Dan Nash founded Hiking the Ozarks in 2007, after spending most of his life in the outdoors, backpacking, hiking, rock climbing and camping.  As the CEO, Dan coordinates the various programs offered by Hiking the Ozarks, along with instructing various outdoor education classes, participating in the guiding program and testing and reviewing gear for various outdoor companies and places like the Gear Institute, Backpackers Review and Backpacker Magazine. Dan has backpacked, climbed and guided on 5 continents and in both the Himalaya and Ande ranges. Dan is certifed as a Level III Backpacking Guide through the Professional Hiking Guides Association (PHGA), along with being on the board of directors for the PHGA.

Jon Barrows is known for his friendly, easy going personality and his overwelming love for the outdoors. Jon is a great guide and instructor and prides himself on helping other learn. Jon is a true student of the outdoors and enjoys testing and reviewing gear and extensively researching new routes and areas to explore. Jon has climbed mountains and backpacked in both the Andes and Himalaya mountains and can down Diet Dr. Pepper with the best. Jon is certifed as a Level II Backpacking Guide by the Professional Hiking Guides Association (PHGA).

Krista Bowman, a native Canadian, joined Hiking the Ozarks in 2009. Krista splits time between the Ozark Mountains and her native Ontario, participating in the outdoor education program and coordinating the rock climbing curriculum. Krista is a true outdoor gear junkie and can usually be found on a rock or writing gear reviews while drinking her favorite Starbucks coffee. The resident rock climbing expert, Krista has rock climbed and backpacked in Patagonia, Canada and numerous locations in the United States. Krista is certified as a Level I Backpacking Guide through the Professional Hiking Guides Association (PHGA).

Carmen Hallock is our newest guide, but has proved herself to be not only an excellent guide and instructor, but her determination and willingness to learn is infectous. Carmen is certifed as a Level I backpacking guide through the Professional Hiking Guides Association (PHGA) and coordinates the Women’s Backpacking Clinic. Carmen is always smiling and having fun and thrives when the weather and terrain are toughest. When not guiding, Carmen particiaptes in Adventure Races. Carmen has climbed and backpacked in North, South and Central America.