Skyeler started climbing over 20 years ago, became a wilderness guide in 2001, began guiding international trips in 2005, and instructed mountaineering courses for Outward Bound in 2011.
He led the first-ever expedition to the Himalaya by an American Outward Bound School in 2016 and went on to lead adventure-based and service learning programs in 13 countries. Highlights include 7 seasons in the Andes/Amazon, and multiple trips to the Himalaya.
Notable ascents include a One-Day-Winter Ascent of the Leaning Tower (West Face) in Yosemite, a One-Night-Full-Moon Ascent of Moonlight Buttress in Zion NP; a 15 hr car-to-car onsight of the Southern Arete of the Painted Wall in the Black Canyon, and onsight-Free Soloing a new route on an obscure 18,000′ peak in Nepal…
As fate would have it, Skyeler’s very first traditional lead climb was in Joshua Tree! He has cultivated a deep love and respect for this landscape and community ever since. His favorite routes/places in the park are the Astro Domes, specifically the routes Figures on a Landscape and Such a Savage. Skyeler’s currently obsessed with seeking out obscure lines established by historical figures of the climbing world.
When not climbing Skyeler is very interested in ethnobotany and herbalism, enjoys growing a variety of medicinal plants and making helpful salves, teas, and tinctures. He’s a serious student of Yoga, fermenter of cabbage & beet, mediocre ukulele strummer and singer of sentimental ballads.
Exploring the Marvelous Species: The Joshua Tree
The unique and fascinating world of plant life holds within it an array of captivating species, each with its own story to tell. One such intriguing species is the Joshua tree (Yucca brevifolia), a remarkable plant that thrives in the arid landscapes of the...