National Park Ranger | Professional Guide
Hi, I'm Maria! I got my start in the outdoors the same way a lot of people do—family trips to national parks. But it wasn’t until I hiked to Vernal Falls in Yosemite that I realized how much I loved it. That first hike led to thousands more, and eventually, a career as a Park Ranger and outdoor educator at some of the country’s most iconic national parks, including Glacier, Grand Canyon, and Rocky Mountain. If you’re planning a national park trip and need help navigating seasonal conditions, permits, trail choices, or even picking which park to visit, I’ve got you covered.
Professional Guide, Trip Research & Design
Hi, I’m Sherri. For over a decade, I’ve worked in the adventure travel industry as a guide, trip researcher, and logistics planner. I’ve led and designed trips across Japan, Austria, Czech Republic, Canada, Mexico, and the U.S., with a special love for bikepacking and hiking. Whether it’s helping first-time adventurers or seasoned athletes, I love sharing insights to make outdoor experiences smoother and more rewarding.
The outdoors has been both my escape and my career. It’s where I challenge myself, find clarity, and explore new places—whether on foot, on skis, or on my bike. But in my own time, I’ve also mapped out and completed multi-day to year-long bikepacking trips, always looking for the next challenge.
Former Professional Guide
Hi, I’m Sophia. I grew up in Western North Carolina, where hiking and running through the Blue Ridge Mountains became my happy place. After spending seven years guiding with Backroads Travel, I’ve had the chance to explore and lead active trips across the Alps, Scotland, and Hawaii. Whether you’re hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc, trekking the West Highland Way, or exploring the Southern Appalachians, I love sharing insights to make your adventure unforgettable.
Professional Guide
Hi, I’m Cameron! For me, the best way to connect with a place is to move through it—whether that’s hiking, cycling, or even a long city walk that turns into an adventure of its own. I’ve been guiding and exploring for over a decade, and my favorite trips always come down to the same thing: finding the perfect balance between effort and awe.
I connect to new places through the outdoors—whether it’s hiking a national park, cycling the countryside, or just walking through a city. With years of experience exploring and guiding across New Zealand, Croatia, the U.S., and beyond, I love helping people plan active adventures that go beyond the usual routes. If you’re heading to New Zealand’s South Island, the Dalmatian Coast, or iconic U.S. national parks like Yellowstone or Yosemite, I’ve got you covered.
Professional Guide, Trip Research & Design
Hi, I’m Maureen. I grew up in Idaho with the mountains and rivers as my playground, which led me to a career in adventure travel. I’ve spent over a decade guiding and designing outdoor experiences across Ireland, Indonesia, Hawaii, and the U.S. Southeast. Whether it’s cycling quiet backroads in County Kerry, hiking jungle trails in Bali, or paddling Hawaii’s coastline, I love helping travelers find the best outdoor experiences.
The outdoors has shaped every chapter of my life. Growing up in Boise, Idaho, I was lucky to have nature at my doorstep. I spent my childhood exploring the foothills and rivers, always drawn to the feeling of freedom that comes with moving through a landscape. That love for the outdoors eventually led me to guiding, where I’ve spent years helping others experience the beauty of adventure travel firsthand.
Expertise & Interests:
🌍 Solo & Multi-Generational Travel – I’ve led trips for all types of travelers, from solo adventurers to families with mixed skill levels.
🏕️ Cycling & Multi-Sport Travel – If you love mixing it up between biking, hiking, and paddling, I can help craft the perfect itinerary.
🚴♂️ Scenic & Off-the-Beaten-Path Routes – Whether in Ireland, Indonesia, or the U.S., I know the best trails to avoid the crowds.
🥾 Adventure Travel Planning – Looking for a trip that balances adventure, culture, and downtime? I can help.
Profesional Guide, Outdoor Educator, Extreme Athlete, Gear Expert
Hi, I'm Sunny! I’m a record-setting adventure athlete, backcountry guide, and expedition leader who thrives in the wildest, most remote places on Earth. From speed records in the Grand Canyon to leading all-women summits in the Andes, my life’s work is helping people push their limits—and discover what they’re truly capable of in the outdoors.
I’m also the first woman to ski the full 1,000-mile Iditarod Trail. (Yes, really.) And when I’m not in Alaska, you’ll find me guiding mountaineering expeditions in the Andes, running Dreamland Safari Tours in Utah, or leading high-altitude adventures through AWE Expeditions, my women-focused expedition company.
Whether you’re planning your first backpacking trip or an alpine traverse at altitude, I’m here to help you prepare, get stoked, and go farther than you thought possible.
Outdoor Educator
Hi, I’m Nick. I’m a former thru-hiker, trail guide, and the creator of Pack & Soul, a documentary series about my 2,193-mile journey on the Appalachian Trail. I’ve led backcountry programs for teens, guided first-time hikers, and helped solo travelers find the confidence to get out there—whether it’s their first overnight or a multi-week trek. I believe the outdoors is where we become who we are meant to be. Let’s plan something that moves your body, challenges your spirit, and leaves you with stories worth telling.
