Wildland Guides

All guides (204 results)

Filter

Hiking and Backpacking Guide

Anthony A.

Anthony grew up playfully adventuring in the woods and sand dunes of Upstate New York. He began hiking mountains in his early twenties when he moved from Philadelphia to the picturesque Hudson Valley of New York. He completed the Outdoor Leadership Training in the White Mountains of Maine, and began his outdoor career as an Outdoor Educator and Wilderness Therapy Guide in Vermont shortly after. Anthony has approximately 7 years experience Lead Guiding in Wilderness Therapy for young adults and adolescents. Anthony has led meaningful and transformational Wilderness Solo Vision Quests for young men in recovery for over 7 years. He has extensively adventured to a multitude of mountain tops and waterfalls in the North East and South East and currently leads mountain bike adventures in Pisgah NP and DuPont SP near Asheville, NC. Anthony is a certified Yoga and QiGong Instructor, has earned a Master’s in Divinity from All Faith’s Seminary and is a Certified Health Coach through the Institute of Integrative Nutrition. Anthony loves to infuse his adventures with mindfulness, wellness, and a healthy connection with the sacred in nature. He has greatly enjoyed adventure travels to Yellowstone, Tetons, BadLands, Mesa Verde, Petrified Forest, Antelope Canyon, Sedona, Panama, and Costa Rica.

Hiking and Backpacking Guide

Corey A.

Corey grew up in rural Pennsylvania and moved to Steamboat Springs, Colorado for college at the age of 19. There, he studied Outdoor Education and Sustainability and developed a love and admiration for the American West that had become his home. After four summers as a Trail Crew Leader traveling around Colorado and an Environmental Education summer camp counselor for kids, he stepped on up to the guiding world, landing in Alaska first, then in Yellowstone and RMNP with Wildland Trekking! The years of guiding and the folks he’s met along the way have provided so much richness and joy to his life that he continues to come back seasonally while working on his Master’s degree in Geography from the University of Missouri, researching the effects of climate change at upper treeline in the Southern Rocky Mountains.


TESTIMONIALS

I cannot say enough positive comments about this experience. I reserved this trip for myself and my 70 year-old father as a bucket list item for him. I was very nervous for both of us; not just for the summit climb but for hiking with heavy packs gaining/losing significant elevation and the altitude considerations. With our phenomenal guide Corey's support we surmounted all of these challenges. This is one of the most profound moments of our lives. We both cried when we reached the summit. Corey's expertise, kindness, and patience were instrumental to the success of this trip. It is completely accurate in the description that this trip is not for the faint of heart! It was a challenge mentally and physically for us but so worth it. I cannot wait to book my next Wildland adventure!
— Christina B.
Corey was a wonderful guide: friendly, informed, helpful--a great guy and a great cook!
— Josh R.
We had a terrific time on our trip. My daughter and I accomplished climbs we never dreamed we could finish. Our guide was knowledgeable, patient, and encouraging. The equipment was clean, lightweight, and well-maintained.
— Michael R.
Corey was fantastic!! This was our second trip with Wildland Trekking and Corey led us on an experience that was terrific.
— Chance H.
Experienced, knowledgeable and exciting! No matter what Mother Nature through at us, Corey and the Wildland Trekking team handled it beautifully. Highly recommended!
— Gina L.

Northeast Program Manager & Guide

Dara A.

Dara grew up hiking and biking with her family in the Shawangunk Mountains and learned early on that she enjoyed spending her days outside. After graduating from college in New York State she completed a semester long National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) course in the Rocky Mountains and realized she wanted to work in a field where she could share her love of the outdoors with others. Since then she has worked in environmental and outdoor education teaching hands-on science classes in central and northern Vermont. She is a fully certified Alpine Ski Instructor and loves to ski, preferably in the woods, and teach in the Green Mountains of Vermont. Dara recently completed a through hike of Vermont’s Long Trail and, she loves the simplicity of living out of a backpack and sharing that experience with others. On time off she can be found hiking and backcountry skiing with her two dogs or gardening at home in Northern Vermont.


TESTIMONIALS

What a week of Hiking! This was my first time taking a Wildland Trekking trip and I will definitely be back. Every part of the adventure EXCEEDED my expectations. The hikes were really beautiful and Camel's Hump was quite a challenge, but WE DID IT! What surprised me the most was all the good eating. I thank Dara, our guide, for making the trip so enjoyable. She took care of everything and then some. There were lots of Vermont "touches" on the trip. So not only did we get great hiking, but we got to know a little about Vermont as well. I also had the chance to meet some really cool people from around the world! If you are on the fence about taking a Wildland Trekking tour. JUST DO IT, already. You will not be disappointed.
— Aubrey E.
Great way to see all that Acadia National Park has to offer without any of the hassle of planning a thing! Our guide Dara was amazing - she knew how to push us just enough and we ended up with amazing views and a sense of accomplishment. This is a wonderful trip if the rocky coast of Maine is on your list of must sees. Looking forward to our next trip with Wild Land Trekking.
— Bridgett O.
We really enjoyed our trip with Wildland. Dara was an amazing guide. She was so personable, knowledgeable and skilled! She provided us with great equipment, the food she prepared was amazing, she was so helpful, and she was just a lot of fun! We had a great time and will definitely recommend Wildlands to others.
— Lena H.
The trip was better than I even expected! Our guide as very knowledgeable about the trails, the flora, and fauna. She went above and beyond to make sure everyone had what they needed and experienced what they wanted on the trip. The sights were incredible and the food was amazing. I can’t wait for my next trip with Wildland!
— Rebecca D.
Dara was an excellent leader, driver and preparer of meals. She was good at accommodating everyone's needs. The programme of activities was interesting and varied. The best day was the ascent of Camel's Hump (Day 3). The choices of accommodation and restaurants were excellent. We came from England specifically for a foliage tour, and we were not disappointed. Our future trips are likely to be back in the UK and Europe.
— John W.

HIKING AND BACKPACKING GUIDE

Jack A.

Jack was born in San Diego, California but grew up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Phoenix, Arizona. He then moved up to Flagstaff to attend Northern Arizona University. Jack graduated with a degree in Parks and Recreation Management with an emphasis in Community and Commercial Tourism/Recreation. While in Flagstaff, Jack worked guiding all over the Southwest, in beautiful places such as the Grand Canyon, Sedona, Havasupai, Marble Canyon, Lake Powell, and all over Norther Arizona. Jack spends a large percentage of his free time participating in various outdoor activities such as backpacking, rock-climbing, mountaineering, and skiing. He believes spending time outside is essential for a healthy attitude and lifestyle.


TESTIMONIALS

Jack was amazing! He was professional but fun and flexible when necessary. The food he prepared and the restaurants he choose were top notch. I would do another trip with Jack!
— Denise S.
Jack did a wonderful job guiding the trip and bringing us all together. We were all very different people but we meshed well as a group. Jack went out of his way to make sure we had a great time. He really made the trip!
— Curt M.
Jack was dynamic on every level. Very impressive guy with tons of knowledge, passion and great people skills.
— Shauna R.
Jack was a great guide! He selected hiking trails that were accessible for each person in our group, accommodated meals for taste preferences (even at the last minute), and provided knowledgeable insight at each of our locations. He is an overall awesome person to be around and really went above and beyond for our group. It's not easy providing for a group of seven, but Jack made it look easy. He met our every request and did so with a smile. 10/10 recommend Wildland Treks and 12/10 recommend Jack as guide.
— Rebecca C.
Jack did an awesome job of looking after every detail imaginable. I had a really fun and relaxing time with no worries at all. It was perfect!
— Christine G.

HIKING AND BACKPACKING GUIDE

Josh A.

Born and raised in the sprawling metropolis of Phoenix, Arizona, Josh learned quickly the value of wild spaces. He was lucky to spend his childhood exploring National Parks throughout the country as well as the cooler climes of Northern Arizona. Monthly family getaways to the forests and canyons of the Mogollon Rim fostered a love of wilderness that strengthens to this day. He made his first voyage to Havasupai with his Dad in sixth grade and blames 10 days on the river in 2009 for his current obsession with Grand Canyon. Josh graduated Arizona State University in 2010 with a Bachelors Degree in Sociology and Geography with a minor in Recreation and Tourism. Proximity to the Canyon allowed for many weekend sorties where he learned his time was best spent with others below the rim between massive stone walls. Josh is a certified Wilderness First Responder and enjoys creating safe, educational experiences and lasting memories for his guests in the outdoors. Currently, when not hiking Grand Canyon, he enjoys snowboarding, climbing, canyoneering, spending time with family and taking his dog Charlie on long road trips to beautiful locations in the western United States.


TESTIMONIALS

The Grand Canyon is the most beautiful place to be. Josh did a wonderful job explaining the history of it. He is incredibly knowledgeable, we learned so much!
— Desiree F.
A supported trip (where our goods are carried and food is taken care of) is such a wonderful way to enjoy an outdoor trip! All stress is lifted and we were submerged into nature. The place itself was incredible and will be remembered for a lifetime. It was unfortunate the huge number of people there on the 1st day but it quieted down. Josh made everyone feel welcome in camp and got us to all the great spots. He even seemed to be known and well liked by locals too. Would have enjoyed a little more hiking on day 3 but it was still a great day.
— Tracy B.
It was an incredible experience made even more magnificent by Josh's experience, preparation, as well as his breadth and depth of knowledge of Grand Canyon history, geology, flora, fauna, and the trail itself. I can't wait for my next adventure!
— Dawn D.
Josh was a great guide. He is passionate about the Grand Canyon and conveyed his passion with well timed information and readings he had saved.
— James K.
Amazing trip! Josh was fantastic. Great attitude. Always helpful and very knowledgeable about the Grand Canyon. Couldn't have been a better experience.
— Jordan K.

Hiking and Backpacking Guide

Rafi A.

Rafi started backpacking early in remote wilderness areas in her home state of Idaho. A personal passion turned into a career when she began working in Outdoor Education in 2003. She earned a B.A. from Prescott College in Adventure-based Environmental Studies, and a Master’s a few years later in Experiential Education. For 20 years, she has been roaming the country and the world, saying yes to every outdoor adventure she encounters. Her favorite excursions are the ones that are long, arduous and remote. Rafi believes deeply in the power of wilderness to heal, inspire and connect. Rafi also founded a non-profit organization called Naretoi, that works with Maasai women and girls in Kenya. She spends 2-4 months a year in Kenya, and has climbed Mt. Kenya 9 times with a women’s cross-cultural expedition that she organizes annually. Rafi enjoys the challenges of the backcountry and finding new limits for her body and spirit, but she also loves to sit quietly next to a mountain creek with a steaming cup of tea and a piece of dark chocolate. Rafi is also an avid naturalist and birder!


TESTIMONIALS

It was even better than I expected. Rafi was amazing - very knowledgeable, great food - can't say enough!
— Sandi N.
Rafi was the perfect guide. I'd go on a trip with her again any day!!! Heavenly 4 days in the Grand Canyon.
— Stephanie T.
From beginning to end, our trip in the Grand Canyon was seamless and memorable. All details were managed by Wildland and we just enjoyed a beautiful 4 day hike through the canyon. Our guide made sure everyone had a good time and was an amazing chef! I highly recommend Wildland Trekking for anyone who wants to enjoy an amazing experience without any of the hassle of managing details.
— Patricia L.
This trip was everything I could have hoped for and I am still flying high from the amazing experience. Our guide, Rafi, was a perfect fit for our group of 5 women. She was kind, patient, knowledgeable, and easy going. I was slightly hesitant about paying for a backpacking trip but after this first trip I am sold on the advantages and am already thinking about what trip to book for next year. The schedule and shuttle arrangements were perfectly planned, meals were wonderful, and Rafi shared the perfect amount of interesting facts without overdoing it. Wildland provides lots of info regarding training for the Rim to Rim and the three of us 60ish woman took the training seriously. We were all adequately trained so we could thoroughly enjoy the trek without feeling stress. Put in the work and you will have a much more enjoyable time and have more to be proud of at the end.
— Sally G.
The trip was amazing and Rafi, our guide, was absolutely stellar!
— Jennifer C.
Guide and WILD Blog contributor Austin Beeler

Hiking and Backpacking Guide

Austin B.

Originally from Tampa, Florida, at 20 years old Austin left the flatlands to explore America’s mountains and never looked back. Since then he’s spent his time living and working all over the country to facilitate hiking experiences through gorgeous landscapes. His adventures include thru hikes of the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, Long Trail, and Hayduke Trail, as well as plenty of peak bagging and cragging. He also spent multiple seasons working as a Backcountry Caretaker in Vermont’s Green Mountains, doing trail work while offering encouragement and education about Leave No Trace practices to visitors in the backcountry. 

Along with plenty of time spent walking in the woods, he’s known to enjoy rock climbing, skiing, cooking, and photography. Whatever he’s doing outside, Austin uses his passion for the outdoors to bring joy and adventure to both beginners and experts alike, focusing on thoughtful and responsible recreation in our natural spaces. 

Wildland Trekking guide Brett B. in the Wind River Range

Llama Trekking Guide

Brett B.

Brett is an outdoor enthusiast who was always interested in the relationships between working animals and their humans. He grew up in the Ouachita and Ozark Mountains of the U.S. Interior Highlands where he enjoyed camping, hiking, mountain biking, hunting with trained pointers & raptors, as well as scuba diving and spear fishing in some of the top fresh water lakes in the country. He is a master scuba diver, master falconer and certified naturalist. He also guided rafting and fishing expeditions on the first National River to be designated in the United States, the Buffalo River.

After college, Brett worked all over the U.S. as an electrical engineer/project manager before being transferred to Perth, Australia. While working abroad, he went on a 3 month trekking expedition with dromedary camels and fell in love with working camelids. Upon returning to his home in Colorado, Brett sought out to find the best working animal for packing in the Rocky mountains and after trying yaks, horses, mules and goats, he discovered that well bred Ccara llamas were the ultimate pack animals for the mountains. Brett now works for Wilderness Ridge Trail Llamas, where he enjoys training llamas and teaching people about them while getting as many people out on trail with these amazing camelids as possible. When he’s not working or guiding, Brett enjoys fly fishing, hanging out with his dog and playing guitar where he currently resides in Idaho Falls, ID.


TESTIMONIALS

Amazing trip!! Our guides (Brett and Marshall) were professional, informative and made everyone feel safe. They are a great guide team. We started off the day with "best" coffee on any trip I have been on. Amazing meals as well. Just a superb trip - we will return!!
— Kathleen W.
When I am in the backcountry, the most important thing to me is that I can trust the guides. Guides make or break a trip for me.I feel incredibly fortunate that Brett and Marshall were our guides. They obviously are very experienced and knowledgeable about llamas and being in the backcountry. They each were fun, attentive, competent and very good cooks. They really worked very hard and very well as a team. I will definitely request them as guides in the future.
— Mary P.
This trip tested my stamina and was a bit of a challenge, however I felt so good to be able to keep up with it. The guides (Brett and Marshall) were so helpful and fun to be with. They sure knew how to treat us a guests. I was surprised at how much I liked my llama. The emotions that rose in me when the walk was done and I handed my llama over to its owner, were a testament to how wonderful the trip was for me.
— Cindy S.
What a great trip! We loved every day of the adventure. We did not have evening campfires, but it was warm enough without them. Kelsey and Brett went over and above to take good care of all of us, created amazing meals and keep their professional and friendly demeanors at all times.
— Ellen Z.

Hiking and Backpacking Guide

Bri B.

Bri has nearly 20 years of guiding and outdoor education experience. She has extensively explored the Southwest, Sierra Nevada Mountains, Pacific Crest Trail, and Appalachian Trail. Bri enjoys backpacking, rafting, rock climbing, and roller skating. She is passionate about bringing diverse groups of people together in wild spaces and awe-inspiring landscapes like the Grand Canyon, Joshua Tree, Death Valley, Yosemite, and Escalante. A lover of all things colorful and bright, she applies her masters degree in health and wellness education through backcountry cooking skills, nature-based yoga and meditation offerings, and cultivating authentic community connections.

HIKING AND BACKPACKING GUIDE

Carmelina B.

Growing up in Southern California, Carmelina’s love for the outdoors began at a young age. As a child she went on family camping trips in the San Bernardino mountains and San Diego beaches. As she grew, her love for the outdoors snowballed into her passion. She would spend her free time backpacking in the Sierra, eventually climbing Mt. Whitney, and in 2016 she thru-hiked The Colorado Trail. Carmelina has lived, worked, and played throughout California, North Carolina, and Hawaii. In the off-season Carmelina lives and travels internationally, slowly enjoying the food, culture, and climates of various affordable counties. Carmelina’s hobbies include hiking, backpacking, travel, and landscape photography.


TESTIMONIALS

Carm was a fantastic tour guide. We received great care. We learned about geology and many other aspects of the National park. She is kind and patient, and flexible. The lunch she set hit the spot! Thank you.
— Stephanie Y.
Carm is a very strong backpacker, who maintains an excellent attitude and patience when confronted with hardship. One hiker on our trip would not have completed the hike without her carrying much of his pack on very difficult terrain. She should receive a bonus, or at least recognition from her management.
— Eugene C.
I add a fabulous time discovering a tiny part of Yosemite. Our guide, Carmelina, did not spare any effort to make it the most enjoyable experience possible. She is a super woman. Kudos to her. It was fun and I'll come back. Epic!
— Van G.
Carmelina is an excellent guide. Because of the area's fires, she had to make several adjustments in the itinerary. But she knows Yosemite so well, that everything turned out to be great, especially on the last two days. I would certainly recommend Carmelina to future clients.
— William W.
Our guide Carmelina was fantastic, she had a great attitude, was very knowledgeable, cooked great meals, friendly, helpful, all the good stuff, would highly recommend her. Everything from start to finish was very easy, the trip was well organised, we had a great knowledgeable guide, great food every day, all in all a great experience, Wildland Trekking were a great company to travel with.
— Marina C.

HIKING AND BACKPACKING GUIDE

Chris B.

At the early age of 18, Chris left home in Kansas to Thru-hike the Appalachian Trail. By the end of this long journey by foot he would arrive at the conclusion that, for Chris, nothing but a life spent in the outdoors would ever be satisfactory. In 2020 Chris graduated from Prescott College with a Bachelor’s in both Adventure Education and History. As a trip leader on hiking and backpacking trips, he aims to provide guests with a safe and comfortable opportunity to form meaningful connections with natural spaces. Outside of work you might find him wrenching on bicycles, fishing, or polishing up his chess game.


TESTIMONIALS

I can't praise Chris enough. He was thorough, prepared, careful, and organized. He posseses excellent leadership skills and that was shown by deftly handling five strong willed 70 year olds with thoughts of their own. He knew the park and shared his knowledge with us, He is knowledgeable in many in many other areas as well and a good and sociable conversationalist. On top of this heap of praise, he's a great cook, He prepared fresh, engaging, and delicious meals every day. I can't imagine having a better guide.
— Chris H.
Chris and his team were fantastic. I hope to use them again. Chris has extraordinary leadership skills along with excellent people skills. Hang onto this guy.
— Randy E.
We all felt that Chris did a remarkable, inspiring and delicious version of this trek. He tirelessly carried and prepared fresh food that matched our particular needs. A few freeze dried meals would have been ok and reduced his 65-70 # pack. The man should have his own llama!
— Bill C.
You have a Super Guide in Chris Baughman. He definitely went above and beyond in making our trip an outstanding experience. His expertise and enthusiasm was more than we could have expected, and more than I have experienced in the past from other Guides with other companies.
— Bruce F.
What an awesome time we had with Wildland Trekking! We did a 5 day/4 night hiking base camp trip in Yellowstone that was truly memorable. Our guide Chris B. got us to some unforgettable places on our hikes and he’s also a great cook! We had probably our most scenic picnic ever on the top of Bunsen Peak. Our family of four had a wonderful time and now a lifetime of memories!
— Brian B.

WYOMING PROGRAM MANAGER/GUIDE

Eddie B.

Eddie Bowers is originally from Mississippi, where his love of the outdoors developed early while spending summers at “the lake” with family and friends. It wasn’t until 2003 that he discovered the beauty of the Western United States, and after that visiting as often as possible until moving west several years later. Eddie has since racked up well over a decade of full time guiding experience in the Grand Canyon and Greater Yellowstone area of Wyoming and Montana. Since 2015 he has been a program manager in the Yellowstone National Park area. When not guiding or running the Wyoming program for Wildland, he enjoys snowboarding and climbing Colorado’s famous 14ers. He is also a certified Wilderness First Responder.


TESTIMONIALS

"I wanted to thank you, and particularly our guide, Eddie Bowers, for the great Grand Canyon trip (New Hance Loop Hike) my daughter Sonja and I just had. My expectations were totally blown away by the actual experience. It was the first time to the Grand Canyon for both of us, and we were truly awed by everything we saw and did. Eddie was unbelievably knowledgeable about the Grand Canyon and incredibly skilled as a guide. Even beyond that, he is a kind an interesting person and, especially as far as I’m concerned (I way underestimated the physical challenge of this hike), a compassionate yet firm motivator. I NEVER would have made it without him. We will definitely be back to the Grand Canyon, and will definitely be calling on Wildland Trekking again. You are the greatest!
— Luisa Hagemeier
Mr. Bowers did great not even taking into consideration he had 3 folks w/ special dietary needs (2 vegetarians and a Crohn's patient). He was patient, professional, and informative the entire trip. He was well versed in all elements of his job, kind, patient, and a pleasure to be around. It is not a question of if I will use Wildland Trekking Company again, but when and where.
— Matt Lawson
Excellent experience from the time I booked to the end of the actual hike. Eddie was professional, organized, an excellent cook and it was obvious he had our best interest in mind regarding safety. We all had an outstanding experience because of him. He is very personable, friendly and has great stories. Very genuine person!
— Harry S.
Eddie helped us achieve an unforgettable experience!
— Debra Roberts

Hiking and Backpacking Guide

Eliza B.

Liza was raised in the forests of Vermont where she spent much of her time hiking, exploring, and playing in the dirt. These childhood hobbies fostered a deep connection to the natural world and have evolved into jobs and passions as an outdoor professional. At the University of Vermont, Liza earned a degree in Environmental Studies and started running her own wilderness mentoring programs. Liza has worked as an outdoor educator for the past seven years all over the country and finds immense joy in being outside with others. Most recently, she spent two months in Alaska running multi-sport teen expeditions with Adventure Treks, and absolutely loved it! In her spare time, Liza enjoys rock climbing, cooking, making art, and learning new things! She’s always up for the challenge of a good learning curve. As a guide, she’s excited to continue her passion of educating people about the natural world and facilitating meaningful connections on all levels.

HIKING AND BACKPACKING GUIDE

James B.

James grew up in the Central Coast of California, playing outside and wandering through the woods. Over time, weekend camping trips gave way to backpacking trips as his passion for the outdoors grew. In the years since then he has worked in corporate team building, climbing and rappelling instruction, and got him start guiding river and backpacking trips for Northern Arizona University’s Outdoor Adventures program. In 2015, James graduated from Northern Arizona University with a degree in Parks and Recreation Management with an emphasis in Outdoor Education. When not in the field, James enjoys mountain biking and climbing around the Colorado Plateau.


TESTIMONIALS

My wife and I did this trip, we are 58 and 60 years old. It was not easy, but not that difficult. James paced us very well so we still had time for the side hikes that add an incredible amount of enjoyment to the over all trip. We both loved it, such a wonderful experience and sense of accomplishment when you look back over the Canyon at where you had just hiked, it is very hard to believe that you had just been thru it. The beauty of it all is unbelievable. Food was great, snacks were great, well thought out. James telling us about the different geological layers etc was very interesting. James also encouraged us to go to the Park Ranger talks at Phantom Ranch and Havasupai Gardens camp grounds and we are glad he did and we went. The talks were very good, very informative and we highly recommend going to them. 5 stars for the overall experience.
— Gordon & Brenda P.
Trip was outstanding. James is an outstanding guide and very devoted to the clients as well as the overall welfare of the national park. A trip I will remember for a lifetime!
— Richard K.
Needless to say the trip exceeded our expectation in almost every sense. The guides, James and James, were triple threats. They were extremely knowledgeable, entertaining, and best of all accommodating to the different levels of hiking within our group. They provided snacks throughout the trip and there were no points in the trip that we had to worry about. Not only will I be using Wildland in the future but I highly recommend them for any hiking adventure; whether someone is headed out for their first time or even if they are a season backpacker that just happens to be passing through. Thanks again Wildland and both of the James for an amazing trip!
— TJ Kinion
James was an awesome guide. He was very knowable, made delicious meals, and kept us safe.
— Anna B.

HIKING AND BACKPACKING GUIDE

Jillian B.
Jillian grew up exploring the woods around her home in Northern Virginia. She loved hiking, camping, skiing, snowboarding, swimming in lakes, and just playing outside. After earning a B.S. in Mathematics and a Secondary Teaching Certificate from the University of Mary Washington, she started her career as a Systems Engineer. However, it did not take long for Jillian to realize that she valued working outdoors more than the comforts of a 9-5. She left her 4-walled world and became a Ski/Snowboard Instructor. Jillian had found her dream Winter job, but it took longer to find a Spring/Summer/Fall job that she was passionate about. She explored many interests including dog sledding, wine making, experiential education, and team building. But, in 2013, Jillian had the opportunity to fulfill an old dream of hers, thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail. After completing this great adventure, she was hooked and knew she wanted to guide others on backpacking expeditions. Jillian has been with Wildland Trekking since Spring 2016. In the off season, she teaches skiing at Crested Butte Mountain Resort in Colorado, and continues to walk really, really far. Jillian thru hiked the PCT in 2015 and the CDT in 2021, completing her Triple Crown.

TESTIMONIALS

Our trip to Havasu Falls was a once in a lifetime experience. Our guides Jake and Jillian were absolutely the best!!! I took my daughter and we have memories for a lifetime. I would recommend this trip to everyone!!!!
— Kristine M.
Havasu Falls Tour is amazing! A wonderful oasis worth exploring! Wildland Trek Guides are incredibly knowledgeable and did a fantastic job of guiding people of all ages and maneuvering them down steep trails, crazy ladders and other obstacles. They also know the special hidden gems that you would miss checking it out by yourself. And on top of all that they know how to cook and provide great food options. Would definitely recommend.
— Andrew H.
The guides, Jillian and Jake were nothing but top notch. Well done.
— Kent S.
Myriam and Jillian were awesome! I was with my 16 yeR old daughter with no hiking experience and they could not have been better with her. They were a combination of guide, teacher and coach and gave us an experience to last a lifetime.
— Peter G.

Hiking and Backpacking Guide- Alps

Johannes B.

Born in Munich and raised in the hills of Provence, Johannes grew up as a free range kid. After an academic journey that brought him into journalism, he came back to his roots by passing the french mountain leader certification. Both reporter and trekking guide, he has traveled around Europe for over a decade. In his adventures he has harvested stories and photos for several outdoor magazines while sharing his passion for nature and history with his guests. And when he’s not out there, you can find him around his den in the western Alps doing some handiwork, gardening, or cooking a nice meal.

HIKING AND BACKPACKING GUIDE

Laurie B.

Laurie grew up surfing on the Big Island of Hawai’i where her two children were born as well. She has been a fitness coach since 2013 and enjoys helping others maintain a balanced lifestyle between strength, diet, mindfulness and playing outside. Her first backpacking trip was in the Grand Canyon in 2014 where she fell in love with the adventure of finding beautiful places by foot. She enjoys long distance running such as rim to rim to rim in a day! The Colorado Plateau is a special place to her and she loves to share her knowledge on the unique history, geology and plant life found throughout the Southwest. Aside from running and backpacking, she enjoys working in the garden, raising chickens, surfing, paddle boarding, and most of all spending time with her family outdoors.


TESTIMONIALS

Laurie B. was such a wonderful guide! She really went above and beyond to ensure a fantastic trip for us. She is incredibly thoughtful and competent. I would love to do another trip with Laurie, and am already planning my next (third!) adventure with Wildlands.
— Lisa V.
Laurie B our guide was as good as they come. From pre trip planning to food preparation for meals to helping hikers as needed and historical knowledge of the canyon. I’ve already booked my next Grand Canyon trip. Can’t wait!
— Fred B.
We didn't know what to expect, as this was our first backpacking trip and first guided trip. I can honestly say that the reality exceeded our expectations 100X over. Our guide, Laurie, was incredible. She provided a level of customer service that could rival a B&B - the amazing meals, her knowledge of the Canyon's history, her positive attitude - Laurie was absolute workhorse of a guide. It was obvious that she loves what she does. If your other trips are even half as fantastic as this one was, I will be a customer of Wildland Trekking for life.
— Jillian D.
Laurie was a fantastic trip later and I couldn’t have asked for a better first time trip to the Grand Canyon. I’ll look forward to going back in the very near future!
— Jason B.
Our guide Laurie was very flexible and extremely attentive to our needs.
— Robert K.

HIKING AND BACKPACKING GUIDE

Magda B.

Magda grew up in Vermont, where she formed a deep love for nature, animals, outdoor adventures and sports. In college in Canada she studied Kinesiology and Psychology and played D1 soccer. She spent 5 summers living on a remote Alaskan glacier with 150 Alaskan huskies and guided sled dog tours. After college she spent a full year training an Iditarod race team in Willow, Alaska, where she greatly deepened her connection to and understanding of the Alaskan wilderness, and backcountry adventure travel. She then completed a Master’s degree in Sweden in Sports Science with her research focused on Iditarod mushers. Itching to get back into guiding work, Magda led bikepacking expeditions in the Southwest through Kroka Expeditions and now lives in the heart of the Rocky Mountains where she is part of the Wildland trekking team. For fun, Magda loves dog mushing, backcountry skiing, trail running, skijoring with her Alaskan huskies, rock climbing, and anything active and adventurous!


TESTIMONIALS

The accommodations and meals were much more than I anticipated. The inns were beautiful and extremely comfortable and the meals were outstanding. My guide was a wonderful person; extremely knowledgeable about proper hiking from trail etiquette to the trails themselves. She was able to gauge the level of difficultly we could all handle as a group and was great about setting a pace that was good for the faster people without leaving the slower people in the dust. She was very good at handling many small details at once including navigation and problem-solving at the same time. She was always on time and maintained a wonderful attitude throughout. She also made wonderful lunches while on the trail. I am looking forward to booking more trips with your company!
— Peggy L.
Magda was superb. Excellent on the trail, great meals, wonderful enthusiastic conversation.
— Susan W.
MAGDA WAS FANTASTIC. TAILORED THE TRIP TO OUR GROUP. COOKED GOOD FOOD AND PLANNED THE RIGHT AMOUNTS. THE GROUP WAS NICE AND SMALL (just three of us plus magda) which made it very pleasant, even when pushed to our limits. The whole group dynamics were perfect.
— Nicole V.
Magda was AWESOME!!!!!!!! IN EVERY ASPECT OF THE TRIP.
— Mary W.
I had a wonderful experience on my trip, from the first to the last day, and I loved every minute of it! Our guide Magda was absolutely wonderful, very knowledgeable about the area including the history, plants, and animals that we encountered. She was very caring and assisted people in the group who needed a helping hand, and was able to keep oversight of everyone in the group even while some were hiking faster than others. Magda went above and beyond and organized a beautiful bonfire with smores and a birthday cake for the day when one of our group members had her birthday. She was also able to accommodate all the different tastes and food preferences of the group when it came to preparing meals and also for restaurant selections (this was an Inn-based trip). We had a fun group and everyone enjoyed spending time together. Also, a shoutout to the office staff as they were so kind to help me change my reservation request and made the onboarding process smooth and seamless. This was my third trip with Wildland, I did two backpacking trips and one Inn-based trip and I had a great experience on all of them!
— Eliane B.

ICELAND TREKKING GUIDE

Michael B.

Michaël started to work for a travel company in Iceland during the summer when he was 16. Over the years he got the opportunity to explore the country from the shores to the summits. During the winter, he used to be studying mountain geography at Université Savoie Mont-Blanc (France) where he got his Bachelors Degree, before joining a master program at the University of Iceland. As he moved to Iceland, he joined one of the units of the Icelandic Association for Search and Rescue, and specialized in mountain rescue. He is also trained as a professional glacier guide level 1, and certified Wilderness First Responder. He is particularly interested in understanding the landscape and its processes, and he enjoys sharing his knowledge about Iceland. His favorite recreational venues are the unearthly surroundings of Vatnajökull ice cap and the colorful Fjallabak Nature Reserve. As one of Wildland’s main Iceland trekking guides, he truly loves to take people to forgotten paths and side-trails, and to give them a taste of Iceland’s delicious food culture to provide a multi-sensory travel experience.


TESTIMONIALS

Michael is the type of guide one can only hope to have. This is because guiding isn't just a job for him but an opportunity to share his passion for the truly unique Icelandic environment with worthy guests. Our guide asked us for one word to summarize the trip. My word was "passion". This is because it was his passion for the Icelandic country and environment that turned a great trip, into an unforgettable one.
— Joseph P.
Michael did a really great job taking us off the beaten path, it really enhanced our experience.
— Christopher D.
Both guides were fantastic and well prepared. Michael shared a lot of his fantastic geology knowledge. Antwan with is mythology tales. Both guides kept everyone engaged even with the large difference in age. going off the trail made all the difference and the great meals.
— Russell P.
Wildland and it's guides place a premium on its customers experience while backpacking cross-country. That is not always the case with other outfitters. This was my second trip with Wildland and my first out of the country. The guides were well prepared and knew the area well enough to take advantage of some uncharacteristically nice weather. The value added from their knowledge of local geology, names of features, Icelandic history and mythology was incredible.Let's talk food. The meal plan was fantastic. I've never eaten so well out of a pack. Wildland is highly recommended and I can't wait to plan my next trip with them!
— Kenny K.

Hiking and Backpacking Guide

Michelle B.

Michelle is a free-spirited, life-long athlete, adventurer, and naturalist. Her sense of wonder and thirst for adventure first developed in her backyard in upstate New York where she spent her childhood playing in the deciduous forests, swimming and canoeing at her family cabin, and hiking in the Adirondack mountains. A deep connection with nature was made during Michelle’s formative years that inspires her today. Michelle has achieved a M.S. in Outdoor Leadership and Environmental Education from the State University of New York, Cortland and a B.S. in Psychology and Visual Arts from the University of California, San Diego. She is not one to let the grass grow under her feet. Michelle’s nomadic nature has brought her around the world teaching, guiding, recreating, and playing rugby in places such as Australia, New Zealand, Nepal, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, Baja California, Maine, Puerto Rico, California, Wyoming, Montana, Arizona, and Utah. Michelle is passionate about connecting humans to the natural world, ultimately inspiring a deeper connection with themselves and their ecological community. She enjoys sharing moments of wonder with folks from all walks of life, in some of the most breath-taking, beautiful environments in the world. She knows laughter, fun, and having an open mind and heart are key on any journey…as well as delicious food! All things you can count on experiencing on one of her trips. She currently migrates between the Sierra Nevada mountains, the Channel Islands off the coast of California, and the deserts and canyons of the Southwest where she leads backpacking, sea cave kayaking, outdoor education, and wildlife viewing trips.

Hiking and Backpacking Guide

Mirabai B.

Mirabai’s love for the outdoors began while growing up in California and exploring beaches and mountains. She earned a BS in Environmental Science and Outdoor Education from Western Washington University and also graduated from Honolulu School of Massage. Mirabai’s career highlights include developing curricula for outdoor art and science summer camps in Washington, California and Hawaii. She has spent time as a river guide for several summers, leading ski tours during the winter and now teaches Jazzercise fitness classes in addition to being a hiking and backpacking guide. After living in Washington, Colorado and Hawaii, Mirabai has called Mariposa home for the past 16 years, where she developed a passion for exploring Yosemite National Park and sharing her knowledge with others.

 

 

HIKING AND BACKPACKING GUIDE

Myriam B.

Myriam Bishop grew up in the French Alps, and started hiking before she started school. Joining outdoor trainings available in the area, as well as Nature Conservation events, she entered an outdoor recreation program in high school. Caving, backcountry skiing, rock-climbing and then mountaineering were her favorites. She has a degree in Outdoor recreation and Tourism. She started guiding hiking and backpacking trips in Iceland in 2002 and hasn’t since stopped sharing her passion of the outdoors, showing off the beaten track’s nature marvels. She got addicted to travelling and has since explored and hiked on 4 continents, from Sahara sand dunes to Greenland glaciers, Hawaii, New Zealand or Alaska. Her never ending fascination for plants, animals, and landscape formation drew her across the Southwest a few times before she decided she had to settle here in order to explore and share this amazing Canyon Country. She has the European Mountain Leader and Wilderness First Responder certifications.


