From my home base in Flagstaff, I know the area’s three national monuments—Walnut Canyon, Wupatki, and Sunset Crater Volcano—inside and out. I can also guide you to Petrified Forest, Canyon de Chelly, Navajo National Monument, Page’s Rainbow Bridge, and both the North Rim and Kaibab Trail of Grand Canyon National Park. Along the way, I’ll point out side trips like the Toadstools and how to try for a coveted Wave permit.
I’ve spent years exploring Utah’s famous and lesser-known landscapes, from Zion’s canyons and Bryce’s hoodoos to the Bentonite Hills, Goblin Valley, and the cliff dwellings of Bears Ears. Whether you’re driving Route 12 through Grand Staircase-Escalante, hiking in Capitol Reef, or visiting Natural Bridges, Monument Valley, and Hovenweep, I can help you build an itinerary full of highlights and off-the-beaten-path stops.
I know the cultural sites and high country of Colorado—from Mesa Verde and Canyon of the Ancients near Cortez to Durango’s mountain town charm and the stunning geology of Black Canyon of the Gunnison. I can also help you plan visits to Rocky Mountain National Park for alpine hikes and wildlife viewing.
As a volunteer in Everglades National Park, I’ve paddled mangrove swamps, biked Shark Valley, and explored the Big Cypress Loop Road. I can recommend routes for spotting wildlife like alligators, manatees, and birds, plus the best times for kayaking in the mangroves.
I spent 35 years working in mental health as a therapist, but my other passion has always been animals and wild places. With a master’s degree in Zoology focused on animal behavior and ornithology, I’ve traveled the world to see wildlife in their natural habitats—from penguins in Antarctica to lemurs in Madagascar.
Since retiring in 2019, I’ve volunteered in national parks across the U.S., helping visitors plan their trips and discover hidden gems along the way. Whether you’re on your first big adventure or a seasoned traveler, I love connecting people to the landscapes, wildlife, and cultural sites that make each place special.
🐧 Kayaking with penguins in Antarctica
🐻 Watching bears fish for salmon in Katmai National Park
🦅 Birdwatching in Ecuador during the Audubon Christmas Bird Count
🚶 Hiking the Inca Trail in Peru
🌊 Kayaking through bioluminescent waters off Bellingham, WA
🐊 Paddling and birdwatching in the Everglades
Click to book a session where youwill be prompted to tell me moreabout your trip, select a time thatworks for you on my calendar, andcomplete payment. It's $60 for a30-minute call.
We'll meet over Zoom video call anddive into your ideas, questions, andgoals. I'll share local tips, itineraryquestions, and guide you to the bestspots.
Within a few days, you'll receive acustom TripGuide in your inbox:
→ A day-by-day itinerary
→ Local recommendations withlinks
→ A shareable, interactive map
All tailored to your travel style—and builtto help you have the best possible trip.
Note: your map and TripGuide are shareable so you can give to your travel companions
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