Strategic Projects and Senior Guide
With Destination Backcountry since 2013

A hike on the Devil's Path profoundly changed native New Yorker Destiny's life and she is excited to be able to share her love of nature as a senior guide. Her confidence and easy demeanor inspires others to new heights—literally and figuratively! Destiny spends her free time completing obstacle course races, swimming, and cooking.

Head of Training and Senior Guide
With Destination Backcountry since 2019
Triple Crown Finisher

Henri de la Vega is a New York State licensed guide, long distance backpacker, fisherman, and outdoors enthusiast. Between his thru-hikes of the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail, and Florida Trail, as well as countless trips in the Hudson Valley and Catskills, Henri has logged more than 9,000 miles backpacking in the backcountry. Whether it’s catching a fish, carving a spoon or spending your first night sleeping under the stars, Henri has a passion for sharing his knowledge and skills in the outdoors, and strives to help every adventurer achieve their backcountry goals.

Head Guide
With Destination Backcountry since 2015

Brad is a licensed NY State Outdoor Guide for hiking, camping, and boating. He also holds professional qualifications in Wilderness First Aid and Avalanche Safety. Brad is an Adirondack 46er and a member of the Catskill 3500 Club. When he is not in the great outdoors, Brad organizes and facilitates corporate team-building events—then goes back to scheming and dreaming about getting back outdoors. Brad has lived and traveled all over the world pursuing his passion for hiking and climbing. He is now based in Brooklyn, where he constantly evangelizes about the rewards of getting out of the city and experiencing the world-class wilderness opportunities available in New York State.

Strategic Projects and Senior Guide
With Destination Backcountry since 2017

After spending a few nocturnal seasons working in sea turtle conservation and patrolling beaches under the stars, Alex found that tent life and long walks suited her. She thru-hiked the Colorado trail, which made her realize how much she still had to learn. DBA gave her the opportunity to continue building her outdoor skills and opened up a whole universe of new adventures right in her home state. Her other jobs have included leading groups of teens on adventures abroad, working as a conservation educator, and currently teaching for a migrant education program in the Hudson Valley.

With Destination Backcountry since 2022

Born and raised in Ethiopia, currently based in Brooklyn (NY), Bilen is a lifelong enthusiast and student of all things outdoors. Bilen has an established full-spectrum doula practice. Her care work is grounded in liberatory practices of reclaiming agency and providing pathways to empowered experiences in life’s monumental transitions. In an effort to add to the movement to address disparities, she is deeply committed to creating accessible, culturally competent, and LGBTQIA+ affirming experiences in the outdoors. Bilen graduated with a BA in Environmental Studies from Mount Holyoke College and an MA in Social Science: Environment & Community from Humboldt State University.

Senior Guide
With Destination Backcountry since 2018
Triple Crown Finisher

Lauren discovered hiking and camping as a way to escape New York City during college. In 2016, she left her 9-to-5 job to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail and, soon after, the Pacific Crest Trail. She is an ultrarunner and visual artist, and is currently pursuing a master's degree in Art Therapy. She believes that nature is a powerful space for our physical, mental and emotional well-being and is passionate about empowering others to escape the city and explore all of the natural beauty that New York has to offer.

Lead Guide
With DBA since 2019

Raymond DeWire is a License New York State Wilderness guide that can lead hiking, backpacking, camping, fishing, and hunting trips. He is a former division 1 Swimmer and grew up in rural Pennsylvania. Ray's outdoor life began with scouting and he eventually achieved his Eagle Scout rank. Ray's passion is everything active and outdoors. After achieving his master's degree from St. John's University in Queens, Ray began to explore upstate New York and now calls it home. Ray is a Lifeguarding, Wilderness First Aid, CPR, and Water Safety Instructor through the American Red Cross. Ray enjoys white water kayaking, rock climbing, cycling, mountain biking, open water swimming, and taking in the sights and sounds of New York's best hiking trails.

Senior Guide
With Destination Backcountry since 2015

Migrating from Michigan where she grew up wandering the woods and climbing the dunes of the Great Lake State, Morgan is an outdoor enthusiast and nature lover. Moving to the city was a big change for her until she discovered easy access to the mountains and ocean. An avid bicyclist and outdoor explorer she spends as much time that she can getting out of the city. From surfing to hiking to canoeing she has a wide range of interests. A photographer by necessity, she tries to capture the beauty and serenity of the landscapes around her from city life to natural world. Morgan is a NYDEC licensed guide for backpacking, camping, and boating.