TESTIMONIALS

Trip of a lifetime. Seen things that were breathtaking and won't soon be forgotten. WOW!!! Thanks for the great time from two fantastic guides... Myriam & Zoe.
— Paul Jurchuk
My wife and I wanted to do something different for our honeymoon, so we signed up for the Havasu Falls trip and went to Sedona afterward. Ann Marie was very friendly and effective at getting us signed up and I appreciated that. When it came time for the trip itself and we met the guides (Myriam and Zoe) it became quite a special trip. Myriam and Zoe were simply great. Friendly, knowledgeable, great cooks, and just a joy to have as our guides. After finding out we were on our honeymoon, they went out of there way to get a bottle of sparkl ing juice and a card signed by everyone else in our group for a dinner toast the second night. I can't say enough good things about them. It says a lot about your company to have people like this working for you. Whenever we get back to that area, we'll definitely look you up for another trip.
— Andrew Sauber
Myriam was such a hard worker! I can't believe how well she took care of us! She is a great cook, as well as a careful and experienced guide.
— Julie F.
Myriam was a FANTASTIC guide! Is there a rating above excellent? If so, I would rate her that high. I've hiked the Grand Canyon previously, but her knowledge of the Canyon and fun, positive attitude made this a superior experience. She made a very hard decision regarding one of our group who had to drop out on day one. I have great respect for her professionalism and good judgment in this matter. Many thanks to Myriam and Wildland Trekking for a well-executed, enjoyable backpacking trip.
— Cathy P.

HIKING AND BACKPACKING GUIDE

Noah B.

Noah grew up in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago. He went to school at Northern Michigan University. There he studied Outdoor Recreation Leadership and Management Skills. He soon fell for the beauty of the outdoors in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula where he enjoyed getting outside surfing, backpacking, and climbing. After graduating Northern Michigan in 2019, Noah set out to backpack the Pacific Crest Trail. Noah Currently lives in Bozeman, Montana where he enjoys his time getting out backpacking or backcountry skiing in Montana’s Rocky Mountains. He is passionate about safety, adventure, and the pristine beauty of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem for his guests.


TESTIMONIALS

Noah was just terrific!! He provided great commentary on the landscape, Yellowstone history, wildlife and geo- thermals. He offered up options into our trip so we didn’t miss out on anything, with the add on to Shoshone geo-thermals at dusk and breakfast at MrBubbles real highlights!!! He stopped to treat us to wild raspberries and thimble berries. Noah has a gift for Guest hospitality- premaking our coffee in the morning and engaging each of us individually. Noah did a great job with menu planning, food prep and also made my birthday special. I Can’t say enough good things about Noah. The 5 day was the right length for me and I would highly recommend the Bechler River Traverse itinerary and definitely consider another Wildland trek in the future.
— Kelly F.
Noah was an amazing tour guide. He made the trip fun. Very knowledgeable and friendly . He went out of his way to make sure we were enjoying the tour. We would recommend this tour and Noah as a guide.
— Brittany G.
Noah was a fantastic guide. The meals were great. His pace was good. He was excellent when our friend field. Appreciated his knowledge. Loved the campsites. Randy, the shuttle operator, was great, too. Equipment was good. Loved the trip and would highly recommend it.
— Connie P.
I rate our guides as Double Excellent! Always felt safe and had tons of fun!🙌
— Rita C.

Hiking and Backpacking Guide

Rachel B.

Rachel “Rach” grew up in the Colorado Rockies. Growing up, she had access to hundreds of miles of hiking, biking, and recreational trails in Colorado where her love of the outdoors began. At the University of Colorado Boulder, she became involved in botanical research and the CU Hiking Club. After graduation, Rach worked at Keystone Science School leading overnight trips with youth in the mountains of Summit County, Colorado. After several years with Keystone Science School, she lead two multi-sport, multi-night trips with Adventure Treks in Northern California and the Pacific Northwest. Now, she is a graduate student at the University of Washington. In her spare time, she loves to be outside, read, cook, and find live music.  Rach believes in the true power that the outdoors have to gain a deeper connection with oneself, community, and nature.

SCREENER/GUIDE

Ron B.

Ron Bubb has been living, working, hiking, backpacking, skiing, kayaking, and canoeing in the four corners region for more than 15 years. He has an MBA and worked in state government before leaving his home state of Illinois for the west in 1996. Since that time, he has opened and operated three outdoor gear shops in Durango and Pagosa Springs, Colorado and started guiding for Wildland Trekking in 2008. “I want to help people get into the backcountry. That’s what I feel I was put on this planet to do.” Ron lives his purpose by guiding trips in the Grand Canyon, Utah, Rocky Mountain National Park and Yellowstone.


TESTIMONIALS

Ron was great. The trip exceeded all expectations. The food was particularly noteworthy. We were a pretty diverse group, but Ron helped make us a team. We had a lot of laughs despite cold and rainy weather. A wonderful experience.
— Nancy McCarthy
Ron was just a great guide. I can't say enough about the food! It was way above expectations. Great job all around!
— Paul Creamer
Ron Bubb was an excellent guide who truly went above and beyond to make this a great trip. He deserves accolades for the amount of work he put into this trip. His attitude and professionalism were top notch even during the most trying of times.
— Jason Louis
Just returned from a rim to rim hike with Ron and I have to say that was one of the best hikes I've been on. Ron was freakin incredible and the food was out of this world. Ron never ceased to amaze us with what he'd pull out of his pack next and his knowledge of the canyon and the outdoors in general was incredible. Great trip, great people, great guide, great memories. I'll be back again.
— Joseph Massowd
Wildland Trekking guide Sarah B.

Hiking and Backpacking Guide

Sarah B.

Sarah grew up in Silicon Valley, earned a Communication degree from UC Santa Barbara and worked for nearly a decade as an Information Technology marketer. She discovered a love for backpacking late in life on an extended sabbatical, when she bought a one-way plane ticket to Chilean Patagonia to hike the famous “W” in Torres del Paine and explore the nearby region. Her three-month trip turned into three years and a career in the outdoors: she has now completed numerous 100+ mile section hikes, earned her Wilderness First Responder, moved to the Tetons, and begun working as a backpacking guide with Wildland Trekking and a ski instructor at Jackson Hole. She doubts she’ll ever get enough of beautiful mountain peaks, stargazing, and surprise wildlife encounters.


TESTIMONIALS

My guides were wonderful! I was very impressed with the organization of the trip. All the hikes were great. My group was fantastic
— Christine L.
Our guides were amazing under difficult circumstances at times. I really don’t know how they had the energy to keep up with us and provide such good meals and keep us in our key or safe from Bears. But they did and with a smile on their face as well.
— Johnny G.

HIKING AND BACKPACKING GUIDE

Wally B.

Wally Brandt was born and raised in Northeast Ohio. A graduate of Ohio University with degrees in Sociology and French, Wally spent his post college years living and shaping young minds in wilderness education and therapeutic programs, including living outside for a year practicing bushcraft. Wally has been guiding and exposing himself and others to the therapeutic benefits of Southern Utah’s national parks and public lands since 2015.


TESTIMONIALS

Wally was a wealth of information. Great day hike in Zion with Wally. Learned so much about the eco system, area, history of park. Would highly recommend when visiting Zion. Lunch was delicious. Everything you could possible need was supplied for by Wildland Trekking. Will definitely do another tour with them in the future!
— Linda A.
Wally was absolutely the best tour guide we ever had! He knew all the questions I asked (I asked a lot), he was down to earth and also made the most incredible lunch you could ask for! My expectations were high and he blew them away and then some. Great job and look forward to another trip!
— Patrick R.
Wally was a superb guide and very interesting person. Our day in Zion could not have been better. We appreciate Wally's attentiveness, insight, and ease with which he related to each family member.
— Kelly H.
Wally went above and beyond as a guide. The meal he brought and prepared was superb. I would totally recommend Wildland Trekking and tell folks to ask for Wally if possible.
— Peggy H.

Hiking and Backpacking Guide

Adrianna C.

Living in Southern California Adrianna grew up camping in the Sierra Nevada’s, hiking along the coast line, and exploring every chance she could; constantly curious about the flora and fauna she found along her journeys.  Eventually she went to Humboldt State University in Northern California to expand on her interest of the natural world, earning her a B.S. in Zoology with a minor in Native American study. While there she fell in love with being amongst the red woods, the deep ferns, and of course, the banana slugs. After graduating Adrianna tried to find a foothold in the wildlife sciences. In each job she took she found she was missing something; a challenge, a sense of purpose. In an attempt to understand if she could be a guide she obtained a job in Wilderness Adventure Therapy. It was here she understood her passion for being outside and laying in the dirt meant she could never returnee to a normal 9-5. She continuous her passion for educating people on the natural world through guiding, and constantly telling her friends what bird just flew by, regardless if they asked for it or not.

Hiking and Backpacking Guide

Andrew C.

Andrew was born in North Carolina and has been on the go ever since. Coming from a military family that moved frequently, “home” has always been hard to define. However, he’s discovered that he feels most at home in the wide-open spaces of the American West. The outdoors has, and continues to be, a place of inspiration, healing, rest and play for Andrew. Guiding provides him with the opportunity to combine his passions for the outdoors, people, adventure and teaching into one job. He loves facilitating trips that are not only fun, but also provide guests with meaningful connection to themselves, others, and the natural world.

Roaming and guiding throughout the West, Andrew often feels like he’s living out his own version of his childhood cowboy fantasies. Growing up on hundreds of tales of the “Old West”, Andrew enjoys recounting these idealized stories, but also sees the necessity of addressing the complexities of its history and the modern-day needs of the landscape and people of the American West.

When not at work, Andrew enjoys traveling and exploring the backcountry with his wife, connecting with friends, and outdoor sports of all kinds.

Angelique C., Wildland Trekking guide

Hiking and Backpacking Guide

Angelique C.

Angelique spent her younger years exploring the coasts and waterways of the Great Lakes in Michigan and Wisconsin, and spent some summers in the French Alps with her European family. After graduating with a degree in Sustainable Community Development from Northland College, Angelique started her westward exploration in search of bigger mountains and more adventures, eventually settling in South Lake Tahoe, California. She splits time as a backcountry ski guide, avalanche educator, and ski instructor in the winter months, and as a backpacking guide, youth outdoor educator, and natural resource restoration technician in the warm season. She loves to help others develop their technical outdoor skills, learn some natural history along the way, and share laughter whenever possible!


TESTIMONIALS

As a tour guide and owner of a tour company, I'd never booked a hiking tour for myself to join before. Our guide Angelique was amazing, The hike was beyond epic, the equipment was top notch and the food (thanks to Angelique) was incredible!
— Jason H.

Hiking and Backpacking Guide

Antoine C.

Antoine’s love of Iceland led him to settle in the country back in 2006. Whether on glacier ice, snow, rock, climbing, skiing, or camping, the wilderness is where Antoine is most at home. He has a penchant for sharing stories of the land and taking guests beyond the beaten track. Now a teacher, Antoine still takes time to guide each season. He guides year-round in five different languages and on varied trip types.

HIKING AND BACKPACKING GUIDE

Bob C.

Bob grew up in Chicago and made a conscious effort to spend his free time exploring the county forest preserves and the lakes and woods of northern Michigan. A steady stream of Thoreau and Farley Mowat books and a trip to the Colorado Rockies at age 18 ingrained a love of the mountains and nature in Bob. After serving in the U.S. Army as an infantry medic, Bob moved to Colorado and then Montana where he has lived for the past 30 years with his wife and children. Bob worked for nearly 20 years in environmental protection and has been featured in Backpacker Magazine, Outside magazine, Wall Street Journal, and several documentary films. He has backpacked extensively in the National Parks and Wilderness Areas of the intermountain West and Desert Southwest, with a particular affinity for the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. A professional guide since 1999, Bob enjoys sharing his knowledge and passion for the wild places he loves with others.


TESTIMONIALS

Bob was a fantastic guide! His knowledge and professionalism really made our trip special. My trip was with with my 11-year old daughter and he was able to tailor his knowledge to both adult and pre-teen levels extremely effectively. I will absolutely refer to Wildland Trekking for any future trips due to my experience with Bob.
— Leland O.
The experience of being out in the Wild in Yellowstone was unforgettable, I knew that part wouldn't let us down. However, the trip would not have been as enjoyable without Bob Clark, our guide who throughout the trip was good humoured, patient, thoughtful and a fountain of knowledge. His hiking fitness is second to none. His cooking skills were excellent, the nicest food we had on our visit to the US was while camping in Yellowstone. Thanks again for a wonderful trip!
— David B.
My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our 5-day backpacking trip in Yellowstone. Our excellent guide kept us safe and provided us with great information about the park and its components. We loved the route, the food, and the company! Thanks Wildlands for a great trip!
— Ann T.
Bob Clark, the guide was a pleasure. A true steward of the park and dedicated environmentalist.
— Richard K.
Bob Clark is the man! He was an incredible guide and his knowledge of the land (especially the plants) was beyond impressive. Also, we saw 3 grizzly bears and 2 of the encounters were close and somewhat dangerous… Bob Clark literally Got in front of us and was ready to get eaten by those bears in order to protect our group. It was crazy. Bob is great. Also, we all were completely prepared for the dangerous encounters because Bob gave us a full rundown on what to do, what not to do, how to use bear spray, and everything else we needed to feel confident and prepared.
— Randal H.

HIKING AND BACKPACKING GUIDE

Brian C.

Brian has been exploring the great outdoors and chasing adventure from a young age. Originally raised in Illinois, he moved to Northern Arizona in 2004 after falling in love with the area. In addition to hiking and backpacking, Brian is an avid rock climber and spends a lot of his free time climbing with friends throughout Arizona, California, and the great Southwest. Prior to joining wildland Trekking, he worked in the Phoenix area as an Emergency Department Technician, EMT, and an artist. Brian finds great joy in sharing his adventures and stories with others and looks forward to meeting new adventurers and friends every day!


TESTIMONIALS

Brian Cresson is GREAT tour guide. His knowledge of the Grand Canyon was TOP notch. Without is knowledge and details about the G.Canyon the trip would have not been a Great value. I have had other Guide Tours but Brian added an Extra Value. Well worth every Dollar !!
— Kenneth M.
This was my 1st hike in my life, so nothing to compare it too. It was awesome though! Brian was a fantastic guide. He made sure everyone was getting what they wanted from the trip. He had an age range of 26 to 75, so to say he did an excellent job would be an understatement. I wanted to start with something a little smaller than Grand Canyon Rim to rim. (On my bucket list) so I could make sure I was going to like it and absolutely loved it. I have already scheduled my Rim to rim trip and I will just continue my training program until then. WOO HOO! Thank you!
— Jill M.
I can't say enough GREAT things about Brian. Thoughtful, cool, funny. Attentive to different levels of fitness of guests on the trip.
— Darius M.
A great trip! Brian did a good job of identifying and serving each person's needs and abilities. Good choices of pace and challenge.
— Jane B.

Hiking and Backpacking Guide

Dakota C.

Dakota was raised on the trails of Northern Arizona. A Flagstaff local, Dakota was the child of an outdoor junkie and forest ranger and many a weekend were spent exploring the vastness of the Colorado Plateau with his dad. He fell in love with the rivers of the Southwest and began guiding white water rafting trips at the age of eighteen, spending the subsequent five years floating down river as much as possible. Though he still loves the Southwest’s scenic waterways, he has shifted his attention in recent years to exploring the many remote areas of the Colorado Plateau. When not guiding, Dakota likes to get back on the river, climb, and delve into the seldom traveled slot canyons of Arizona and Utah.


TESTIMONIALS

I had never been on a guided backpacking trip, but with Dakota as our guide and the quality of the equipment, meals, and itinerary, I will definitely be using Wildland Trekking again! I have already had friends ask about the trip details after seeing photos of our adventure!
— Rhonda M.
Our hike to Havasu Falls exceeded all expectations. It was fun, challenging and beautiful. Dakota our guide was a big part of what made it so special. Thank you!
— Carol F.
My son and I recently took a trip to Havasu Falls and it exceeded all of our expectations! It was a beautiful journey and our guide Dakota took care of us on all levels - cooking wonderful meals, planning our days, and educating us with Grand Canyon facts the entire way. It was a memory of a lifetime and Wildland Trekking did an amazing job! Many thanks!
— Leslie T.
Dakota was a wonderful guide. He was very kind and helpful and showed a great maturity for his young age.
— Melanie J.

HIKING AND BACKPACKING GUIDE

Daniel C.

Daniel grew up in the Southern Appalachian mountains and enjoyed getting outdoors from an early age. After his first job in the outdoor industry as a raft guide in North Carolina he knew that he wanted to continue to help others connect to nature. He graduated from Western Carolina University with a degree in Parks and Recreation Management in 2016. After school he spent a season in Australia guiding wilderness expeditions for teenagers that included backpacking, rock climbing, and canoeing. Upon returning to the States he began working as a Wilderness Therapy guide in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. In 2018 he moved to Western Washington and continued guiding for at-risk youth in the Olympic Mountains. Near his home in Port Angeles, Daniel also guides sea kayaking tours and he has spent time working with the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe’s youth and traditional culture programs. Daniel’s other passion besides the outdoors is playing music. He plays in a band in Port Angeles.


TESTIMONIALS

Daniel and Megan did a terrific job! They are both very knowledgeable and willing to share their experiences! We had a wonderful time with them and hope to plan another trip with Wildland! Thanks so much to everyone who helped make our trip a great time!
— Mary W.
Super trip, Daniel our guide did a wonderful job during the trip.
— William B.
This was a great hike; Daniel was fabulous in so many ways; so caring and understanding; taught us a lot about plants, the region, and cooking; easy going and interesting; clearly loves his work. We had a great group too!
— Vilma M.
My sixteen-year-old son and I just returned from a three-day hike in the North Cascades and can't recommend the experience highly enough! Daniel was an excellent guide and, even more importantly, a genuinely good person. He had a ton of interesting knowledge to share and I specifically enjoyed hearing about his relationships and understanding of the local indigenous communities. This was my son's first hike and we easily created father/son memories that will last a lifetime. Thank you!
— Joel P.

PHILANTHROPY DIRECTOR AND GUIDE

Doug C.

Doug is a Santa Fe native and was raised in New Mexico and Oklahoma. His first backpacking adventure was in the New Mexico mountains when he was 10 years old. A Grand Canyon guide since 2008 (with Wildland Trekking since 2009) he has guided over 175 treks into “the Canyon”. He is a graduate of the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) and the Canadian Outward Bound Wilderness School and earned a degree in history from Penn State University. In addition to guiding for Wildland Trekking he coordinates the company’s Philanthropy Program, is a Santa Fe area tour/hiking guide and since 2008 has instructed field courses for NOLS. He is a passionate wilderness educator and enjoys sharing with others the unique natural and human history of the Colorado Plateau region. Doug resides in Albuquerque.


TESTIMONIALS

We feel extremely lucky that Doug was our guide. His knowledge of the Canyon and his ability to communicate was suburb. He inspired confidence. And he knew when to step back and let us experience the majesty of the Canyon.
— Peter R.
Doug was extremely professional and genuinely cared about the experience that each of his guests had. His passion for the outdoors was contagious and his knowledge not only of the Grand Canyon but other National Parks and history and geology as well was incredibly intriguing.
— Maria B.
From the beginning Doug knew it would be difficult for one of our party to complete the trip successfully without assistance but his positive and determined attitude made it possible for that person to fulfill the quest of a lifetime, to hike the Grand Canyon. Doug’s words of wisdom were always proven correct and his relationships with park rangers and their respect for him was evident.
— Steve T.
Doug was an excellent guide, companion and an expert across the board. He provided us with camaraderie and enthusiasm as well as leadership, reconnaissance, technical skills, excellent first aid and knowledge of canyon country. In particular we credit Doug with making some solid decisions in respect to river crossings, my ability to continue on a badly sprained ankle (which was the right call), water sources, time spent moving with full packs, etc. We also had fun! Doug was a wonderful companion whose company we enjoyed immensely.
— Tara M.

HIKING AND BACKPACKING GUIDE

Jeanelle C.

Jeanelle Carpentier, originally from Camano Island, Washington, was very fortunate growing up to have the opportunity to travel and spend endless hours outdoors with her family and friends. In 2009, she broadened her horizons and moved to New Zealand. Living overseas brought her a huge sense of clarity in her life and opened many new doors. Doors which would lead her now to over forty states, twenty countries, and studying abroad. She has been working in several national parks and residing in mostly small mountain towns for several years. Her passion is being able to share the great outdoors with others, and she loves meeting new people. She is thrilled every day to be working in one of her favorite national parks, the Grand Canyon.


TESTIMONIALS

My husband and I really enjoyed the tour. Janelle was fun, patient, and interesting. The lunch she prepared for us was truly delicious. I was a little nervous hiking down with the icy tail on the Canyon, but she had great gear and made the process go very smoothly. Great guide!
— Kristine Grimshaw
The trip was well organized and well considered. Jeanelle was the most thoughtful, capable, considerate, intelligent and delightful guide we have had. And, we have had many guides in our travels. We are recommending her, and Wildland, to our friends and family. Everything from the hikes chosen by Jeanelle on our second day to the food was exceptional.
— Eva Frank
Awesome experience...loved the tour, the group, and the guide!
— Karen Fey
Our tour guide was awesome! She was very knowledgable. The tour/hike was very organized and the food was great. Great people, great hikes, and great food! Recipe for success. Excited to go on more Wildland Trekking hikes in the future.
— Kurt Karanovich

PERU PROGRAM MANAGER & GUIDE

Jose C.

Jose grew up in the farming community of Huayllaccocha in the mountains near the Sacred Valley in Peru. He is fluent in Quechua, Spanish and English and holds a degree in tourism from Americana University in Cusco. He has been guiding tours and treks in Peru since 2006 and has been working with Wildland Trekking since 2015. He has an immense amount of knowledge – gleaned both from experience and from formal education – about the Inca, Machu Picchu, the mountains around Cusco, the Peruvian Andes in general, tourism and customer service. Jose’s hobbies include photography, birding, trekking, history and exploring new routes around the “Lost City of the Inca”, Machu Picchu!


TESTIMONIALS

Jose and Betsy were fantastic. So incredibly knowledgeable and also just very nice, wonderful people. Thanks to the whole Wildland team, my family and friends had an incredible experience. We had a few hiccups -- from changes in who was going on the trip, to cancelled flights, to a stomach bug or two -- and Wildland and our guides helped us through each one. We were in great hands start to finish, and our guides were incredibly knowledgeable and delightful people!
— Denise S.
If you want to take a trip of a life time, plan yours with Wildland Trekking. Everything is TOP notch. Trips include everything, there is nothing hidden or implied that you will incur any additional expenses. Other companies maybe cheaper, but remember "you get what you pay for". You will not have to worry about anything. They have got you covered. It makes for such an enjoyable trip You can just take it all in and not have a care in the world. Jose and Steven made a great blend.
— Camilla H.
Jose and Betsy were great leaders and companions. I expect to go more Wildland Trek's. The Short Inca Trail trek was exactly what I was hoping for with a good mixture of hiking, history, views and food. Our guides were great and took of every need.
— Bob M.
Our guides, Jose Condor and Betsy Harter, were beyond outstanding, we could not have asked for more.
— Michael C.
My husband and I are finishing up our Inca tour. We are so happy we did it. The scenery, the food, the Andes....everything was spectacular. I wanted to let you know what a great tour guide Jose Condor is. He is patient, mild-mannered, knowledgeable, and attentive. He simply made the whole experience for us. Looking forward to our next hike which we think will be in Banff. Thanks for providing us with such great vacations.
— Padma G.
Salkantay was our second trip with WT and was exceptional. Jose’s encyclopaedic knowledge of the Incas turned a truly fantastic hike into a walking history lesson. And of course, all the usual WT trappings like tremendous food, great hospitality and superb company were there in abundance. It won’t be our last trip with WT for sure!
— Lawrence and Sarah B.

Hiking and Backpacking Guide

Kieron C.

Kieron is an all-season outdoor enthusiast. He juggles guiding cat-ski adventures and backcountry ski tours in the winter with leading our llama and backpacking trips in the summer. He spends his personal time hanging out with his bulldog, traveling, and participating in outdoor activities like climbing, rafting, skateboarding and snowboarding.  Kieron has a background in outdoor recreation, a bachelor’s degree in International Studies, a made-up degree in Fun and Safety, and has been working professionally in the outdoor industry for over 8 years. He grew up in rural Oregon and currently resides in the Tetons, where he loves sharing the area with visitors from around the world.


TESTIMONIALS

The trip was well-done. The guides were knowledgeable, fun people. They took great care of us! Food was fantastic. Trip was amazing.
— Curt B.

HIKING AND BACKPACKING GUIDE

Laura C.

Laura grew up in Connecticut, spending the majority of her time racing sailboats, playing street hockey, and climbing trees. Her love for the outdoors has been with her forever, but this passion really began to take root when she moved to northern Utah to pursue a graduate degree in Geology. Once out west, Laura fell deeply in love with the wild landscapes of the Greater Yellowstone Area and southwestern Utah, spending most of her time climbing, backpacking, mountain biking, and backcountry snowboarding. She now resides in Teton Valley, ID with her partner and two doggies. Laura is super grateful for the opportunity to work with llamas in these beautiful areas, and loves to share her passion and knowledge for these areas with guests!


TESTIMONIALS

Incredible trip! The llamas were awesome, Laura was simply phenomenal and the hike itself was perfect. The overall experience left me wanting more and to return for another trip with Wildland ASAP.
— Dave R.
Laura is a fantastic guide. There are really no superlatives that adequately describe her skills. We ate so well thanks to her that I gained a pound. Her knowledge of our surroundings is superb which made for fun and interesting hikes. She also knew where to get those awesome huckleberry milkshakes which were very well received by all of us during the drive back to Jackson. I will be going on another trek and I hope Laura is our guide again.
— Geoff R.
Laura was an amazing guide! She knew so much about the area, was so thoughtful throughout the trip and an awesome chef!!! The llamas were great and I loved listening to Bo tell us about them!
— Bonnie R.

Hiking and Backpacking Guide

Marlo C.

Marlo grew up in the Northeast. In her 20s she began backpacking as a way to connect with her dad and became hooked. Having completed almost all of the Appalachian Trail through New England, Marlo decided annual father/daughter trips were not enough. After working nearly a decade in higher education, she turned to outdoor recreation. A National Outdoor Leadership School alum, she is now a backpacking instructor for the school as well as Marketing Coordinator and guide for Wildland.


TESTIMONIALS

Marlo was exceptional! This was a bucket list experience for me, and my first time as well. Even though it was challenging (but not too far out of my comfort zone) I loved it and will cherish every moment. Marlo always had a smiling face, was kind, positive, and encouraging. The meals she made were first rate, and superb! Her backpacking knowledge was incredible, including the history of the area we trekked. I would definitely book another trip adventure through Wildland Trekking, but would ask which trips she's scheduled for and intentionally pick one of those. ;) Thank you, Marlo! My overall experience was phenomenal because of you!
— Jen K.
Marlo is an excellent guide. She is a caring ,well organized and very knowledgable young lady. We were privileged with her two time already just this year. We had a great camping time at Joshua Tree national park.
— Cindy Z.
Marlo was phenomenal, overall best guide ever. The trip was amazing. I will definitely be using you all again for my next backpacking adventure!
— Amanda C.
Your Guide Marlo did absolutely amazing. She was delt with many obstacles and other hikers having a hard time. She was extremely considerate of everyone's needs and did what it took to meet those needs. Her meals were amazing! I would definitely hike with Marlo again.
— Carl F.
MARLO! She is the bomb. From the first moment we met her I knew that we had the BEST! She was a wealth of knowledge on the history of the area. She never was without a smile and was always willing to help capture that perfect photo. She even granted a special request for a campfire with SMORES at the last minute. Is there anything she can’t do?
— Katherine L.

HIKING AND BACKPACKING GUIDE

Matt C.

Matt grew up primitive camping with his brothers in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. They found a love for nature and adventure while building huts, fishing, foraging and sleeping in the pine needles around a fire. His later expeditions have taken him 1,000 miles to the Canadian arctic in a canoe over 64 days on a route he pioneered, to the summits of two 8,000 meter peaks, 277 miles through the Grand Canyon, and on long hitchhiking trips through New Zealand, Australia, The US and the British Isles. While he has guided professionally on the Colorado Plateau, The Basin & Range and The Mojave, The Sierra Nevada is his favorite. An ex Wilderness EMT and a shameless high-fiver, Matt loves his job.


TESTIMONIALS

WT was way more responsive than any other guide company I called - that's why I chose you! Matt C was off the charts - great conversationalist, knowledge of area and history behind every rock was impressive and entertaining. He consistently displayed a willingness to help and was keenly aware of us as hikers without smothering us. Perfect mix. Prince of a guide!
— Tim R.
Matt was fantastic. Great personality and knowledge of the canyon. He made the hike everything we expected it to be. I would definitely recommend Wildland Trekking.
— Jimm B.

Hiking and Backpacking Guide

Max C.

Max was born and raised in Ohio and began exploring the local forests as a young boy scout. An outdoor guide since 2019; Max led hiking, canoeing, and skiing trips across North America before settling into work as a hiking and backpacking guide. In between personal adventures, he earned a bachelor’s degree in business management from Western Governors University as well as certifications in wilderness medicine, outdoor ethics, mountain safety, and swiftwater rescue. When not leading Wildland Trekking trips, he shares the joys and lessons of outdoor adventure with middle and high school students while leading outdoor education programs; and enjoys personal skiing, rock climbing, and whitewater canoe trips.

Hiking and Backpacking Guide

Michael C.

Michael spent his childhood camping, hiking, and exploring the great state of Arizona with his family. After leaving Phoenix in 2014, Michael attended Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff and graduated with a degree in Parks and Recreation Management. With a growing passion to travel, he began exploring other states such as Alaska, Oregon, Tennessee, and California. While living in these places, Michael worked seasonally as a backpacking guide. Yosemite National Park and Grand Canyon National Park are two places that have made the most impact on Michael, as they are both incredibly unique and beautiful areas. Michael thoroughly enjoys being outside and always finds himself either hiking, backpacking, or mountain biking!


TESTIMONIALS

Michael was an excellent guide, with a huge amount of experience and knowledge of the canyon. Also, January was a perfect time of year to go, practically no crowds and actually ideal weather for hiking. Highly recommend Wildland and their entire crew!
— Paul B.
Michael was a great guide, and an excellent cook. The experience was awesome. I’ll be looking at future treks with Wildland.
— Pat G.
The trip was amazing and Michael was so professional, and personable. He is a great cook as our meals were so good. Tamara was also so helpful and interesting! The trip was one of the most memorable of my life!
— Lori R.
Michael was the consummate professional and a gentleman and a scholar. He knew the appropriate balance between having fun, entertaining us and providing for all our needs.
— Beth C.

HIKING AND BACKPACKING GUIDE

Mike C.

Mike grew up skiing and running in New Hampshire, and took up rock climbing as an adult.  On a road trip to the desert Southwest he discovered his truest passion – hiking. Only four months later he was thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail and discovering what it means to be an ultra-endurance athlete. With a renewed sense of adventure, he has since cycled across the country, thru-hiked the Pacific Crest Trail in only 2.5 months, and worked as a bike messenger in Austin, TX.  In addition to guiding for Wildland he is currently training to break the “Fastest Known Time” record on one of America’s long trails.


TESTIMONIALS

Everything about this trip was perfect. Mike Curtin was TOP NOTCH. Very happy with my experience -- I'll be back for another trip as soon as I can!!
— Annette D.
Bravo to the company AND our guide, Mike! Air quality forced last-minute changes to our itinerary and campsite, and you all saved this trip for us! We got into the high country and had the best time. Mike really needs to be commended for his knowledge, hospitality, and cooking skills. He is such an asset to Wildland Trekking. Yosemite was beautiful, gear was top-notch (great mattresses!), daily hikes were just right, and we were very well-fed. I will book with your company again, definitely.
— Beth S.
An amazing week in the majestic canyon of the Tuolumne River. Our guide, Mike, did an amazing job to lead us and was very thoughtful in helping make the trip more meaningful. The week was a needed break to clear the mind and there is no better place to do that than the quiet high Sierra or Yosemite. Thanks for another great trek!
— Allison B.
Mike Curtain was excellent! He was incredibly knowledgeable and charismatic. Food was amazing. The equipment was in great condition as well.
— Tricia P.

HIKING AND BACKPACKING GUIDE

Samantha C.

Born in Colorado and raised in central California, Samantha earned a Bachelors of Science degree in Education with an emphasis in Recreation from Chicago State University. She also received her Masters degree in Recreation Resource Administration from Southern Illinois University, and is a Leave No Trace Master Educator. Along the way, Samantha has designed and facilitated numerous recreation programs in a variety of settings. Early on, she knew she had a knack for working with diverse populations in the outdoors, and has realized this goal through her work as a guide for hiking trips in the desert of Utah. Living intentionally and doing everything with a meaningful purpose is how Samantha lives her life. In her spare time, she loves rock climbing, swimming, backcountry baking, and exploring Southwestern Utah


TESTIMONIALS

It was an awesome adventure and Samantha did an excellent job guiding us. We had such a blast. Wildland is top notch. Food was out of this world good, not what we expected backpacking it was real food!! Thanks Samantha for taking care of us. We are looking forward to our next adventure with wildland trekking soon!! Good Customer Service and preparation info before we went. Thank you!
— Becky H.
Our Zion In A Day private tour was a perfect choice because our awesome guide was able to tailor our tour to the abilities and interests of a preteen. Samantha obviously loves her job and loves helping others appreciate every detail about the park. Highly recommend for families!
— Kimberly R.
Our guide was phenomenal for the entire duration of the trip. She was full of information, fun, and professionalism. She exceeded our expectations to the fullest with meals filled with choices, color, and nutrition as well as restaurant choices that far exceeded our imagination. She was filled with humor and tended to our every need whether it was encouragement or medical attention. Honestly, it became a joke of what Samantha would pull out of her pack next. The cherry on top was the sunrise view at Bryce Canyon where she brought coffee to french press, hot tea, and cocoa. We even paired our box of chocolates from Stone Hearth Grill with the drinks. I would recommend Wildland Trekking Company to anyone interested in a hiking trip the company offers and specifically Samantha Cooke as a guide.
— Emily Sue G.
Samantha Cooke was an excellent guide! She made our trip enjoyable in so many ways, it is hard to put it all in an e-mail. A few highlights include: -Samantha provided excellent service with a great disposition and positive demeanor; -Samantha anticipated every possible situation and was prepared for everything; -Samantha made a hiking trip seem like a luxury vacation by providing amenities we never expected; and -The quality of the lunches she prepared and restaurant selections were beyond our expectations; We would highly recommend Samantha to others and will definitely request her as our guide on any future trips! Samantha Cooke and Wildland Treking made a hiking trip seem like a luxury vacation! The service, food and amenities were excellent.
— Noel S.

Hiking and Backpacking Guide

Stephen C.

Born and raised in Florida, Stephen discovered the outdoors through obtaining the rank of Eagle through the Boy Scouts. The outdoors introduced him to Lady Adventure and he fell in love immediately. Lady Adventure took him to the ocean and taught him to go with the flow through surfing. When it came time to leave Florida, Stephen chased Lady Adventure out West. The deserts of Arizona taught him the meaning of wilderness and what it is to truly live. When not guiding guests in the wilderness, Stephen can be found climbing sandstone formations in Sedona, boating the Verde, backpacking the Grand Canyon and inquisitively exploring the world around him with his wife and daughter. His goal is to have a BESTDAYEVER every day.


TESTIMONIALS

Stephen made our trips so much fun and enjoyable. He was full of a wealth of knowledge and did everything to make us enjoy the trip as much as possible. He listened to both of us and was able to make the trip incredible for us.
— Rachel J.
Wildland Trekking was top-notch from start to finish! From navigating the challenging Grand Canyon backcountry permit process to sending information to help us get ready, our pre-trek information was terrific. And the trip itself--WOW! Stephen was an outstanding guide, full of information on the geology, history, and culture of the Grand Canyon. He brought such a positive energy and love for the Canyon to the adventure, and prepared amazing food, too!
— Kimberly C.
Our guide Stephen was absolutely astounding. Knowledgeable, accommodating and funny. He couldn't have been better.
— David L.
Our guide, Stephen Sharbono, was simply fantastic. His enthusiasm, concern for the group, and knowledge of all things tied to the Grand Canyon, exceeded my wildest expectations. I could not imagine a better guide than Stephen. Simply put, he was the best. Fantastic cook, tremendous leader, conscientious … just a few words that describe Stephen.
— Ted M.
Steven was an amazing guide. He was knowledge, on time and provide great guidance. My husband needed some extra help in the way back up and Steven was very encouraging and helpful. We will definitely be leaning on Wildland Trekking for future trips
— April D.

