Meet Your Guides
"I honestly don't think we're going to find the Grand Canyon on this road." "Jesus, it's only the biggest God-damn hole in the world!" - Ellen and Clark GriswaldOur guides will take you on backpacking and hiking journeys through the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Olympic National Parks and other areas in Arizona. Since a majority of our Arizona, Grand Canyon, Yosemite and Olympic tour guides have more than 10 years of experience they will make sure that you have an amazing experience. On a guided tour with Just Roughin’ It you’ll not only get to experience the best hikes in the Grand Canyon or the best hikes in Yosemite, but you’ll get to experience some of our guides favorite hikes and trails.
Finding the Grand Canyon is not an issue for our guides, they know where it is! In fact, we have extensive knowledge of some of the most beautiful places in the Southwest and West coast. We know of the touristy hotspots as well as secluded backcountry areas you won't find in any guidebook. So expect to have an awesome adventure - and know that we have your safety in mind at all times. Our guides have:
- At least 80 hours of Wilderness First Responder (this means we are trained to handle all kinds of emergencies in remote settings)
- CPR
- Food Handlers
All of our guides are experienced, love the outdoors, had lives before guiding and probably used to live some place else. Therefore, instead of boring you with the typical sappy story about "falling in love with Grand Canyon when I came out for the first time with my Boy Scout group," we provide just a few tidbits of information that you may never think to ask (except for the owners - we get to talk about oursleves more because we control website content).
Oh, and if you don't see any information listed for a particular guide, that is because they are either in the backcountry so much that they can't get their information to us, or they are in the witness protection program.
Debbie Hendricks (Owner/Operator and Wilderness Guide) - Everywhere!
"The who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety." - Benjamin Franklin
"I think I'm gonna barf!" - Marge Gunderson
I am a true Arizona native. I was born in Scottsdale and grew up in Tempe, AZ, spending a few of my rebellious years in the Verde Valley. I was only 9 months when I first visited the Grand Canyon. After completing my degree in Marketing at Arizona State University, I worked in the corporate world, making a quick escape after 4 years to return to school full-time; first in pre-med but then decided to commit to Political Science and History. I am now an all but dissertation (ABD) PhD candidate at Arizona State University, studying American Foreign Policy post 1945 with a specialty in the Cold War and Vietnam. I also have 12 years experience in the fitness industry, currently teaching as an Adjunct Professor in Exercise Science.
Years of hiking/backpacking experience: 10+
Day job: Just Roughin' It and an Adjunct Professor at Mesa Community College
Favorite hike/backpacking adventure: Grand Canyon - South Bass
First concert: Cheap Trick - backstage
The one thing in life I cannot live without: Oxygen
Favorite food: Dessert
If I were a rock star, I'd be: I am a rock star!
The soundtrack of my life would be: Twilight Zone
If my life were a movie, it would be called: The Misfits
Favorite sport: Rugby
Ray Hendricks (Owner/Operator and Wilderness Guide) - Everywhere!
"Buy the ticket, take the ride." - Hunter S. Thompson
I am a native New Yorker. Born and raised near the Catskill Mountains of upstate New York, I hiked all over the northeast before moving to Arizona a decade ago. I am a corporate refugee with over 15 years experience in the insurance industry before diving into the ocean of small business ownership in 2006. I hold a BS in finance from the Rochester Institute of Technology and an MBA from Arizona State University.
Years of hiking/backpacking experience: 30+
Other relevant experience: Leading friends on bushwacks in the Catskill Mountains of NY. I was also a corporate trainer and have customer service experience.
Favorite hike/backpacking adventure: Hermit Canyon in Grand Canyon - there are many historic sites and other cool out of the way places to explore.
I became a guide because... I always wanted to make a living doing something I love.
First concert: The Ramones in 1980
The one thing in life I cannot live without: Coffee, I get a headache by noon if I don't get my fix.
Piece of gear I cannot live without: French Press (of course!)
If I were a rock star, I'd be... Jimi Hendrix, although Jimmy Page would be really cool as well.
The soundtrack of my life would be... "Changes" by David Bowie.