Outdoor Educator, Gear Expert
Hi, I’m Owen! I’ve hiked over 13,000 miles since 2015, including some of the most rugged and rewarding long-distance trails in the world. Whether you’re planning your first backpacking trip or a thru-hike, I can help with route selection, gear, logistics, and trail confidence so you can focus on the adventure, not the stress.
Professional Guide
Hi, I’m Danielle! I grew up skiing and hiking in Colorado and built my life around outdoor adventure. I’ve worked as a backcountry ski instructor, outdoor gear expert, and archaeologist, spending my days hiking in some of the most remote landscapes. Whether you’re planning a Rocky Mountain hut trip, a Patagonia backpacking adventure, or your first canyoneering route in Utah, I’d love to help you prepare and feel confident out there.
Professional Guide
Hi, I’m Lura! I’ve spent my entire life exploring the outdoors, from childhood camping trips to 16 years as a professional guide across Utah and Arizona. Now, as the Utah Operations Manager for a local trekking company, I oversee multi-day backpacking and basecamp trips through the region’s most stunning landscapes, including Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, and the Grand Canyon.
Professional Guide
Hi, I’m Mary! In 2022, I achieved a lifelong goal of thru-hiking the entire Appalachian Trail as a solo female hiker. Since then, I’ve completed 650+ miles of the Pacific Crest Trail, owned and operated a thru-hiker hostel, and guided backpacking trips across the Blue Ridge Mountains and beyond. I’m passionate about helping solo hikers and first-time adventurers feel prepared, safe, and excited to take on the trail. Whether you’re planning your first overnight trip or looking to tackle a long-distance trek, I’d love to help you plan your journey.
National Park Ranger, Professional Guide, Outdoor Educator, Forest Ranger
Hey, I’m Zoe! I’ve spent years working as a National Park Ranger, hiking guide, and outdoor educator, helping people experience some of the most incredible landscapes in North America. I know Rocky Mountain, Glacier, and Alaska’s vast wilderness inside and out—from the best trails for all skill levels to scenic drives, glacier adventures, and where to escape the crowds. Whether you’re traveling solo, with kids, or planning a multi-generational trip, I can help you craft the perfect experience in the parks.
I grew up in Colorado, where my love for the mountains started early, but it wasn’t until college that I discovered backpacking and outdoor education. That passion led me to my first role at Rocky Mountain National Park, where I worked as an interpretive ranger and hiked nearly every trail while helping visitors make the most of their trips. From there, I moved on to guiding in Glacier National Park and later worked as a Forest Ranger in Alaska’s Chugach National Forest, assisting travelers in planning everything from glacier hikes to epic road trips across the Last Frontier.
I love helping people find the perfect way to experience the outdoors—whether it’s a first-time adventurer looking for an easy but rewarding hike or a seasoned traveler mapping out a multi-week backcountry expedition. As a queer adventurer, I’ve personally experienced the outdoors as a place of refuge, healing, and connection, and I’m passionate about making sure others feel welcome in these spaces.
Professional Guide
Hi, I’m Katie! I’ve spent years guiding adventure travel across Iceland, Peru, New Zealand, and beyond, helping travelers of all experience levels explore with confidence. Whether you’re navigating the Inca Trail, the fjords of New Zealand, or the Andes Mountains, I can help you plan a safe and unforgettable adventure, no matter your skill level.
Outdoor Educator
Hey, I’m Mel! I grew up hiking and climbing in the Washington Cascades and have spent years guiding, planning trips, and working in search & rescue. I’m passionate about making the outdoors more inclusive and accessible—especially for LGBTQ+ adventurers and those new to outdoor spaces. Whether you’re planning a ski trip, a climbing objective, or a scenic hiking adventure in Washington’s Cascades, I’ll help you plan with accuracy and detail.
Extreme Athlete, Wilderness First Responder, Outdoor Educator
Hey, I’m Dakota! I’m a climber, wilderness EMT, and solo adventurer with experience across Jordan, Chad, Thailand, Mexico, Greece, and the U.S. While much of my time is spent on big climbs and remote expeditions, I also love helping people navigate more approachable hikes, scenic routes, and cultural experiences—especially in Thailand, where I spent months exploring by motorbike. Whether you’re planning a climbing trip, an off-the-beaten-path adventure, or just looking for insight into local trails and towns, I’d love to help you prepare for whatever’s ahead.
Outdoor Educator, Professional Guide
Hey, I’m Kate! I’m a climber, outdoor writer, and adventure coach with experience across Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, California, and Arizona. I create trail guides, gear reviews, and climbing resources, and I’m an AMGA-certified Single Pitch Instructor. I also work with first-time adventurers and women over 60 to help them feel confident outdoors. Whether you’re planning a solo trip, a climbing adventure, or just want help getting started, I’d love to share what I’ve learned.
Nearly a decade ago, I fell head over heel hooks for climbing and moved to Colorado—without ever having set foot in the state—because the mountains were calling. Now, my life revolves around outdoor adventures, both in my free time and as a freelance writer in the outdoor space.
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