HIKING AND BACKPACKING GUIDE

Tiffany C.

Tiffany Cooper grew up in Mississippi where she started camping at an early age with her grand parents. Her love of the outdoors was born from weekend getaways to lakes and forests in the area where she grew up. In 1999 she graduated from Mississippi State with a Bachelor’s degree in Fitness management. After college she moved to Montana, where she was all about hiking and exploring Montana and Wyoming for over 2 years. It was in 2002 however that her life was forever changed – she moved to Arizona and started hiking the Grand Canyon and the Colorado Plateau. “I fell in love with the Canyon and do not think I can leave. I have been guiding in the Grand Canyon and the Colorado Plateau now for more than 8 years {since 2004} and see no end in sight!”


TESTIMONIALS

This trip far exceeded any of our expectations! Thank you Wildland Trekking and a heartfelt thanks to our guide Tiffany. We couldn't have done this without you!
— Dave and Debbie Wiens
Fantastic guide, food, & overall performance! Way better then I would have ever imagined! Tiffany ROCKED!!!
— Mary Schardt
"I thoroughly enjoyed the hike and would recommend Wildland Trekking. Tiffany was awesome! A wonderful blend of friendliness and professionalism. An experience I shall never forget.
— Roger Carter
I am so glad that I chose to take a guided tour of the Grand Canyon. Everyone was very enthusiastic and genuinely loved their work, which inspired my enthusiasm and made my trip awesome from the get-go. My guide was a wealth of knowledge and made the trip that much more amazing with all the information on the Grand Canyon--not just the history and geology, but little nooks and crannies that were fun to check out. Tiffany was also an amazing cook and did a great job working with my gluten sensitivity and making tasty dishes that were healthy.
— Joylyn Bopp

HIKING AND BACKPACKING GUIDE

Zach C.

Zach got his start hiking and climbing in the Green Mountains of Vermont, and studied civil engineering in the Adirondacks. After getting his degree, Zach went on to live and work seven years in the Indian Himalayas, teaching math and outdoor education at an international boarding school. He met his wife on a trek in Nepal and moved to China for two years before returning to the US to pursue a career in guiding and outdoor education.

Zach loves exploring new places and sharing the excitement of discovery with students and clients. In addition to backpacking, he is an experienced rock climber and mountaineer and has completed courses with NOLS, The American Alpine Institute, Nehru Institute of Mountaineering, and the AMGA.

When not exploring the outdoors, Zach is an avid baker and cook specializing pizzas and sourdough bread.


TESTIMONIALS

Trip was organized and executed seamlessly. Zach was an amazing guide. Our group meshed together really well. The gear we used was nice. Would definitely be open to another trip with Wildland Trekking.
— Eileen H.
Thank you! Thank you! From the very first email and phone call, all went perfectly well. Everyone I spoke to was more than accommodating. Our guide, Zack, was so knowledgeable, friendly, and patient with everyone in our group. I would book another tour with Wildlandtrekking in a heartbeat! And will be planning another trip soon. Amazing!
— Kathleen G.
The trip was amazing! Countless memories were made. Everything from the hiking equipment and food was outstanding. Not only was guide a great. cook given the circumstances, I also learned so much knowledge about the canyon. Couldn’t ask for a better trip!
— Haley S.
We absolutely loved our trip! Zach was knowledgeable, supportive, fun, and a great cook! Can’t wait to go on our next trip!
— Joshua H.

HIKING AND BACKPACKING GUIDE

Brittney D.

Brittney grew up in Tallahassee, Florida. With a degree in Psychology her early career was as a part of a clinical anxiety research team. It just took one backpacking trip in Yosemite, however, to inspire her to leave the cubicle world behind. Soon after, she was guiding for a wilderness therapy company in Utah. For two years she lived in Australia, leading teenagers on outdoor education backpacking expeditions. Her travels have mostly been through a hiking lens, having backpacked in Central America, Africa, Scandinavia, Spain, throughout southern Australia, and across much of the American west including a thru-hike of the Pacific Crest Trail. When she’s not on trail you might catch her wood carving, slack-lining, or whipping up a new recipe. Britt wants to share the magic of the wild! From dips in the alpine lakes of the Sierra Nevada to exploring deep slot canyons in southern Utah, her goal is for her guests to leave the wilderness as inspired as she was on her first trip.


TESTIMONIALS

Our guide Britt is amazing!! We enjoyed her company and her knowledge of wildlife and Yosemite. We learned a lot about Yosemite from her. She provided us with the best meals, way more elaborate and delicious than we expected! She was very sure of the trail and we felt confident following her. She was quick to point out interesting things on our hike and enlighten us with informative stories. We would highly recommend her and would book with her again and again!
— Jenna C.
Brittney was an outstanding guide who had a genuine and deep connection to Yosemite and a great ability to read and work with the group dynamic. She handled the changed itinerary due to snow, the busyness of the park etc. with wonderful flexibility and our group had an awesome time despite the challenges. Also, I appreciated that she put a lot of thought and care into accommodating my dietary needs.
— Stacy N.
Brittney wa an amazing guide! She was easygoing and extremely competent. She put everyone in the group at ease, even in situations where some members were worried (heights, tarantulas...). She was also a great cook and I was blown away by the food (sushi in the middle of nowhere, Utah?). Really really enjoyed each hike we did over the course of the trip, particularly Phipp's Arch and the Peek-a-Boo/Spooky canyons.
— Zoe H.
Amazing Yosemite trip! Fantastic guide who was informative, fun, accommodating, interesting, and a great communicator before, during, and after. Definitely planning on more Wildland trips in the future.
— Nicole W.

HIKING AND BACKPACKING GUIDE

Casey D.

Casey grew up in California’s Wine Country, but found a passion for adventure that was seeded early on during his family trips to ski at Lake Tahoe and explore the Pacific Coast. He graduated from Sierra Nevada College with a bachelor’s degree in Global Management and Outdoor Leadership. Since then Casey has been fairly nomadic, wandering around the American West as well as exploring numerous countries in Asia, Central America and New Zealand to ski, backpack, surf, climb, raft and scuba dive. Casey is a Wilderness First Responder, backcountry cooking aficionado and values a well-placed dad joke. He has guided rivers in the red rock desert of Utah and still guides rafting trips on the Salmon River in Idaho. When he is not traveling Casey has made his base camp in Driggs, Idaho living in the custom van he built. He is grateful for the chance to share his passion for the outdoors while exploring the Greater Yellowstone area on Wildland Trekking trips.


TESTIMONIALS

Casey D was the most awesome guide ever. He was so conscientious of the whole groups needs & well being. His meals were the best...beyond my wildest dream. So carefully thought out and appreciated good fresh food. He was amazing on the trail, packing such amazing lunches that he prepared on the spot. He was so knowledgeable of the area. So enthusiastic (especially after just coming off a recent big trip). I couldn't have had a better experience. You're very fortunate to have Casey as an employee.
— Lucy W.
Casey was an AMAZING guide!! He was supportive of the group and prepared fantastic meals. The hikes were great with incredible scenery and we were fortunate to see bison, elk and wolves along with trumpeter swans & so many birds. It was a delightful experience!
— Dianne R.
Fantastic! Lloved the Llamas and Casey!
— Tom H.
Casey is an awesome guide. He kept a good attitude and smiled no matter what. He has a great sense of humor and a great head on his shoulders when things don't go quite right. I would completely trust him with another trip.
— MaryAnn T.

HIKING AND BACKPACKING GUIDE

Jennie D.

Hailing from rural Massachusetts, Jennie grew up exploring the woods in her backyard. These early experiences launched her into her career as a tour guide. She hiked, camped and led visitors from all over the world across Northern and Central America, from the salmon runs of Alaska to the blue waters of the Caribbean. Then, she took her adventures further afield, guiding intrepid travelers on three continents. Now she’s thrilled to return to one of her first outdoor loves, hiking the Colorado Plateau, where river-carved canyons and upended rock layers tell the story of distant geological upheavals.


TESTIMONIALS

Jennie was a great guide: prepared, fun, and informative. She also made sure we at very well from yummy trail lunches to restaurant choices.
— Marin W.
Jennie was an awesome guide. Because of the weather we had to make some changes to our itinerary and she was so knowledgeable as to what the best options would be. She went above and beyond what she needed to do to make sure everyone was having a great time. I would love another trip with Jennie as the guide.
— Martha F.
guides were excellent; jennie took great care of us and was a great help to us on the slot canyon hike (more techncial than other hikes)
— Jeff A.
This was a great trip and Jennie was total awesome. I would definitely book another trip with her. Loved every minutes of the trip and dad it had to end. The small group was very much appreciated.
— Vincent M.

Hiking and Backpacking Guide

Morgan D.

Morgan grew up in Dallas, TX and lived in a home with a network of trails right in her backyard. Her love of the outdoors and the joy that comes with pushing limits and spending full days outside was born on the simple trails near Austin, TX where she attended college. She received her Bachelors of Music from the University of Texas at Austin, specializing in Choral Music Education. Her journey into the outdoors was a bit less conventional, as she worked as an elementary music teacher for 5 years, escaping to the mountains in the summers to hike long trails such as the Colorado Trail, the Tahoe Rim Trail, the Oregon Coast Trail, the Wonderland Trail, and parts of the Yosemite High Route. Eventually, the call of the outdoors became so strong that she left her teaching career in pursuit of a career working with and inspiring others in the outdoors. She loves singing, yoga, playing with her dog, meditation, reading, and of course, backpacking!

Hiking and Backpacking Guide

Emily E.

Emily grew up in Boston, MA where she fell in love with the outdoors hiking in the White and Green Mountains of New England. She earned her Bachelors of Fine Arts in Acting at Boston University where she spent her junior year studying abroad in the Tuscan hills of Italy. After college she lived in South Africa volunteering at a wildlife sanctuary and taking care of lions, elephants, and various other wild animals. From there she moved back to Boston to work as an actor and teaching artist. After the pandemic shut down all the theaters, Emily decided to hike the Long Trail from Canada to Massachusetts. This inspired her to get her Wilderness First Responder Certification and turn her passion for the outdoors into a career. From there she started working at Voyageur Outward Bound School in Minnesota as an instructor leading backpacking and canoe trips in the summer and dog sledding and cross country ski expeditions in the winter. She now splits her time working for Wildland in the warmer months and Outward Bound in the winter. When not working Emily can be found running, ski-joring, rock climbing, or cuddling sled dogs.

HIKING AND BACKPACKING GUIDE

Jacob E.

Jacob grew up surrounded by concrete in Phoenix, Arizona, always yearning for forests, rivers, and mountains. Soon he moved to Flagstaff, Arizona to attend Northern Arizona University and spent as much time as he could wandering the woods. After completing a B.S. in Environmental Studies, Jacob pursued his childhood dream of becoming a firefighter. He worked as a wildland firefighter in the summers and for a Fire & EMS agency during the off season. After chasing fire, Jacob obtained a Masters in Sustainable Communities and found his calling in taking people outside. In addition to scholarly pursuits, Jacob is trained as a Wilderness Emergency Medical Technician. Recently, Jacob relocated to Asheville North Carolina to continue to tend his calling in helping others find deep connection with nature. He is often found backpacking, whitewater kayaking, mountain biking, gardening, bird watching, tracking, and bow hunting.


TESTIMONIALS

Both the trip and Jacob were excellent! Jacob is very friendly/positive, helpful, knowledgeable, etc. He added nice little touches to the trip (such as bringing hot chocolate to our tent every morning and singing "Happy Birthday" to me on my birthday), which really meant a lot. The trip was GREAT! I loved all the water aspects to the trip - camping along a stream, hiking along and across streams, etc. I loved being around so much water. A huge thanks to Jacob for making it an amazing adventure!
— Christie K.
Jacob was a wonderful guide. Not only was he focused on giving us a great experience, but he told awesome stories along the way too! Above and beyond!!!
— Heather C.
I enjoyed the whole hiking and camping experience, but it's Jacob that made it awesome. He's unflapable, well prepared and good company.
— David H.
I can’t imagine a more knowledgeable, professional and fun guide than Jacob.
— Lenny N.

Hiking and Backpacking Guide

Seth E.

Meet our exceptional hiking and backpacking guide, Seth,  whose love for the outdoors runs deep. Growing up near the breathtaking mountains of Salt Lake City, he has an innate understanding of the beauty and power of nature. During the summer months, he leads unforgettable trips through the majestic mountain ranges, while in the winter, he enjoys exploring the stunning canyons and deserts of Southern Utah. With a passion for travel and a deep appreciation for the natural world, he embodies the spirit of adventure. As a wilderness first responder, his top priority is ensuring your safety and well-being on every excursion. In his free time, he indulges in rock climbing, canyoneering, hiking, and embracing a healthy lifestyle through movement. Not only is Seth a skilled guide, he also dedicates time to mastering the art of Brazilian jiu jitsu and teaching self-defense. Join him on a remarkable journey, where you’ll experience the wonders of nature, learn new skills, and forge unforgettable memories with an exceptional guide.

Hiking and Backpacking Guide

Alex F.

Alex grew up in Western Washington at the tail end of the 20th century. From a young age he delved into hiking, cycling, fishing, climbing and working on old cars. After studying Music Therapy at Marylhurst University in Portland he set out to explore more mountain ranges throughout the world. He worked as a backpacking and mountaineering guide for youth in Wyoming, Washington, and Colorado as well as many personal trips over to the French and Swiss alps. In 2017 Alex worked as a climbing ranger for the North Cascades National Park and since then he has spent a month each season in either the Cascades, Olympics or Rockies recreating. Alex works currently as a music therapist in oncology. When he isn’t in the thick of civilization, he is out playing on one of our many volcanoes.


TESTIMONIALS

Our guide Alex, did amazing job and we had so much fun. Will definitely do another trip with him.
— Michael T.
Alex was a great guide and enjoyed neeting some new friends/ sharing life experiences.
— Chris Z.
Really enjoyed this trip- especially the opportunities to swim along the way in Ross & Hozameen lakes. Alex was a wonderful guide- friendly, helpful, fun to be around & wore his vast expertise lightly. Speedboating back up the lake on the last day we got a view from the water & a whole other perspective on the trek we'd just completed- exhilarating!
— Christine G.

HIKING AND BACKPACKING GUIDE

Darrek F.

Recently returned to his childhood home, Darrek resides amidst the evergreens in Washington State, where he often explores his local Cascade Mountains and abundant surrounding national forests. His appreciation for the outdoors was developed in his formative adolescent years in the Rocky Mountains of Montana, where his love for backpacking and mountaineering began in ernest. He has spent much of his adult life working seasonally in the US national parks, with many fine and scenic places becoming his own backyard for a time. Eventually the love for the outdoors led him to tour-guiding and showing off the nation’s natural wonders to people from across the globe. When he isn’t working, he enjoys snowboarding in the winter, floating along rivers in the summer, and kicking back with a good book in his hammock whenever he can find the time.


TESTIMONIALS

Darrek was an incredible guide! Knowledgeable, patient, competent and an excellent cook! I'm already looking forward to my next hike!
— Chrisi C.
Darrek was an amazing guide. He was so good with managing our group and the different needs of each person. The weather and the hikes were perfect, but it was Darrek that made the trip A+ for me.
— Brian O.
This is my 3rd trip with Wildland, and as always, the service was excellent. Although I have my own gear, I always use the provided gear on my trips with Wildland because it is of such high quality and brand name. I know it will work well in the back country. Also, the quality of the food was amazing and it was obvious that Darrek had put much time and effort into planning our trip’s menu. Every meal was fresh and delicious; I took notes on what he served in hopes of improving my own camping meal experience. At the end of the trip we had an unforecasted 7 hour delay of pickup - in the rain - and Darrek ensured we were warm, full and still in high spirits. In a situation where he had little control, he ensured we were still taken care of. Overall the trip was excellent and I will be a return customer for a 4th trip some time in the future.
— Jody H.
Fantastic trip! Stunning scenery, great food & a good group to hike with. Darrek was a tremendous guide! Can’t wait for the next trip!
— Jessica H.

Hiking and Backpacking Guide

Jane F.

Jane is an outdoor adventurer, enthusiastically learning from and connecting to the natural world. She grew up hiking and trail running on the east coast in Virginia and New Hampshire. She then earned a BA in PoliSci from San Diego State, calling Southern California her home for 8 years. Jane has also spent time in India and on Maui cultivating her yoga and meditation practice, as well as leading a country wide trip in India. Jane currently lives in Colorado. She has 450+ days as a wilderness therapy guide in the Utah canyons and Colorado mountains. From these years, she’s gained in-depth knowledge and understanding of these environments as well as interpersonal communication and leadership skills. She has hiked the Washington state section of the Pacific Crest Trail and guided wilderness trips along the Sierras section in CA. Her favorite backpacking trip is in the Maroon Bells/ Snowmass Wilderness Area of Colorado. Her strengths include patience, resourcefulness and physical/ mental endurance. She encourages people to experience the full spectrum of their emotions as they come, and to cultivate gratitude and curiosity. She especially loves to invite creativity and catharsis through bush-crafting, writing and dance. In her free time, she enjoys community meals, documentaries, ultra-marathons and Black Rock City.

Appalachian Program Manager

Kyle F.

Kyle Felts grew up in Virginia in the Blue Ridge Mountains and developed a love for the outdoors on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Appalachian Trail, and James River. He graduated from The Golf Academy of America in 2012 and worked in the golf industry for several years before leaving to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail in 2014. After completing the thru hike, he realized how passionate he was about backpacking. In 2016 he traveled to the Pacific Northwest exploring several national parks and wilderness areas. He has now settled down in Asheville to guide in the Great Smoky Mountains.


TESTIMONIALS

This was an experience of a life time, I will be back for more hikes and now plan to hike the entire AT some day. We spent 6 days in the back woods and walked three days on the AT with a fabulous guide, Kyle. He cooked us gourmet meals and helped to take care of us the whole trip. Had great campfire conversations and learned a lot about the woods, the AT, and mother nature. Met many people along the trail and they were all very nice. We were lucky enough to see a momma bear and her two cubs as well. Would recommend the Wildland Trekking Company to anyone.
— Rick L.
Kyle is really good at his job. He was very understanding, patient with all the questions and listened to everybody's stories, etc. He managed a diverse group very well. I didn't realize how much stuff he had to carry - he was a sherpa. He made it a great experience. Keep him happy and keep giving him more opportunity. He is good. Thanks. This exceeded our expectations for the trip.
— Jim B.
Kyle and my fellow travelers were the best. I am forever grateful for their companionship and good cheer.
— Diana O.
"We had a fantastic time - Chris and Kyle were a super guides. They certainly didn't let adverse weather conditions change their positive attitudes! Wouldn't have changed a thing about our trip.
— Jeanne S.

Hiking and Backpacking Guide

Phillip F.

Phillip grew up running around the beautiful hills and forests of the Driftless Region in Northeast Iowa. The abundant rivers, and naturally reproducing trout streams near his home helped shape Phillip’s love for nature.  At the age of 19, Phillip set his sights to the high desert mountain region of Arizona where he continued to fall in love with the wild places of North America.  Phillip’s professional guiding and teaching career has sent him to areas throughout the Rocky Mountains, where his outdoor experience and love for flora and fauna help him connect with guests. Phillip takes pride in providing an experience filled with joy and fun which empowers his company to be comfortable while being immersed in nature.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hiking and Backpacking Guide

Amanda G.

Amanda was born and raised outside of Chicago, Illinois. She spent most of her time outside growing up. For college, she attended Appalachian State for Elementary Education and Sustainable Development. It was there that she fell in love with the lush green forests and abundance of water in the Appalachian mountains. She began exploring the area through backpacking, mountain biking, rock climbing, and floating down rivers in tubes. Since then, she has led backpacking trips in Colorado, California, and Utah. Her love for the Appalachian woods pulled her back across the country to hike the Appalachian Trail in 2021. She loves to share her love for the outdoors with others!


TESTIMONIALS

Amanda was fantastic. She made sure that we were safe, had fun and ate excellent food. Amanda went out of the way to cook taste meals and cater to all our dietary needs. Amanda is personable, knowledgeable and experienced. We enjoyed her tremendously.
— Sandra G.
As a first time backpacker this trip was perfect for me. The amount of mileage, the spectacular views from Gregory Bald, and the campsites were particularly pleasing. Our guide, Amanda, was clearly very experienced and I learned much from her. I highly recommend Wildland Trekking and will definitely travel with them again.
— Jamie S.
Amanda was a great guide! She was so knowledgeable but also honest, fun and flexible. I would highly recommend her as a guide!
— Renee P.
Amanda is just an amazing guide! She's knowledgeable and is a great cook!
— Emily B.
Amanda is a wonderful and knowledgeable guide. She has a contagious laugh and a great attitude about life and trekking. She took her role as guide very seriously and is incredibly capable!
— Daniela M.

Hiking and Backpacking Guide

Anna G.

Although Anna was born and raised in Washington, D.C., she comes from a large California family and spent most summers of her life exploring her beloved Sierra Nevada. Between lots of childhood hiking to alpine lakes and a few formative years at a nature awareness camp in West Virginia, she developed a passion for wild and beautiful places, outdoor adventure and conservation. After graduating from Harvard University in 2007 with a degree in Visual and Environmental Studies, Anna was burning for adventure so she set off for a “stint” of traveling and seasonal work. That stint turned into a life of exploring and teaching in the great outdoors, including expeditions on desert rivers, backpacking trips in the mountains, and snorkeling and sea kayaking around various islands. In 2019, she completed a master’s degree in Community and Regional Planning at the University of Oregon, a wonderful program that allowed her to study such diverse topics as bicycle infrastructure, sustainable materials management and public lands stewardship. Passionate about sustainable living, she has studied, resided in and helped build a number of natural buildings and eco-communities. While not out exploring, Anna spends time working on homestead projects and cultivating community at her lavender farm in Eugene, OR.

Cordillera Huayhuash Guide

Heimer G.

Heimer has worked as a professional trekking guide for more than a decade. He comes from a small village near Huaraz, Peru – located at the foot of the Cordillera Blanca range. He trained at the Casa de Guias (House of Guides) professional training center. He is trilingual, speaking Spanish, English, and Quechua. He is passionate about inviting people into his home country and sharing his knowledge and love of the beautiful Cordillera.

HIKING AND BACKPACKING GUIDE

Jen G.

Jen was born and raised near Birmingham, Alabama and earned a Bachelor of Science degree with honors in Kinesiology from Auburn University.  Her love of hiking and camping started at 17 with a spontaneous 65-mile, 7-day hike in the mountains near Cimarron, NM.  Before college she interned for an outfitter where her outdoor passions grew deeper as she discovered rappelling and climbing.  Following her freshman year of college, she spent the summer in Africa (which included living on an island and summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro).  Most of her college breaks were spent hiking and backpacking.  Immediately after college, she thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail (2200 miles) in 138 days.  Although her work as a DCA-based flight attendant for American Airlines soon carried her to many countries and opportunities for other experiences, her desire to be outdoors prevailed. She continued to add more miles to her long-distance backpacking list by completing the Colorado Trail and a thousand miles of the Continental Divide Trail. Jen lived in Montana for a couple of years where she worked at REI and a gym as a certified personal trainer. Most recently she worked as a wilderness therapy guide in Vermont.  In addition to hiking and backpacking, she also dabbles in: skiing, mountaineering, scuba-diving, and surfing. You can find Jen in her travel trailer headed for her next adventure.


TESTIMONIALS

Jen was a great guide! Very knowledgeable about hiking and backpacking. She has such a great personality. She did everything to accommodate all of us - diet restrictions, hiking desires, and special requests. She planned everything carefully and meticulously and always kept us advised. She was fun and really made the trip great!!!
— Annette L.
The services by Jen were excellent. Her menus were well planned with variety and skill. She also paid attention to safety protocols. Myself and feedback from the group rates her 5 stars.
— Linda F.
It was our first trip to the Grand Canyon and first experience with Wildland Trekking. We had a great time. Our guide was Jen Giddens and she was nothing less than awesome. Her expertise and knowledge was top notch. Outdoor experience trips seem to take on a personality of there own. Jen did an amazing job of keeping the group motivated, made our time pleasurable and left us with an experience we'll carry forever. Jen's food menu was excellent, breakfast, lunch and dinners were the best! We are looking forward to going on another Wildland trip.
— Ray H.
Jen was amazing! Great guide, inspired confidence, made it fun!
— Ashlie N.
ur guide made this trip fantastic. She is knowledgeable, kind, and had our safety as her top priority. I did more than I thought I could do. She gave us the opportunity to have input about each hike. Our meals were delicious. We all worked together as a team. I would definitely hike with Jen again. Great memories made and I look forward to another adventure
— Kathryn P.
Wildland Trekking guide Mark G.

Hiking and Backpacking Guide

Mark G.

Mark grew up in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains where he spent his free time scampering about the pines with his friends and family. On a trip with his parents to look at colleges in Arizona he took his first step into the Grand Canyon and was instantly captivated. After receiving a degree in Environmental Studies and Anthropology from Northern Arizona University Mark took some time to hike the Pacific Crest Trail. This Journey from Canada to Mexico is what truly sparked Mark’s desire to share the outdoors with others. It wasn’t until after teaching middle school math and science for a few years that Mark began guiding rafting trips on the Colorado River and the San Juan river as a side gig. In his free time Mark can be found hanging with his family, exploring new places, seeing live music, playing guitar and mountain biking.

Hiking and Backpacking Guide

Nicholas G.
“Nick grew up in the Sonoran Desert but spent most of his early years finding ways to make it up north to explore the Coconino Forest & Grand Canyon NP. His passion for the outdoors intensified when he went to study at NAU and the forest became his everyday environment. In college, Nick studied business but meant business when it came to being outside. He found his true passion in using outdoor recreation as a tool to better love & care for people. Nick has expanded his explorations to Oregon, California, Utah, & Colorado but always ends up back in Arizona. You’ll find him exploring the sandstones of Sedona, the limestone of Flagstaff, or planning his next climbing trek.”
Wildland Trekking guide Nina G.

Hiking and Backpacking Guide

Nina G.

Nina’s love for the outdoors began in the rolling Appalachians of New England where she learned to hike and ski at a young age. Aside from being out in nature, Nina spent many years working in theater as a director and producer until her relocation to Utah. It was here that her passion for outdoor recreation really blossomed! Nina now spends her winters skiing and ski touring in the Wastach mountains, and working at Deer Valley Resort. In the summers, find her on the crag or on a number of southern Utah backpacking trips. Some of her favorite things include the smell of lavender, a campfire with good friends, and a refreshing dip in a lake. Nina is a certified Wilderness First Responder in addition to being trained in Avalanche Rescue and PADI open water scuba diving.


TESTIMONIALS

Nina is excellent and amazing. She is knowledgeable, patient and capable. She is a great chef. I will rate this trip 6 stars. I would love to go another trip to be led by Nina..certainly must be a base camp trip so I can enjoy the 6 star meals prepared by Nina.
— Lie W.
Nina was simply unbelievable. It was the best hiking trip I have ever taken and she played such a large part in it. I could not possibly have asked for a better experience or a better guide. She is amazing and so good at her job. I would recommend her to family.
— Ryan B.
This was our first guided trip, and we will be back! The sales team answered all my questions with plenty of detail and knowledge of the locations. We spoke with our guide, Nina, prior to the trip. She gave us encouragement and advice regarding the changing weather conditions that we were facing for Zion & Bryce. During our trip, Nina was the perfect guide! She was knowledgeable and personable, organized and flexible, and her trail lunches were amazing. Nina clearly put a lot of planning and research into her job.
— Carla M.
Our guide Nina prepared fresh salads for lunch each day in the desert. What a treat. She was well prepared and knew a lot about the area. It was well worth it to have someone who knew the ins and outs of where to go in Death Valley and to have someone else do the driving especially after the long mountain hike. She never made us feel like old slowpokes. Very professional.
— Lana C.
My son and I loved our 3 Day Zion Base Camp trip! Our guide Nina was so knowledgeable, patient and down to earth. She attended to everyone's needs and made the trip so enjoyable! Her home-cooked meals were absolutely delicious! We would go back for the hiking and the food! We would definitely recommend Wildland Trekking to others.
— Kathleen L.
Wildland Trekking guide Paris G.

Hiking and Backpacking Guide

Paris G.

Growing up in Washington DC, the desire for travel and outdoor exploration took Paris at a young age. From the forests of coastal Maine to the Sierra Nevada mountains, from the Himalayan peaks of India to the thick rainforest of South Africa, Paris put all his energy into planning, funding and executing various trips across the United States and the world. He went to university at SUNY Plattsburgh and Majored in Expeditionary Studies. In his freshman year he enlisted in the New York Army National Guard and served for six years. For the last three years he has lived nomadically, currently in a van that he converted himself. He loves to hike, ski, climb, run and sail, and never misses an opportunity to get outside!


TESTIMONIALS

Paris was a pleasure. Nice guy, outgoing, engaging and positive. Would love to take another trip with him
— Carmen B.
Paris was excellent, very attentive and always made sure we all felt safe. I have learnt a lot about wild life and the area from him.
— Eszter D.
Paris was incredible. We had a wonderful hike. Lunch was terrific, table cloth and all! Paris was fun, knowledgeable and we felt safe to be with him. He represents your company well!! Hats off !
— Steve R.
Paris was a great guide. He was extremely knowledgeable and was great with everyone in our party. Could not give a higher recommendation to him. Fantastic.
— Mike L.
My hike was originally scheduled for Lamar in Yellowstone but had to be changed due to flooding. The staff did a great job in offering other hikes in the south loop of Yellowstone. My guide (Paris) was excellent and very informative about the trail. I will definitely hike with Wildland Trekking again
— Julie M.

Hiking and Backpacking Guide

Sam G.

Sam is originally from central Illinois, he completed a BS in Electronic Arts at Missouri State University and moved to Idaho in 2021. Growing up in the Boy Scouts of America fostered his passion for the wilderness. His professional outdoor experience includes work with the Champaign Parks District, the YMCA, and Bluefire Wilderness Therapy among others. Recreationally he enjoys backpacking, climbing, and skiing. As a guide, Sam takes great pleasure in sharing these activities and the positive impacts they can have with others.

Patagonia Trekking Guide

Andrea H.

Andrea was born and raised in the city of Puerto Natales, Chile and is a descendent of the indigenous peoples of Patagonia. With many ancestors before her closely connected to nature, she inherited a bond with the earth and a desire to explore it. It was along this exploratory path that she began discovering foreign cultures and became fascinated with their languages. In University she studied translation and languages, including English and German. She has worked in the tourism industry in her home town for years as an English-speaking tour guide and has spent time in Germany, Holland, Belgium, France, Luxemburg, Check Republic, Hunger, Spain, Italy and Portugal. Every year, as she gains experience of her homeland and abroad, her thirst for knowledge and new experiences grows. She is extremely grateful for her roots in Patagonia and for the opportunity to share her history and the land where she was raised with each person who comes to Chile in search of an adventure.


TESTIMONIALS

We had the MOST amazing time with Andrea and Karina. They were so friendly, knowledgeable and energetic. We were beyond thrilled with the trip and our group and the guides. Will definitely join another trip in future!
— Roopa S.
Karina and Andrea were spectacular guides. Knowledgeable, fun, organized, and professional. Jhona was also spectacular in helping with all of the post-trip travel complications. The trip was very well-organized and executed. I would do it again in a heart beat
— Kathryn P.
Karina, Jhona and Andrea are terrific. They made this trip special and I hope you are paying them well! They go above and beyond - including managing a COVID outbreak within the group with calm resourcefulness.
— Mark H.
Karina and Andrea were experienced, professional and fun. Concerned with our needs and accommodating. Setting a good pace. We were never rushed or lacking of exceptional personal experiences. Fantastic Torres del Paine. Fantastic trek.
— William B.

Hiking and Backpacking Guide

Brooke H.

Brooke has loved the outdoors since a young age. While growing up she would spend evenings after school playing in the woods behind her house in Indiana and family vacations visiting state and national parks. While attending Belmont University in Nashville, TN, she experienced the invigorating world of backpacking on a trip in the Appalachian Mountains. Since that first trip she was hooked. She has visited 40 National Parks, hiked the Camino de Santiago across Spain, and also worked guiding backpacking trips in the Smoky Mountains. She adores sharing her passion for the wilderness, the National Parks and Forests, local flora/fauna, and conservation with guests. In her spare time she loves spending time with her dog, hanging out on the water in any capacity, practicing yoga, and attending concerts. In addition to guiding, she’s also a Certified Yoga Instructor.

Hiking and Backpacking Guide

Chris H.
Chris Hoge developed a love of backpacking and climbing in the Appalachian Mountains of his home state of Tennessee. After earning a B.A. in Recreation and Tourism Management from the University of Tennessee, he headed West looking for a change of scenery. His quest landed him in Flagstaff, Arizona where the Grand Canyon grabbed firm hold of him, and where he guided Grand Canyon hiking and backpacking trips professionally for more than 5 years. He also migrated north in the summer to lead trips in Yellowstone. Eventually the green mountains and laid back hospitality of his Southern roots drew him back home, where his extensive experience, professionalism, and knowledge of the Appalachians were put to work in the position of Great Smoky Mountains Program Director and Lead Guide. His long held affinity and experience with  international travel and hiking led him to his current position as one of our top guides in the Alps!

TESTIMONIALS

I have told all my friends at work to look at your website if they are planning a trip and looking for a guide service. I was so impressed with Chris and his ability to make us feel at ease, and point out the unique qualities of the area. And he is a very good chef. Loved the food, and all he did to make our trip so enjoyable and memorable.
— Linda O'Connor
Chris was a great guide! It made this adventure as safe and easy as was possible. I have already recommended your company to a friend of mine who wants to do a trip with her son, and will also book future trips of my own through you. Everything was first class!
— Cindy Studebaker
This was an amazing and completely unique experience. The food was awesome beyond our wildest expectations so nutritious and filling. Chris had a great knowledge of the area and knew just how to push us to get the most out of us but knowing when our limits were met. I would recommend your company to anyone as you are skilled and experienced enough to deal with any kind of group on any kind of tour.
— Fiona Godfrey
Chris is a natural and very informative to boot! He made the trip great and he went out of his way to take care of us including carrying some of our load on the last day to make it easier for us! Recommend him highly!
— Julie W.

Hiking and Backpacking Guide

Jessie H.

Jessie grew up playing in the oak forests of Oklahoma. She has tremendous gratitude to her parents for sharing their love of our national parks snd wild places from a young age. After college, Jessie moved to Alaska to work in supply chain management. In Alaska, she discovered the joy of off-trail travel and backcountry skiing, and became enamored with snow science. Her longing to be outside as much as possible and make a positive impact on the world led her to quit her business career after 7 years. Since that time she has relentlessly pursued her dreams and lives by the motto that “life is too short to wish you were doing something else.”

Jessie has worked the last 5 years as an avalanche educator and observer, ski guide, and backpacking/hiking guide across Alaska, Utah, Colorado, California, and Arizona.  She loves sharing the history, geology, culture, and flora and fauna of the wild places she loves so dearly with guests.  She believes by doing so, an adventure through beautiful places becomes much richer and more meaningful. Her other core passion is empowering people through education to be on the sharp end, confidently making decisions whether in avalanche terrain, or navigating and route-finding off-trail.

Jessie is a cactus obsessed desert rat that loves warm sunshine, deep canyons, and wide open spaces, but conversely finds pure joy in skiing blower powder and being in the high alpine. When she isn’t backpacking and skiing, she can be found exploring the wide array of flavors of Mexican cuisine, reading a good book, observing and identifying birds and plants, mountain biking slick rock, or paddling a desert river.


TESTIMONIALS

Sorry to give all 5's, but my whole experience was amazing. I'd love to specifically call out our Guide, Jessie. She was absolutely perfect for our group and for the trip. So far, my experience with Guides has been phenomenal- which is good because I think that a Guide can make or break a trip. Jessie was EXTREMELY knowledgeable about eVerYtHiNg and made everyone feel welcomed and comfortable.
— Bridgette B.
Jessie was super professional, knowledgeable, and totally a joy. She was rad, epic, awesome, and cool all wrapped up in one! Our six person group shrunk to three and it felt as if we had our own personal guide. We loved her and would choose a trip with her as our guide again. She is a true gem!
— Julie O.
Jessie was amazing. Probably the best guide we have ever had.
— Matthew N.
Jessie was an amazing guide! We loved her energy, humor, and deep knowledge about the area and environment. She took us to really great places. We also truly appreciated the Wildland staff making the trip happen despite the very serious fires and smoke.
— James F.
Jessie was an incredible guide. She was extremely knowledgeable about the area. The hikes were great and she was always there for us. She took great care of our group.
— Cristy M.