Ryan Bee (Wilderness Guide) - Grand Canyon
Years of hiking/backpacking experience: 10
Other relevant experience: River guide and ski patrol
Licenses and certifications: WFR
Favorite hike/backpacking adventure: Havasupai (Havasu Falls)
I became a guide because... I showing people new places.
1st concert: Beastie Boys
While indoors, I spend my time... Surfing the net and reading.
Destination I'd most like to visit: India/Nepal
Most people don't know that I... Love to play chess.
College/University: Northern Arizona University
Best Memory: Backpacking through Thailand
Jayci Ferrimani (Wilderness Guide) - Grand Canyon
Years of hiking/backpacking experience: 16
Other relevant experience: Climbing/Canyoneering
Licenses/certifications: WRF, CPR, AMGA Climbing Guide
Favorite hike/backpacking adventure: Denali National Park, Alaska
Day job: Guide and Guitar Teacher
While indoors, I spend my time...Reading up for my next adventure.
Greatest accomplishment: Climbing the Tooth - the largest sandstone formation in the world.
If I were a rockstar, I'd be...myself with better hair.
The soundtrack of my life would be...Ground Control to Major Tom.
College/University: Berklee College of Music
Crystal Ghiglieri (Wilderness Guide) - Arizona and Grand Canyon
"I change my mind more often than my undergarments." - Sage Francis
Years of hiking/backpacking experience: 17
Other relevant experience: River guide assistant, hiked in Puerto Rica, Australia, Spain to name a few.
Licenses and certifications: BA in Parks and Recreation Management; WFR
Favorite hike/backpacking adventure: Havasupai (Havasu Falls)
I became a guide because... I love the back country and want to help people experience it for themselves. I like to see what the outdoors can do for them, and in return, what they can do for it.
1st concert: Back Street Boys - Yikes!
Pet Peeve: Ending a sentence with the word "at"
Ideal date: It would involve a nice swimming hole, hot springs or a trip to the beach.
Biggest fear: Dying. Close second, sharks.
Most people don't know that I...Went to Yugubura School in Queensland, Australia during 3rd and 4th grades.
College/University: Northern Arizona University
Steve Klefstad (Wilderness Guide) - Grand Canyon and Paria Canyon
"The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experiences." - Eleanor Roosevelt
Title/job: Wilderness Guide/River Guide
Years of hiking/backpacking experience: 7+
Other relevant experience: Grand Canyon River Guide, completed nine marathons, completed TransAmerica Trail Cross Country bike trip
Licenses/certifications: Wilderness First Responder, CPR, First Aid, Food Handler's
Favorite hike/backpacking adventure: Any night spent below the rim is a good night.
I became a guide because... I enjoy sharing with others the Canyon I know and love.
Day job: I've heard about those...
Piece of gear I cannot live without: My Chaco Flips. Taking off my hiking boots at the end of the day and slipping into my flip flops feels so good it should be illegal.
While indoors, I spend my time... Watching sports.
Favorite food: Lasagna
College/University: Purdue University
Best accomplishment... Is yet to come.
Jeremy Stapleton (Wilderness Guide) - Grand Canyon
Jeremy Williams (Wilderness Guide) - Grand Canyon, Paria Canyon and Yosemite
"I don't know what I'm going for but I'm gonna go for it for sure." - Jerry Garcia
Title/job: Backcountry Guide
Years of hiking/backpacking experience: 16
Other relevant experience: I was also a Boy Scout and I have been hiking since I was a little kid.
Licenses/certifications: WFR/CPR
Favorite hike/backpacking adventure: South Bass, including the Royal Arch Route and Elves Chasm
I became a guide because... I wanted to spend more time in the backcountry.
First concert: Widespread Panic
Pet peeve: A messy campsite!
Piece of gear I cannot live without: My Dana Design backpack.
Best accomplishment: Becoming a guide in the Grand Canyon and Yosemite! It was a dream I never had that came true.
To recoup from hikes, I... Drink a half gallon of milk, medium thin crust pepperoni, and a pack of gummies.
