Sandy Aguirre
Outfitter/Assistant Guide (She/Her)
I was born in Los Angeles, California, in August 1991, just eight months before the Rodney King riots began. Like many others, my family was not immune to the systemic racial and economic disparities that had been festering for years and that continued throughout the 1990s. Although the busy city life didn’t allow for many outdoor experiences, I cherish the fond memories of the occasional weekends when my father would take us to the Long Beach Pier for ice cream, where we would sit by the ocean and feel the breeze.
When I was 12, my dad moved us to Southern Utah, and it has been home ever since. While attending Utah Tech University, I had the privilege of completing an internship with the Outdoor Leadership Academy under Dr. Erin O’Brien. During that time, I explored many local national and state parks and rafted the Grand Canyon on a multi-day camping trip along the Colorado River. I didn't realize I lived in the middle of a such majestic places. This inspired me to write my own degree through the Individualized Studies Program, and in 2017 I began building my bachelor’s degree in Environmental Media Communications.
I graduated in March 2019, just before the COVID pandemic turned life upside down. Like many, I felt adrift and unsure of how to move forward. As life began to return to the "new normal," I was fortunate to discover Zion Guru in February 2022 and join their team. Here, I was introduced to canyoneering, a sport I quickly fell in love with. What I appreciate most while out in a canyon is witnessing people push past their comfort zones and light up with the thrill of a brand-new experience.
When I'm not canyoneering, I'm hiking or snowboarding in the Utah mountains. Truth is, I am a restless, searching soul who is learning to slow down, be present, and find meaning in the ordinary moments of everyday life. But there’s nothing ordinary about this place, and I’m excited to share the wonders of Zion Canyon with you. So, what are you waiting for? Book a trip and stop by the shop—the team and I are eager to meet you!