Hiking and Backpacking Guide

Liz H.

Liz grew up on the coast in Connecticut, spending most of her time on Long Island Sound, where her appreciation for outdoor adventures began. Since graduating from Sewanee: The University of the South, she worked as a naturalist and outdoor educator in Charleston, SC where she guided multi-day sea kayaking and hiking trips throughout the Lowcountry. She decided to trade in her kayak for a backpack and lead multi-day backpacking trips in the Pacific Northwest, Idaho, and North Carolina with students. In her spare time, Liz loves to kayak, listen to live music, snap cool pictures of wildlife, or try anything that gets her out into some fresh air! Liz believes in the power that outdoor experiences can provide in facilitating a positive connection with people and wild places.

HIKING AND BACKPACKING GUIDE

Matt H.

Matt Hergert grew up in Northern California, but has moved around a lot and lived in seven different states. In 2014 he completed an Outward Bound Instructors Course in sea kayaking and mountaineering in Washington. He then moved to Grand Canyon National Park where he was the lead guide for a bicycle tour company, working there for three seasons and traveling in the off-seasons. He has since guided kayak day trips and overnight trips on Lake Yellowstone in Yellowstone National Park, and kayak trips in Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park in New Zealand. Matt has been to 31 National Parks and is a wildlife and landscape photographer.


TESTIMONIALS

This is a trip you don't want to miss! Matt and Michael provided our group of 11, ranging in age from 13 to 69, a marvelous experience: informative, funny, caring, kept us safe and on schedule without rushing. The camp site was comfortable and well kept, the food....high end coffee!!!...plentiful and tasty; fun nights around the campfire. Hot showers available at the end of the day! Each day was an adventure and all paces for hiking honored.
— Cathy C.
Matt and Scott were wonderful guides. This was more first trip with wildland trekking and the guides did a great job keeping a positive group morale. Both are great guys and would like to take a trip with either of them in the future if they switch to a different national park in the future. Looking forward to the next Wildland Trekking trip.
— Sris M.
I can't thank Wildland and our guide, Matt Hergert, enough for a GREAT trip. Every detail was handled; all we had to worry about is having our "personal" stuff. Matt is a very creative camp cook and had a menu that my whole family enjoyed. We were awestruck at the beauty of Yellowstone and were able to enjoy it in solitude through this great hike. When Yellowstone didn't have our attention, Matt kept us entertained with some great stories. It was funny listening to him and my 12 year old son trade corny jokes. My family and I will have a multitude of wonderful memories from our short 4 day trip and we are all grateful to Matt for keeping us fed, entertained and most importantly, safe.
— Sanford R.
Matt (guide) as well as the whole group were excellent company for the the entire trip.
— Robert B.
Wildland trekking guide and blog contributor Quincy Hirt

Hiking and Backpacking Guide

Quincy H.

Quincy grew up in the hustle and bustle of Chicago, but quickly learned the joys of life in nature while spending summers backpacking and canoeing through the Northwoods of Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Michigan. Following years as a student in outdoor education, Quincy grew to be an avid outdoors person and has explored a variety of wild landscapes including Alaska, the Pacific Northwest, Southern Appalachia and the Yellowstone/Teton region.

While a student studying political science at the University of Southern California, Quincy took his passion and made it a profession, beginning to work summers as an outdoor educator for Camp Nebagamon and Adventure Treks. After graduation, he transitioned to full time seasonal work in the industry which led him across the United States and even internationally in Southeast Asia. Outside of guiding, Quincy loves to cook and bake as well a variety of outdoor pursuits including mountaineering, rock climbing, and mountain biking.

HIKING GUIDE

Shayne H.

Shayne Hall grew up in Tucson, Arizona where he found a passion for the outdoors during his first backpacking trip, a solo excursion into the Rincon Mountains. In 1998 he spent 105 days hiking 720 miles from the border of Mexico to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. While passing through the Canyon on this life-changing backpacking journey, he met a hiking guide who sparked his interest. In 2001 he began his guiding career. “I love to see people blown away by the intense beauty of the Canyon. Also seeing friends and families bond during their time in the Canyon is the most rewarding part of my job.”


TESTIMONIALS

Shane!!! He is an amazing guide and person. I felt he and I really clicked. His knowledge of the flora and fauna of the Grand Canyon (and his willingness to share it!) really made the trip awesome for me! His meals are well thought out and top notch. The Ghirardelli mint chocolate quesadilla was a masterpiece!
— Kate Hyatt
Pay Shayne more Money! He is an awesome guide!
— Stella Peters
Our experience with you it’s been awesome, we couldn’t ask for more. And there are lots of reasons but all of them are related to Shayne. WHAT A GREAT PROFESSIONAL AND PERSON HE IS!!! My God, he’s the best!!! He made the whole experience so enjoyable!!! If we had known in advance what we know now, we would have paid the double just to have him!! Everything was wonderful, he took care of us in the best way ever, we ate better than in most restaurants, we learned lots of things in every step of the hike, he would stop and show us this and that, he would answer all our questions, always made sure we had plenty of water, food... always made sure we were ok. We felt SO safe with him! We were amazed by all his knowledge of the environment… he just loves his job and you can tell it and also, his love for the Grand Canyon and all its plants, stones and animals… everything! And above all, he’s such a great person… he seems to know everybody in the Grand Canyon! Rangers, other guides… everybody seemed so fond of him, and no wonder!! The minute we left we already missed him!! We will recommend you to all our friends (we have already) because this experience it’s not to be missed. We are happy beyond words!
— Jordi and Mireia
The custom hike we did with Shayne Hall was nothing short of fantastic! Shayne was extremely knowledgeable about all aspects of the Grand Canyon and our hike was something that my family will never forget. We can't thank you enough for such a memorable experience!
— Julie C.

Hiking Guide

Stuart H.

Stuart first started guiding on the Green River below the Flaming Gorge Reservoir over 30 years ago. After raising a family there, he decided to make Saint George his next stop because of his love for the outdoors. Here he enjoys his favorite warm weather hobbies including mountain biking, hiking, golfing, and fishing. His nickname “Big Stu” was fondly given to him for more than just his stature. His outgoing personality, love for the outdoors, and his passion to share it with others are just a few reasons why “Big Stu” stuck. He looks forward to exploring the red rock desert with future friends.


TESTIMONIALS

Big Stu was a great guide, he brought us plenty of snack options, a great healthy lunch, makings for hot coffee and tea, which was perfect for a rainy, overcast day. He gave us so much great insight on the area and the hike itself.
— Elizabeth D.
Big Stu was amazing to Hike with!
— Autumn K.
Big Stu was an excellent guide! We were able to see so many areas of Zion in a short period. Stu gave us advice for our next few days in Zion as well. He was very personable and his love of the park was obvious! The tour was definitely a highlight of our trip!
— Heidi C.
Wildland Trekking guide Victoria H.

Hiking and Backpacking Guide

Victoria H.

Victoria is a Wyoming native that spent her youth exploring the Tetons and Wind River Range. She went to school at the University of Wyoming where she received her BFA in art and minors in outdoor leadership, environmental resources and art history. Since leaving college she has found her career in coaching while selling art on the side. She has been a youth cross country ski coach for four years and is currently completing her internship to become a professional coach that specialized in functional movement. Being outside and sharing the outdoors with others is where she receives much of her inspiration on how to help people move optimally.

Hiking and Backpacking Guide

Wes H.

Wes was born and raised in Reno, Nevada. He rambled all over the Great Basin Desert in his youth and started his guiding journey in earnest when he realized that he wanted to connect his daughter to wild, unbuilt places. What began as volunteer work grew into an official position leading participants on multi day public lands stewardship projects in all corners of Nevada. Since that time, 15 years ago, he has worked in many capacities in trail-building, environmental stewardship, nonprofit management, and community engagement; he also spent ten of those years in Alaska. This experience honed Wes’ appreciation for his desert birthplace. He is glad to be back to connecting people to unique places and sharing life-changing experiences. When he’s not guiding, other favorite activities include mountain running, local trail building, Nordic skiing, winter fat-tire biking, and watching Vines on YouTube.

HIKING AND BACKPACKING GUIDE

Charles J.

Charles grew up just outside the San Gabriel National Forest, northeast of Los Angeles, where he spent his childhood hiking with the family’s Golden Retrievers. He traveled extensively with his parents stateside and internationally, with an emphasis on the deserts and red rocks of the Southwest. By the time he was 30, he had visited all fifty states and over a dozen countries. This thirst for adventure and new experiences brought him to Norway in the summer of 2009 for a month-long National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) Backpacking and Sea Kayaking program. It was this trip that confirmed his love, appreciation, and need for the outdoors. Music is the other half of his heart. Charles attended Berklee College of Music in Boston, graduating with a Professional Diploma in Professional Music. Charles is a Wilderness First Responder, and will be certified in Avalanche Safety (AIARE 1) in December 2019.  He is an accomplished indoor and outdoor chef. He also enjoys history, hiking with his Husky and off-roading in his 2003 Jeep Rubicon.


TESTIMONIALS

Charles was a terrific guide for our first snowshoeing trip! He managed the challenge of guiding an athletic twenty-something and a less athletic sixty-something around Bear Lake at an altitude of nearly 10,000 feet. Charles was consistently encouraging without being over-protective, and made this a wonderful first experience. And on a later trip, he cooked a delicious trout dinner under a tarp in a mountain rainstorm. Highly recommended as a guide! We will definitely be asking for him as a guide again.
— Margie P.
Charles was our guide and he did a fantastic job. He gave us great commentary about the area and allowed us to explore at our own pace and comfort. He was extremely helpful and we would recommend this trip to anyone else.
— Dan C.
I had an amazing trip! Charles went above and beyond to make sure everyone was safe and comfortable. Looking forward to more trips with Wildland!
— Blake B.
I had an amazing time and Charles was an excellent guide! I will definitely recommend Wildland to people in the future and am looking forward to booking my next adventure!
— Katelyn K.

Hiking and Backpacking Guide

Erin J.

Erin was raised outside of Boulder, Colorado, and grew up hiking, snowshoeing, backpacking, and riding horses in the Rocky Mountains.  After college, she worked a variety of jobs ranging from sales, to non-profit support, to education, and more.  In 2020, Erin finally returned to her love of the outdoors and became an outdoor education instructor on Catalina Island.  She also spent a year working as a field guide for a wilderness therapy program based out of Colorado and Utah.  Erin believes that everyone, regardless of their personal backgrounds, can find a home and a place of learning in the wilderness.  She is passionate about guiding people to have fulfilling experiences in the backcountry while promoting responsible and sustainable recreation in our wild places.


TESTIMONIALS

Erin made our day hike truly exceptional. Her expertise let us just enjoy the experience. Her friendly enthusiasm for nature was contagious.
— Jim M.
Erin was incredible. Knowledgable, patient, kind, & a great cook! The trip was as advertised and everything was taken care of. We will do it again!
— Brady T.
Guide Ian Jones

Hiking and Backpacking Guide

Ian J.

Ian was born in Northwest Indiana, only a few miles south of Lake Michigan. He grew up hunting and fishing with his dad and grandpa and spent a lot of time running around outside. Ian attended Indiana University where he studied Political Science and Adventure Education. While at IU he also lead backpacking trips for the university’s outdoor adventure program. After college, Ian moved to Utah where he began working for a wilderness therapy program for adolescent males. This experience solidified his desire to have meaningful experiences while working in the outdoors. In the years since, he has worked with both adolescents and adults in wilderness therapy, lead coastal canoeing expeditions in Southeastern Alaska and backpacking expeditions in Australia. Ian currently splits his time as a backpacking guide for Wildland Trekking and a Field Instructor for NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School). When not working, Ian can be found climbing, snowboarding, running and looking for adventures in the mountains or desert. 

HIKING AND BACKPACKING GUIDE

Julie J.

Julie Jurkowski was born and raised outside of Chicago, but it wasn’t until she moved West in her early 20’s that she felt she had truly found her home. She has lead outdoor education and adventure trips with a number of companies over the past eight years. Many of these trips have been with at-risk youth as she believes whole-heartedly in the healing power of nature. She has hiked from Georgia to Pennsylvania on the Appalachian Trail and has lead trips in places from Alaska to Hawaii and North Carolina to Arizona. She has her graduate degree in Climate Science from Northern Arizona University and, although she is a Flagstaff resident, she is most at home in the backcountry and spends as many nights under the stars each year as possible.


TESTIMONIALS

Oh my gosh, what a trip! Julie is an absolute gem! Her meals were well planned, thoughtful, beautifully presented and most delicious! She was completely professional regarding health and safety, while at the same time genuinely engaging and fun. I appreciated her knowledge, her patience, and definitely her sense of humour. Thanks so much, Julie, we will always fondly remember you as a special member of our group. I enthusiastically recommend the services of Wildland Trekking. Nicely done!
— Gina M.
It was amazing and our guide Julie was just perfect. She took care of everything, even colored band aids and was really informative and inspirational. She really kept everyone on track and made this special for everyone.
— Greg M.
Julie was so prepared to take care of me and my family. Everything from being so knowledgeable about the canyons history, taking care of our crazy blisters, helping with a bum knee, shooing away pesky animals, and making all of our delicious meals. All with a positive attitude, great sense of humor, and smile. She made this extremely challenging adventure a remarkable experience. It was a joy to get to know her. Truly an inspirational person!
— Debbie M.
This trip/hike was perfect from the minute I called to schedule it till it was all done. Hiking the Grand Canyon was an amazing experience, everything went perfect beginning with the orientation until the drive back to the hotel. Our guide Julie was just incredible, very knowledgeable with each step of the hike, she also cooked great meals 3 times a day and we had snacks in between meals, she also took care of ‘booboos’ and blisters that some of us had. She was a great friend and also had a great personality and sense of humor. Our first driver Dave was great and very knowledgeable of the area that we were driving through, Steve was our driver driving back to the hotel, Steve also helped me personally hiking the south rim, great guy.
I will remember this hike forever and tell others about it, I’m so glad I chose Wildland Trekking for this hiking experience.
— Eytan S.
The bubbly personality of Julie and her wonderful, delicious meals were a MAJOR part of the enjoyment of the trek, even though these are probably not given much thought for those who booking the trek since it’s about the Grand Canyon. On a scale of 1-10, I would give Julie a 15 for personality and meals. She was a TERRIFIC guide and lady!!
— Terry M.
The Grand Canyon trip was awe inspiring from the scenery and was made a great experience by the professionals at Wildland trekking. The staff was very accommodating before hand and our guide, Julie, was the best.
Definitely Worth it.
— David B.
Everything was better than I could have expected. Julie was an amazing guide, knowledgeable, personable and fun. A life-changing trip
— Steve B.
Wildland Trekking guide Sasha J.

Hiking and Backpacking Guide

Sasha J.

Sasha, who sometimes goes by her trail name “Sassy,” is a Pennsylvania native and a world wanderer. She has experienced nature as something spiritual from a very young age, and intense wanderlust since her teen years. Following work in education, travel sales, and international medical case management, she pursued a MA in International Communication in Europe. Not satisfied with the corporate environment, post-graduation she decided to soul search by embarking on several treks in Hungary, Croatia, The Netherlands, Germany, and her home state of Pennsylvania; totalling 1,400+ miles in solo long-distance expeditions. The desire to guide others through soul-filling experiences in the great outdoors then drove her to become a guide at therapeutic wilderness programs in North Carolina and Utah. Finally, she was drawn farther west, and is thrilled to share the incredible beauty and rich history of the Sierras with you. When she’s not out hiking, she enjoys vanlife and creating content for her YouTube channel.


TESTIMONIALS

My second tour with Wildland Trekking did not disappoint! Registration is straightforward, communication is clear, and the hikes were as challenging as expected. The guide (Sasha) was well-organized & prepared for emergencies & unexpected trail closuress, shared her knowledge of the area, and cooked & cleaned up after our meals. An awesome vacation!
— Emily S.
I loved the whole experience: camping, hiking, eating for 4 days in Yosemite. Beautiful area and we fortunately had great weather. Sasha fixed some amazing meals.
— Steve M.
Sasha's meals were outstanding. So well thought out presented so well. Also it is comforting to know that you are in good hands while doing a hike that might be just a bit out of my reach if done by myself. I had not camped in a tent for over 40 years and the camping portion was easy.
— Jacki M.
Sasha made it so special and memorable for our entire family. I wish we could fly her to Utah for our next adventure. She was fun, energetic, helpful, experienced and sincere. You have a gem in her.
— Martin S.
Sasha was incredible, made the day worth it from start to end. Never thought I’d be eating actual breakfast and lunch foods on a hike in Yosemite, but Sasha proved all of us wrong. Her dedication to hiking is insane and her information and service was top notch. Constantly adapting to our needs and made the experience so much better.
— Jacob S.

HIKING AND BACKPACKING GUIDE

Alexi K.

Alexi is a self-described globetrotter, musician and bird-nerd. Alexi was born in New York City and raised in rural New England. He studied biology in university and went on to become a field ornithologist, banding birds and leading research crews in remote areas in the States and abroad. In between these jobs, Alexi backpacked through Oceania, Southeast Asia, South America, and the American West. The call of the canyons eventually drew him to Flagstaff, where he landed his dream job leading backpacking trips in Grand Canyon. When he’s not guiding, Alexi is picking his mandolin in Flagstaff or exploring the Southwest with his dog, Francis.


TESTIMONIALS

Our Yellowstone hiking trip was awesome in every way. We were very impressed with Wildland Trekking and their professionalism. Their booking and registration process was smooth and efficient. They provided everything we needed! Their equipment was high quality. They even set up the tents for us, we didn't have to do anything. They provided trekking poles, bear sprays for each person, sleeping bags and mattress pads, backpacks. Our campsite was super and had easy access to the restrooms and showers. They had an amazing variety of snacks and drinks and food every day! Alexi and Thomas were our guides and we loved them! They were very friendly and so much fun! They looked after us very well, making sure we were always safe and comfortable. They kept up a good, comfortable pace with the hikes and even if you lagged behind, one of them would always be at your side. They were very knowledgeable and we learned many interesting things from them. They were excellent cooks and our meals were so delicious, interesting and each different. We had a wonderful group too so along with our guides, we all shared a great camaraderie. All in all, our trip was simple the BEST!
— Lolita D.
THIS TRIP WAS ONE OF THE BEST EXPERIENCES OF OUR LIVES! Our guide Alexi, was fantastic! He was organized, informative, showed us places that we never would have seen, a GREAT cook, and went above and beyond our expectations all four days!! Can not say enough good things about him!! The hikes, camping, equipment, meals, and knowledge gained were exceptional.
— Cheryl B.
I liked the honest, non judgmental attitude of our guide Alexi. He was capable, knowledgeable and kind. He was able to meet the needs of 6 different people on the trip. The trip was spectacular, and the food was super. Thanks for a fabulous trek.
— Joey W.
Alexi was a great guide! Great conversationalist, knowledgeable about the area and wildflowers, and a fantastic camp chef. The guide was great with the llamas and I thoroughly enjoyed their company as well. The daily Llama drama was entertaining and added an enjoyable element to the experience. The entire trip went smoothly without a hitch! The scenery was beautiful and I felt the trip was appropriately described. I felt prepared and felt safe the entire time. I will recommend this trip to others. I truly can't say enough positive things about our guide, the llamas, and the entire experience.
— Christina O.

HIKING AND BACKPACKING GUIDE

Bob K.

Bob Kraus was one of our first employees and worked with Wildland Trekking for nearly a decade. He passed away from natural causes at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon on October 22, 2014 doing what he loved most in this world – introducing guests to the natural world. Bob was one of a kind; a guy you immediately liked, he had an easy laugh and an easy personality. Conversation with Bob outside, around a campfire, seemed the most natural thing in the world. He did things old school, kept things simple, and his guests fell in love with him for it over the course of days in the wilderness. We’ll never forget Bob and we miss him every day.


TESTIMONIALS

Bob was an incredible guide for my dad and I when we did the south rim a few years ago. It was our first trip together and bob was patient, helpful, knowledgable, and took great care of us. Also a very interesting person who I admire for following his passion for the outdoors, exploration and helping others. I'm not really sad because he lived and enjoyed everyday and taught me a lot without saying much
— Tejas P.
A Review I wrote in May 2013 about Bob: In Early May we joined guide Bob Krause of Wildland Trekking Company for a six day base camp trek through Zion, Bryce, and the Grand Staircase of Escalante. What an amazing adventure. From the skyward reach of the walls of Zion, to the depths of who-dos of Bryce, to the river walks and slot canyons of Escalante every day was a new adventure of unimaginable awe and beauty. Our small group of four from all around the country bonded with our guide to share the adventure together. Our guide, Bob Krause, tirelessly wore the hats of cook, nurse, equipment expert, geologist, naturalist, driver, and of course, guide. His knowledge of the area took us places few people get to see and experience things not describable in a brochure. Returning to camp each night Bob would cook up dinner and around the campfire each night we relived the excitement of the day. The mornings came quickly and were greeted by the aroma of coffee and breakfast cooking on the grill. Then it was off to another adventure for the day. If you are looking for diveristy of terrain and scenary in the beautful Southwest, I would highly recommend Bob and Wildlife Trekking Company's Zion, Bryce, Escalante tour with Guide Bob Krause. It wasn't meant as a tribute to Bob but it sure seems fitting now. God speed, Bob Krause! You will be forever missed.
— Paul P.
Bob was the best! I remember him pointing out "petrified snow" to us in the canyon. We all actually believed him for a few seconds and then had a good laugh.
— John R.
My husband and I had Bob as our guide for our first backpack trip with Wildland Trekking: the Gallatin Crest Traverse. What a great guy! He was friendly, engaging and knowledgeable as well as an awesome cook! Everyone in our group bonded with him instantly-he was so likeable. My husband and I admired him for doing something that he loved. Our condolences to his family as well as the Wildland family.
— Jennifer D.

HIKING AND BACKPACKING GUIDE

Cameron K.

Cameron spent his younger years living in and enjoying the outdoors of Michigan and Arizona. After graduating from Northern Arizona University with a degree in Biology and Education, Cameron has spent most of the last 30 years administering many outdoor programs, guiding, working in outdoor film production, and teaching about environmental and outdoor education. Cameron is frequently seen skiing, hiking, climbing, skateboarding, boating and generally having a good time in the outdoors. Elements of conservation and experiential education are at the core of Cameron’s teaching and outdoor style.


TESTIMONIALS

I can't begin to tell you how happy we were with our hike. Arriving and experiencing the enormity of the Grand Canyon left me a bit anxious and hesitant about our scheduled Tanner Trail hike. My daughter and I consider ourselves to be pretty fit, but began to feel a little intimidated once we saw what was ahead of us. Cameron was quick to answer all of my questions and immediately put me at ease and assured me that modifications could be made if necessary. Needless to say, the hike went off as scheduled and couldn't have gone better! Cameron was the PERFECT guide for us! His passion for what he does is more than apparent and made for an informative, challenging, and unforgettable experience! I will be sure to recommend your company and Cameron to everyone I know! And FYI his lunch was the best fare we've had in Arizona!! Thanks again!!
— Maria H.
This was our first trip to the GC. Our 23yo son told us that we needed to do this before we're unable too! The GC is just breath taking. Our guides could not have been more knowledgeable or helpful. Hiking into the GC was the way to go. Going down was voluntary but coming out of the canyon was mandatory!
— Marsha D.
My husband, daughter and I had a memorable morning hiking Mitten Ridge with Cameron. His experience, expertise and knowledge of the area allowed for a hike in which we could enjoy the serenity and solitude of an early, uncrowded Sedona morning while learning a bit of botany, geology, history and hiking tips along the way. Pre hike communication with both Cameron and Wildland was excellent and the logistics of the hike itself were smooth and timely. Would hike again with Cameron in a heartbeat and appreciate the time we spent with him.
— Sarah S.
We asked for a more challenging hike and Wildland Trekking delivered. Thanks to our guide, Cameron, we had an awesome hike of the Grand Canyon. He never made us feel hurried or like we were on a timeline and he taught us so much about the history and geography of the Canyon as we hiked throughout the day.
— Stephanie E.

Hiking and Backpacking Guide

Claire K.

Claire is an outdoor enthusiast from Illinois who finally found her calling as a guide after seeking a career that will not only maximize her time outdoors, but also her happiness via sharing her passions with others. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Sustainability and Geography from the University of Illinois in 2019 and her Master’s degree in Community Resources and Development (Tourism and Recreation Management) from Arizona State University in 2021. Growing up visiting national parks with her family fostered a love for the environment that only grew with age and gave her the itch to continue traveling and immersing herself in different environments, cultures, and experiences. She truly believes that travel is a key ingredient to lifelong learning which is why her favorite part of her job is teaching her clients new information and seeing them curious to learn more.

HIKING AND BACKPACKING GUIDE

Dara K.

Dara Kelly is passionate about sharing her love of wild places. After doing an intensive, field-based semester with NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School), she began seeking more rugged adventures. Dara spent five years working in outdoor education in Vermont before moving to the west coast. She has professional experience as a river guide, snowboard instructor, ropes course leader, and backpacking guide. Dara has made several excursions to Central and South America, where she enjoys exploring ancient ruins and camping along the Pacific Coast. She is currently living and playing in Flagstaff, Arizona and works for Wildland Trekking in Arizona, Utah and Wyoming.


TESTIMONIALS

Dara is a fabulous guide and I would go out of my way to seek her out as a guide in the future. She puts safety first and carried an incredible amount of gear in that gigantic backpack. She always made sure that our needs were met first without even a hint of complaint. She is highly competent, and my family and I felt very comfortable with her. I would give her the highest marks!
— Shana P.
Our guide Dara did a stellar job, especially considering the challenging weather conditions at the start of our trip. We had hail followed by rain the first night and yet we were able to stay dry and (mostly) warm. Despite the wet weather and low temps, she was very upbeat and managed to feed us well. And the scenery along the Boulder Mail Trail was spectacular!
— Robert C.
An awesome trip! Better than I had hoped for. Our guide Dara was so good! She was professional, kind, knowledgeable, and a great cook! So enjoyed her meals and her company. She made the trip enjoyable and relaxing. The hiking was rewarding, especially the day we hiked to Beaver Falls. Just some spectacular scenery that is a must if you love the outdoors!
— Deb W.
We were really impressed with our Guide, Dara Kelly. She was well organised, knowledgeable and always looking to make the hike enjoyable for us. She worked tirelessly preparing our camp site and meals and organizing each day to meet the expectations of all the hikers. If we had to give a mark it would be 10/10! Fantastic.
— Barbara & Robert D.

HIKING AND BACKPACKING GUIDE

Dean K.

Dean Kelly was born in Ireland but grew up in the Northeast. He earned a BA in Environmental Studies and Education from Ursinus College in Collegeville, Pennsylvania. Dean was a science teacher in New York City for five years. He has remained in education in that he is now a NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School) instructor as well as a Wildland Trekking Company hiking and backpacking guide. Dean home base is in Flagstaff, Arizona where he spends his free time rock climbing, snowboarding, mountain biking, and running.


TESTIMONIALS

We had a great time considering that no one of us knew what to expect! Dean Kelly and Scott Moore were wonderful and did a great job encouraging, supporting and keeping our 8 family members in line! We can't wait to do another trek with Wildland again - this time heading to Grand Canyon/Havasu Falls! Thanks again!
— Ella P.
Our guide Dean was not only professional, knowledgeable and safe,he was a great guy to simply talk to and was a key part of our enjoyment. He's a great cook too. Top bloke. Testimonial: We had an amazing experience and have left with new friends and fantastic memories.
— Yasmine M.
Dean was an outstanding guide: both knowledgeable and an amazing cook. He is a real credit to you at wildlands.
— Hannah W.
Dean was very professional and helpful. He made us feel at ease in any situation (even when we met a grizzly bear!), very attentive to everybody's needs (strong or less strong hikers), he allowed us to enjoy every part of the trip and was also a very good cook! I'd like to mention also the drivers (Kevin and Brian) that were both very nice.
— Elisa R.

Hiking and Backpacking Guide

Deanna K.

Deanna grew up in South Florida and has been an avid backpacker since 2014. Her love for nature and geology led to her move to Boulder, CO to attend college. While spending all her free time adventuring in the Rocky Mountains she realized her passion for outdoor recreation was something she wanted to pursue professionally. This led her to switch majors and find a school that offered an Outdoor Education program. She is a Leave No Trace Master Educator, Wilderness First Responder and AAIRE I certified. When Deanna’s not guiding for Wildland she is either snowboarding, traveling, camping, hiking, practicing yoga, paddle boarding or creating content for her outdoor blog. What drives her the most is witnessing the transformative experiences guests have while in the backcountry. She believes time spent in nature strengthens and cultivates a courageous mindset that carries over into your everyday life.

HIKING AND BACKPACKING GUIDE

Karla K.

Karla grew up in Seattle very much a city girl. She had only been camping twice prior to her college years, during which time she volunteered her way onto a Grand Canyon river trip as a science tech. Immediately in love with the canyon, she finished up her degree in Environmental Science, packed up and moved to Flagstaff, AZ. Once there, she completed her masters in biology at Northern Arizona University, focusing on plant ecology in arid environments. She has continued to work as a researcher both above and below the rim for 15 years, while spending as much time backpacking and hiking the canyon as possible. Having made the transition away from research to being a full-time hiking and river guide, she is passionate about teaching her guests about the flora of the canyon. When Karla isn’t hiking in the canyon, you’ll find her gardening, skiing, planning an adventure with friends, hiking somewhere else in Arizona or enjoying a good beer and live bluegrass. She is looking forward to sharing her love for her favorite place on earth: Grand Canyon!


TESTIMONIALS

Karla was fantastic and full of great information about the Canyon. She told us about how the canyons were formed, talked about all of the foliage/trees, rocks, lizard prints, very informative. She had a great pace and made the slower hikers feel good about lagging behind, kept us side tracked with conversation and nice breaks to rest. When she said the Tanner Trail was going to be strenuous, she wasn't exaggerating. We loved the hike, we did not want something normal and congested with people. The views were absolutely worth all of the sweat!
— Micah P.
I had a wonderful trip! Karla, our guide was positive, encouraging, experienced, a fabulous wealth of knowledge and passionate about her job, and the Grand Canyon. I met wonderful people on the trip. It was very well organized!
— Tammy G.
My guides, Karla and Ciera Brecto did a wonderful job. Both are amazing company, have entertaining personalities and are very knowledgeable of the area. This trip had been on my bucket list for years and Karla and Ciera made the trip even more memorable. They are both hard-working guides, who made my group feel totally at home. Karla carefully guided my best friend down (and up) Mooney Falls who normally refuses to go and freaks out past the second rung on an eight-foot ladder. Both of these ladies are an amazing asset to your company.
— Tammy B.
Karla was perfect for us!
— Laura R.
Wildland Trekking guide MIchelle K.

Canadian Rockies Hiking Guide

Michelle K-R.

Michelle always enjoyed playing outside as a child, but truly fell in love with the grandeur of the wild while attending university.  She obtained a B.A. in modern languages and her teaching degree. This quickly developed into running outdoor education programs and therein led to hiking guiding certifications. Michelle enjoys adventuring through the terrain in many different seasons in many different means such as cycling, ski touring, trail running and rock climbing. Each experience offers a lesson and a reason to be grateful. Michelle lives intentionally, looking for beauty in all situations. She enjoys learning about plant life and goes crazy every time she sees wildlife, it never gets old. When she isn’t guiding, she is often training for her next trail running competition, whipping up a batch of cookies, or hanging out with her cat.

 

Wildland Trekking guide Mick K.

Hiking and Backpacking Guide

Mick K.

Mick has been an outdoor Adventurer for almost 40 years. Starting with boy scouts, and progressing to base jumping and paragliding treks around the world. Mick’s love for adventure, wilderness survival, and education gives him a glowing passion for the outdoors that he shares with guests to create memorable experiences.


TESTIMONIALS

Absolutely incredible experience, the trip of a lifetime. Mick was fantastic and took very good care of us and tried to fit in as much as possible as well as helping us all cope with the heat wave. Food was superb especially as he had so many different dietary requirements to take into account. A fantastic guide with so much knowledge and a love for his job which shined through.
— Sheila B.
Mick was a great guide. We had a wonderful time.
— Katherine M.
Mick was great. Thanks to all the Wildlands team for having us.
— Chad C.

HIKING AND BACKPACKING GUIDE

Moshe K.

Moshe spent much of his childhood in Israel where he first became enamored with the great outdoors.  After leading a wilderness program at a large summer camp for many years, he decided to pursue a B.A. in Adventure Education from Prescott College.  After graduating Moshe settled in Las Vegas, NV, and has led numerous expeditions in the American Southwest, Alaska, the Appalachian Trail, Tanzania and Israel.  Additionally he has spent time backpacking and hiking in India and Thailand, and has completed a basic mountaineering course in the Indian Himalaya. He has also attained multiple outdoor certifications, including Leave No Trace Master Educator, Utah Whitewater River Crew license, American Avalanche Association Level 1, and is a Wilderness First Responder.  In his spare time Moshe enjoys backpacking, rafting, skiing, Scuba/Sky Diving, and the occasional mystery novel.


TESTIMONIALS

Moshe was our guide for this trip. I cannot think of enough good things to say about his talents as a guide. We nerded out completely on geology, plants, and birds - it was wonderful. I was very nervous about this hike after reading about some of the spots with exposure and looking at Google images of the trail. However, I never once was worried about my safety and Moshe was great at motivating us to keep going and letting us know when the trail was going to be a bit tricky. He prepared a wonderful lunch for us and accommodated by husband's vegetarian diet very well (but also brought some meat for him and me to enjoy which was nice). Overall we had a great experience and hope to do other hikes with Wildland (hopefully with Moshe as our guide!)
— Janell S.
This was an absolutely amazing trip! I must admit, I was a little anxious about this trip...all for no reason. It was so well orchestrated and organized. I loved it! The food was shockingly awesome! And the views...the whole experience was awesome.
— Betty P.
Overall extremely pleased with the trip, the organization and communication, and absolutely LOVED both of our guides. They worked well and efficiently together, they were always considerate and thoughtful of the groups needs, very patient and competent. They really enhanced my enjoyment of the entire trip - it was super!
— Bonnie L.
I loved the trip! Eddie and Moshe are the best- professional, informative, fun and good cooks as well!
— Claire L.
Wildland Trekking guide Rachel K.

Hiking and Backpacking Guide

Rachel K.

Rachel was hiking as early as she can remember, and started backpacking in a club from her high school with a highly dedicated teacher; after graduating high school, she continued with the backpacking club as an alumni chaperone. She pursued hiking, backpacking, and rock climbing in her free time while she attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, earning a B.S. degree in Environmental Science in 2018, and a M.S. degree in Environmental Science and Engineering in 2020. After graduating, she continued environmental science research with her thesis advisor remotely as a Research Assistant while traveling the US and abroad for backpacking and rock climbing, as well as learning to ice climb and surf. Rachel loves to recreate outside and to share her passion with others, especially those who may not be able to access the outdoors otherwise.


TESTIMONIALS

This trip was a great introduction to Olympic National Park. Everything was well-organized from beginning to end. Our guide Rachel was excellent. She was fun, knowledgeable, and made sure everything went smoothly. The food and accommodations on this trip were wonderful as well. This was my 4th Wildland trip and there's a reason I keep coming back!
— Leslie W.

HIKING AND BACKPACKING GUIDE

Roseana K.

Roseana comes from a big family of laborers who worked under the harsh Arizona sun like her. Her abuelito, born under a Mesquite tree in Tucson, unknowingly planted her soul in the same Sonoran desert. She grew up feeding Javelina and getting stuck full of cholla cactus. Her purpose flourished as an Environmental Science student in Flagstaff, Arizona. The new ecosystems of pinon/juniper and ponderosa ignited her connection with nature and the desire to help others find their own. She fell in love with the Grand Canyon and soon thereafter, the wonderful community of Wildland Trekking. Her education has extended from the canyons, monuments, and First Nations of the Colorado Plateau, to Rocky Mountain peaks, deep seas, and rainforests all over the world. Her second love became the grizzly country of Yellowstone National Park, where she guides. She returns to guide in the Southwest every Spring and Fall to maintain a balanced seasonal migration.


