ABOUT US
HIKE | EXPLORE | CRAFT
Michael Neely – Founder of The Wildland Experience
Michael Neely is a seasoned woodsman, expert bushcrafter, and passionate guide who has built a life around the wild. As the founder of The Wildland Experience, he leads people deep into the heart of the mountains to reconnect with nature, learn traditional survival skills, and gain the confidence to thrive in the backcountry.
With years of experience living and adventuring in rugged wilderness, Michael has developed an intimate knowledge of California’s high country—especially the breathtaking landscapes around Lake Tahoe, Desolation Wilderness, and Grouse Ridge. Whether he’s guiding a group to an epic alpine lake at sunrise or revealing hidden waterfalls tucked deep in the forest, Michael’s adventures are equal parts awe-inspiring and skill-building.
Where we started
Through The Wildland Experience, he offers everything from hands-on bushcraft and primitive survival training to overland sightseeing expeditions across some of the Sierra Nevada’s most iconic terrain. Guests learn how to build shelters, start fires without modern tools, identify edible plants, and navigate with confidence—all while exploring some of the most beautiful and remote places in the region.
The Wildlands Experience
Michael’s guiding philosophy is rooted in empowerment. He doesn’t just show people the outdoors—he helps them feel at home in it. His calm leadership and deep respect for nature make every trip a transformative experience, where guests leave not just with memories, but with the knowledge and confidence to return on their own.
When he’s not guiding, you’ll find Michael off-trail somewhere high in the mountains, living simply, tracking wildlife, and soaking in the silence of the wild places that continue to inspire his life’s work.
