in Alaska, Utah, Oregon, or California, Xander is always planning his next adventure. Born and raised in the heart of Texas, he grew up hiking all over Palo Duro Canyon while dreaming of heading north.
Xander quickly fell in love with Alaska’s wild beauty and rich history. Over the past two years, he has taught rock climbing, led sea kayaking tours, and guided mountaineering expeditions through the backcountry of British Columbia. Along the way, he also backpacked the Chilkoot Trail, ice climbed on the Nadahini Glacier, and kayaked throughout Chilkat State Park!
Xander feels most at home in the backcountry and is passionate about sharing these incredible places with others. Ask him about van life in Alaska, his wildest wildlife encounters, or for a good joke/trail story!
Zackery Vaughan
Wilderness Guide
What began as weekend escapes into the outdoors eventually led Zackery to thru hike the Pacific Crest Trail from Mexico to Canada, where months spent moving through deserts, forests, and alpine terrain reshaped how he wanted to live.
Since finishing the trail, he’s built a life in and around the mountains, feeling especially drawn to the granite landscapes of Yosemite National Park. He feels most at ease with a backpack on and miles ahead, moving steadily through the wild.
Zack has seen how time outdoors helps people slow down, build confidence, and reconnect with themselves, something he helps his clients experience on every trip.
When he’s not outside, you’ll find him reading Stephen King novels, working with glass and jewelry design, or cooking meals to share with friends after long days outdoors!
Parker Smith
Wilderness Guide
An East Coast native born in New York’s Catskill Mountains, Parker grew up hiking and camping in his own backyard. It wasn’t until college near the Blue Ridge Mountains that he truly caught the bug. An introduction to bouldering quickly led to weekend backpacking trips and eventually a full thru hike of the Appalachian Trail.
The youngest of four siblings, Parker takes his role as the fun uncle seriously. With years of experience in both the service industry and trades, he’s built for big miles, early mornings, and late nights. Ask him about East Coast trails or how to shave weight off your backpack base weight!
HERE'S WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING...
THE LAMPLIGHTERS DIFFERENCE
A PERSONAL TOUCH
From the moment you consider joining a Lamplighters adventure, you’ll know you are a welcome member of the family. Before you book, hop on a personal call to get all your questions answered and make sure everything feels just right. As you prepare for your trip, we’ll stay in touch to ensure you’re confident, excited, and ready to dive into the experience.
Once the adventure begins, we’ll trek through awe-inspiring landscapes, pause to soak in the views, and gather around the campfire for heartfelt chats. These trips are not only an adventurous getaway—they’re a chance to connect and make lasting memories.
YOU’RE IN SAFE HANDS
Your guide is certified in CPR and Wilderness First Responder (WFR) training, ensuring you’re in skilled hands no matter the circumstances. All trips are equipped with a fully stocked medical kit and a GPS communication device, so we’re prepared for any unexpected situations. Beyond his expertise in wilderness medicine, your guide is a local expert who knows the trails and the rich history of the area inside and out.
QUALITY GEAR. GOURMET MEALS.
Just because we’re in the backcountry doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a comfortable journey. Our gear is meticulously maintained and cleaned between every trip, ensuring it’s always in top condition. You’ll even have your own tent to unwind in after a long day of exploration.
When it comes to meals, you’re in for a treat! Get ready to enjoy homemade recipes that bring a touch of comfort to the wild. Each evening, your guide will prepare hearty, delicious meals that rival anything from your own kitchen. Good food fuels great adventures!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do I contact you?
I’d love to answer your questions!
Phone: (209) 336-3147
Email: LamplightersAdventures@gmail.com
What gear do I need?
Here is a link to the gear list. Feel free to make do with what you already have. For example, just use gym shorts rather than official hiking clothes from REI.
Do you supply gear?
Yes, you can take advantage of the gear rental option!
I want to make it as easy as possible for you to join the trip. If you don’t own backpacking gear, or if you don’t feel like bringing it on a plane, choose the gear rental, and you can basically just bring your clothes!
Will I have to share a tent?
No need to share. Everyone will get his or her own tent. If a couple or family members request it, we can provide a 2-3 person tent for them, though.
