Utah

Hi, I’m Mary! I’m a backpacker, climber, writer, and gear nerd. I started hiking as a teenager and have spent the years since chasing long-distance trails, rock faces, and meaningful stories from the backcountry. When I’m not climbing or out on trail, I write for publications like Backpacker, Climbing, and Outside, covering everything from new ultralight gear to first-person trail narratives.

As a solo female backpacker, I care deeply about safety, preparation, and helping people build confidence outdoors. I regularly take first-timers climbing and backpacking, and I love helping them move past intimidation into pure awe. Whether you’re heading to the Camino, planning a quiet route through Joshua Tree, or picking your first backpack, I’d love to help.

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Hey, I’m Codell. I grew up in the Southwest and, after serving in the military, knew I needed a life built around the outdoors. I started guiding Grand Canyon trips over a decade ago—and never left. Today, I’m the Senior Operations Coordinator for the largest commercial hiking program in the U.S., but I still light up every time I get to talk trip planning, logistics, and routes with someone who’s excited about the desert.

I’ve guided over 100 backcountry expeditions in the Grand Canyon and surrounding parks and have helped travelers from all backgrounds—including solo hikers, families with kids, first-timers, and extreme athletes—find their way in this landscape. If you’re curious about the canyon, desert gear, permits, or just want to figure out what’s realistic for your group, I’m happy to help.

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Hi, I’m Andreas! I’ve travelled all across the US, while living the “van life”, mapped out long-distance trails, hiked thousands of miles across five continents, and led groups ranging from first-timers to seasoned hikers. For me, nature has always been more than scenery—it’s where I feel grounded, energized, and alive.

Though my career has taken me in other directions, the outdoors has been my lifelong classroom. I’ve led group trips, volunteered as a trail steward, and helped dozens of friends plan everything from quick getaways to international treks. If you’re dreaming big—whether that means your first solo hike or an epic Andes expedition—I’m here to help you make it happen.

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Hi! I’m Stephanie—a full-time traveler, outdoor lover, and mom of two. Since 2021, my family has been on the road in our RV, exploring national parks, working seasonal jobs, and soaking in the beauty of the U.S. together. We’ve hiked hundreds of trails with elementary-age kids, and we know the highs (and challenges!) of planning great trips as a family.

My background is in education and ministry, and I’ve always loved connecting with people. Whether you’re a weekend warrior, summer road-tripper, or curious about full-time travel, I’d love to help you feel confident, inspired, and excited for the road ahead.

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Hi, I’m Andie! I grew up in Jackson, Wyoming, with the Tetons as my backyard and playground. I now travel the world as a professional trail runner and elite ski mountaineer—chasing big peaks, wild trails, and the kind of exhaustion that leaves you deeply fulfilled.

I studied environmental science at the University of Vermont and now work with the Teton Backcountry Alliance as a Teton Pass Ambassador, promoting responsible recreation, assisting backcountry users, and supporting rescue efforts. From racing in Switzerland to ski-touring in Norway and biking across Utah, I love helping people push themselves while staying safe, grounded, and joyful in the outdoors.

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I stumbled into the outdoor world by accident—landing a seasonal job in Moab at 23 with more curiosity than experience. Since then, I’ve built a career in public lands, guiding myself (and later, others) through some of the most awe-inspiring places in the West.

My background includes seasons with the National Park Service as a science and resource ranger, and now I work as an outdoor recreation planner for the Bureau of Land Management in Utah. My work has ranged from writing interpretive content and permit systems to mapping obscure campsites, designing signage, and partnering with local guides.

I know what it’s like to enter this world without a roadmap. I taught myself how to backpack, raft, climb, and navigate remote places—and now I love helping others feel welcomed, informed, and included. Whether you’re planning a solo trip, juggling family logistics, or venturing out for the very first time, I can help you craft something that actually works for your crew.

The outdoors has shaped who I am. I fell in love with wild spaces at 16, climbing my first real mountain in New Hampshire, and I’ve been chasing that connection ever since—from summiting Denali to meditating in Bali.

I’ve guided in Grand Teton, Yellowstone, Denali, and Rocky Mountain National Parks, served as a ranger in Arches and Canyonlands, and written everything from Falcon trail guides to Nat Geo map descriptions. I bring both deep field knowledge and a thoughtful, human approach to planning.

Whether you’re a solo traveler, part of a multi-generational family, or training for your next big adventure, I’m here to listen, encourage, and help you feel ready for whatever the trail brings. I also teach yoga and coach wellness, which helps me meet people wherever they are.

When I’m not guiding, you’ll find me writing, baking, or curled up with a book and my yellow lab, Nala.

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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.‍

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.

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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.

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I’ve spent the last 7 years as a tour guide in Moab, leading rafting trips, off-road tours, hiking excursions, and sightseeing adventures. I work with visitors of all ages—from solo travelers to families with young kids to multi-generational groups—quickly gauging what kinds of experiences will be the most rewarding for them.

When I’m not guiding, you’ll find me hiking, camping in unique spots, or paddling the river. I love helping visitors discover both the famous and the hidden sides of southern Utah, and I take pride in crafting trips that create lasting memories.

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Spending time outside grounds me—it clears the noise, slows me down, and helps me breathe easier. It’s the medicine I can take back with me into daily life. I spent 11 years at REI, working in retail, guiding trips, and coordinating operations for the Experiences division. Before that, I worked in natural resources management with various land agencies, giving me a deep understanding of public lands and how we recreate on them.

My passion lies in helping people reach for adventures they might otherwise think are unattainable, whether that’s hiking a remote alpine route, traveling internationally for the first time, or finding the courage to explore solo. A particular focus of mine is supporting women in the outdoors, from day hikes and backpacking trips to solo international travel.

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I’m Dani—splitboarder, climber, mountain runner, and storyteller. My journey took me from a cushy corporate career to ticking off climbs and ski lines across the Americas, all while rediscovering my roots as a food producer and cultivator.

Today, I work as a filmmaker, creative producer, and strategic advisor, helping next-gen leaders connect with themselves and Mother Nature. Whether I’m leading workshops on outdoor leadership, producing branded films, or running a high-alpine trail, my mission is the same: inspire individual action and collective communion.

As a trilingual (English, Spanish, and French) and multicultural (Mestiza and Filipina) storyteller, I bring a unique global perspective, informed by travels and climbs across the Americas, to every project and community I serve. The outdoors have helped me find who I am—and who I want to be—and I hope to share that path with others.

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