Lead Guide
With Destination Backcountry since 2018

As a native New Yorker Krystyn was lucky enough to grow up with both the Catskills and the Adirondacks as part of her childhood playgrounds. This early exposure to New York’s “Forever Wild” landscape instilled a deep love for nature and the outdoors that she has carried with her throughout the rest of her life. It led her to pursue her BS in Natural Resources and get an MPA with a focus on Environmental Policy, both of which gave her additional insight into just how truly precious our wild spaces are. With encouragement from the DBA team, Krystyn got her NYS Guide license in Hiking, Camping, Fishing and Boats/Canoes in 2018 and is thrilled to now be a part of DBA herself.

With Destination Backcountry since 2022

Jenna, who goes by The Hood Hippie, is a city girl who spent her youthful summers in Harriman State park. She has served disenfranchised communities for 18+ years through adolescent and community development. As a newly licensed NYS hiking guide she is connecting her passionate work in social services with her love for the great outdoors. She is currently pursuing her camping guide license.

Lead Guide
With Destination Backcountry since 2019

Jacob grew up in California, surrounded by beaches, mountains and lakes, but he never truly saw the beauty of the great outdoors until he stumbled upon the northern East Coast. Starting his journey in finance, he eventually realized that he wanted something different in life and pivoted to outdoor guiding. In addition to guiding for Destination Backcountry, he now runs his own small business called "Treetop Journeys" that promotes sustainable events and exploration through camping, fine dining, and the great outdoors. Jacob believes that small scale organic farming is the future and is on a mission to educate and showcase the farmers who are promoting it. You can check out his small business here!

Senior Guide
With Destination Backcountry since 2014

We first encountered Greg during an extended bushwhack deep in the Slide Mountain Wilderness; he rolled out of his hammock and started a proper flint and steel fire to offer a warm welcome. Greg is committed to introducing the outdoors to people who desire a fresh perspective on New York City life. He believes that a balance between these two extremes is an opportunity to not only fulfill one's thirst for adventure, but also to challenge oneself to think outside the borough box. Greg is a NYDEC licensed guide for backpacking, camping, boating, and fishing. Oh, and he makes a pretty good beef jerky. 

With Destination Backcountry since 2023

Tom found his way to Brooklyn by way of the Pacific Northwest, hailing from Seattle, WA, and brings their joy for the outdoors with them. Though a fresh-faced and bright eyed newbie to the city, Tom always feels refreshed after a much needed escape to the woods and loves sharing the spirit of the outdoors with the friends we meet along the way. A recent graduate of Northwestern University (go ‘Cats!) studying Theatre performance and American Studies, Tom performs around the country as a dancer, singer and actor. Toms compassionate and energetic demeanor will cheer you on as you tackle your adventure with a big smile and a pocket full of sweets. As a non-binary person, Tom is deeply committed to expanding accessibility for all people to enjoy the outdoors, regardless of experience and identity. Can’t wait to see you on trails!

With Destination Backcountry since 2021

Herb’s love for Outdoor experiences began in Newark, New Jersey with his High School’s 50 mile trek on the Appalachian Trail. He later continued exploration as a staff member of Project U.S.E, a NJ-based experiential education program. After living in NYC and working in film and media over the past 20 years, Herb returned to his roots by volunteering with Outdoor Afro in 2019 focusing on urban-accessible nature connection and healing practices. Herb is Wilderness First Aid certified and a Level 1 Kayak instructor. Herb is currently enjoying assisting the DBA team as he pursues his NYS Guides License. He likes long walks near rivers, streams ,and water. He also relishes any opportunity to meditate, drum and/or dance in nature. 

