Níhaa'hane’
Our Story
We are two friends who love hiking and backpacking. We both grew up on the Navajo Nation and have strong family ties that connect us to the land.
Through our company we will provide the following:
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Educate our clients on land stewardship through Diné perspectives
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Connect or reconnect clients to the land and all living things
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Inspire our clients to appreciate the beauty of the land
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Instill in our clients a glimpse of Diné Bikeyáh; an experience only found within our four sacred mountains.
Our Team
Crystal Carr
Co-Founder, Chief Executive Officer
Yá’át’ééh shi éíyá Crystal Carr yinishyé. Tó Naneesdizídéé naashá. Ádóóné’é nishlinigii ei Tsé Deeshgizhnii nishlí, Biih Bitoodni báshíshchíín, TÅ‚’ízíÅ‚ání da shichei, áádóó Tá Neeszáhnii da shinálí. Ákót’ééhgo Diné asdzaaní nishÅ‚í. My name is Crystal Carr. I am Rockgap, born for Deer Spring. My maternal clan is Manygoats and my paternal clan is of the Tangle People.
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When I was young, my dad used to take me out horseback riding and hiking near Lake Valley, NM, where we lived on the ranch. He showed me the wild carrots, onions and other types of plants out there saying, "if you ever get lost or need food out here look for these." Since those teachings, my love of hiking and being outdoors has expanded to multi-day backpacking trips. I love experiencing nature and strengthening my connection to the land.
There are many life lessons learned being out there in the elements. Hiking and backpacking are my therapy. It keeps me challenged physically, emotionally, spiritually and mentally. When you are hiking a mountain at a 29%+ grade incline with 40 MPH winds, you may be exhausted, your feet may hurt, your lungs are burning, but you keep pushing forward. Your mind is telling you to quit, but your heart is pulling you onward.
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With each step you take in reaching the top reflects the everyday challenges and hardships we face and overcome in life. You can quit, give up, or grow stronger and train your mind and body
to keep climbing.
Keep moving to your goal.
T'áá níhí adijit'éego.
Bryan Roessel
Co-Founder, Chief Operating Officer
Yá’át’ééh Bryan Roessel yiníshyé. Tá’chii’nii’ nishÅ‚í. Kinyáa’áanii’ báshíchíín. Tódík’ózhí dá shicheii.
Scottish dá shinálí. My name is Bryan Roessel. I am
Red Running into the Water People Clan, born for
Towering House. My maternal clan is Salt Water Clan.
My paternal clan is Scottish.
I was born and raised on Diné Bikeyah (Navajo Land). I am a Diné silversmith, moccasin maker, basket maker, photographer, writer, fisherman and above all an avid hiker/backpacker.
I fell in love with hiking as a kid climbing, running, and playing in the Chuska Mountains. Generations of my family on both sides have grown up there. The mountain trails were, and continue to be, our playground. On the Chuskas, I am at home.
After my first backpacking trip at 18, I was hooked.
There is something special about being in nature.
When you get to test your endurance on a backpacking trip the universe opens up in a powerful, healing and astonishing way.
In the words of my late Nali Hastiin,
"If it is to be, It is up to me."