Hi, I’m Jonathan and I've spent the last 18 years exploring wilderness areas across five continents—from the high passes of the Himalayas to the technical canyons of the Grand Canyon, from Iceland's volcanic landscapes to the alpine peaks of Patagonia. After serving as a Squad Commander in the IDF and leading strategic initiatives in the corporate world, I'm now doing what I love most: guiding others through some of the most remarkable wilderness on earth.

My Background

With over 50 multi-day backcountry expeditions under my belt, I bring both deep wilderness expertise and a meticulous approach to planning and safety. My major expeditions include:

• High-Altitude Treks: Everest Base Camp (17,598 ft), Annapurna Circuit (17,769 ft), Huayhuash Circuit

• North American Thru-Hikes: John Muir Trail (200 miles), Great Divide Trail (140 miles), Teton Crest Trail, Grand Canyon Escalante Route

• International Alpine: Tour du Mont Blanc, Iceland's Laugavegur Trail, Patagonia (Torres del Paine, Fitz Roy, Tierra del Fuego)

Certifications & Training

• Wilderness First Responder (WFR) — NOLS

• Leave No Trace Trainer — Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics

Education & Service

• Squad Commander — Infantry, Israeli Defense Forces (2004–2007)

• MBA, Leadership — Pepperdine University (2016)

• ALM, International Relations — Harvard University Extension School (2023)

Languages

• English and Hebrew (fluent), Spanish and Persian (conversational)

My Approach to Guiding

Every expedition I lead combines meticulous planning with authentic wilderness experience. Drawing on my military leadership background and years of personal expeditions, I believe in:

Thorough Preparation - From permit acquisition to detailed route planning, I handle every logistical detail so you can focus on the experience. Each trip includes comprehensive gear lists, daily itineraries, and contingency plans.

Safety First - Wilderness First Responder training, extensive experience with risk assessment, and a conservative approach to decision-making ensure your safety is never compromised.

Why Choose Bearing Treks

Small Groups, Big Impact - I keep group sizes small to ensure personalized attention, flexibility, and minimal environmental impact.

Family-Friendly - As a father of two, I understand family dynamics and specialize in creating adventures that work for all ages and experience levels.

Year-Round Adventures - From summer alpine treks in the Sierra Nevada to winter desert expeditions in Death Valley, I guide across seasons and terrain types.