With Destination Backcountry since 2021

John Ford grew up in North Salem, New York, where he spent much of his childhood exploring the woods and gaining some of his early outdoor skills as a camp counselor. After graduating from Fordham University, John decided to pursue his passion for the Great Outdoors, and became a Horticultural Intern at Brooklyn Botanic Garden, where he earned a certificate in horticulture. John is currently a Gardener Two at Brooklyn Bridge Park which specializes in Native Plants and Ecological management. Recently he completed New York Botanical Garden’s Urban Naturalist program and looks forward to applying his new skills on outings and camping trips with Destination Backcountry Adventures. John also manages an Instagram account, @newyorknaturalist, where he enjoys sharing the wonders of nature.

With Destination Backcountry since 2022

Lynnardo hails from Portsmouth, Virginia. He discovered his love for the outdoors while attending culinary school in the Hudson Valley. Lynnardo’s primary background is rooted in whole body wellness, with a strong emphasis in functional real food, fitness, and mindfulness. Moving to NYC from the Hudson Valley highlighted the need for nature escapes. Recent worldwide events have doubled down on the urgency of nature escapes. He looks forward to helping others escape to and embrace the outdoors.  

With Destination Backcountry since 2019

Mel Mendez graduated with a degree in Environmental Anthropology from Davidson College. She has dedicated the last decade as a communications specialist for outdoor brands like Arc'teryx and REI, and currently works at the Natural Resources Defense Council. Outside of work, Mel is an Outings Leader for Latino Outdoors NYC where she leads hiking, bouldering, biking, and stewardship events for Latinx communities in the metropolitan area. Mel has received her Wilderness First Aid certification and is working towards her guiding license.

With Destination Backcountry since 2021

Richard grew up in Wales in the United Kingdom and his love of the outdoors was born when his parents dropped him off at Scouts one Friday. After spending the next 10 years hiking and backpacking all over the UK he took a long break as work took over. A few years ago while living in NYC he felt the call of mountains again and has been backpacking with DBA ever since. Richard’s favorite moment is always the first cup of coffee in a quiet backcountry camp. If you’re an early riser, give him a nod and he’ll hook you up with a cup.

With Destination Backcountry since 2023

Devin is an avid outdoorsman, born and raised in the Hudson Valley. After 10 years working as a teacher, coach, brewery manager, and nonprofit leader, Devin quit his job to spend more time sharing his life-long passion for the wild—and its empowering, healing, and restorative impact with others. Devin is the Co-Founder of Memphis Inner City Rugby, a sport based youth development nonprofit in Tennessee, and previously served as the Executive Director of Harlem Lacrosse in NYC. From treks through both the arctic and antarctic circles and many mountains in between, nature has always "led him home" and towards a more essential, connected, and meaningful life. He currently lives in Kingston, NY, where he backpacks, fly fishes, snowboards, mountain bikes, and wanders the woods with his wife, Erin, and pooch, Banjo. 

With Destination Backcountry since 2019

Monica traded the sunny beaches of Miami for New York City back in 2015. She discovered DBA while interning in 2014 and has been an active member ever since, summiting Mount Marcy and several Catskill peaks along the way. Fueled by Café Bustelo and a love of the woods, Mo is always excited for a long day outdoors. Back in the city, you’ll find her perusing through Strand Book Store or cheering on the Florida Gators.

With Destination Backcountry since 2021

Siegrid grew up in the wilds of Western Pennsylvania backpacking, learning primitive skills, and exploring the woods and Lake Erie. Now a student in New York City, she was super excited to learn there is so much nature so close to the city and is psyched to introduce more people to New York's wild spaces.

With Destination Backcountry since 2022

Mo was born on Oahu and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area. She discovered her love of the outdoors while exploring the natural wonders of California as a child, and participating in an outdoor leadership course during high school. In 2004, Mo moved to Brooklyn to pursue a degree in Critical & Visual Studies from Pratt Institute, and depended mainly on New York City parks for access to natural spaces. Currently, Mo works in Communications for non-profit Urban Dove and their Sports Based Youth Development high schools in Brooklyn and the Bronx, and volunteers as an Outings Leader for Latino Outdoors New York City chapter. With Latino Outdoors, Mo engages Latinx and BIPOC communities in accessing, conserving, and advocating for public lands. She’s passionate about eliminating all barriers to enjoying outdoor spaces, and building community and safe-spaces along the way. She's certified in Wilderness First Aid, fluent in Spanish, and working towards her NYS Hiking Guide License.