TESTIMONIALS

This trip exceeded my expectations and is now one of the most memorable experiences of my life. Our guide, Roseana, made this trip as special as it was. She made safety her number one priority, which was obviously important in bear country, but she also was willing to share her knowledge, stories and passion for Yellowstone back country. She strictly adheres to "Leave no Trace" policies because she understands this is such an important aspect of preserving these beautiful natural wonders. I would request her again in a heartbeat and am already planning my next backpacking trip. I would encourage anybody to book their next adventure with Wildland Trekking, you won't regret it.
— Erin P.
I had a wonderful experience on this trip! Our guide, Rosie, worked so hard to make this a fun, exciting and even relaxing trip. She was extremely knowledgeable of the area and people of Supai. Rosie was an excellent cook and fixed one delicious meal after another. I would highly recommend this trip to anyone and hopefully they will be as lucky as me and have Rosie as their guide!
— Rebecca C.
Rosey Cruz is an amazing guide, so informative and wonderful. I am planning a Utah trip with Rosey as my guide since this trip was so memorable!
— Diana C.
Our guide was fantastic. Her knowledge and history of the Grand Canyon made it interesting. She showed great leadership, adapted to our physicial needs and led the way. We are planning another adventure and Roseana Cruz will be our guide. Thanks Rosey and Wildland for removing one off our bucket list!
— Garry B.

Hiking and Backpacking Guide

Sean K.

Sean was born in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. but grew up on the coast of New Jersey. Graduating from Rutgers in 2016, Sean returned to Steamboat Springs to live and work, drawn by the allure of powder days and mountain adventures. Time spent snowboarding, backpacking, and mountain biking instilled a love and appreciation for the Colorado Rockies, and a passion for outdoor recreation. Now living in the Pacific Northwest of Bellingham, Washington, Sean has added mountaineering, snow touring, and photography to his outdoor repertoire. Having thru-hiked the Colorado Trail and Pacific Crest Trail, he is no stranger to big adventures, but is just as happy on short trips ambling in the woods or on mountaintops, identifying plants, animals, and clues along the way.

HIKING AND BACKPACKING GUIDE

Steve K.

Steve Klefstad fell in love with the Grand Canyon on his first rafting trip in the summer of 2002. Less than a year and a half later, he moved to the South Rim where he lived and worked for Grand Canyon National Park. A side trip took him to Colorado, where he spent two summers guiding rafting trips on the Arkansas River. The Canyon was in his blood though, so he returned to Arizona where he now leads backpacking and river trips throughout Grand Canyon and the Southwest. Thrilled to be guiding for the Wildland Trekking Company, Steve is looking forward to meeting you and sharing with you the Canyon that he knows and loves.


TESTIMONIALS

Steve was awesome. Spectacular trip.
— Peggy S.
Steve was a terrific guide: great attitude, well organized, good cook, well equipped to meet the needs of a group with mixed abilities.
— Susan Schultz
GREAT TRIP. STEVE WAS AMAZING AND WONDERFUL WITH THE KIDS. THANKS SO MUCH!
— Jennifer T.
Steve Klefsted was an absolute delight. He was cheerful, helpful, patient and a fountain of knowledge. Not only did Steve know all there is to know about hiking, he knew the formation of the canyon, the plant life and the wild life (most of it is in Flagstaff). He put up with two 62 year old flatlanders from sea level (Houston, actually 64' above msl) and never frowned just once. Ann Marie was a complete delight in helping me with our booking and made it quite easy and simple. Your equipment lists were quite thorough and easy to follow and Whole Earth should be sending a referral fee to you guys any day now. All in all one of the absolute best trips of our entire lives. You are to be commended on running a top notch show. Health cooperating, we will be back and in better shape.....don't know how to deal with that altitude though!
— Kathryn and Ted N.

HIKING AND BACKPACKING GUIDE

Carlos L.

Carlos was born and raised in San Diego, CA where his passion for the outdoors was first ignited through his love of surfing, diving, and spearfishing. While attaining his Bachelors degree in the study of Global Heath and Development at the University of Arizona, Carlos took to the mountains and discovered his affinity with rock climbing, long-distance backpacking trips, and mountain biking. Some of his most cherished memories include going on adventure surf trips in Baja California, 3 months living and working in Guatemala, and rock climbing in the Cochise Stronghold in Southern Arizona to name a few. He is fluent in both English and Spanish and in the past, has logged experience working as both an outdoor educator and an outdoor adventure guide based out of Southern California. Carlos is a light hearted individual who is enthusiastic about sharing his knowledge of the outdoors and is dedicated to making sure his clientele have a truly rewarding experience.


TESTIMONIALS

Wow!!! This hike was amazing. Carlos was super friendly and extremely knowledgeable about the history, geology, and ecology of the area. His passion for nature, history, and the area made for the most complete experience. The beauty of the area is breathtaking and it was more so with Carlos guiding and educating us.
— Brent R.
I love hiking and being out in nature, but I don't particularly appreciate roughing it or getting out of my comfort zone. When my husband wanted a trip that would provide some activity, but I wanted one that provided comfort, Wildland Trekking met the requirements with ease. Carlos Lopez was the perfect guide: polite, friendly, patient, and highly knowledgeable. Being in a group with varying stages of fitness and adventure levels, he accommodated everyone on the trip. The meals that Carlos prepared were top-notch. With one day of our hike falling on Thanksgiving, he had to get creative for breakfast and dinner, but he pulled through, and we had a lovely time with our group. Some of the hiking was out of my comfort zone, but Carlos has a way of helping you overcome any fears and push without feeling like you were being pushed. I am very proud to say I completed three out of the four days of hiking. I skipped the last day because I was very sore and had knee issues from the descent into the Canyon the day before. Otherwise, I would have been out there with the rest of the group, soaking up all the beauty of that place. 22 miles in 3 days is not bad for a 48-year-old unadventurous woman, and I have Carlos to thank for that! I would highly recommend Wildland Trekking. If you get the pleasure of having Carlos as your guide, you'll be set for one hell of an adventure!
— Amanda Y.
Carlos was knowledgeable, friendly, and patient, and prepared a delicious kosher lunch. The hike was absolutely breathtaking.
— Chava H.
Carlos was fabulous!!! Very knowledgeable and made my first look at the Grand Canyon one i will never forget!!!
— Kim M.
It's not every day that you have someone so knowledgeable and amiable to guide you. Thanks for the awesome trip, Carlos!!
— Shoshana D.
Wildland trekking guide and blog contributor Cathering L.

Hiking and Backpacking Guide

Catherine L.
 Catherine’s love for the great outdoors began at a young age when her parents sent her to summer camp to overcome her shyness. Growing up in the Midwest gave her lots of opportunities to pursue this passion by hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, and sailing in local county and state parks. She attended Butler University and graduated with a finance degree, while studying abroad in 7 different countries. The pandemic pushed Catherine to take off in her van, seeing as many places as she could, ultimately landing in Northern Arizona. During her trip west, she realized how knowledge about the area makes for a much more enriching visit to a national park. This realization and her instilled dedication to helping others brought her to want to be a tour guide. She lives to share her knowledge of the special climate, wildlife & plants, geology, and history of the area to make guest’s visits even more enjoyable, educational, and memorable.

NEPAL PROGRAM MANAGER

Jeevan L.

Jeevan Lama is an adventure enthusiast and a world traveler who specializes in Himalayan destinations including Nepal, India and Tibet. He was born near the Langtang region of Nepal in a place called Helambu. After finishing his high school graduation, he followed the path to build his experience in Adventure travel throughout the Himalaya. Jeevan studied outdoor education, leadership development and attended several conferences about Adventure Travel. He has been working in the field since 2005 and has a proven track record as a trip leader and tourism entrepreneur. He currently serves as a board member for TAAN, the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal. Jeevan started working for Wildland Trekking as a Nepal Program Manager in 2015. Jeevan is also actively involved in several charities and community projects, which support disadvantaged communities in Nepal. “Adventure is not easy at all, dare yourself to do something out of the ordinary.”

Hiking and Backpacking Guide

Lindsey L.

Lindsey grew up in the flatlands of Iowa, and attended college in Omaha, Nebraska. It wasn’t until she moved to Maine that she discovered her intense love of the outdoors. Lindsey cut her teeth learning to rock climb and backpack in the rugged landscape of New England. Since then she has traveled coast to coast, exploring various climbing and hiking destinations. Lindsey eventually quit her corporate banking job to fully pursue her outdoor passions while living out of her trusty old minivan. She loves nothing more than to share her enthusiasm for outdoor adventures with others, and to cultivate lasting impactful memories from time spent in nature. In her free time Lindsey enjoys solo hiking (most recently a January Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim trek of the Grand Canyon), rock climbing, and playing her recorder on scenic mountaintops. She firmly believes that every day spent outside is a great day, no matter what the weather!

HIKING AND BACKPACKING GUIDE

Liz L.

Hailing from the great state of Colorado, Liz has been exploring the mountains her whole life. Her early years consisted of playing in the dirt on the softball field, taking her playing to Lehigh University and then in Germany. Playing professionally was a great joy and the mountains continued calling. Weekend and vacation trips to the woods was not enough. In 2017 she spent a 6 month season living as a  backcountry trail crew member, building and repairing trails in the Sierras. That adventure took her to New Zealand where she lived and worked for a year learning the outdoor industry even better. She can’t wait to hit the trails and share this beautiful place with you.


TESTIMONIALS

Liz is an absolute gem. Not only was she a phenomenal guide but she is an incredible human and seamlessly fit in with our tight knit group. The food was incredible everyday and the helpful information and knowledge Liz shared throughout the trip was extremely helpful to the overall experience. Her personal touches of poem readings at night were exactly what our group needed! Days 2-4 were incredible on this Trek despite the very cold evening temps.
— Bethany T.
Liz was fantastic! Personable, knowledgeable, fun, adaptable, passionate.
— Amber M.
Our guide Liz was friendly, knowledgeable and made sure our hike was suited to our experience and expectations. We had a blast and would take another tour with Liz again!
— Carol R.
This was such a wonderful tour! Liz was an amazing guide. This was my first time doing any kind of hiking and she was so friendly, helpful, and always willing to answer any questions I had. I would definitely book a tour with her again!
— Shannon D.
Liz was an amazing guide. She was supportive and encouraging, and she challenged us as well. Liz was well organized, and her meals were excellent and filling. We had an all female group, and we had a blast hiking.
— Jill C.
Wildland Trekking guide Paulina L.

Hiking and Backpacking Guide

Paulina L.

Paulina grew up in Idaho, not far from the shadow of the Grand Teton Mountains, spending most of her time outside working with horses. Being so close to so many diverse wild spaces instilled a sense of connection to the land from a young age, inspiring her to pursue research, advocacy, education, and guiding. With a background in geoscience, climate science, and energy policy, respecting and protecting the natural world around us is one of her top priorities. Paulina is passionate about being able to share her knowledge of the land she knows and believes that by sharing time with others in those places, they too can find their own connection and sense of place. When off the trail, you can find Paulina hanging around horses, creating art, or planning her next adventure!


TESTIMONIALS

Paulina took us to places that i never would have explored on my own. She made us feel safe and definitely educated us about the area and what we were seeing; extremely knowledgable.
— Greg F.
Paulina was a very attentive, flexible and engaged tour guide. Due to a flat tire I couldn’t be on time but we still did the complete tour. From the beautiful fairy fall , a sleeping bison, a hot geyser and the prismatic spring we also took time to appreciate the sweet squirrels and the beautiful petite flowers that were growing all along the way.
— Betty B.
Our guided hike with Paulina was excellent. What an amazing experience.
— Sewell T.
Paulina was GREAT! Trip exceeded our expectations.
— Mark W.

HIKING AND BACKPACKING GUIDE

Tolman L.

Tolman grew up in the Napa Valley and attended the California Maritime Academy thinking that he wanted a career in the merchant marine industry. After a short stint working on tugboats in Alaska, he realized that he needed to follow his dream of working as a backcountry guide. From Boy Scout backpacking trips to a NOLS Patagonia Mountaineering course, inspiration came from a young age to spend as much time as possible in the wilderness. In 2014, he finally took a big step towards his goal and took an interpretive guiding and bicycle tour job at the South Rim of Grand Canyon. Initially thinking this would be a single-season gig, he ended up living and working in the South Rim Village for five years. He fell in love with the canyon like so many before him, and he still has a hard time believing that he gets paid to share with others the wonders of such a place. With plans to settle permanently in the area, he purchased an off-grid property 25 miles south of Grand Canyon and is currently building a tiny home.


TESTIMONIALS

Tolman was fantastic. We had some weather. He suggested some changes to the plans based on that. A very smart move. He was friendly and wise and ended up cooking our meals in the rain and snow. An impressive person all around and exactly what you want in a guide.
— Grant L.
Tolman was an exceptional guide. He worked with members of our group who had different abilities with a lot of patience and kindness. His cooking was EXCELLENT and he was helpful without being over-bearing. It was a great trip.
— Lisa B.
Really had a great time. 2nd time w Wildland and have just had the best experience in total. Even the recommendations for accommodations before and after the trek were on point. Have mentioned Wildland to several friends and will continue to recommend. Tolman was an excellent guide - food was incredible!! Thank you for another spectacular experience. It was exactly what I needed.
— Elizabeth F.
The hike was amazing. It beat my expectations. I have been on a lot of guided trips and this was the best. It was well organized and our guide Tolman was fantastic. The food was way better than I expected. We will be doing another soon.
— Ryan R.
Wildland Trekking guide Wes L.

Hiking and Backpacking Guide

Wes L.

Wes was born and raised in the small town of Pagosa Springs, Colorado. He spent his entire life exploring the outdoors of southwest Colorado where he became an avid outdoorsman. Wes graduated from Fort Lewis College with a degree in Environmental Studies and has his EMT-IV and WFR medical certifications. While living in Pagosa Springs, he has worked as a Deputy of Emergency Management, Wildland Firefighter, and EMT. As a deputy, his duties included, backcountry search and rescue, law enforcement, wildland firefighting, and management of county emergencies. Wes loved his many roles as a first responder and has decided to take his skills and knowledge on a new adventure to the Yellowstone area as a guide for Wildland Trekking. He is passionate about guiding, teaching people about the outdoors, helping people explore the format. On his free time Wes loves hiking, camping (car/backpack/camper/horse), horseback riding, climbing, biking, hunting, archery, skiing, SAR, and exploring the Rocky Mountains.

Wildland Trekking guide Adam M.

Canadian Rockies Hiking and Backpacking Guide

Adam M.

Adam (he/him) was raised in Eastern Canada among rugged coastlines and sugar maples, a settler in Mi’kma’ki. His father introduced him to the simple pleasure of exploring landscapes under your own power at the age of 11, both through bike and backpacking. For the past five years he has called Canmore, Alberta (Treaty 7 Territory) home, where he has enjoyed exploring and sharing the nooks and crannies in his own backyard by feet, hands and skis. Through his work as a guide and environmental educator, he seeks to cultivate enduring and reciprocal relationships between people and the places that we call home.

HIKING AND BACKPACKING GUIDE

Adriana M.

Adriana grew up in Northwest Montana surrounded by the mountains of Glacier National Park. Her love for the outdoors and hiking began at an early age and lead her to pursue a career sharing that enthusiasm with others. She spent several years guiding in Glacier National Park with the off season spent as a volunteer ski instructor. After that three amazing years were spent guiding in The Grand Canyon, as well as supervising a trail maintenance crew, where she enjoyed the satisfaction of making the rough trails as hospitable as possible for visitors. Adriana’s next adventure took her to Yellowstone, where she fell in love with the wonder of the park after spending a winter leading snowmobile tours there, and now calls this amazing place home. She has visited and hiked several dozen National Parks and can be found, skiing, motorcycling, exploring backroads, and mountain climbing in her free time. She can’t wait to share this amazing and beautiful place with you!


TESTIMONIALS

Absolutely amazing overall! Our guide Adriana went above and beyond in making sure the trip went smoothly. The trip was very well planned and it was one of the best trips I’ve attended. I’m loyal to WLT and will continue to attend many more future trips! Thank you!
— Sunita G.
Adriana was awesome. Lunch was great as was the info she shared about the area and wildlife. Scenery was beautiful. She remembered my fear of heights and helped me refocus when I had a brief “ panic”. She distracted me and I was able to finish the hike. I was out of my comfort zone which was my fault but she handled it professionally. It was a great experience once I got past my fears.
— Diana R.
Adriana was an awesome guide. She was Fun, knowledgeable and very friendly. Not to mention the awesome lunch she made for us. The hike was great too and would greatly recommend Adriana and that hike to anyone.
— Amanda P.
We did 3 hikes at Yellowstone with Wildland Trekking. they were the Bunsen Peak, Mystic Falls, and Canyon hikes. We had 2 seperate guides who were amazing, Jennifer and Adrianna. They were so knowledgeable and made our experiences something we will never forget. Our family has a new love for hiking in the nnational Parks. Having a delicious lunch on our excursion was amazing as well. Wildland trekking made planning our trip so easy and were so helpful with making the most of our time in Yellowstone. They also were so helpful in letting us know what we needed to hike safely.
— Mark O.

Hiking and Backpacking Guide

Andrew M.

Andrew began his outdoor career at an early age in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, where he built a foundation and love for skiing, hiking, and climbing. After graduating from high school, he went west to push further into nature. Since then, Andrew has worked in many fields of the outdoor industry, including snowshoe guiding in the high peaks of Colorado, wilderness therapy guiding throughout Utah, teaching wilderness medicine in the La Sal Mountains of Utah, and ski guiding in the Wasatch Mountains. Andrew calls the Wasatch Mountains of Utah home. He has a strong interest in wilderness or emergency medicine, works as an EMT in Salt Lake City and teaches First Aid, CPR, Basic Life Support, Wilderness First Aid, and Wilderness First Responder courses through the American Red Cross and the National Association of Search and Rescue. Andrew has a deep love for the pristine beauty of nature and enjoys sharing that beauty with others. When not guiding, he is chasing snow on a high peak, swimming in an alpine lake or capturing the beauty around him with his camera. He loves interacting with the outdoors in as many ways he can, and will most likely have a huge grin on his face any time he’s in the wild!

Hiking and Backpacking Guide

Chelsea M.

Chelsea is an Arizona Native, who grew up in the mountains of small-town Prescott, Arizona. This is where she learned early on about her love for the outdoors. Although much of her background is in Performing and Musical Theatre, she is rooted in the pine tree forests, Grand Canyon and the beautiful Sedona red rocks that have always been her backyard. Growing up with adventurous parents, she was fortunate enough to go on many family vacations around the world and probably one too many camping trips to the Grand Canyon.  Chelsea has lived, worked, and played throughout New York, Hawaii, Colorado, Costa Rica and of course Arizona where she currently resides and finds herself outdoor storytelling about the Sonoran Desert daily. As a member of the Wildland Trekking team, being able to turn her passions into a career has been the ultimate dream and she can’t wait to share her enthusiasm for wilderness with you! On the rare occasion Chelsea isn’t outside, you will most likely find her singing, teaching yoga, or spending time with her little French bulldog.

Hiking and Backpacking Guide

Chris M.

Chris was born and raised in New Jersey. After obtaining Bachelors’ degrees in Biology and Computer Science, he spent the next 10 years working as a Software Developer. During this time, his interest in the outdoors began to grow through cross country roadtrips and multiple backpacking trips, including the Appalachian Trail and John Muir Trail. In 2014, he left his home state for the adventures and unknowns of the West, and has lived in Colorado, Oregon, California, and Arizona. In 2021, he quit his development job to pursue guiding. He now resides in his camper van in Arizona and spends his free time climbing and exploring with his dog Charlie. As a guide, he finds fulfillment in helping people achieve their goals and explore the outdoors in a safe and fun manner.

HIKING AND BACKPACKING GUIDE

Chris M.

Born in North Dakota and raised in eastern Pennsylvania, one could say adventuring to new places was innate to Chris. While growing up, Chris was dedicated to soccer, which allowed him to travel all over the country. When he wasn’t playing soccer, his family would go on local camping and hiking trips. By following his passion for soccer, it ultimately led him into university, where he pursued a degree in Health and Physical Education, all while playing the sport he loved. After university, Chris moved up to Maine and started working as a PE teacher. During his time off from teaching, Chris would explore all over New England. Trips would range from climbing along the rocky coast in Acadia National Park to section hiking parts of the Appalachian Trail. It was at this time Chris decided to move halfway across the country to Flagstaff where he can chase a life of adventure. By applying his skills as a teacher, Chris hopes to educate others on areas that are so inspiring to him.


TESTIMONIALS

Chris was fantastic. great leader, organizer, problem solver, medic. He made the trip the best it could be and adapted to the desires of the group. Your next Guide will have a high bar to live up to!
— Alex M.
Chris did an amazing job. We would request him if we ever do another trip in the area.
— Erin B.
Having done an adventure with Wildland before, I knew our trip to Zion and Bryce was going to be incredible! Our guide Chris was fully prepared! He adapted to our group dynamics and we were able to go on even longer hikes due to our energy and enthusiasm. Wildland trekking anticipates all of your needs and desires. I am excited about future adventures and will be using them again!
— Lisa H.
Absolutely amazing in all ways!
— Jessica M.

Hiking and Backpacking Guide

Connor M.

Connor grew up in the Front Range of Colorado and spends most of his time on some medium of rock, ice or snow! In addition to being an AMGA single-pitch certified rock guide, he is also a PSIA-certified ski instructor and especially loves working with competitive youth groups. His 8+ years of guiding have taken him all over the world, from rock guiding in Vietnam to leading trips in the Utah desert. Working for Wildlandcombines two of his life’s passions: spending time in the outdoors and cooking good food with good people. In his spare time, he is an avid rock climber, skier, and aspiring ultrarunner!


TESTIMONIALS

Connor was awesome! He took us farther & faster than we had been. We learned a lot about snow, avalanches, ice & weather along the way. It was another fun trip with Wildland Trekking
— Randal C.
Connor was great. I really enjoyed having him as a guide. He was knowledgeable, attentive to our needs and safety and lots of fun. I look forward to another trip with him.
— Marc F.
Connor was a wonderful guide for our sister hike with llamas. We learned so much about these fascinating animals! Also, we would hire Connor to prepare a picnic lunch for us any day. We are grateful for this unique and memorable day hike in Rocky Mountain National Park - with llamas!
— Mary S.
I had a fabulous time. My guides--Connor and Magda--were incredibly resourceful, thoughtful, and considerate. Thanks for a wonderful experience!
— Sultana A.

Hiking and Backpacking Guide

Drew M.

Having spent most of his life above 61 degrees north, Drew is most comfortable negotiating the adventures and challenges of life at high latitudes. He grew up in Anchorage and has sought solitude and adventure in wilderness for as long as he can remember. He has explored Alaska’s immense wild spaces by foot, skis and mountain bike, and his early career as a scientist, teacher and guide expanded his horizons from Himalayan heights to equatorial Africa.

After studying Aleutian volcanoes for several years as a geologist based in Fairbanks, Drew lived in Kenya and worked with WWF advising freshwater conservation projects around the Rift Valley’s lakes. Upon returning to Alaska, Drew worked for the National Park Service, exploring many of Alaska’s remote parks while working as a wilderness and environmental planner.

Drawn to teaching, Drew earned a master’s degree in education and embarked on his career as a teacher, coach and wilderness guide. He has led backcountry hiking excursions in Denali National Park and winter ski and snowcoach outings in Yellowstone National Park, as well as expeditions in Greenland. When not guiding, Drew lives in a cabin at the foot of the Tetons, where he’s constantly in search of any excuse to travel by foot through the backcountry.

HIKING AND BACKPACKING GUIDE

Dylan M.

Hailing from the ‘land down unda’, Dylan grew up exploring southeast Australia and took many trips overseas with his outdoorsy and active family. Dylan studied Physical and Outdoor Education in Melbourne, graduating in 2015. In that same year, he began working at The Outdoor Education Group as a Group Leader. Over the next four years Dylan led school students on one to three-week trips from hiking to white water rafting in a wide variety of environments. In 2016 Dylan completed a thru-hike of the Pacific Crest Trail. He has also been on hiking trips in Northern Scandinavia and Spain. He has a passion for sharing amazing experiences outdoors and fostering positive connections with the land. Dylan has now made the big move to the United States in search of new experiences.


TESTIMONIALS

Had a fantastic trip , made even more enjoyable by Dylan who always gives special attention to his recipes, he delivers amazing food w seconds and thirds for his guests. He provided a new recipe of dumplings which we were all fighting over. Dylans demeanor as a guide is exemplary, hes inclusive, engaging, funny and knowledgeable about history of Yosemite , the geography, the plants and fawna. All in all and expert guide and a fantastic trip.
— Andrea C.
Fabulous beautiful trip. This was my second trip with Dillion. He is the best!
— Jackie B.
Dylan is an excellent guide! A VERY friendly, knowledgeable and professional person. We had a great full day hike with him. We would go again with him anytime!
— Lawrence T.
Dylan was an excellent guide — attentive, informed, and a great cook!
— Claire M.

PERU TREKKING & CULTURAL GUIDE

Edgard M.
Edgard Mora – originally from Cusco, Peru – was very fortunate growing up with the opportunity to travel and spend endless hours outdoors with his family and friends. He studied tourism and graduated to become an official Peruvian certified guide. Edgard has more than 15 years of experience in guiding, cultural tourism, hiking, and mountain biking. He has endless knowledge of Andean culture as well as the details of classic trekking routes that follow the ancient Inca pathways. Edgard says “My strong connection to my country, its people, and its lively cultural traditions will add to your travels immensely. My hope is that connection will help fuel your appreciation of the Andean people and our beautiful country.” Some of Edgard’s other hobbies are wildlife & nature photography as well as traveling.

TESTIMONIALS

Edgard was great throughout the entire trip. He was always well prepared and provided interesting information at every point. The hike itself was wonderful (a bit colder then we were expecting) but it was great! The cooks on the hike were amazing!!! We were constantly impressed with the amazing food they prepared. Having hot soup at the 14,000 feet while camping helped so much with the cold. The restaurants in Cusco were wonderful. The equipment that was provided was great. We had an amazing trip and were glad we went with Wildland. Thanks.
— Meghan M.
The entire trip was amazing and surpassed my expectations! Edgard is an incredible guide; I learned so much and was impressed by his attention to detail, including organizing everything, keeping us well informed of the plans, and making sure everyone was feeling well and taking care of themselves on the hike. I would definitely use Wildland again!
— Leslie W.
Most memorable experience of my life! From learning history of the ancient ruin of Saksaywaman, amazing views of Ollantaytambo, to highlights of Wiñaywayna Incan ruins and Inti Punku “Sun Gate” of Machu Picchu. Edgard’s immense knowledge of Andean culture has made this trip amazing, beyond words. Grateful to everyone else who made this experience so memorable, details and logistics of the trip were very well organized. Would do it all over again, if had the chance!
— Anna P.
I was nervous about the difficulty of this trip, but I trained as well as I could for it. Edgard Mora was an incredible guide both in his delivery of fascinating information and in his patience and support all along the way. Everything Wildland had set up ran smoothly, and I would recommend this trip to anyone who wants to see Machu Picchu and experience the challenge and beauty of the Incan Trail. If you want to see Machu Picchu, this is the way to do it. And if you're going to do it, ask for Edgard to be the one to lead you.
— Kathy C.
Couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Thank you for making our trip and my birthday so special! Edgard was such a fun and knowledgeable guide. We really enjoyed getting to know him and our other local support staff. Couldn’t have asked for a better experience!
— Rebecca O.

HIKING AND BACKPACKING GUIDE

Francisco M.

Francisco was born and raised in Ohio, where he developed a love for the outdoors at an early age exploring the forests and rivers of the Midwest. After graduating from Miami University in 2007 with a degree in Marketing, he went on to work in Chicago, IL; Normandy, France; and Barcelona, Spain as a Logistics Broker. The fast paced life of sales just wasn’t cutting it and in 2014 he decided to sell almost all of his belongings and thru- hike the Appalachian Trail. A renewed love of life and adventure, and the confidence to tackle anything led him to complete the Triple Crown of long distance hiking; completing the Pacific Crest Trail in 2015 and the Continental Divide Trail in 2016. After moving to Asheville, NC to start a new life in the mountains, he knew that sharing his rediscovered passion for life and the outdoors as a backpacking guide was the only way to go.


TESTIMONIALS

Francisco was very knowledgeable, personable, and a great cook. He provided history of the area, a lot of information on wildlife and flora/fauna, along with stories from his 3 Thru-Hiking trips.
— Michael R.
Well organized trekking company, helpful staff, great tour guide. I got to see fabulous fall colors of smoky mountains!
— Hawk Z.
We had a wonderful trip to the Smoky Mountains (Deep Creek family trip), our first with Wildland Trekking. The trip was very well-organized and well-paced. And our guide was amazing: knowledgeable and enthusiastic, great with my 14-year-old daughter, helpful with camping tips, cooked fantastic meals, and was kind, funny, and accommodating. We couldn't have hoped for a better guide or trip experience!
— Elaine M.
Francisco was an amazing guide who went above and beyond to make sure the group we comfortable. He catered to everyone's ability level and experience. His knowledge of the mountains was great and ensured we had an amazing time.
— Rachel M.

Hiking and Backpacking Guide

Grace M.

Grace grew up in Ohio, spending time camping and hiking with family. Her first backpacking and canoeing trip in northern Canada was life changing. Ever since that trip, Grace has spent her time backpacking across the US, Canada and Europe. When she wasn’t on personal backpacking trips, Grace spent time as an adventure guide. She has lived and worked in Ohio, Minnesota, Utah, South Carolina and Colorado. Grace also enjoys kayaking, archery and blacksmithing.

Wildland International Guide Hussein M.

Tanzania/Mt. Kilimanjaro - Lead Guide

Hussein M.

Hussein is our Mt. Kilimanjaro – Lead Guide. He started working on the mountain in 2005 to 2009 as a porter. In 2009, after graduating from tourism collage, he started climbing the mountain as a guide. He has summited Uhuru Peak more the 125 times since he started climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro as guide. He has a Wilderness First Responder certification and says the most important items to bring on the mountain are good reliable gear and a positive mind. Hussein lives with his wife and 2 beautiful daughters at foothills of Mt. Kilimanjaro. In his free time, he loves to work on his farm, watch movies with his family and play soccer.

PATAGONIA PROGRAM MANAGER

Jhona M.

Jhona was born in Punta Arenas, Chile and raised in Puerto Natales, living almost all his life in Patagonia. He studied Tourism and Hospitality Managment in Santiago de Chile, learning all what he needed to know to work in the field that he loves, adventure tourism. Since he was young, he’s been working in Torres del Paine Natioanl Park as a guide assistant, porter, and in operations and logistics. He’s a nature lover and passionate proponent of sustainable tourism. He loves to explore the world, experiencing and learning about differents cultures, sharing beautiful moments with people from other countries. He believes wholeheartedly that the world is way too big to stay in the same place too often! When not guiding, he enjoys cycling, hiking and learning about Chilean folklore.

Hiking and Backpacking Guide

Jordan M.

Jordan was born and raised in Fredericksburg, Virginia. He grew up hiking with his Dad and brother along the Appalachian trail in the Shenandoah National Park. Jordan had always had an affinity for the outdoors and making friends. He didn’t see the rocky mountains until he was 19 when driving across the country with his sister for the first time to live in Utah. In his time in Utah Jordan fell in love with the west and the “bigger and badder hiking trails” that the mountains offered there. He then moved north to Big Sky MT where he found a new passion in everything Yellowstone. He went on to explore the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem over the next two years and learned everything he could about the “most gorgeous views” he’s ever seen.

HIKING AND BACKPACKING GUIDE

Mark M.

Mark grew up hiking and camping with his dad, road-tripping across the country to see the best of our National Parks. This love of nature led Mark to an 8-year career as an agricultural engineer with the USDA, working with farmers and ranchers to improve conservation on their land. As work took him to beautiful rural areas throughout Pennsylvania and California, Mark couldn’t resist the urge to find his way into the outdoors full time. Now, he is excited to spend every day doing what he loves: sharing his passion for adventure and conservation with anyone who will join him. Mark also works as a Volunteer Wilderness Ranger, trail crew member, and poison oak magnet in Big Sur’s Ventana Wilderness.


TESTIMONIALS

Our group loved our backpacking trip and we plan on taking more in the future. Our guide, Mark was great. We enjoyed learning about the history of the park and different plants/trees on our hike. This was the first backpacking trip for us. The equipment supplied was top notch. Easy to put up and take down tents. The sleeping bags with silk liners kept us warm, especially with an unexpected 30 degree night. We were even more surprised by how delicious our camping food was. Chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast was such a delightful surprise! As we passed day hikers on the trail, they would ask us about our backpacking. We told everyone about how amazing Wildland Trekking has been and if they considered backpacking, to look them up. We are already looking forward to choosing our next trip with your company.
— Christine P.
Mark is an excellent guide. Not only did we learn about flora, geology, and history, but he was so patient with our multiple questions and group dynamics. Coming from the northeast, southwest Utah was a fascinating landscape to explore. I loved it all!
— Marianne E.
Mark was terrific - very knowledgeable of the history, fauna and flora of the area and truly caring in meeting all requests and needs. Accommodations and food was excellent.
— Marie R.
Mark & Mike were GREAT!!!!!!! We had amazing weather in Yosemite I was so excited we could have fires in morning and at night. This was my first backpacking experience and absolutely loved it ! Will definitely do more adventures and book through Wildland- it is totally worth it for many reasons to have the expertise of the guide (knowing where to go, water spots, retrieve and filter our water, plan the food& cook the food- to be a few things)
— Alicia M.
Mark and Darrek were excellent guides and they treated me and all the guests with utmost care. I personally enjoyed having great conversations with both of them and the rest of the group on this trip. I also learned a lot in this 4-day backpacking adventure in the Yosemites.
— Kiran K.

Hiking and Backpacking Guide

Quinton M.

Quinton grew up on the West Coast of California, surfing and soaking up the sun throughout his childhood. He attended the University of California, Santa Cruz for undergrad, and immediately became fascinated with ecology, botany, and outdoor recreation. With a passion to protect the natural world, he moved to the Southwest for work as a botanist and a soil scientist. In the off seasons, he began working as an outdoor guide. He loves teaching others about fascinating aspects of nature, and inspiring in others a deep sense of wonder, curiosity and connection to the natural world. Quinton is a certified Wilderness First Responder, and highly values personal safety in the outdoors. In his free time, he enjoys fitness and strength training, mountain biking, whitewater kayaking, canyoneering, snowboarding, and of course hiking!

Hiking and Backpacking Guide

Ryan M.

Ryan was born raised in Maryland, and became hooked on the outdoors after completing a NOLS semester course in the Pacific Northwest. He moved west to pursue a career in outdoor education, spending the last decade leading youth on wilderness courses across the mountains, deserts, and coastlines of California and Washington. Ryan is now based in Joshua Tree, CA where he works as a climbing and trekking guide. An avid rock climber, Ryan spends much of his free time climbing, training, and planning his next trip. He’s also known for his eclectic music taste and affinity for alpine lake swimming. Ryan’s excitement for facilitating fun and impactful experiences in nature brought him to Wildland Trekking where he loves sharing knowledge, laughs, and good food!

Wildland Trekking guide Sara M.

Canadian Rockies Hiking and Backpacking Guide

Sara M.

Sara was born and raised in Calgary, AB and spent her childhood weekends hiking, camping, and skiing in the Canadian Rockies with her family. After high school, she moved to Canmore to train full-time for cross-country skiing. Two years later, she left competitive sport and focused her efforts on hiking, trail running, scrambling, and remote backpacking trips. She is also pursuing a degree in Kinesiology at the University of Calgary. Her passion is exploring the off-the-beaten-path corners of the mountains and she loves to help others build their confidence as they travel through the wilderness!

HIKING AND BACKPACKING GUIDE

Scott M.

Scott Moore is one of our most veteran guides, and one of our core Yellowstone guides. He lives in Missoula, Montana and has been an outdoor leader for more than seven years. From the hills of Romania to the peaks of Montana and Wyoming, there is nothing he enjoys more than backpacking and hiking new, beautiful places with others. To mention just a few highlights, he has taught leadership for Outward Bound in Costa Rica, instructed at Outdoor Education centers, and rode the high seas on an EPA environmental survey ship. Scott guides for Wildland exclusively in Yellowstone National Park. In the early years Scott ran our Yellowstone program nearly single-handedly. Reliable, friendly, and knowledgeable, Scott is, and has been for years, an enormous asset to the Wildland Trekking team.