Is backpacking experience required?
Backpacking experience is not required. We love taking beginners on their first backpacking adventures. Climbing mountains is a workout, but whatever your experience level, we have a trip for you. Give me a call, and I can help you decide which trip is best for your abilities!
Can a solo traveler join?
Yes! Our trips are welcoming and inclusive. You will most likely make good friends to plan future trips with. You also get a solo tent all to yourself!
Can I bring my kids?
Teenagers accompanied by an adult are more than welcome! If your kid is 13 years or older, you’ll have a good time.
Younger children and large families who need to go at their own pace are welcome on private trips. This allows us to take our time, get rambunctious, and alter the route exactly to your family’s desires. Call us to talk about private trip options.
What does a normal day look like?
Wake up in your sleeping bag as the sun warms your tent. With food already cooking, your guide greets you and gives you time to pack up for breakfast.
Although hiking is hard work, we admire gorgeous viewpoints, swim in mountain lakes, spot wild animals, and of course, eat a delicious lunch.
At camp, set up your tent and then write, swim, explore or contemplate until dinner. As the sun sets, play a fun game, listen to tales of the area’s history, and enjoy a campfire chat. If you are (un?) lucky, Jesse might sing and play his tiny guitar!
What food will I eat?
The Lamplighters provides all meals and snacks for your journey. There is no need to pack any food or snacks of your own. If you do, you might get too full!
You will enjoy creative dishes like Italian polenta, Yosemite pizza, cashew curry couscous, and backcountry burritos. Let us know if you have a food allergy or dietary need.
What will the weather be like?
Summer temperatures in Yosemite and Yellowstone are quite pleasant. During the middle of summer, expect daytime temperatures from 70°-99° with nighttime temperatures of 40°-50°. In the shoulder season, temperature can vary drastically. It will be anywhere from 60°-90° during the day and 30°-50° at night. Bring layers so that you can adjust as needed. You will also need a raincoat for surprise afternoon rain showers all summer long.
In Alaska, prepare for wild variations in weather. Some days may be a sunny 80°. The very next day could be cold and rainy with snow in the high elevations. Bring warm layers, rain pants, a raincoat, and a pack cover!
How should I train for a backpacking trip?
The best training is to hike uphill as much as possible. If you live somewhere flat, you can use a stairmaster at the gym or a treadmill set to a high incline. If you don’t have a gym, running will be of great benefit to you. We can send you a workout guide to help you prepare!
What airport should I use?
The closest airport to Yosemite is Fresno. You could also look into San Jose, San Francisco, Oakland, or Sacramento.
The easiest airport to Yellowstone is Bozeman, Montana. You could also fly into Salt Lake City, Utah or Cody, Wyoming.
All flights to Alaska will land in Anchorage or Fairbanks. Check with us to see which city you should fly into for your trip.
Where should I stay before and after my trip?
Yosemite: We recommend staying in Oakhurst after flying into Fresno. You can also look at availability inside the park at the Ahwahnee Hotel, Yosemite Lodge, or Curry Village tent cabins.
Yellowstone: We recommend staying in West Yellowstone or Gardiner, Montana. Call us if you need help figuring out which town is closer to your trip start point in Yellowstone.
Alaska: Depending on your trip, you will usually stay in Anchorage. Make sure to give yourself one or more extra days before flying home at the end of the trip. If there is bad weather, and the bush plane can’t pick us up on time, you might miss your flight!
How do I get to the meeting point?
We recommend you rent or drive your own car to the group meeting point in Yosemite or Yellowstone.
In Alaska, you can take a taxi from your hotel to the meeting point.
Should I get travel insurance?
It is imperative that you protect yourself with travel insurance that includes evacuation, medical costs and the “cancel for any reason” add-on. Look at SquareMouth, and also compare to IMGlobal, and Travel Guard.
What is your emergency evacuation policy?
Shuttles, lodges, a helicopter, medical transportation, and more can all play a role in your evacuation. Costs associated with your evacuation are solely your responsibility. Get travel insurance, and read our terms and conditions for full details.
What is your cancellation policy?
Read the terms and conditions for details on cancellations and more.
