We’re thrilled to introduce Eli Flaim, one of the newest additions to the Lasting Adventures team! Originally from Kirksville, Missouri, Eli’s journey into the world of backpacking started with a university wilderness program, and he’s been chasing mountain trails, rock faces, and adventure ever since. This summer, he’s bringing his passion, creativity, and serious hacky sack skills to a whole new landscape: Yosemite National Park. Meet the guide: Eli Flaim.
Eli’s Journey into Guiding
Unlike many guides who grew up in the outdoors, Eli didn’t backpack until his freshman year at the University of Montana. A campus-sponsored Wilderness Experience trip changed everything.
“It was something entirely new and surreal for me — walking in the mountains for fun?!? I’ve been hooked ever since,” he says.
That first step into the backcountry set him on a path toward environmental science, outdoor education, and eventually, professional guiding.
Inspired by Mentors
Eli credits his instructors at the Wild Rockies Field Institute, Lindsey Falkenburg and Jessie Cubberly, for inspiring him to share his love for the outdoors with others.
“They are two of the most enthusiastic human beings I’ve met, and I strive to provide a similar experience to the one they gave me,” Eli says.
Excited for the Journey Ahead
This will be Eli’s first season guiding with Lasting Adventures, and he’s ready for it. He’s especially excited to explore new terrain, join a community of academic dirtbags, and spend every day doing what he loves most: living and learning in wild spaces.
Passions Beyond the Trail
When he’s not guiding, Eli is a creative force. He makes art, climbs, snowboards, plays guitar, and almost always has music playing somewhere nearby. On the trail, you’re likely to hear him humming “Send Me on My Way” by Rusted Root — a fitting anthem for a life of adventure.
If he had to pick a spirit animal?
“I think I’m a monkey deep down, especially now that I’m climbing,” he says. “But I’m also a happy little butterfly at the same time.”
Favorite Trail Meals and Views
Eli’s go-to backcountry meal?
Anything that includes Fritos — proving that a little crunch goes a long way after a day on the trail.
Although he hasn’t been to Yosemite yet, he’s bursting with excitement to finally lay eyes on El Capitan, the legendary granite monolith that’s captured the imagination of climbers around the world.
Guiding Wisdom
Eli sees guiding as more than just leading hikes — it’s about cultivating experiences that stick with people for a lifetime.
“A guide is a friend and role model who shares usually inaccessible adventures that will hopefully instill a sense of identity and responsibility in someone,” he says.
He also jokes that a guide’s other role is, of course, talking non-stop about every plant they know.
When it comes to gear advice, Eli encourages guests to bring a journal to reflect and ground themselves during the experience. As for what to leave behind?
“Deodorant! We’ll all be stinky together — there’s no need to baste the steak for the bears.”
Qualities of a Great Guide
In Eli’s eyes, the best outdoor educators embody adaptability, compassion, and confidence — plus a healthy knowledge base and, ideally, some hacky sack skills for those camp downtime moments.
We’re so excited to have Eli joining the Lasting Adventures team this season! Keep an eye out for more ‘Meet the Guide’ stories as we introduce the passionate individuals behind your next big adventure.
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