TESTIMONIALS

This was our first back country backpacking trip and it was a fantastic experience! Scott Moore, our guide, was great. He is very knowledgeable and enthusiastic, which made the trip that much more fun. We would recommend Scott to anyone, he truly loves what he does and that makes all the difference in a trip like this! Wildland Trekking Company is first rate, we would recommend to anyone interested in this type of adventure to use them. We are already looking forward to a trip with WLT in the future. Thank you again!
— Carrie and Jeff Coleman
Planning was very good (orientation meeting, length of trip each day was good for the group we had); 'off day' we hiked to a peak, I think Sheep Mtn, very cool! Scenery of course was awesome. Scott was excellent. Very good temperament, even when a couple of people in the group needed extra help or time. VERY safety conscious of bear, which gave me comfort throughout the week. I was a little surprised he had not hiked this trip before (which concerned me going in) but turns out I don't think it mattered. I would definitely recommend Scott to anyone going out.
— Mike Torchia
Great trip, great price, great guide - I recommend this outfit without hesitation.
— Steven W.
Wonderfull trekking with Scott and Tom. Beautiful landscape and real School of Life for children (9 & 11). We'll never forget it!
— Olivier A.

Hiking and Backpacking Guide

Zeke M.

Zeke grew up in the woods of Lowell, Georgia, and found a passion for the outdoors in high school. Upon graduation from high school, Zeke relocated to Chattanooga, Tennessee, to start a season with the Southeast Conservation Corp as a crew member building mountain biking trails in Columbus, Georgia. This season was, unfortunately, cut short because of the pandemic, but Zeke later found an opportunity in Arizona with the Arizona Conservation Corp. After an eight month season in the Prescott National Forest, Zeke attempted to thru hike the Appalachian Trail in 2021. Zeke made it to New York and eventually got off trail. Going back to Arizona after the trail, Zeke continued to work for the Arizona Conservation Corp through 2021. In the summer of 2022, Zeke completed a 30-day Leadership Backpacking Course through NOLS in the Wind River Range of Wyoming. Following this course, Zeke completed a thru hike of the Pinhoti Trail on the East Coast. Always coming back to Flagstaff when he leaves, Zeke did another season with the Arizona Conservation Corp and obtained his WFR certification during this season. On his off days, you can find Zeke hanging out with his friends climbing, thinking about climbing, or planning his next climbing trip!

Wildland Trekking guide Carolina N.

Canadian Rockies Hiking Guide

Carolina N.

Carolina has been guiding professionally since 2006.  After chasing summer for upwards of ten years while leading trips internationally, she began to miss winter and the Rockies where she grew up. She opted for a change in 2018 and made Canmore, a town 20 minutes outside Banff National Park her year-round home. Since then she has worked marketing contracts for the ski industry in the winter months and guided over the summer months.  If you want to see her excited, just ask her anything to do with hiking, mountain biking or skiing in the Rockies and you will see her genuine pride in her home— a born and raised mountain enthusiast.

HIKING AND BACKPACKING GUIDE

Jeff N.
Jeff got his first taste for the outdoors from his family in and around Memphis, TN. He was no stranger to water sports or just hanging out in the woods. After joining the Boy Scouts and while working at Kia Kima Scout Reservation for five summers, he gravitated more towards interests in backpacking and climbing but still enjoyed his time at camp as director of the water skiing program. Later he would achieve the rank of Eagle Scout. He moved to San Diego, CA and found a wonderland of rock to be climbed. While living out West he worked at a local outfitter but something was missing. Jeff moved to Flagstaff and earned his degree in Parks & Recreation Management from Northern Arizona University in 2014. During his internship with a local rafting outfitter he traveled the Grand Canyon several times. Living and working in Northern Arizona, Jeff has a great appreciation for the natural beauty and processes that have shaped the western landscape. In his free time he enjoys playing music, climbing, and gardening.

TESTIMONIALS

My partner and I had a wonderful experience on the three day Huvasupai Falls trek. Neither of us are experienced hikers and we only started doing day treks at home to prepare for this trip. The training definitely paid off but the hike was actually more manageable than I expected! Our guides were excellent and really put us at ease at the orientation meeting. The food they prepared was top notch and plentiful, especially the breakfast burrito feast on the first morning! Our guides were knowledgeable and, perhaps more importantly, made us feel safe and at ease throughout the three days. The scenery of the canyon was amazing to be effectively inside and our geologist guide was able to give us information we wouldn't even have thought of asking. We wouldn't hesitate to book another trek with Wildland.
— Hannah M.
We had an exceptional experience on our Grand Canyon day hike. Our guide, Jeff, was knowledgeable, professional, organized, prepared and fun! Although we had high expectations for the day (after all - it's the Grand Canyon!) - they were exceeded by Wildland Trekking. Using a skilled guide made us feel comfortable that we could maximize our day. All the gear we needed was provided and Jeff also exceeded our expectations for snacks and lunch. He provided a beautiful picnic spread that our group thoroughly enjoyed. We will definitely do another tour with Wildland Trekking Company.
— Sindy C.
Couldn't have asked for better guides. Their enthusiasm for their job made our experience all the more interesting. Easily the highlight of our 4 week stay in the USA. Thank you so much.
— Adam B.
Our guides were excellent, very knowledgeable, professional and worked extremely hard to make our trip as enjoyable as possible.
— David H.

Canadian Rockies Hiking and Backpacking Guide

Jenna N.

From a young age, Jenna appreciated the feeling of moving her body and the satisfaction that came from self-propelled activities. Feeding off of the energy of wild places, she has spent five months following the white blazes along the Appalachian Trail, two weeks hiking across Baffin Island, 15 days exploring the high altitude passes of the Nepalese Himalayas, and over 500 nights sleeping in her tent. She lives a life creating adventure and opportunity and is passionate about teaching others how to find and create their own adventure. Always in search of a new adventure she can be found anywhere but indoors!


TESTIMONIALS

Our guides Jenna and Nathan were very knowledgeable, handy with first aid, and serious about preserving nature. It was a spectacular trip!
— Nancy L.
Excellent trip. Hikes were fabulous. Jenna ensured guests were safe and provided adequate hikes relative to our physical capabilities.
— Elaine F.

HIKING AND BACKPACKING GUIDE

Kyle N.

Kyle Nush grew up in Round Lake, Illinois and developed a love for the great outdoors from going on family vacations to National Parks with his parents. Kyle graduated in 2017 from Carthage College with a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Science, Geography, Earth Science and GIS. Kyle has always wanted to be outside, so summers were spent on the East Coast guiding in the White Mountains for the Appalachian Mountain Club, or on the West Coast guiding hikes in Yosemite. Kyle is a certified Wilderness First Responder.


TESTIMONIALS

We booked a trip into the Pisgah National Forest in North Carolina looking for an adventure; boy did we get one! Despite the fact that we hiked in Tropical Storm Fred, and eventually evacuated from the mountain, we had a fantastic time! Kyle N. was a wonderful guide and his “fun facts” were one on the highlights of the trip for me. I would definitely use Wildland Trekking again. People would be very lucky to get Kyle as their guide!
— Elizabeth R.
Kyle was EXCELLENT!!!! He was very well prepared, explained everything we would need, was prompt when he picked us up and made the whole trip very enjoyable. The lunch he prepared was perfect as well. I would highly recommend Kyle as your guide.
— Mark G.
Kyle is the best guide I’ve had on any trip. He worked really hard to make sure everyone was having a good experience and asked for regular feedback. He is also a great storyteller who kept us entertained!
— Karen G.
Kyle Nush was super cool and professional. He was very knowledgeable during our hikes and prepared really delicious food during our trips.
— Lena W.
Kyle was fantastic!!! My first Wildland Trekking trip and I would do it all over again with Kyle as our guide!!!!
— Mary R.

Hiking and Backpacking Guide

Sara N.

Growing up outside of Yellowstone National Park, Sara’s appreciation of the natural world began at a
young age. She obtained a bachelor’s degree in Archaeology and Native American Studies at the
University of Montana in Missoula, Montana. She continues to be fascinated with ancient cultures and
their relationship with the environment. While living in Montana, Sara hiked frequently and had many
adventures backpacking in Montana, Idaho and Wyoming.
Sara moved to Colorado in 2013 and earned a degree in Veterinary Technology and worked for 7 years
as a certified veterinary technician. All the while in Colorado she spent much of her free time hiking and
backpacking in Colorado’s front and backcountry.
Led by her love for animals and exploring nature, Sara moved back to Montana in 2020 and in 2021 she
became a hiking guide in Yellowstone. This seemed like a dream come true for her, she was able to
share her passion for the outdoors and educate others about our first national park. As winter
approached Sara made her way south to sunny Florida where she has been living since 2021 and
working as a manatee tour guide. In addition to guiding, Sara is a group leader for an organization which
specializes in volunteering for ethical wildlife projects worldwide. Sara has led groups in Costa Rica,
Namibia, with an upcoming trip to Thailand.

Hiking and Backpacking Guide

Brendan O.

Brendan worked for the Forest Service and the National Park Service before heading to Flagstaff to pursue a Master’s Degree in geography at Northern Arizona University. After a season guiding in Oregon, he was thrilled to return to the Southwest for his first season at Wildland. He spends a lot of his free time writing and working on turning his thesis about housing into a book. He has too much to say about this topic for a guide bio, but it’s something to ask him about on the trail! When he’s not hiking or writing, he can usually be found reading, playing sports ranging from tennis to basketball to disc golf, or entranced by the night sky. He’s originally from Iowa.

“…and always try to have (at the very least) one thing you love, one thing you have loved, and (perhaps most importantly) one thing you will someday love…” – Seth (Thomas, West Virginia)


TESTIMONIALS

An amazing day hike into the grand canyon. Brendan was extremely welcoming and really enhanced our hike. He even had to rescue a child who had turned her ankle and couldn't walk. Luckily she was reasonable close to the the top and Brendan carried her piggy back. He also gave us tremendous insight into the canyon's history.
— Bob M.
Our tour guide was great! Good attitude, very knowledgeable, and had a great time!! Loved the trip and cannot wait for the next one!
— Chelsea M.
Our guide was great. Pointed out special features to look for. Made a point of spending time with each person individually to talk and get to know each other. Did things he didn't have to, to create special memories...like making breakfast at Ribbon Falls as opposed to at camp. Highly recommend Brendan as a guide for anyone's next trip!
— Larry M.
Brendan was awesome. He was prepared for every situation. Very knowledgeable about the Grand Canyon.
— Mark U.
Everything was great. We were sad to have to leave. Was the best vacation we have had in a while. If we visited the canyon on our own, we would have lost half our vacation time figuring out where to go and at what time. Our guide, Brendan, knew the best spots and times and how to get there. We spent more time hiking and enjoying the views instead of wandering around like confused tourists. This gave us the oportunity to see and do so much more. We are already discussing/planning our next trip with Wildland.
— Matthew S.

Hiking and Backpacking Guide

Camilla O.

Camilla grew up in Bloomington-Normal, Illinois and studied English Literature at Boston University. She moved to Phoenix in 2009 and fell in love with the other-worldly landscape of the American Southwest. After living abroad in Australia and New Zealand, Camilla thru-hiked the Pacific Crest Trail in 2019 and the trajectory of her life changed. Being on trail working towards a singular goal while overcoming obstacles and building authentic connections felt therapeutic and character building. Camilla then spent nearly two years working and living outdoors in Utah as a field mentor for a wilderness therapy program for young adults, receiving a Wilderness First Responder certification as well as lead guide status.

In 2022 Camilla completed a thru hike of the Appalachian Trail and hopes to finish her Triple Crown one day. When she isn’t outside hiking or camping, Camilla can be found reading, writing, baking vegan treats, climbing, swimming, scuba diving, , and exploring new countries.

Hiking and Backpacking Guide

Finn O.

Finn grew up in the Seattle area where a majority of his time as a youth was spent hiking, rafting, biking,and participating in the premier ultimate frisbee and jazz programs the area offered. Finn graduated in 2020 with a BS in Environmental science from Western Washington University and spent the next several years working various outdoors jobs. In the fall of 2021, Finn moved full-time into his beat up Ford Econoline and has been traveling the West in pursuit of some of the best rock climbing around. After a summer working with the US Forest Service on a wilderness trails crew in rugged central Idaho, Finn decided to pursue a career guiding where he could share his knowledge and passion for the natural world with others.

Hiking and Backpacking Guide

Kasey O.

Born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, Kasey grew up hiking, camping, and backpacking with her family and friends. In 2013 she graduated from Northern Arizona University with a degree in Parks and Recreation Management and a focus on Outdoor Leadership. Since then she has worked as a guide, director, and outdoor educator in Colorado, Arizona, Utah, and California. In her free time, Kasey enjoys traveling, climbing, paddle boarding, and backpacking. During the off-season, she focuses on one large outdoor adventure and spends the rest of her time in Phoenix with family.

HIKING AND BACKPACKING GUIDE

Kyle O.

Kyle was born and raised in New England. During his early career, studying neuroscience and researching in the Boston area, he found that he spent all of his time devising ways to leave the city. Often this meant exploring the White Mountains of New Hampshire. He spent most his free time hiking, skiing and biking in the region, and decided he’d rather explore the wilderness than continue his career as a researcher. In 2017 he made the decision to leave the city and hike the Appalachian Trail. The thru-hike solidified his desire to make a living in the outdoors, so he headed west to guide primitive backpacking trips with at-risk youth. He taught shelter building, wood carving, fire making and rock climbing in the Utah desert. When he isn’t guiding you’ll find Kyle skiing, mountain biking or rock climbing wherever the weather is cooperating.


TESTIMONIALS

This was my first ever organized hiking trip, and it exceeded my expectations. Kyle was a knowledgeable, thorough, friendly, and professional hiking guide. I could not have asked for a better first experience. Thank you and keep up the great work!
— Jenny P.
Our guide, Kyle, was terrific. He was knowledgeable, patient, and organized. The food was delicious, too. Great trip!
— Wendy P.
You should clone Kyle and make him available to every group who wants a terrific experience.
— Trina B.
This was my first experience with an Inn based tour and it did NOT disappoint! We loved it! Kyle is a very gifted and knowledgeable guide! He did such a great job! The food was amazing and the hiking was fantastic! I tell all my friends to use Wildland!!!
— Jessica B.

Hiking and Backpacking Guide- Alps

Matthieu O.

Matthieu was raised in the french Alps. After studying at a hospitality and tourism management school in Toulouse in the south of France, he first worked for tour operators in the administrative team. He is now guiding hiking and ski tours in European countries and teaching skiing for ESF – French Ski School. Backpacking brought him abroad with numerous long-distance journeys throughout Europe, South America and North America. He is now sharing his skills by guiding adventure vacations, sharing spectacular scenery, and his deep passion for the mountain environment. Safety, logistics, delicious food, and contagious smiles are the recipe of tours he is guiding. His hobbies are family trips but also reading, trail-running, cross-country skiing, ski touring, and last but not the least swimming in remote mountain lakes and rivers.

HIKING AND BACKPACKING GUIDE

Max O.

Max grew up in Ohio, but an obsession with the mountains prompted him to pursue his college education in Colorado. He focused his passion for the inner workings of the natural world as an undergraduate studying ecology and geology at the University of Colorado, where he also developed a love for rock climbing. After graduating, Max traveled the world to climb, bike, and hike, but he always returned to the mountains and deserts of the American West, where the complexity and beauty of the land provides endless inspiration. A strong advocate for the transformative power of nature and human-powered adventure, Max loves sharing stories of the outdoors through writing, photography, and, of course, in-person with the guests on his trips.


TESTIMONIALS

Our guides Max and James took excellent care of us before and during our trip. They were knowledgeable and put me at ease for my first tent camping trip in bear country. We ate very well and overall had an unforgettable experience. I recommend!
— Karen H.
As always, another beautifully crafted adventure with Wildland trekking! Despite peak season at the NPs we felt like we had the place to ourselves due to the perfectly crafted itinerary by our fearless leader, Max. Always great food, great people makes for the best time!
— Whitney S.
Max is our guide , he is knowledgeable Kind and friendly . The trip is well organize
— Lichym W.

Hiking and Backpacking Guide

Michael O.
Michael is an avid hiker, skier, rock climber, ice climber, and mountain man, which is surprising given his upbringing in the flat state of Iowa. While pursuing an archeology degree at the University of Iowa, a rural archeological dig in the hills of Peru sparked his love for travel. Since then, his many climbing and mountaineering adventures have taken him across the globe to Argentina, Nepal, Greece, Canada and Mexico, as well as across the US in his van. When he’s not in the backcountry he enjoys baking cookies, playing guitar, doing crosswords, and of course, planning for his next trip. He enjoys guiding for Wildland Trekking because it allows him to share his passion for the national parks with people from different places and backgrounds.

TESTIMONIALS

I can not stop talking about the fantastic time my daughter and I had hiking Zion and Bryce Canyon with Wildland Trekking!! Having a guide with us on these adventures not only gives me peace of mind but it's wonderful to have someone taking care of it all!! All the planning, meals, and let's not forget fantastic restaurants! My love of the outdoors is equal to my love of great food!! Our accommodations were top notch too!! And the icing on it all....our guide was just the best!!! He explained facts about our surroundings, had an bottomless tool box of jokes, and provided peaceful quiet times just to take in the amazing views. When we woke up Memorial day morning to a unexpected snow fall our guide brought out spikes for our boots (we were the envy of all the other hikers!!), then there's the rain ponchos he pulled out later when we came across rain!! - I truly could go on for pages about Michael O! My vacations with Wildland Trekking is something I have to save up for, but they are worth every penny!!
— Kirsten H.
This is the second time we have used your company. Both times we were very, very please with the experience we had with Wildland Trekking!! Our guides were wonderful, could not have asked for anything better. We have recommended you company to many others.
— Helena W.
Wildland did an excellent job of communicating what was needed, how to prepare, and what was going to happen. Both of our guides (Michael and Fletcher) were awesome! They were good cooks, good trail leaders, helped someone scared of heights get down Mooney, and told good jokes!(ok, that may be an exaggeration on the jokes). Had agreat time!
— Jaylen H.
Michael and Ben did an excellent job handling our diverse group of 12; we had 1-2 members not prepared at all for the strenuous nature of this trip: Ben and Michael went above and beyond to accommodate her irrational behavior while also respecting the remaining 10 of us--making sure we had the trip that we were expecting and were excited about!
— Ellen S.
Our guides Matt H and Michael O were beyond fantastic! They did such a magnificent job taking care of everyone in our 11 person group and helped create a wonderful comraderie between all of us who had never met before! They were extremely kind, caring, conscientious and just all around really nice guys who cared about every detail! The level of knowledge these two have about Yellowstone (and many other areas) was amazing and made the trip an incredible learning journey as well! We will be back for another trip and will most likely be requesting the services of these two guides specifically!!!
— Ann K.

CANADA PROGRAM MANAGER

Anna P.

Anna has called Banff home for the past 9 years, and still feels like she has only scratched the surface in terms of adventures to go on and exciting new places to discover. Working in different areas of the tourism industry in Banff nurtured a passion for sharing the enjoyment she finds in exploring the area with people who are visiting. When she’s not planning and guiding trips, Anna can still be found out in the mountains whether it’s on multi-day hikes, mountain biking, canoeing or rock climbing, there’s always more to discover! Anna’s favorite mountain is Castle Mountain, and her most epic adventure to date is the Wapta ski traverse from Bow Lake to the Great Divide Lodge near Lake Louise.

HIKING AND BACKPACKING GUIDE

Dan P.

Dan grew up outside Minneapolis, Minnesota and started out his career as an aerospace engineer. He discovered his passion for the outdoors, however, by joining a search and rescue team in Northern Minnesota. Since then, Dan has guided mountain and trekking trips in both Norway and Nicaragua, and completed his wilderness emergency technician course in the Scottish Highlands. He loves to share his enthusiasm for hiking, rock climbing, and travelling with his guests and always has a funny story or corny joke to share.


TESTIMONIALS

Dan was outstanding. Extremely knowledgeable and entertaining. We enjoyed getting to know him.
— John B.
Dan has a great attitude and is an excellent guide.
— Jason R.
Great trip. Dan was an excellent guide.
— Lyle P.
Dan is a very professional, intelligent, and knowledgeable guide who is most attentive to his clients's needs. He was well-organized and personable and gave clear inst ructions to the group regarding each day's plans.
— Francis L.
Wildland Trekking guide Jamie P.

Canadian Rockies Hiking Guide

Jaime P.

Growing up in the countryside in Alberta, Jamie has been loving and exploring nature since the moment she learned to crawl. An avid hiker, camper, and explorer, she spent her formative years getting off the trail and in the forest as she could. Eager to share her love of nature with others, she began pursuing a career as an interpretive guide and documentary filmmaker while obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of Alberta. Jamie went on to work as an interpreter with the City of Edmonton and as a documentalist with the Company of Women on the Screen. Soon, adventure called Jamie to leave Canada and begin a new career as a hiking guide in Chilean Patagonia. There she formed Indomita Adventures Patagonia, through which she offers hiking and cultural tours as well as free beach clean-up and interpretive environmental events. Dividing time between Chile and Canada, Jamie is an active member and instructor with the Interpretive Guides Association and an ACMG apprentice guide. When Jamie isn’t promoting conservation through her creative interpretation on the trail, she can be found doing improvisational theater, singing around a campfire, and going on long nighttime walks through whatever town she’s passing through.

John P, hiking and backpacking guide for Wildland Trekking

Hiking and Backpacking Guide

John P.

Raised in the foothills of the Southern Appalachian Mountains, John enjoyed a childhood where the outdoors played a central role. He went on his first backpacking trip at the age of six. He kept up that habit through his teenage years. When John graduated high school, he had already counted over 300 trail miles and 150+ days in the backcountry and earned the rank of Eagle Scout.

At Brevard College John earned a degree in Wilderness Leadership and Experiential Education, with a minor in Acting. Over the last decade John has led expeditions in 20 states between Alaska and Florida. He holds a Wilderness First Responder certification, and is a former member of the Brevard Rescue Squad.

When John is not on trail with Wildland you will find him whitewater kayaking, playing bluegrass music, or working with an outdoor education non-profit.


TESTIMONIALS

Our guide John set the bar pretty high for what I hope for on future adventures. From the experience, to the terrain, to the plants and the history, he shared what he knew and it made the experience more uniquely enjoyable. If you're looking for a truly well guided experience Wildland Trekking is a great company to use. They look to make sure you're fully prepared for your adventure and set you up with a knowledgeable guide for a great experience. I know I'll be back and I can't wait.
— Michelle P.
John was outstanding! He is very knowledgeable and gave us an absolutely wonderful experience.
— Craig K.
Great trip! So beautiful and fun. John P. was such an awesome guide, very knowledgeable and cooked great! Definitely recommend for anyone
— Rachelle H.
My trip was very enjoyable! John Pate was very informative and excellent cooker of plantains ;)! It was a very relaxed environment with our group! The Great Smokey Mountains and Appalachian Trail will be a great memory for me!
— Anna K.
John did a great job -- he is a highly experienced, safety-conscious, and energetic guide. The meals were probably the best I've had on a backcountry trip and John shared a ton of local knowledge about the geology, botany, and zoology of the Park. I felt that we were physically challenged every day but didn't feel completely exhausted. The views on this trip were wonderful, both in the valleys and especially up high. Campsites also were very nice.
— Lawrence P.
Wildland International Guide Josephat P.

Tanzania/Safari Guide

Josephat P.

Josephat is our lead Safari guide. He has over 10 years of experience taking people from all around the world to Tanzania’s top safari destinations; Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire and Manyara. He has attended many first aid & safari guide training courses over his time in the industry. Most recently he attended a training lead by the Mweka Wildlife college. Bird watching and spending time with his family are a few activities he especially loves to do. He has 2 lovely daughters, Noela & Angel. He advises that a good pair of binoculars will go a long way to really help see wildlife while on safari and specifically for bird watching.

Hiking and Backpacking Guide

Liz P.

Liz is a Wisconsinite who grew up hiking, boating, and recreating on the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan.  After college, she worked in outside sales for 18 years before leaving the corporate rat race to pursue her true passion–guiding and outdoor education.  Two of her favorite trails to guide and explore are: the Appalachian Trail and the Ice Age Trail.  Liz enjoys volunteering on trail crews to perform essential trail maintenance.  Last year she installed a stone staircase in Virginia on the Appalachian Trail.  When she’s not guiding, hiking, or volunteering, she’s usually found in the company of animals.  She has two dogs who she loves to explore with and is a pet sitter and volunteer dog walker at her local humane society.  Liz looks forward to educating and empowering you on your next adventure with Wildland Trekking.

Hiking and Backpacking Guide

Taylor P.

Growing up in Wisconsin, Taylor’s love of the outdoors began camping in quiet woodlands and swimming through clear lakes. As a child she would pore over issues of National Geographic and Outside Magazine, dreaming of someday exploring and photographing the grander landscapes of the West.

In 2013 she earned a Bachelor’s in Cultural Anthropology from UW-Eau Claire, spending her junior year studying in (and falling in love with) the redwoods of Northern California. During college she went on her first backpacking trip in southern Utah where she was awakened to the desert’s beauty and the deeper connection that backpacking offered. After graduating she taught English in Thailand for a year, worked a summer in Yellowstone, and ultimately found the pull of the PNW’s moss, mountains, and bright blue waters too strong to ignore. While living in Portland she hiked and backpacked hundreds of miles, started volunteering with local trail crews, and got more involved in conservation projects.

For the last 4 years, however, she’s been living out her childhood dream, roaming the Western US in a travel trailer with her partner, and co-teaching photography workshops in some of the most remarkable locations in the country. She has since settled down in a place near and dear to her heart, the Desert Southwest. She loves the way the light plays across the red rock and verdant desert, and she’s never met a canyon she didn’t like.

When she’s not hiking she enjoys rock climbing, kayaking, reading, volunteering, embroidery, and photography. She loves learning about and sharing knowledge of local flora, fauna, and fungi, encouraging others to notice the smaller details within the grand landscape.

One of Taylor’s favorite things is helping others find connection with nature and sparking curiosity; she is thrilled to share her excitement and wonder for the natural world (as well as some laughs along the way).

HIKING AND BACKPACKING GUIDE

Eddie Q.

Eddie started hiking and skiing as a boy in the Adirondack mountains of upstate NY and this love of the outdoors that started early became a lifestyle.  As soon as he was able, Eddie moved to Colorado so he could spend as much time as possible hiking, biking and skiing the backcountry.  His first outdoor leadership job was was teaching cross country skiing at the Nordic Center in Beaver Creek and from there Eddie worked as a guide for Meet the Wilderness introducing inner city kids to the wilds of the Colorado Rockies.  Eddie has enjoyed many outdoor jobs over the years guiding trips in the US and overseas, serving as a ranger in Olympic National Park, and working as fire fighter/EMT at McMurdo Station, Antarctica.  Most of Eddie’s work is seasonal so he can spend plenty of time in the outdoors doing what he loves the most, backpacking, backcountry skiing and exploring the world on backroads and trails.  Eddie has managed to camp on all seven continents and loves sharing his passion for the outdoors with others.


TESTIMONIALS

This trip was absolutely incredible. I had never camped before, and I loved every moment of it. It was a great group, the hike was so rewarding, and the guides were wonderful! They were extremely knowledgeable and informative, the views of the Canyon were amazing, and even the food was top notch! I can honestly say I now have a passion for the outdoors after this trip, and I want to go on many more hikes with Wildland Trekking. Such a great company, I recommend them to anyone seeking an adventure!
— Michaela M.
Everything was superb, Eddie was an awesome guide. He was flexible, hiked us at a good pace to accommodate the entire group, made us feel safe, and told great ghost stories!!! Truly one of the most beautiful secrets on earth. The scenery took my breath away, as did the hike, which made it all the more special to reach the turquoise destination hidden deep within the canyon. From my photos, most of my friends assumed that I was in Thailand. Nope, no giant buddhas or grand palaces here. Just natural, real, tangible beauty!
— Kerry P.
One off my bucket list, thanks Eddie for such a great time, Patrica and I enjoyed the whole trip.
— John T.
Eddie Quinn did a great job guiding us. I didn't use sock liners and my boots were a little too tight so, I ended up with blisters on the hike in. Eddie was well prepared with mole skin and duct tape. The duct tape worked amazingly well and I was able to hike out without any discomfort where the blisters had formed. The food prepared was amazing and way better than I expected. We had a great time and took a bunch of pictures in order to solidify our memory of this wonderful hiking experience.
— Dave E.
Wildland Trekking guide Adrienne R.

Hiking and Backpacking Guide

Adrienne R.

Adrienne grew up splitting her time between Colorado and France, a combination which inspired a love for the mountains and a thirst for travel and adventure. Growing up skiing, camping, hiking and horseback riding, she later discovered backpacking, rock climbing, mountain biking, and yoga. Guiding and teaching these activities offered an avenue for travel and a means to share her passion for the outdoors – guiding horseback safaris in southern Africa, teaching yoga in Brazil, guiding hiking and biking in Arizona, and spending seasons as a ski instructor in Colorado. Horseback riding remains her primary pursuit, whether deep in the backcountry on horseback, teaching riding lessons for kids, or training young horses to be backcountry rockstars. Currently she summers in Colorado and winters in Arizona, maximizing the potential to get outdoors at every opportunity.


TESTIMONIALS

Amazing experience from start to finish. Adrienne was an amazing guide that did a great job. She made the experience even more enjoyable. I can’t describe how awesome this experience turned out.
— Brandon S.
Adrienne was amazing! Very knowledgeable, personable, fun and hard working. Her food was exceptional and the hikes were beautiful.
— Travis T.
Our guide Adrienee was amazing, definitely an expert in the field and so much more. Our experience was so much better than anyone anticipated, and I think it had much to do with her expertise and guidance.
— Matt S.

HIKING AND BACKPACKING GUIDE

Ashley R.
Ashley Ravestein grew up in the forests of Ohio and became captured by the West at age thirteen during her first backpacking trip to Montana. Spurred on by a high school teacher, she studied natural sciences at the University of Illinois while earning dual degrees in geology and philosophy. Working from a solid foundation of outdoor and leadership skills learned from the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) and personal trips Ashley is equally at home in the desert and the mountains. She splits her time working as a field instructor for NOLS and leading trips in the Grand Canyon for Wildland Trekking, and eagerly shares her enthusiasm for the outdoors with anyone willing to go on an adventure with her.

TESTIMONIALS

Ashley was the perfect guide. Low-key but ultra-professional. Had everyone's respect, admiration, trust, friendship. Knew her stuff, worked flat out all trip, gave us enough rope while still being watchful. Learnt plenty from her and would recommend her as a guide without reservation.
— Stephen E.
Chris and Ashley were awesome...they were very knowledgeable, helpful and easy going. They were able to balance the trip in a way that everyone was able to have a once in a lifetime experience. Already looking forward to my next trip!
— David S.
I just wanted to drop a note after we got back home from our Grand Canyon Adventure to tell you what a great time my son Adam and I had on our day hike on the South Kaibab Trail. We were very fortunate to have Ashley Ravestein as our guide on our 4/2 hike. She was everything that we could have wanted in a guide; attentive, happy, very knowledgeable and very patient with us. Thank you!
— Chuck W.
We had the best time with our guides Doug and Ashley who were super professional and prepared for our trip, and also cooked the most amazing meals.
— Cheryl G.

HIKING AND BACKPACKING GUIDE

Brian R.

Brian grew up in the Piedmont region of the Carolinas, spending weekends and summers exploring the creeks and woods of the area. As a teenager, Brian began hiking and backpacking, finding a passion for wild spaces that has driven his life. After college, he moved out west, landing in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. In the years since then, Brian has developed a love of facilitating meaningful and educational outdoor experiences. For the past 4 years, he has worked as an interpretive guide, ski guide, and hiking guide. When not guiding, Brian is often traveling, climbing, hiking, or exploring wilderness areas all over the country.


TESTIMONIALS

I found Wildland by surfing on the internet and I am glad that I did. They made my trip to YellowStone more memorable than I could have ever dreamed. They are elephant and first class in my book and I wouldn't have had half the experience out there without my guide Brian and their experience. Great job, Wildland!
— Nicholas C G.
Brian was great! The trip was me and my three hyper 13 and under kids and he was really engaging with them and they loved him and the trip and had so much fun!
— Liz S.
I really enjoyed this hike. It was accurately descirbed on the website and a good balance - steeper, heart raising on the ascent and a nice pace and elevation loss on the descent. Brian was professional, fun and knowledgeable. He was a good balance of personable and also dropped right into "guide/safety" mode when we saw a badger right in front of us on the path. Overall an excellent experience for a solo hiker!
— Ally M.
Brian Richards was an outstanding hiking guide. His energy, enthusiasm, and area knowledge was amazing!
— Barb B.

NEPAL TREKKING GUIDE

Chandra R.

Chandra is originally from Dhankuta, the eastern part of Nepal. He grew up in a family with eight siblings and his life was sometimes challenging. He used to walk two hours to school every day and after he finished his high school he went to Kathmandu in search of work. Through his friends, he found work as a porter for treks throughout Nepal. His first trek was to Everest Base Camp in 1996 with a group of American trekkers. After working as a porter and assistant guide for 14 years and studying Adventure tourism, Chandra became a certified lead trekking guide. Chandra is very experienced, compassionate, sincere and has a great sense of humor. He started working with Wildland Trekking in 2017 and has led hundreds of treks all over Nepal.

HIKING AND BACKPACKING GUIDE

Chris R.

Chris hails from both southwestern Wyoming and northern Utah, where he spent as much time as possible hiking, biking, snowboarding, camping, fishing, and hunting. Upon completion of a distinguished career with the United States military in 2016, he returned to the Rockies to enjoy mountain life with the intent of helping people to connect with nature and the environment. He currently lives in Montana where he takes every opportunity to hike and backpack throughout the region, pursue fish with a flyrod, rock climbing, mountaineering, rafting, snowshoeing, and spending time with his dogs. He is a certified Wilderness First Responder and possesses several additional rescue certifications.


TESTIMONIALS

Chris and Jessica were excellent; they exceeded all my expectations as guides from a technical and experience perspective, but also as people to hang out with. We were a big group of varying experience and physical preparedness and they adapted perfectly. And, the food was awesome. I was particularly impressed with Chris for his leadership and command of the week. It was obvious he had put a lot of time into preparing and his finesse in handling our week in the backcountry.
— Steven K.
We just completed a wonderful 5 day 4 night experience in the Wyoming backcountry with our Wildland Trekking guide Chris. What greatly helped make this experience exceptional was our guide Chris’s obvious love and enthusiasm for the backcountry. His knowledge of the terrain, plants and wildlife as well as the history of the area enhanced our appreciation for what we were seeing and experiencing. Chris was our Scatologist, Geologist, Zoologist, Botanist, Chef, Dishwasher, Medic, and Mule and did it all with a smile. We look forward to our next adventure with Wildland Trekking and highly recommend this resource to others!
— Douglas L.
The guides were both AMAZING! Chris and Jess were extremely knowledgeable and great leaders in all respects. Everything was better than expected and the experience was outstanding thanks to both of them!
— Peter L.
Great trip! Chris. our guide, was excellent. He was friendly and relatable, very knowledgeable and took great care of us. I'd definitely recommend Chris and Wildland to anyone looking for a challenging trip and great experience.
— David D.
Our guide Chris was great. He was friendly, knowledgeable, helpful, and very enthusiastic. The trip logistics were very smooth. My family and I had a great time.
— Frank D.
Wildland Trekking guide Craig R.

Hiking and Backpacking Guide

Craig R.

Craig hails from the city of Rochester, New York, where he spent summers camping, trout fishing and hiding from the rain. He attended college there, too, where he wrote a lot of papers and learned about Shakespeare and Milton. Years after a relocation to North Carolina, Craig finally found his way west, landing in Las Vegas for some time, where he led trips in the Grand Canyon and southern Utah. Clearly born on the wrong coast, he moved to Truckee, CA to lead trips in the Sierra, snowboard and find a better work-life balance. Craig is a graduate of the National Outdoor Leadership School, a Leave No Trace Master Educator and sometimes he surfs, rock climbs and mountain bikes. He and his wife, Karen, travel as often as possible and tend to the needs of their Australian Shepherd, Ranger.


