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Graham Ottley
Graham Ottley

Graham Ottley

General Manager
Born and raised in the Midwest (Iowa & Illinois), I always held a fascination for the outdoors and mountain landscapes as some “distant place” on maps. That fascination continues today but I am fortunate to have now lived and worked in the mountains for 15+ years. My first job as a guide was leading sea-kayak trips in coastal Ketchikan Alaska. After that season, I attended undergrad in the Southeast (Montreat College) studying Outdoor Education and Environmental Studies and went on to pursue my MBA. I first visited the Yosemite area during a spring break climbing trip with some buddies. I can vividly recall driving in and being completely awestruck by the beauty of The Valley, ...as well as all the great climbing : ) After college I worked as a Guide with Summit Adventure in Yosemite as well as internationally in the Ecuadorian Andes and mountains of Mexico. I enjoyed teaching outdoor education in Santa Cruz and Yosemite Valley during my off-seasons. I also worked with Outward Bound California leading youth trips and eventually worked as Program Director at their Midpines and Joshua Tree locations. In 2016, I transitioned to SYMG and appreciated the thoughtful approach to the work of guiding. I enjoy spending time with the great crew of guides that come here to work, live and play. Beyond work in the outdoors, I am a proud father of two children, Owen & Eleanor. I enjoy adventures with them and my wife Sarah not quite as far afield. While we still return regularly to visit family in the midwest, we are happy to call Southern Yosemite home.
BackpackingActivityHow To

2021 Trip Expectations for COVID-19

Posted by Graham Ottley Graham Ottley February 2, 2021 February 2, 2021 1669 Views
UncategorizedBackpackingTrip Notebook

Black Lives Matter in Outdoor Spaces

Posted by Graham Ottley Graham Ottley July 9, 2020 December 9, 2020 526 Views
Yosemite Day HikingActivity

What to expect in Yosemite this year

Posted by Graham Ottley Graham Ottley May 22, 2020 May 22, 2020 665 Views
Gear

#HelpingourHeroes

Posted by Graham Ottley Graham Ottley April 23, 2020 April 24, 2020 316 Views
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Hosting AirBnB’s CEO Brian Chesky

Posted by Graham Ottley Graham Ottley February 6, 2020 February 10, 2020 626 Views
backcountry gourmet Backpacking
Trip Notebook

Exploring Hidden Patagonia: The Yosemite of South America

Posted by Graham Ottley Graham Ottley February 5, 2020 February 6, 2020 726 Views
Patagonia SYMG yosemite
Backpacking Pita Recipie
Backpacking Recipes

The Ultimate Lebanese Backpacking Pitas

Here's one of our all time favorite quick recipes. The "Pacific Crest Trail Pita" recipe ...

Posted by Graham Ottley Graham Ottley December 5, 2018 December 9, 2020 1516 Views
backcountry gourmet Backpacking california john muir trail outdoors Southern Yosemite Mountain Guides SYMG travel ultralight yosemite
Backpacking the John Muir Trail
Backpacking

Realizing John Muir Trail Dreams in 2019

Hiking a long trail such as the JMT offers a simplicity that is all but ...

Posted by Graham Ottley Graham Ottley November 14, 2018 January 28, 2020 1049 Views
Polo Ralph Lauren Hi-Tech Climbing
Rock Climbing

Behind the Scenes with Ralph Lauren

Posted by Graham Ottley Graham Ottley September 1, 2018 January 28, 2020 542 Views
Custom Trips Ralph Lauren rock climbing yosemite
BackpackingHow To

How to get in shape for your next Backpacking trip!

Posted by Graham Ottley Graham Ottley March 16, 2018 December 9, 2020 2667 Views
Backpacking california fitness High Sierra Southern Yosemite Mountain Guides SYMG Tech Tips training yosemite
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Southern Yosemite Mountain Guides

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