Jason Lilledo

I've been a teacher for 16 years. Prior to teaching, I worked for the IRS and as a project manager for a construction company.
 
I grew up and spent most of my life in the flat lands of South Dakota before moving to Las Vegas in 2003. I lived in Minnesota for a short time and worked in Kansas, Montana, and New York City as well.

I enjoy meeting new people, seeing the amazing surroundings, maintaining and elevating my fitness level, and exploring routes I haven't done before. One of the greatest benefits is that I find my mind never wanders toward work when I'm out hiking, so it's a great brain break and a chance to refocus.

I've been hiking since I moved to Las Vegas, but my "hardcore" hiking really started when this meetup group started in January 2011 and I became leader shortly thereafter.

Jason is a double 53er (finished 11/3/13 and 3/26/17) and am nearly half way to being triple 53er.

Which hikes does Jason like to lead the most?
Red Rock: White Pinnacle, East Peak, and Bridge Mountain
Charleston: Sisters North and South
Lake Mead: Fortification Hill


Here's Jason advice for new hikers:
Take the peaks roughly in ascending order of the cards. This will help you build up your endurance and skills for the more difficult hikes. Make sure you match your pace to the pace of the leader. You will get quicker as you do more hikes. Don’t overestimate your fitness level for hiking. If you are a highly fit swimmer, for example, that doesn’t necessarily translate to being a highly fit hiker. Be happy to be alive, enjoy every hike, and have fun trying to reach this goal. Don’t set a firm time limit that will drive you crazy trying to get it done. Just let it happen! Finally, I have three parting bits of advice. First, never hike alone. Second, if you see water or ice, especially near a drop off, steer way clear. And third, always stay safe so that you can enjoy the next hike soon.
 
Things about my hikes:
I like to leave our meeting spot on time! I naturally just tend to move quickly, but I do take short breaks as needed, enjoy time at the peak, and want to make sure that everyone has a good experience.