TESTIMONIALS

A++ experience! Craig was an exceptionally professional, organized, and fun guide. He added a lot of extra info about local animals, plants, and geology. He had to deal with one guest (ok, me) who was lagging behind and kept me motivated while making sure I was safe, breathing OK, and feeling well. We were all happy to have fresh, healthy food on a hiking trip. I would definitely go on another WT trip.
— Candace B.
This was my first backpacking trip ever. I am so thankful I went backpacking with Wildland Trekking company. I had an amazing experience and the guide, Craig, was extremely experienced and helpful. They also cook very tasty meals. I will definitely book many more trips with Wildland Trekking.
— Edward R.
The trip to Zion and Bryce was the first of my wild life trekking experiences. The entire trip exceeded all expectations! Our guide, Craig, was the ultimate professional ensuring our safety, comfort and educating us on all facets of the history of the mountains. The ultimate experience was his lunches on top of the mountain and rivers! would not change a thing!
— Ann H.
Craig was professional, knowledgable , and made our trip very enjoyable. He was safety minded with granite dust on the rocks, warning a careless person about safety at the falls, and cleanliness at all meals.
— Pam P.
Craig was very friendly and had great knowledge of the area. He was wiling to learn from us as well. Also he did a great job on dealing with my multiple food allergies and intolerances which I greatly appreciate.
— Tamara W.
Wildland Trekking guide Emily R.

Hiking and Backpacking Guide

Emily R.

Emily (“Emrad”) grew up in a ski town in Colorado doing all sorts of outdoor activities. Once she graduated high school, she took a gap year and spent a year living and volunteering in India and Peru. It was through these experiences that she found her passion for adventure, connecting with others, and living outside of her comfort zone. She then went to college in Portland, OR and studied International Sustainable Development. After college she took a National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) semester for outdoor educators and found her love for the canyons of Utah. This is where/when she decided that guiding trips in the desert was her calling. It would allow her to help people to connect with nature in a meaningful and respectful way. While she is not backpacking, she loves to rock climb, travel, and draw.

HIRING DIRECTOR & GUIDE

Emily R.

Emily has been guiding backpacking, multi-sport adventures, and supporting youth-at-risk in wilderness settings since 2005. In the outdoor industry she has also worked as a Medical Case Manager, Field Manager, Assistant Field Director, and Regional Director. She earned a B.A. in Psychology from Prescott College with an emphasis in leadership and outdoor programming. She is also a Wilderness EMT. Emily loves the soul recharging power of the wilderness, the community created when groups travel together, and the growth that comes from outdoor excursions. For fun, Emily loves running, road and mountain biking, playing racquetball, cooking, and connecting with friends, family and new people. She has backpacked over 3,500 miles throughout the country and in New Zealand, including a thru-hike of the Appalachian and Long Trails. She currently lives in Durango, Colorado.


TESTIMONIALS

Emily Rolando was awesome!! She was more than a guide she was a member of our group. She was helpful, kind, funny, adventurous. She had us all at ease and confident in ourselves that we could hike the Grand Canyon with no problems and she was right. Food was delicious and couldn't have asked for a better trip! It was perfect!!
— Katie O.
Our trip was awesome beyond words! Dakota and Emily were the best guides ever! The whole experience was perfect in every way. Thank you!!
— Jan W.
Emily Rolando was an outstanding organizer and guide. Having been on numerous multi-day trips both guided and unguided, she is among the best that there is, wholly professional, expert, knowledgeable and spirited.
— Aaron K.
Hello Wildland Trekking This is just a short note on behalf of our group, all hiking last week in Havasupai ..to thank you all, and especially Emily our guide...to make our trip so wonderful and memorable. The care, the organization, the preparation and guiding were all amazingly extraordinary and Emily with her smile and incredible energy made it so much more enjoyable for all of us And thus,,,we thank you all And we appreciate all Warm regards On behalf of our entire group Zita/Laurie/ Steve/ Aaron and Jozef
— Anonymous

HIKING AND BACKPACKING GUIDE

Eric R.
Eric was born and raised in Virginia, and after graduating with a journalism degree, he decided to explore the West. He worked on a trail crew that took him all over California for three months, and knew that he had to come back. Starting in 2017, he began leading camping trips to Yosemite from San Francisco. Since then, he has guided trips to National Parks in California, Arizona, Utah and Washington.

TESTIMONIALS

The guide is the core factor of a great trip, and Eric was amazing. He was skilled, knowledgable, adaptable and compassionate. And a great cook! Thank you, Eric.
— Judy B.
I wish there was higher than a 5 rating for our guide. Without Eric R. our trip wouldn’t have been possible. Eric is professional, and puts others before himself to make sure that we are having a good & safe time. He was very knowledgeable about the area, as well as the importance of nutrition and hydration. Eric taught me many things on this trip: pitching a tent, packing a backpack and walking down granite rocks. I’m so glad I went on this backpacking trip.
— Angela F.
Eric is an outstanding guide. He handled a difficult situation where he one of the participants had to abandon exceptionally well. I learned a lot from him that I can apply to other hiking trips.
— Ronald V.
Our guide Eric was unbelievable. He took the time before the trip to really understand our specific dietary needs. He nailed it on the trip. The food was fantastic. The location of our trip was breathtaking. Eric knew the area well and was able to give us multiple options on things to do and see on our rest day. He was great with my teenagers and Wildland did a great job pairing us with another hiker. Our whole group gelled really well. Our wind-downs in the evenings were nothing but laughfests. My teenagers went from not wanting to go on this trip to touting it as one of the best family trips we’ve taken.
— Courtney G.

Hiking and Backpacking Guide

Gabe R.

Gabe grew up in Portland, Oregon where he spent a lot of time camping, climbing, backpacking and canoeing. His love for flora and fauna really was inspired by his father who was a science teacher. After Portland, Gabe moved to North Carolina to explore a degree in Business and Environmental studies at High Point University. Through the years Gabe has lived in many places including China, Chile, Thailand and the Caribbean. Aside from the natural beauty of the outdoors, Gabe really enjoys how outdoor recreation brings people with different backgrounds and interests together over a common cause. With a WFR,  professional naturalist and animal tracking training Gabe aims to bring people safe, rewarding, fun and educational experiences to all of his clients.

HIKING AND BACKPACKING GUIDE

Helen R.

Like many of us, Helen first saw the Grand Canyon on a cross country road trip with her family. As the daughter of a U.S Army officer, she traveled the world living in places such as Hawaii and Europe. During her professional career she worked for Arizona Highways magazine, which gave her the opportunity to learn about the Grand Canyon from numerous photographers and writers. After years of driving between Phoenix and Grand Canyon just for a day hike, she took a big leap accepting a job with the Grand Canyon Association as Director of Marketing and Outreach and later as the Associate Director of Philanthropy. Living and working at Grand Canyon National Park allowed her the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding about the Canyon’s human and natural history. Helen has trekked internationally in Nepal and Africa. In 2016, Helen completed a 21-day, 240+ mile backpack on the John Muir Trail. Helen lives in Flagstaff with her husband Wayne Ranney, geologist, trail guide and author of “Carving Grand Canyon”.


TESTIMONIALS

Helen our guide was great. The trip was informative, personalised and well paced. I have moderate acrophobia and Helen took care of how I felt throughout the whole trip. I was encouraged to complete the 3 miles round trip down and up the canyon with no problems. I am now looking forward to doing the rim to rim hike sometime in the future! Thanks Helen and Wildland trekking for making this trip such a fun and memorable one! :)
— Ching Huey Ee
Marvelous, Helen our guide was fantastic. We enjoyed every moment of it. Nice to start so early as it become quite warm in the middle of the day. It will be one of the best memories in our lives.
— Therese J.
I could not give this trip anything but the highest rating. Guides, prep, food, and entire experience were top notch!! This tour was fabulous and well worth the money! Our guides Wayne & Helen Ranney did an amazing job preparing us and taking care of us through the entire trip. They truly know the Grand Canyon and have a pure love and respect for it that is infectious!! We feel so fortunate to have chosen this tour and to have met Wayne & Helen!
— Teresa A B.
Helen was an awesome guide! She knows so much about the various facets of the Grand Canyon (geology, education, trail maintenance, history....) and we had a great time learning and hiking. Gear was great, lunch was hilariously gourmet (Helen peeled a cucumber) and the overall experience was the best introduction to the canyon we could have hoped for. We will definitely be back!
— Jessica S.

SIERRAS PROGRAM MANAGER AND GUIDE

Jake R.

A native of Ann Arbor, Michigan, Jake’s love for the outdoors started at childhood. Every summer he would head north and go hiking and camping with his dad and brother. After a 15 year career as a chef, Jake wanted something different. He quit his job, packed up, and headed west. Jake has been in California now for 6 years and has hiked and backpacked all over the state. His most notable and favorite hike was the John Muir Trail, which he hiked in only 11 days. Jake’s hope for the future is to one day become a park ranger.


TESTIMONIALS

Our guide Jake couldn't have been any better. He was knowledgeable about the peak and trails. He gave us a great overview of the park that really helped to put it all in perspective as to the major landmarks. Prepared great meals and was very accommodating. It was a great trip in large part due to Jake's planning and execution.
— Robert Z.
Jake made our trip perfect. Bob and I were the only ones on the trip and Jake quickly sized up our abilities. We feel that we saw the most important and beautiful parts of Yosemite.
— Jim M.
Natasha and Jake were wonderful. Well prepared, attentive and good humored. A marvelous trip!
— Roger A.
As a busy family with 2 very active teenagers it's hard to squeeze in "family time". A trek to the top of Yosemite Falls together was just what we needed! It was one of those bond building, lifetime memory making events you hope to have with your kids. Having a Wildland Trekking guide lead us safely to the top & back, took away all of the usual stresses that come with the uncertainty of trying something new in a place as overwhelming as Yosemite. Our guide Jake, provided the equipment, the food & the knowledge that made our day even better than expected. Thanks Jake!
— Valerie M.

Hiking and Backpacking Guide

Russell R.

Russell loves exploring majestic landscapes and sharing their stories with others. He grew up backpacking in Oregon when “rain pants” meant bringing an extra pair of jeans and vividly remembers the first time he had to navigate without a trail. Since then, he earned a masters in geology while exploring and reading Shackleton and Abbey in his free time before working for the National Park Service at Grand Canyon and Denali where he fell in love with ancient rocks, glaciers, and immense, un-altered wilderness. A stint as a professional geologist caused him to re-think his route and he now lives in Colorado with his wife Cassi, guiding and teaching outdoor skills. Russell feels most at home exploring areas where there are no trails and few trip reports, but also loves trail running, packrafting, climbing mountains, and philosophical conversations. He looks forward to learning about your journeys in the world and in life.


TESTIMONIALS

My daughter and I did our first backpacking adventure to Thunder Lake in RMNP and it was absolutely amazing. Our guide Russel was awesome. He shared his knowledge of the area and took us to beautiful places I never would have gone to on my own. The meals he prepared for us were so delicious, from the breakfast burritos to the strawberry cheesecake. I can’t believe what he was able to make in the backcountry. I am already planning my next trip with Wildland Trekking and would love to have Russel as my guide again.
— Duncan C.
Russell was a wonderful guide and made it a truly unforgettable experience.
— Karen N.
This was such an amazing experience in Colorado! Russell R, was the best guide you could get! So encouraging, informational and down right fun!! Wouldn’t do another trip without him as the guide!
— Meghan Z.
Russell was a lot of fun! He was knowledgeable about the area including plant life. He was accommodating of our skill level. He was super nice. He did a great job preparing us before the hike with emails and phone calls. I would definitely use this company or Russell again!
— Clayton B.

OPERATIONS COORDINATOR AND GUIDE

Shane R.

Shane comes from an Arizona family dating back to 1918. He spent his youth outside with his dad and grandfather hiking, camping and exploring Arizona and the western USA. While spending much of his youth in northern Arizona on and near the Navajo Nation, his educational focus became Native American Anthropology and Religious Studies at ASU. He ventured into the art world, with a small ownership stake in a gallery, owned a construction business, and spent years in the motorcycle industry. A chance of a lifetime opportunity resulted in him spending years traveling the world- visiting, hiking and backpacking in 35 countries. At that point, the light came on and he sought work in the outdoor industry. Shane especially enjoys discussing gear requirements and the challenges of Wildland Trekking’s Level 5 backpacking adventures, which is his hiking passion. “As an athlete, I like pushing personal limits, and assisting our challenge-seeking guests to find that their ultimate adventure is extremely rewarding!” When not building trips for our guests, Shane is a competing trail runner, road cyclist and triathlete, and is out paddle-boarding or kayaking Arizona’s waterways.

HIKING AND BACKPACKING GUIDE

Amanda S.

Amanda grew up in Garland, Texas, where she spent her earliest years climbing trees and playing in the dirt. She graduated from the University of North Texas with a B.S. in Kinesiology. In the following months, she answered the call of adventure and moved to Utah to begin working as a Wilderness Adventure Therapy Guide. The outdoors soon became a way of life for her and in 2017 she walked 3,300 miles from Delaware to California. After traveling to Thailand and Canada, Amanda found herself in North Carolina where she currently resides. In her free time she can be found foraging herbs, rock climbing and practicing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Amanda is an enthusiastic guide that loves sharing outdoor knowledge and fostering a connection between the guests and the natural world.


TESTIMONIALS

This was my first backpacking trip in 25 years, and it exceeded all expectations. Our Wildland guide, Amanda, was friendly, highly-experienced, and knowledgeable, and made sure we each had the support we needed to be successful during our four days together. The hiking was challenging and rewarding, and meals were absolutely delicious. Amanda was also very attentive to gluten-free needs within the group. Thank you Wildland for a wonderful first adventure. It won't be the last!
— Katie N.
Amanda is amazing. Great guide. Great chef/cook. Meals were outstanding. Trip exceeded expectations. Gear provided was in good condition.
— Barbara F.
Amanda was an amazing guide. She demonstrated patience, respect for differences within the group, fixed great lunches, and always anticipated our needs. She shared her knowledge about the trails, the area, the vegetation, even the best bathrooms. We thoroughly enjoyed the entire trip - spectacular scenary, spectacular food, spectacular guide.
— Jeri C.
As a novice, the choosing of the trip was a little hard. But the trip was fantastic! Amanda was a superb guide! Knowledgeable, friendly, encouraging, and fun!
— Dan C.

Hiking and Backpacking Guide

Betsy S.

Betsy grew up climbing tall trees and letting her imagination run wild in the temperate coastal rainforests on Washington State’s Olympic Peninsula. The woods were alive and, in those years, seemed entirely magical. Early on, she developed a fascination with the old stories of peoples’ connection to rivers, forests, and the Earth. She studied Cultural Anthropology at The Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington, where she received her B.A. in 2011. She spent time in other countries and worked seasonally in Utah, Arizona, and Alaska before spending a winter in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. A decade later the Rocky Mountain State continues to be her home base for an eclectic range of adventures, and her guiding career. In 2016 she volunteered as a Volcano trekking Guide in Nicaragua and knew immediately that she wanted to be a professional guide. Later, she went to work with teens in Utah’s Uintah Mountains and pinyon-juniper woodlands. A reverence for the wilderness and attunement towards others informs Betsy’s approach to guiding. She always puts people and safety first in the backcountry. In her spare time, she loves bagging peaks, writing poetry, stargazing, and traveling the world solo.

Hiking and Backpacking Guide

Caroline S.

Caroline grew up in Texas, spending time going camping with her family, but it wasn’t until a few backpacking trips when she was a teenager that planted a passion for the outdoors. She attended Texas Tech University, where she studied Advertising and minored in Sport Management. In college, she worked as a guide in South Texas and decided she wanted to pursue a career outside. She’s worked leading kayaking and canoeing expeditions as well as backpacking trips. One of her goals is to leave her guests feeling empowered outside.

NEPAL TREKKING GUIDE

Chitra S.

Chitra is from the Okhaldhunga Distric of Nepal, which is close to Mt. Everest. He spent his childhood in a small village and completed his high school education. In 1994, Chitra started working as a kitchen helper and porter on trekking expeditions throughout Nepal. After gaining a lot of experience, Chitra was promoted to assistant guide and later certified as a Lead Trekking Guide in 2007. In the course of his career, Chitra did several trainings on Leadership, Advanced First Aid and Risk Management. He has led expeditions all over Nepal, India and Tibet. He started working with the Wildland Trekking Company in 2017. Our guests speak of Chitra’s compassionate demeanor and remarkable ability to be calm in the face of adversity. Chitra is a wealth of knowledge and a valuable asset to everyone he meets.


TESTIMONIALS

My husband and I just returned from Wildland's Annapurna Base Camp trip. What an adventure! It was the trip of a lifetime. We had gorgeous mountain views and loved the cultural experiences included in the tour. Our guide was very knowledgeable and experienced and our Nepali guide and porter were also wonderful. The entire trip was well organized and we really appreciated having the comfort and security of an American guide to help us navigate the customs of another country. This is a trip that anyone who is physically fit and has trained for can do. My husband and I are in our 60's and we did it. So glad we did! I have also traveled with Wildland in the states and we definitely would recommend Wildland for anyone seeking a guided hiking adventure.
— Karen K.
Wildland Trekking guide Ilan S.

Hiking and Backpacking Guide

Ilan S.

Ilan has been camping and loving nature since childhood. An outdoor educator at heart,  he grew up in southern California desert chaparral. After many years working, learning, and guiding in that environment, he spent some time guiding in Japan. In addition to outdoor education and backpacking/hiking, Ilan has been a Sea kayak guide in the San Juan islands. He’ll take any opportunity to spend time outside!


TESTIMONIALS

We had a fantastic trip! We spent 3 days hiking and stayed 2 nights at the Paradise Inn in Mt. Rainier National Park. Our guides were organized, knowledgeable, and fun to spend time with. Transportation (company van) was comfortable. Our guides (Jen and Ilan) provided a nice variety of meals (breakfast: yogurt & fruit, scrambled eggs & French toast, breakfast quinoa; lunch: chicken salad wraps, sandwiches, charcuterie platter; dinner: lodge restaurant) and plenty of snacks for the trails. The lodge was clean and comfortable. We lucked out with perfect temperatures and clear skies. It was an excellent experience all around.
— Lindsay L.
Ilan and Jen were really great and made for a memorable experience. Food was great. Hotel was great. I liked the hikes and that every hike included either a great view or a waterfall. Guides had a lot of knowledge of the area and the plants. Very good experience. Would def recommend both the trip and the guides.
— Arminda S.
Enjoy this trip so much . Wonderful guide , so respectful , knowledgeable of nature And a creative / great cook (such as making oatmeal cookies for dessert, at campground )
— Lichym W.
Kyle & Ilan were the best tour guides that I ever had on a tour. They catered to our every whim and always put safety and the customer first and foremost. They should work together and I highly recommend them for future tours.
— Margaret P.
I recently attended Ross Lake Desolation peak backpacking trip and it was absolutely amazing! This has been my 7th trip with WLT. I continue to backpack with WLT because of its small group size, knowledgeable friendly guides, and many off the beaten path backpacking trails they take us on. Our guide, Ilan was very caring, supportive and took care of us very well. He was attentive at all times! The best part was he made us chocolate brownies in the wilderness! Who does that? I look forward to joining more backpacking trips in the near future! Sunita
— Sunita G.

Hiking and Backpacking Guide

JJ S.

JJ grew up in the flatlands of Ohio; despite being bound by a city, she always found the nooks of ravines & forests nearby to explore. Moving out west (initially to Oregon) allowed expansive exploration of the greater peaks & valleys, canyons & rivers of this land. Pursuing the passion of exploring more outdoor spaces in combination with sharing & leading others in these powerful experiences paved the way for JJ’s professional path. Since 2010 she has continuously worked for various organizations leading multi-day hiking and backpacking trips through many landscapes. The southwestern area of the United States beckons her as ‘Home’, from high up in the Elk Mountains of Colorado all the way down to the Colorado River beaches in the Grand Canyon. As an outdoor guide & educator, JJ thrives on connecting people with the rhythms & wonders of nature while in good company with themselves and others.


TESTIMONIALS

Jj was the real deal - well versed in life 'on trail' and full of great information about the canyon. I loved her love of the canyon, and her info on history, geology, etc. Jjs love of the outdoor life was contagious. She took care of us with sympathy to our age and abilities.
— Ellen B.
JJ led an excellent Rim to Rim hiking and camping trip. Her expertise made this hike accessible to us, somewhat more senior folks. Without her guidance and assistance, it would have been a far different experience. Instead, we could enjoy the people, trails and panoramic views.The equipment was excellent, and reawakened an interest in camping for me.
— James B.
JJ was absolutely amazing! Personable, Professional and Positive. We felt safe and were well taken care of.
— John D.
J.J. Simms did an amazing job. From the debriefing meeting to the very end of our trip she made it a.memorable experience. I was impressed with all the gluten free snacks and extra touches she took to meet my dietary needs. She was fun to be around and really made it easy for our group to feel at ease and comfortable. She encouraged me during the tough parts of the trip. We will be booking her again for future trips. Wildland also tried to help us with other logistics around our trip and we felt supported as they tried to find us local resources in the area. We will have to come back to the canyon. One trip is not enough.
— Tolulope O.
This is my second Wildland Trip and it only reinforced my strong belief that Wildland Trekking is the best backpacking company in the market. JJ was absolutely incredible, her knowledge and love of the outdoors made our trip incredibly enjoyable. I will continue to ONLY recommend Wildland to friends and family looking for a back packing escape. And if you are looking at the Grand Canyon trips, make sure you ask for JJ!
— Jonathan F.

HIKING AND BACKPACKING GUIDE

Jordan S.

Jordan was born and raised in New Jersey but his true home would always be in the mountains. He spent many of his weekends driving to the White Mountains of New Hampshire in order to hike its 48 peaks over 4,000 ft. But these weekend trips did little to quell his thirst for adventure. In July 2019, Jordan grew dissatisfied with his job and life in New Jersey and knew he needed a big change, so drove to the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail and started hiking south, eventually completing his thru hike through winter. Towards the end of his journey, he met his girlfriend, who invited him to thru hike the Continental Divide Trail with her. By December 2020, after 5 months of hiking and 3000 miles later, he had completed the trek from Canada to Mexico. Before accepting his guiding position with Wildland Trekking, Jordan also worked as a wilderness therapy instructor in Georgia. Some of Jordan’s other hobbies include ultra running, birding, and snowboarding.


TESTIMONIALS

My friend and I recently did the Hoh River Traverse trip on Olympic National park and it was spectacular. Our guide, Jordan, took amazing care of us…he was knowledgeable and super friendly and clearly very passionate about the outdoors. His extensive wilderness experience was invaluable…and the food! Wow the food! This trip was very unique due to the variety of landscapes…going from the green, lush rainforest up into the rocky, stark beauty of the glacier. Lots and lots of up, and lots and lots of down, but each exhausting day was well worth the effort!
— Abby J.
My guide, Jordan, was terrific! He was a good cook, excellent hiker, and just a great person. He was knowledgeable and fun. The equipment was good and the scenery was awesome. I cannot say enough good things about Jordan. He was phenomenal!
— Joe K.
Jordan was a great guide! He cooked wonderful meals, he was knowledgeable about a variety of things (from plants to bear tips, etc), he was gracious in going at our own pace, and his presence felt like he was a lifelong friend. This is the best guide you have!!!
— Mary C.
Everything was great and we had a great time. Jordan was a great guide and has a very nice personality.
— Suzanna A.
Wildland Trekking guide Laine S.

Hiking and Backpacking Guide

Laine S.

Laine Smith grew up in Madison, WI. Exploring the forests and country around her home state was the extent of her wilderness adventures before moving to Colorado to earn her Bachelors Degree in Evolutionary Biology and Ecology and Environmental Studies. Her outdoor pursuits and passions have drawn her across the globe exploring mountains and oceans through backpacking, climbing, and sea kayaking. Laine has dedicated her life to Outdoor Education through organizations like Wildland Trekking, NOLS, Women’s Wilderness, Teton Science Schools, and United World Colleges. She thrives on sharing her passion for ecology, wilderness, and philosophy with younger generations and invests deeply in her participants. You can find Laine exploring the landscapes of Norway, canyons in Arizona or skiing up mountains in Montana in her spare time, potentially curled up with a good book and some tea in her sleeping bag.


TESTIMONIALS

This was my first backpacking trip so I had no frame of reference for what to expect. I chose a more challenging hike in The Grand Canyon and thanks to the guidance and exceptional service (both before and during the trip) I was completely prepared. Which allowed me to simply enjoy the experience of my first hike. The gear they provide is top notch, the food is absolutely excellent and the trip wouldn’t have been near as engaging and enjoyable if it wasn’t for the tremendous guide (Laine) and staff. On the trail, the only thing I’d hear from the people we met was that Wildland Trekking is top of the line guiding service. And now you may add my voice to the multitudes, I couldn’t recommend them more highly.
— Micah B.
Amazing at every level...experiencing and respecting the beauty of mother earth; incredible knowledge and expertise of passionate guides; internal satisfaction of preparing and reaching a goal; and the collective collaboration and encouragement of the hiking group! Thank you, Wildland Trekking Company and our guide Laine for all you do. I'll be back!!!
— Jana L.
Chris and Laine are two incredible people and you are fortunate to have them. Their zest for life and their surroundings is infectious. They were the utmost professionals, amazing cooks, and friends for life. This trip was more than I imagined. Thank you to both of them for making memories I'll forever cherish!
— Shannon K.
Our trip was fantastic. Doug and Laine were the best guides we could have asked for. It was a great experience for my sister and I's first backpack experience.
— Kellie F.
This was the trip of a lifetime, it was everything I had hoped for and MORE. Chris and Laine were fantastic, the food was incredible, all around awesome trip!!
— Tricia D.

HIKING AND BACKPACKING GUIDE

Landon S.

After spending his childhood exploring the deserts near Phoenix, Landon moved to Flagstaff, AZ to pursue a degree in Forestry from NAU. He naturally drifted more towards the ecology side of the degree, and stayed for a Master of Forestry degree where he focused on biological soil crusts (AKA cryptobiotic soil, or “crypto”). At the core of Landon’s passion for learning about ecosystems is a deep personal relationship with them forged through years of outdoor recreation. Backpacking is the simplest representation of what Landon enjoys about the outdoors, but he also tries to weave the wilderness and multi-day aspects of backpacking into his other hobbies of mountain biking, backcountry skiing, packrafting, canyoneering, and climbing. Landon has always called the Southwest home but has expanded his definition of home to include Colorado, Utah, and California. He has a particular affinity for the Grand Canyon, San Juan Mountains, Utah deserts, and Sierra Nevada but has experience throughout the West and is excited to deepen that. Landon strives to share his knowledge about outdoor recreation and ecology with others, hoping to foster in them a love and care for the protection of these places.


TESTIMONIALS

Fantastic experience... every detail was planned and taken care of! The Grand Canyon in the winter was spectacular and having a guide so familiar with the area was amazing. We had a great experience and got a taste of the Grand Canyon. Landon did an amazing job navigating changes due to weather, road and trail closures. We will definitely be back to explore more! Thank you for an amazing trip!
— Jed E.
Our guide, Landon, was absolutely wonderful. Wildland Trekking offers a lot of amazing trips, if you're on the fence about which one, choosing Landon is the clear choice. Trips are only as good as the people that lead them. Wind River Range is spectacular. My first time back in 41 years!
— David C.
Landon was an excellent guide, extremely organized and knowledgeable. Our pace was perfect and we thoroughly enjoyed our trip.
— Elizabeth M.
Landon was awesome! Wind River is awesome! I had an incredible experience.
— Gaja J.

Hiking and Backpacking Guide- Alps

Nicolas S.

Nicolas is a French mountain guide, guiding since 1995 with a large experience of trekking in the Alps and Greece. He lives close to Annecy lake where he works to transform an old barn in a nice, modernized chalet. His penchant for mountains and woodcraft have led him on many adventures throughout his rich career as a guide.

HIKING AND BACKPACKING GUIDE

Patty S.

Patty grew up in northern New Jersey and always had a yearning to move West! After graduating from Rutgers University with a degree in Environmental Science her dream came true. She began her career with the National Park Service as an emergency services Park Ranger. Her twenty-six year career included law enforcement, search and rescue, emergency medical services, backcountry management and visitor services. She served in Big Bend National Park, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gateway National Recreation Area, Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Rocky Mountain National Park and several other areas as part of a National Incident Management Team. After retiring in 2012 from the National Park Service, she began guiding hiking trips. Some of her favorite places to guide include Rocky Mountain National Park, Glacier National Park, Grand Canyon National Park, and Alaska. She is currently certified as an EMT-IV. She loves taking guests to National Parks, exploring and enjoying all the Parks have to offer. When not guiding, she enjoys birding, cycling, fly fishing, hiking and skiing, and traveling with her husband Tom in their camper van.


TESTIMONIALS

Patty S was amazing. She turned what was a pretty physically challenging five days into a really magical adventure.
— Melinda W.
Five stars for my Wildland Trekking guided hiking trip in Rocky Mountain National Park! And of course, the key to great guided hiking is… a great guide. Our guide for the five days of our inn-based trip was Patty Shafer, a retired National Park Ranger. Hard to believe that petite, pretty, personable little Patty spent 25 years in NPS search-and-rescue, strapping on snowshoes in bitter winter to locate lost hikers at 14,000 feet, executing daring helicopter rescues in remote areas, and retrieving the bodies of careless hikers who’d put themselves in the way of lightening strikes. Hard to believe, too, that she’d served in NPS law enforcement, slapping the cuffs on bad guys who broke the park rules and put others, rather than themselves, in danger. We always felt safe and comfortable relying on Patty’s wisdom and experience. Patty knows nature! In 25 years in the Rockies she’s come to know every flower, every mountain peak, every pristine and secluded lake, every hiking trail. She delighted in introducing our congenial group of six to her favorite Rockies trails and vistas, and enriched our experience with stories, with science, and with a deeply spiritual sense of the wonder of it all. Patty’s a little Sherpa too – there must be a million miles of hikes in those springy little legs – but she always set a pace that was just right, tuned to the terrain and the mood of the group and the fitness level of each member. Patty made me feel like I was an old friend visiting her in her beloved family home. We talked about so much in those days together! We were a diverse group – a clergyman, a family therapist, a brilliant young doctor and avid photographer, a financial advisor who’d grown up in her father’s hunting and fishing camp, a witty wise-cracking sports enthusiast from Australia – and Patty could engage each of us in stimulating conversation, while also fostering a sense of camaraderie in the group. Patty knew also how to allow times of rest and quiet and solitude. We had the good fortune to meet two other Wildland Trekking guides on our trip. Wildland seems to be committed to continuous improvement of their hiking trips, so they send staff from their central office in Flagstaff out into the field, to experience each of the trips and to assist guides like Patty in various ways. I was very impressed with the two Flag-staffers I met – they were committed rock climbers and backpackers, with graduate education in environmental science and outdoor recreation, and with varied experience in youth leadership training, adventure guiding, and teaching. Wildland Trekking is a well-oiled machine; they’ve earned their reputation as best-of-the-best. From my first contact with them via their website, to the last minute of the last day of the trip, Wildland anticipated all my questions and needs, assisted with every conceivable detail of planning and preparation, and provided a seamless experience that left me with spectacular memories and the warm and comfy feeling of having spent my money wisely.
— Jeffrey S.
Patty is an amazing guide! She's super helpful, friendly and knowledge about the park. We loved getting to know her and hiking with her. Would definitely love to do a hike with her again in the future!
— Chen W.
Patty is an outstanding guide. Her knowledge of the area, trails, weather and places to see are exceptional. She expertly adjusted the schedule to ensure we had an awesome time. Restaurants excellent. What a great time!!
— Robyn B.
Wildland Trekking guide Rachel S.

Canadian Rockies Hiking and Backpacking Guide

Rachel S.

Rachel grew up in the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia. Time spent outside hiking, camping and skiing were priorities in her formative years. She attended the University of Calgary completing an undergrad in Geography and Psychology. After school she moved to interior BC where she became a ski patroller, ski coach, hiking guide and worked at a variety of backcountry lodges. She has recently moved to Canmore, Alberta working as a hiking guide and a cabinetmaker.

PERU CORDILLERA HUAYHUASH MANAGER & GUIDE

Roger S.

Roger was born in the Cordillera Negra of Peru, three hours west of the stunning Cordillera Blanca mountain range. He began studying in public school when six years old with his five siblings by his side. In addition to studying, Roger spent much of his childhood helping on his family’s farm. One of his childhood hobbies was trout fishing in the high lakes and rivers around his hometown. At 16 years old, Roger left home and moved to the coast where he worked as a fisherman and finished his schooling. In 2003, Roger moved to Huaraz, the heart of the Andes and the capital of his native region in Peru. He enrolled in University and studied English teaching and tourism. Since 2005, Roger has been exploring, guiding and sharing his passion in the Cordillera Blanca and Huayhuash with people from all over the world. Roger is a certified high alpine mountaineering and trekking guide as well as Wilderness First Responder. You will not find a more articulate, patient and professional guide as Roger. We are incredibly fortunate to have him on team Wildland!

HIKING AND BACKPACKING GUIDE

Ruthie S.
Ruthie spent her childhood summers backpacking, paddling, and climbing in the mountains of western North Carolina at summer camp. There, she developed hard skills, confidence, lifelong friends, and an insatiable thirst for being outside! She studied Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems at UC Davis and has since worked on various farms around the world. Her love of fruit trees led her to study forest trees and ecology, and she has worked as a field botanist and ecological technician in Yosemite, Capitol Reef, and Grand Canyon National Parks. She is passionate about food, is always pointing out cool plants on the trail, and truly loves to get to know people in the wilderness, where the barriers of modern life disappear!

TESTIMONIALS

Ruthie is the best guide/educator/story teller/chef/driver/organizer/ and logistics whiz! The gourmet food she prepared from scratch might have been more impressive than the canyon itself. So delicious! Also she had the ability to listen to our vacation wishes and customize the trip so we all got what we wanted out of this wonderful experience. This was one of the best guided trips I've ever taken, and I've hiked all over the world. Thanks for a memorable, inspiring travel time!
— Mary P.
The trip was excellent and our guide was way beyond our expectations. We were not expecting to be catered to and she went above and beyond with not allowing us to prep or clean up from dinner, she even brought us coffee and cocoa in our tent the last morning because it was so cold! She was very knowledgeable, sociable, and maintained a positive outlook even through some nasty weather. She kept us feeling safe which I appreciated. The weather forecast did scare me and and the terrain was sketchy at times and she was a great guide in giving advice and instilling confidence. Your guides are the success of your business and I felt she was trained extremely well.
— Roxanne Z.
Outstanding adventure! Guides were great, not only in their trail proficiency but in their interactive skills with our group. Meals were well planned out and tasty for back country fare. Ruthie's insight in the nuances of the gulch was evident and much appreciated.
— Magnus M.
Michael and Ruthie were fabulous. We were not expecting such healthy gourmet cooking! They also made it a real holiday by allowing us to relax while they set up camp and cooked which was such an unexpected treat. Our guides were knowledgable, organised, diplomatic, flexible and fun.
— Leisa A.

Hiking and Backpacking Guide

Shane S.

Shane grew up in Santa Barbara, California where he found a love for the outdoors at an early age, rambling in the backcountry of the Coastal Ranges and along the shores of the Pacific Ocean. He attended St. John’s College in Santa Fe, New Mexico graduating with a liberal arts degree in philosophy. After graduating college he began a twenty year career in outdoor education and guiding, leading trips throughout the U.S. and across the world and specializing in multi-week expeditions. He has spent over 10 full summers in the High Sierra and adventured across New Zealand and Africa. Shane sources his life’s inspiration from nature and avidly pursues numerous outdoor pursuits, including surfing, birding, rock-climbing, mountaineering and fly-fishing. He has also nurtured a life-long passion for nature literature and poetry.


TESTIMONIALS

Awesome guide company! Excellent food & snacks. Transportation comfortable to & from. Guide Shane was very supportive & understanding. He taught us alot. He was an excellent source of history & education regarding the canyon and backpacking itself. He paced the hike so all of us were comfortable (as comfortable as possible in 115 degree heat). Will do this hike again next fall. Thanks Wildland!!
— Laura M.
This was the most amazing adventure in my life. Shane (our guide) was the reason for this. Truly a life changing experience. Won’t hesitate to book through WTC again!
— Ryan F.

Hiking and Backpacking Guide

Sophia S.

Originally from New Orleans, Louisiana, Sophia first fell in love with the outdoors during summers spent in the Smoky Mountains with family as a child. She went on to receive a Bachelor’s in Environmental Geoscience with a concentration in Marine and Coastal Science from Smith College. She completed two seasons with Montana Conservation Corps, first as a crew member and then as a crew lead, working on wildfire mitigation, trail construction, and other conservation projects in the greater Yellowstone area and beyond. Sophia is passionate about conserving the beautiful places where we recreate, and seeking creative inspiration from the natural world. She loves trail running and climbing in her free time, and enjoys sharing outdoor adventures with others.”

