Name: Sandy Lara

Sierra Club Leader Rating: M rock and M snow since June 2013, I-Rated since Feb 2002

WTC Position: Staff Instructor

WTC Student Year: 2001

WTC Leader / Instructor Since: 2002

Sierra Club / WTC Biography: I began climbing with the Hundred Peaks Section in 2000 and someone told me about WTC.  I signed up, thinking, “I don’t want to go to snow camp but I’ll do everything else,” but ended up loving snow.  I came on board as a WTC instructor, became an O, then I-rated leader.  I continued leading and peakbagging with HPS, finishing the HPS list (277 peaks) in 2002.  I was content at the I-level for several years, then was able to get additional training in rock and mountaineering, largely due to Mike Adams (Group 1) and Neal Robbins (Group 3).  I gained enough experience over a few years to eventually become M-rated in rock and snow (2013).  I lead trips for WTC, Sierra Peaks Section, Desert Peaks Section, Hundred Peaks Section, and Mule Pack Section.

Wilderness Biography: I’ve always loved the outdoors, from playing in my sandbox and climbing trees, to family camping trips and hiking, to gardening and watersports. I don’t feel grounded and peaceful if I am trapped inside for any length of time. Like many, I NEED to be outside for my spirit to be free. I’ve been laid up with recovering from three orthopedic surgeries in the past 9 months and it has been difficult to be tethered to home. I can’t wait until I’m off restrictions and can hike, backpack, and join Sierra Club outings again! Never stop exploring!

Something unique about me: I met my husband in WTC. There are a lot of WTC and Sierra Club marriages.