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Our Team
Get to Know Us
Howard Schwartz
Founder / Trek Leader
Howard Schwartz is a trained and certified outdoor leader, Wilderness First Responder, and founder of HOWTrek with over 30 years of wilderness experience.
He has led hundreds of youth and adults on adventures by land and water throughout North America, helping people build confidence, resilience, leadership, and life skills through meaningful outdoor experiences.
Howard has been recognized with the Environmental Advocate Award from the City of Calabasas and the Medal of Merit from the Boy Scouts of America for heroic action in saving a life in the wilderness. His work is rooted in a simple belief: it is human nature for humans to be in nature.
Jonathan Babelpour
Trek Leader
Jonathan Babelpour is a wilderness guide and outdoor educator with 18+ years of backcountry expeditions across five continents, including Everest Base Camp, Patagonia, Iceland, and extensive experience throughout the Sierra Nevada and Southwest canyon systems.
As a former IDF Squad Commander and corporate strategic leader, Jonathan brings proven group leadership and risk management expertise to wilderness programs. He specializes in backpacking trips, family adventures, and wilderness education.
NOLS Wilderness First Responder certified, Israeli-raised, and Hebrew fluent, Jonathan is exploring opportunities to expand wilderness programming for the Jewish community.
Alex Howard
Guide / Photographer
Alex is an adventure guide and photographer who brings an infectious positive energy to every experience, turning ordinary outings into unforgettable stories. With a Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification, he creates a space where guests feel both safe and free to fully immerse themselves in the wild.
His approach is simple: put the phones away, be present, and actually live the moment. While you’re soaking it all in, he’s quietly capturing the raw, authentic memories as they unfold. You leave with more than photos—you leave with a story you truly experienced.