HIKING AND BACKPACKING GUIDE

Tamara S.

Tamara Sciacca is originally from San Jose, CA and grew up in Albuquerque, NM where her love of the outdoors was cultivated by spending as much time as humanly possible hiking, camping, backpacking, rock climbing, skiing and snowboarding. She attended Santa Clara University where she studied civil engineering and played soccer, and later earned a degree in Geology from the University of New Mexico. She has discovered her true passion in guiding, which she has been gratefully doing for over a decade on the Colorado Trail, in Rocky Mountain National Park, and in the Grand Canyon. She resides in Silverton, CO where she loves to spend her time off exploring every nook and cranny of the humbling and mighty San Juan mountains.


TESTIMONIALS

I was very impressed with Tamara's perceptive, calm & confident nature. She was always positive, listened to our individual concerns about the trek and accommodated each of us as we needed. She went the extra mile by showing us fossils & telling us stories about the areas we were walking through.
— Ginny Z.
Tamara was an amazing guide. I had no experience with trips like this and she made me feel at ease, and well prepared for our trip. She taught us about the environment, the Supai people, and so many other things. She is truly a wonderful part of your staff.
— Jodi R.
Our guide, Tamara Sciacca , completed our mother son vacation and made it an all time most memorable experience ever! Her expertise, calm demeanor, patience, wilderness knowledge, desert survival, and cooking skills were paramount in making our trip fun, exciting, challenging, and rewarding. Wildland Trekking Company is extremely lucky to have her as part of their team. My son and I would go be thrilled to go to the ends of the earth with Tamara as our guide.
— Anonymous
We loved our guide Tamara! She was awesome and made our trip so much fun. We would love her to guide us on another adventure- possibly Yosemite in CA. Not sure if that's her area of expertise but I'm sure she would be great wherever she is placed!!! Please let her know how much we appreciated her great meals and sweet personality.
— Michelle B.

HIKING AND BACKPACKING GUIDE

Tommy S.

Originally from a small town in northeastern Massachusetts, Tommy grew up exploring the mountains of New England on his snowboard. He later discovered his passion for nature, hiking, and rock climbing in college at Clark University, where he studied Geography and Environmental Science and pursued research that utilized satellite imagery to support conservation and climate change initiatives. Living in Colorado further cultivated his love for exploring the backcountry and protecting these pristine and natural landscapes. Not only did he get to hike on the weekends but he also got to do it on the job while working for the Bureau of Land Management undergoing vegetation surveys. Learning about new cultures, food, languages and ways of life also greatly excites Tommy, and he enjoys attaining such knowledge through travel, whether it be domestically or internationally. His favorite travel experience to date was spending a summer road tripping around the Western US exploring the many national parks and living out of his car and tent. When he is not adventuring in the great outdoors, Tommy enjoys reading fiction, playing boardgames, exploring ways to live more sustainably, and questioning social norms.


TESTIMONIALS

Excellent fall hike in the Smoky Mountains. Tommy S was an excellent guide and took very good care of our group. Meals were excellent, and Wildland took care of our dietary restrictions without problems. Tommy was sure to take adequate breaks on the hikes and maximize our comfort. I left the Smokies with a better appreciation of the region and in forestry in general. The Wildland online/phone crew were extremely helpful pre-trip with logistics and questions. The equipment provided was top-notch and well maintained. I will definitely be doing another Wildland tour in the future!
— Kathleen H.
I had anticipated having a good experience, but my experience was even better than I could have imagined. Tommy was an excellent guide. He was attentive to the personalities and preferences of each member of the group. He also gently guided and supported each of us and the entire group without being heavy-handed. I think our group also meshed together extraordinarily well. Thanks for the much-needed, mid-semester recharge!
— Susan E.
Tommy was an amazing guide. He handled our group with ease from providing excellent meals, offering information along the hike, helping guests as needed. His personality and humor fit in with the guests. I will not hesitate to continue to travel with Wildland in the future.
— Bernadine L.
This hike and paddle trip was a blast for me and my 16 year old son. The activities were rigorous but there was down time to swim, explore, or read in camp. The lake was warm and crystal clear. Perfect swimming which was a pleasant surprise. Tommy, our guide, was fun and enthusiastic.
— Alexander P.
Tommy is a fantastic guide! Wildland is lucky to have him. He made sure the entire group’s needs were met no matter the weather conditions and always had first class meals ready. You will not go hungry on a Wildland trip! Gregory Bald was the highlight of this route to me. Absolutely beautiful views! Saw many different types of wildlife and Tommy took time to point out the different types of plants and wildlife on trail that I would have missed otherwise. Great trip and company!
— Chad M.

HIKING AND BACKPACKING GUIDE

Traci S.

Traci grew up building tree forts and playing sports in upstate New York. It wasn’t until 2012, when she began leading international teen service trips with The Road Less Traveled, that she really understood her passion for all things outside. Traci adores traveling and learning; she has backpacked Europe and Latin America extensively and speaks Spanish. She has worked as a full-time outdoor educator in New Orleans as well as spent 1.5 years as a wilderness adventure therapy guide in Utah. When she is not in the Utah backcountry, she can be found rock climbing, skiing, or catching a live music show in Salt Lake. Traci is a compassionate guide who prides herself on delivering a memorable trip filled with adventure, fun, and learning about the natural environment.


TESTIMONIALS

Traci was exceptional on my 4 day Death Valley trek. She had friendly, positive and welcoming energy from the moment she met our group. She thoughtfully checked my gear and offered great tips on lightening my pack. While on the trek, Traci demonstrated a wealth of knowledge about the topography of our terrain. She is an incredibly strong and patient guide. Traci lifted our spirits so many times! What made Traci even more special is her great sense of humor, her sharp intellect and her keen intuition. Traci seems to know exactly what to do and say to inspire her group on the trek. She is a very special person who thrives in this environment. Traci loves what she does and it shows. I have previously climbed to the summit of Kilimanjaro and Mt. Elbrus and Traci is the best guide I've had.
— Judy Krause
Traci was an amazing ‘trail angel’ with a heart of gold & personality that knows no bounds. We can’t say enough about this dynamo. Her stories, her poetry, her love of life were addictive. We felt blessed to have her cross our paths. Hope Wildland will be able to keep her as a Guide for many years to come. We will be truly blessed, if she guides another adventure we are on.
— Jim & Deb Peterson
It was a pleasure to be able to meet and hike with Traci. She is a knowledgeable, interesting and capable person. Her energy is amazing! Her calm, helpful assistance invaluable. She made it a point to explain details to everyone, which really helped. She is an asset to Wildland.
— Maria Iannolillo
Traci was the caring mother hen and made sure we were all okay and comfortable during our hikes. She is very compassionate and also had some great meal ideas! I am definitely signing up for more trips with this company and even request these leaders again!
— Alex Jackson
Danielle Tilley wildland guide and blog contributor

Hiking and Backpacking Guide

Danielle T.

Danielle grew up in Connecticut, where she spent many days exploring the woods of New England, camping with her family, and fishing the lakes from her kayak. A few years after graduating from the University of Connecticut with a degree in Psychology, Danielle made the decision to live out her dream of moving to Colorado. She completely fell in love with the incredible mountains and deserts of the Southwest as she said yes to every opportunity for adventure that came her way, and then she turned those adventures into her career. She has been a volunteer naturalist in Southwest Colorado, a Wilderness Therapy Guide in Idaho, a Life Skills Mentor in Arizona, and a Llama Trekking Guide in Northwest Montana. Danielle loves to share her passion for exploring wild places with her guests and is immensely fulfilled by helping others to experience the backcountry’s unparalleled beauty. When she isn’t guiding, you can find Danielle learning a new craft, rappelling into a canyon, around a campfire with friends, or relaxing in a hammock outside of her camper.


TESTIMONIALS

Epic Grand Canyon adventure!! Our guide, Danielle, was amazing. I was concerned about the hike out of the canyon due to limited options where I live to train with extreme elevation gains. This hike was hard but was also one of the best things I have ever done. The training guidelines sent by Wildland Trekking were so helpful and adequately prepared me for the trip. Great food, amazing scenery, and meeting new friends made for an experience of a lifetime.
— Sandy B.
This was my second Wildland tour and I can’t wait for my next one! Our guide Dani made this trip fun, challenging when we wanted it to be and an amazing experience. They take care of all the planning and all the details, show up and you’re on an amazing adventure!
— Jennifer C.
This was such an incredible experience. Honestly, the best trip I have ever been on. The hike exceeded expectations, and lived up to the description. My brother and will remember it forever.
— Chris G.
Danielle did a great job on the trip, planning the hikes and finding places to view wildlife (always from a safe distance). The campsite, tents and camping supplies were excellent. We enjoyed the evening dinners and then hanging out by the fire. Yellowstone was amazing! Camping was great!
— Ellen K.
Danielle was an awesome guide and engaged extremely well with us and the 10 and 12 year old girls on our trip. Danielle made our trip a wonderful experience!!
— Kevin C.

Hiking and Backpacking Guide

Darren T.

Darren grew up all around the US due to his family being in the military. He grew up loving and respecting the outdoors and continues this respect with over 30 years of outdoor experience. He came to Southern Utah in 2001 and instantly fell in love. He is a certified wilderness first responder who has a passion for backpacking, hiking, canyoneering, and rock climbing. Currently, he is continuing his studies in Anthropology at DSU and guiding for Wildland Trekking, as he shares his enthusiasm for nature with like minded great people.


TESTIMONIALS

Darren was awesome. Perfect balance if knowledge, conversation, pace, etc. his passion showed, we had a great time!
— Sean M.
We had an amazing time. Darren was fantastic and made it very enjoyable. The whole process from signing up to finishing the hike was perfect. We will definitely use you again.
— Melissa L.
Darren was awesome. He read the day very well, we were prepared, and the photo angles were perfectly arranged. Highly recommended.
— Rick D.

HIKING AND BACKPACKING GUIDE

Hayley T.

Growing up camping in the deserts and mountains of California, Hayley’s love for the outdoors started at a very young age. It didn’t take her long to realize that her passion for being outside and exploring nature was just as strong as her love for creating a sense of wonder for the outdoors with people around her. She spent 5 years teaching outdoor education in California and Colorado. She moved to Rocky Mountain National Park in 2013 and there was no looking back – the towering mountains and serene alpine lakes quickly stole her heart. Hayley started guiding hikes in RMNP in 2016 and has a wealth of knowledge of the animals and flowers that call the tundra and forest of the park home. Having hiked the Pacific Crest Trail and guided trips in the Sierras, Hayley’s love for backpacking is obvious and she can’t wait to share it with you! When she’s not guiding she can be found teaching ski school in Telluride, running, climbing, exploring the desert, and enjoying a good cup of coffee with friends.


TESTIMONIALS

Our trip was well organized, professionally led by Hayley Turner and even minute details were covered. Hayley ensured that we understood what the hikes entailed and gave precise directions. Both the trip with its gorgeous scenery and Hayley were wonderful!!! P.S. Hayley really knows how to prep food and serve delicious meals.
— Lynn S.
One of the best trips I've ever taken. We were well fed, well informed and very well taken care of!
— Jake S.
This was my first guided hiking trip and everything about the trip far exceeded my expectations. I was worried about the food situation and thought I might be living off of peanut butter and jelly and oatmeal for 5 days, but that wasn't the case at all. All meals were made with fresh, healthy ingredients which I feel made a difference in my performance while hiking. I was also concerned about altitude since I've never hiked so high before, but my guide encouraged me to take it slow. I didn't have any issues at all and was able to bag 2 peaks, the highest being 13,000ft! I had a blast on this trip and will definitely sign up for more trips with Wildland Trekking.
— Sharon S.
We booked our trip last minute and they were very accommodating and responsive. Very helpful with selections of day hikes. Our guide Hayley was great as well. Definitely use Wildland Trekking again.
— Diana

Patagonia Trekking Guide

Karina T.

Born and raised in Santiago, Chile, Karina has been a hiking guide in Torres del Paine National Park for more than 10 years. After studying Commerce in University, she’s been a nomad at heart, passionate about traveling and mountain sports, such as climbing and ski touring. Charismatic, active and always keen on new experiences, challenges and adventures, she thrives in the guiding environment where she gets to meet new people and share powerful experiences with them in her favorite place on Earth – Torres del Paine National Park.


TESTIMONIALS

This trip has been a life long dream. It did not disappoint. Karina is one of the most amazing people I have ever met and her role as a guide is irreplaceable. I hope Wildland trekking recognizes her value, because she is truly the best guide I have ever had and will be for many other people.
— Erin P.
This trip was challenging, auto fill and just AMAZING with a 5-star guide, Karina! I give out accommodations 5-stars with gourmet food!
— Cherie R.
Karina was amazing. She took such good care of us. I felt safe and challenged. She is so knowledgeable of the area, history, local treasures and people. My husband and I especially loved the lodge accommodations by the Torres del Paine national park. The staff, food and accommodations were wonderful.
— Lisa E.
Karina was outstanding. She went out of her way to ensure we had a great experience.
— Mark E.
Karina was very excellent and kind. In the future, I will select wildland again for other destinations. However, this trip was very very excellent.
— Jin-Sung L.

Hiking and Backpacking Guide

Matt T.

I was born and raised in a small town in Alabama. From hunting and fishing to off-roading and hiking, being outside was instilled in me from an early age. After graduating high school, I attended Auburn University for 4 years. During my time there, my fondness of the outdoors grew more and more each year. A core group of friends and I began traveling near and far, searching for our next dose of adventure. Backpacking in North Carolina, hiking 14ers in Colorado, skiing in Montana, scuba diving in the Caymans, etc. all became regular occurrences and staples of both my life and college experience. After graduating from Auburn, I spent a year working in construction management before I finally made a decision to stop chasing money and start living the life I wanted. Since that time, I’ve worked as a wilderness therapy guide in Vermont, a wilderness therapy guide in Alaska doing 47-day canoeing and backpacking expeditions, and as a professional guide for Wildland Trekking. When I’m not working, I spend most of my time scuba diving, mountaineering, ice climbing, rock climbing, and skiing.


TESTIMONIALS

The treks and the sights were breathtaking, and the food was wonderfully prepared and tasty! Our guide Matt made the trip! He steadily shared his enthusiasm and knowledge about the areas we visited and without a doubt made our trek a memorable one. This was our third trip with your company and they have gotten better each time!
— Paul G.
The trip was amazingly beautiful and Matt Tucker was an outstanding guide. He cooked some awesome meals for a backpacking trip.
— Newton P.
Another great experience with Wildland! Rae Lakes Loop is challenging, but definitely worth the effort. Our guide Matt and fellow hikers made the difficult terrain bearable and memorable. Definitely recommend!
— Mary Beth D.
This was one of the best trips I've been on with Wildland. Matt did a great job as our guide. The scenery and overall experience was one I'll never forget. We enjoy Wildland trips so much that we don't look for trips with any other company.
— Ruth M.
It was a great trip! Matt was super - hardworking. Thanks for making that area a trip - it was an awesome and unique outdoor adventure.
— Kara C.

HIKING AND BACKPACKING GUIDE

Felipe V.

For years Felipe spent his vacations acting on his passion for exploration: backpacking through Chile, Argentina, Perú and Bolivia. He specifically traveled and hiked a lot through Chilean and Argentinian Patagonia, and in 2010 he decided to leave his city career (as a counselor and life coach) behind and become a mountain guide and outdoor educator. Felipe drove his career towards the outdoors, focusing on the two things he most enjoyed: teaching and traveling. In the process he discovered mountaineering, and in 2012 he began instructing for the U.S.-based National Outdoor Leadership (NOLS), and then guiding trips for Wildland starting in 2018. He is formally trained in Alpine Mountaineering, Glacier Travel, Rock Climbing and Sea Kayaking. He has guided hiking and trekking trips in Patagonia, the Wind River Range and the Pacific Northwest. He his a certified Wilderness First Responder, Avalanche Level 1 Technician, speaks fluent English and has led more than 100 expeditions. He is most remembered by his guests and students for his sense of humor and problem solving in the outdoors.


TESTIMONIALS

It was an awesome trip with an awesome local guide that went out of his way multiple times to ensure that our trip went as planned. I can not say enough good things about Felipe. I felt extremely safe and felt as though Felipe knew almost all other company guides and locals throughout the park. This ensured that when we ran into problems such as flooding in the park and roads being closed, Felipe went out of his way to speak to the locals, guides and park staff to get us through even when other hiking companies couldn't get their hikers through. Patagonia was one of the most beautiful, stunning, awesome places I have ever had the chance to hike! The pictures we took were awesome but they don't do the place justice. This was a trip I will never forget! This was my third trip with Wildland Trekking and I will definitely booking again. I can't say enough good things about this company!
— Sheila H.
Felipe was OUTSTANDING. Myriam was amazing. What a team! They were both great with our kids. Geike Lake (I think only on cultural tour) was hands down the best hike we did. This is the most beautiful place I've ever seen. If you could work that into the W-trek tour, it would be worth it 100%. It is such a unique, isolated, and peaceful place. Truly amazing.
— Treveor H.
Felipe and Seth did a great job leading. Overall it was a fantastic trip.
— Ruth Ann C.
Overall, it was an excellent and amazing trip! Can't say enough about the guides!
— Dawn B.
Wildland Trekking guide Mitch V.

Hiking and Backpacking Guide

Mitch V.

I grew up in New England spending most of my time hiking, camping, skateboarding, and snowboarding. Having been snowboarding since I was 4 years old, I always dreamed of moving out west. After graduating from a Tech school to be an electrician, I decided it was time to make the move and landed in Bozeman Montana. Quickly I fell in love with the unique scenery of Yellowstone National Park and found myself going back more and more. Last year I decided to work as a tour guide in Yellowstone National Park and knew that I wanted to transition into providing guided hikes. When I’m not hiking around in the Park I am usually rock climbing, peak bagging, backpacking,  mountain biking, and snowboarding, ice climbing in the winter. On rainy days or rest days I find my self reading a book, planning the next adventure, or staying busy with some sort of wood working project.


TESTIMONIALS

Mitch was a fantastic guide! He was knowledgeable and fun. His meals were amazing and he worked so hard for us. Fantastic time!
— Stacy H.
Mitch, our guide, was patient, knowledgeable and kept us safe! We did the "reverse" trek (started at Bechler Ranger Station and ended at Lone Star Trailhead) and it was fantastic! Beautiful scenery, solitude, thermal features and waterfalls everywhere; great campsites!
— Hugo G.
Mitchell was a joy! Knowledgeable, fun, and attentive to needs.
— Sylvia O.

Hiking and Backpacking Guide- Alps

Wilfrid V.

Wilfrid (Willy) was born in a small village in the Cévennes (center of France), but came to settle in the the Vercors to practice and be at the heart of his passions: skiing, mountains, and mountain biking. Nordic ski coach for 23 years in winter, mountain guide for 28 years, and mountain bike instructor occasionally, Willy remains faithful to his vocations which allow him to travel throughout Europe and visit the world and its continents full of riches. From Patagonia to Siberia via the Scandinavian countries and Nepal, with skis on or hiking boots always ready, he likes to be surprised by the landscapes. The powder snow in Telemark in winter, the trails scented with scents and flowers in summer, fill this pleasure of travel as a matter of course! Today, the Bavarian Alps, Tyrol, the Dolomites or the Tour du Mt Blanc are mountains that he likes to introduce to the Wildland traveler. The blue and white of the Greek Islands is also a destination that he likes to introduce to walkers.

HIKING AND BACKPACKING GUIDE

Drew W.

Drew grew up hiking and camping as a scout in Texas. Dissatisfied with oil fields and cattle ranches, he was drawn to mountains and the ocean. He began his career in film and video production, interested in filming wildlife documentaries. Eventually he began life at sea, working in Alaska and the Caribbean filming shore excursions for cruise ships. Drew spent his days diving in coral reefs, trekking on glaciers, filming wildlife and interviewing guides and naturalists from all over the world. Inspired by those guides in Alaska, he moved to Flagstaff AZ where he could continue exploring national parks and wild places across the west. After a decade of working behind the camera, it was time to take people to these places in a more authentic way. Drew has found a new calling as a hiking guide, excited to share the places he loves – from the lush and green Pacific Northwest to the red rocks of the Southwest. In addition to a love for the outdoors and filming wildlife, he has a passion for writing, comedy and filmmaking.


TESTIMONIALS

Drew is a fantastic guide! He clearly took a lot of pride in his cooking and exhibited an incredible amount of attention to detail in sourcing and preparing the meals, along with providing an interactive and insightful narrative while we hiked the trails.
— David B.
Drew was an excellent guide. He was professional, had a very approachable communication style, and always emphasized safety. He knew the trails and water sources with confidence. Additionally his cooking skills were top notch.
— John R.
We're so grateful that we went with Wildland! The food was incredible, and Drew was a fantastic and professional guide. I was particularly impressed by how he handled the HeliVac
— Fontaine F.
Drew is awesome beyond his years. Has a heart for this stuff.
— Keith S.

HIKING AND BACKPACKING GUIDE

Floyd W.

Born and raised in Colorado, Floyd has a lifelong passion for his home state! Floyd has worked in Colorado as an Alpine and Nordic ski instructor and as an assistant with avalanche control. Floyd has a Master’s Degree in horticulture from Colorado State University and a strong interest in the wildflowers of the Rockies. On any hike, he is scoping out the berry patches. After a career in marketing, Floyd returned to his backcountry roots. He completed a thru hike of the Colorado Trail and Continental Divide Trails, covering 500 miles. Other adventures include hut to hut backpacking in Argentina, hiking on a portion of the Camino de Santiago in Portugal and Spain, and exploring the countryside of Bangladesh. Floyd enjoys sharing his love of the mountains with everyone he meets, and feels a special connection with the over 50 crowd, encouraging and cultivating a vibrant lifelong interest in the outdoors and healthy living.


TESTIMONIALS

I can't say enough about our positive experience with Wildland. The trip was perfect in everyway and Floyd was top notch. In addition to guiding us on the trails and ensuring our safety, he provided so much information regarding wildlife, wildflowers, history of various areas of the park, etc. He also treated us like "kings" at camp by cooking great meals, ensuring we had coffee first thing in the morning and even after a long day of hiking, he was sure to offer us a warm beverage, or snack to tide us over before dinner. We will absolutely go on another adventure with Wildland and if possible, we will request Floyd.
— Marci F.
Floyd was an outstanding guide and proved to be an exciting addition to our trip. He made the trip not only educational for us with his knowledge of the plants and animals, but also challenged us to exceed our comfort levels to see parts of the parks where the payoff of its beauty were a payoff larger than the risk. We would definitely request him as our guide with any future trips with Wildland Trekking.
— David F.
Our third trip with Wildland did not disappoint. Travelling from the U.K. we had little experience of sub-alpine hiking for our Rocky Mountain Snowshoe Tour but we needn?Tt have worried. Our guide was so experienced and knowledgeable that we felt immediately safe and confident. We got to see all the best places too! Already planning the next one!
— Anne P.
Floyd was THE BEST. I didn't know what to expect going into an experience like this, and he could not have been a better support. He let all of us figure the adventure out for ourselves - he never told us what to do or corrected us when we couldn't get our tents up the first time. He let us all learn and explore for ourselves. He was so supportive on the hardest day when we didn't think we could make it all the way up the mountain. He is such a kind, knowledgeable, encouraging leader. We couldn't ask for a better guide.
— Elena S.

Hiking and Backpacking Guide

Jeremy W.

Jeremy is an avid outdoor enthusiast. Hiking, camping, fishing and sleeping under the stars is where life starts for him. He has completed  7 long distance hikes including the triple crown (Applachian, Pacific Crest, and Continental Divide Trails) as well as the Te Arora, NZ , Colorado Trail, Benton Mackaye and the Manaslu Circuit in Nepal. He is from the great state of North Carolina where he first honed his backcountry skills in the Southern Appalachian mountains. For the past 10 years he has traveled the U.S. as well as many other countries, always inspired by the beauty that surrounds us. During these travels he has visited over 50 national parks. Striving to teach people the skills needed to complete a peaceful and rewarding journey is his passion. From Leave No Trace principles to animal and plant identification, he’s excited to be your guide and excited for the journey that lies before you!

Jessica Worger Wildland Guide and Blog Contributor

Hiking and Backpacking Guide

Jessica W.

Jessie grew up in Phoenix and spent much of her early years exploring the deserts, canyons, and red rocks of Arizona.  She received her bachelors from Colorado State University in education while summiting the 14,000 ft peaks in the area and skiing .  After graduating, Jessie caught the travel wanderlust and completed her student teaching in Singapore and taught English in Quito, Ecuador for 2 years.  Jessie returned to the United States and has combined her two passions of teaching and being in the outdoors by working seasonally as a ski instructor, wilderness therapy guide, and backpacking guide.  Jessie splits her year between the snowy mountains and serene desert.  Jessie’s hope during the trips she leads is to share her love for these wild places through education and adventure.

HIKING AND BACKPACKING GUIDE

Michael W.

Michael Wichman’s first trip below the rim in Grand Canyon was in October 2004 and he hasn’t looked back since. He’s passionate about the Southwest, and especially Grand Canyon, with a love of hiking, climbing, and paddling on and below its rims. He’s dedicated to lifelong learning: an avid reader of all things associated with Grand Canyon, his favorite topics are geology, canyon inhabitants, and river stories. He also loves meeting new people — of all backgrounds, ethnicities, and origins. He finds shared group experiences extremely enriching especially when that experience is in nature. Michael earned a B.A. in psychology from UCLA, where he worked with children with Autism. He also studied at Northern Arizona University, focusing on Environmental Science & Policy in the Southwest. Michael looks forward to the opportunity to share an adventure with you!


TESTIMONIALS

We were a party of four older guys who chose to experience the Grand Canyon with the assistance of a backup team and an experienced guide. Our backpacking experiences were varied, from never to extensive. Michael fully satisfied our needs. He was level-headed but spontaneous, supportive but didn't hover, knowledgeable but not know-it-all. Overall - A+.
— Russ H.
The guide, Michael, and the companionship of other campers makes the difference on these common itineraries. In this regards, they were excellent. Michael is superb. Not too technical, one of us, as opposed to an isolated guide. He is mature and intelligent and fun.
— Y. Law
Michael was super enthusiastic which we appreciated. He was clearly knowledgeable and well read and passionate about what he does. Food was great and he didn't even ask for a lot of help in preparation. We really liked him and were very happy with our experience with him.
— Mary N.
Our guide, Michael, was awesome! He put forth tremendous effort into ensuring that everything was perfect for our Hermit Loop trip. He had a terrific attitude and did a great job sharing knowledge of the Grand Canyon environment. He has an unstoppable work ethic...from carrying an incredibly heavy pack in 100 deg heat to setting up camp and cooking a great meal. It's very apparent that he loves what he does and I'd highly recommend him to anyone that's interested in hiking in the Grand Canyon.
— Cambell R.

HIKING AND BACKPACKING GUIDE

Sally W.
Sally comes from an active family with a love for travel and adventure. She grew up in Illinois and Germany, hiked and camped as a child, and fell in love with backpacking on her first trip at the age of 15. She is a NOLS Semester Course graduate, has a Bachelors Degrees in Outdoor Recreation and also in Spanish, a Masters Degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), and has traveled to more than 30 countries over six continents. Sally has worked in wilderness or adventure education programs in Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, California, New Mexico, Illinois, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and New York. Sally finds peace and renewal in nature and is committed to preserving our natural areas. She delights in sharing this love of nature with guests, and claims that it is these shared experiences that “make the world go round.”

TESTIMONIALS

My guide was Sally White, and she was fantastic! We hiked to Bunsen Peak in Yellowstone, and knowing that I was excited to see as much of the area as possible she extended our hike to Osprey Falls. She was well organized, well prepared, efficient, knowledgeable about hiking and about the Yellowstone area, and most importantly fun and interesting to hike with. I definitely hope to hike with her again, and would highly recommend her!
— Andrew T.
Our guide Sally was excellent. She took very good care of her group, and was extremely knowledgeable about Yellowstone and the area. We had a wonderful time in Yellowstone and that was due to Sally.
— Debra B.
We saw so many wonderful sights with fantastic hikes! Sally White was an awesome guide! She really made our trip more special with her organization, willingness to go the extra mile and happy personality!
— Katherine E.
The whole trip was well run and well organized. We were an older group (age wise) but we still wanted to fit a lot of activity into each day. Sally did a great job of keeping everyone moving and managing our time very efficiently. She also made subtle changes and adjustments to the schedule to accommodate our group and there were never any problems. Sally was a true pro and a fantastic guide and never seemed ruffled by anything. At the end of the trip she was more like a friend showing us around rather than an employee. My wife was so attached that I think she is planning to adopt Sally after the trip! Thanks for a great experience.
— Jon E.

Hiking and Backpacking Guide

Sean W.

Sean grew up in Rhode Island and through many trips to the White Mountains of New Hampshire he discovered a love and passion for the outdoors. Gaining a Bachelors in Adventure Education Leadership and then later on a Masters in Experiential Learning & Development, Sean quickly took to the outdoor profession. With well over a decade of experience he’s been an outdoor instructor, backpacking and rock climbing guide, teambuilding facilitator, climbing coach, and director of outdoor programs. More recently he took to the road with his longtime partner Ashley and their amazing dog Westlely, living full-time in their RV on a rock climbing, mountain biking, and hiking spree of North America. One of his favorite things about working outdoors is guiding participants through mental and physical challenges that they thought they’d never be able to overcome and celebrating with them as they realize the accomplishments that are within their grasp.

HIKING AND BACKPACKING GUIDE

Stuart W.

Stuart grew up in southern Virginia between the coast and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Her passion for spending extended periods of time outdoors was fueled by a semester NOLS course in Chilean Patagonia. She continued to work in the outdoor industry throughout college as she earned her undergraduate degree in Studio Art: Integrative Design & Architecture from Colorado College. She has worked as a guide and field instructor across Alaska, Wyoming, California, Colorado, and Virginia, and spends her free time paddling in the ocean, climbing on rock, running on trail, reading or cooking. She hopes to eventually combine her love for outdoor spaces with a design practice to further the conservation and restoration of agricultural landscapes.


TESTIMONIALS

Stuart was awesome! She was attentive to all attendants, she was very informative and knowledgeable. I was a little concerned about food and liking what was prepared, and getting enough calories. Stuart was an awesome cook! and I enjoyed every meal!
— Lee Ann D.
Stuart was did a perfect job. Couldn’t have asked for a better guide.
— Marcus F.
Stuart was amazing! We were very impressed with her knowledge and experience. She was professional, informative, helpful, and personable. We had a lot of fun hiking with Stuart, and it was truly a great, memorable hiking trip!!
— Jane K.
Our guide (Stuart) was fantastic. Great all around trip.
— Justin C.

Hiking and Backpacking Guide

Thaddaeus W.

Thaddaeus is a human, a partner, and an adventurer. With a healthy thirst for exploration of the unknown, he has undergone many embodied quests that have taught him where to fill his energetic cup and helped him discover who he thinks he is in this lifetime. He is geographically based under the cliffs of the Shawangunks but feels the most at home when engaged in the pursuits of his heart. He believes life is about doing the acts that make you feel the most alive with the people you love and living by example. Thaddaeus has thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, Long Trail, and many other shorter thru-hikes. Thaddaeus is a New York State Licensed Climbing, Hiking, and Camping guide, an AMGA SPI, an EMT, and is pursuing full AMGA Rock Guide Certification. Thaddaeus would be honored to share a trail, tie in on a rope, or quest the open road to embrace the freedom of the hills with you.

HIKING AND BACKPACKING GUIDE

Zach W.

Zach grew up with a love of exploring the wilderness around his home town in Pennsylvania. After graduating from the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in Business Management, Zach chose to explore the American West by volunteering for several years with Conservation programs building trails throughout Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, and Colorado. He fell in love with guiding and team building and took his skill set to working with struggling adolescents in Wilderness Therapy for three years. He has found a love for the desert in Southern Utah and is motivated to share the juxtaposition of peace and simplicity with the challenges life in the back country has to offer.


TESTIMONIALS

I felt nourished, challenged, inspired and relieved. Our guide was a gentle and consistent with thoughtful preparation, accommodating successfully the needs of our group and sported an easy going personality. He masterfully balanced a feeling of being emotionally accessible while appropriately and professionally boundaried and did a great job of pushing our limits through subtle presence and encouraging words. My self- confidence grew as I tried things I wouldn't have known how to approach independently. I was happy the pacing of our trip was responsive to the needs of our group - our guide fostered an attitude of mutual support and though we presented with disparate intentions and needs in hiking pace, all of our needs were met. The landscapes were striking and dramatic, our guide shared his contagious enthusiasm for the geology and history of the region and we deeply appreciated the indulgence of camping with a cook, hiking with a sherpa and exploring with a back country expert. Highly recommend!
— Audrey H.
From start to finish, Wildland Trekking was professional, easy to work with and delivered above expectation! Zack was amazing guide for Bryce. He knew his way around, great hikes, spots for lunch and knowledge of he surroundings and environment! He kept our 11 year old fully engaged with his knowledge of the environment and related stories. Lunch was amazing - healthy and fresh in the middle of Bryce! Whole experience was accommodating, personalized and professional. Highly recommend Wildland Trekking to get the most out of any outdoor adventure.
— Robert R.
Very well run guided tour. We did Zion in a day with Zach. He was very knowledgeable about the park and very pleasant and professional. Would highly recommend this tour
— Vidkya K.
This was a great trip. the food was terrific, the lunches were gourmet outdoor foods, the group was a great group, and the guide was just about perfect. The four different hikes we went in were perfect examples of the different geological features Utah has. Our guide Zach, knew so much information, was very pleasant and set the tone for the great time that we had.
— Michael E.
Wildland guide and blog contributor Katie Young

HIKING AND BACKPACKING GUIDE

Katie Y.

Katie grew up in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada in a small town called Twain Harte. From a young age she started rock climbing and backpacking with her family and quickly gained a deep love for the wilderness and the adventures it offered. She left the mountains for the beach and attended the University of California Santa Barbara. During her 4 years at UCSB she was on staff for an outdoor club that further cultivated her passion for being an outdoor leader with other talented individuals. Once she graduated she couldn’t resist returning to the mountains, so she moved back near home to live in Yosemite for a season. While law school is a potential future dream she is thriving in the guiding lifestyle and loves sharing her knowledge of the outdoors with others.


TESTIMONIALS

This is my 3rd adventure with Wild Trekking company. My guide, Katie, is fantastic guide. She said she is kind of new to this job, but I was so impressed with her knowledge about Yosemite history, bird, plants, and trail and her professionalism! I would be definitely back other trips with you, and recommend all my friends.
— Mayumi K.
This was an amazing experience. Katie was a phenomenal guide and chef! The Llamas are so beautiful and easy to work with. Going forward I would only recommend Wildland Trekking.
— Carolyn P.
Katie is a a skilled guide with superior knowledge of the environment, an empathy for people, a sense of humor and she did a great job of accommodating all levels of fitness. Highly recommend Katie.
— Johanne S.
Katie was terrific! Her knowledge about the park and her positive attitude made the trip really fun. This was the best vacation I have ever been on and I can't wait for my next Wildland adventure.
— Kenneth M.

HIKING AND BACKPACKING GUIDE

Chris Z.

Chris grew up playing in the woods of New England. As a youngster he hiked every mountain and ran every river he could. After completing his college education he moved to Arizona to pursue a graduate degree. In the deserts and canyons of the Southwest he continued to explore every chance he could. Chris has gained a deep sense of place and love for the southwest, from the high plateaus to the deepest canyons. He has worked as a guide, instructor, and teacher for many years and gets great joy out of sharing his love of nature with others.


TESTIMONIALS

Chris (and Madison, a trainee guide who shadowed him) was a wonderful guide. He had answers to all of our questions about the Canyon, was a good cook and an all-round excellent trail companion. We all felt fortunate to be led by him.
— Tom D.
Isaac and Chris were fantastic guides. You can easily tell that they love what they do. I can't wait until my next trip with your company. I will definitely recommend you to my friends.
— Laurie D.
I was very impressed with both of our guides, Isaac and Chris. Both were highly professional with positive attitudes. The food was amazing! I had no idea we would have this good of food on a backpacking trip! Isaac is quite the chef! We had a day where it was rainy and stormy. It was great to know we were in expert hands with Isaac and Chris.
— Maura S.
See more guides
Curated List of Favorites

Our Guides Choices