Guides

Betsy Robinson

...is a wildlife biologist, professional naturalist guide and teacher based in Bozeman, Montana. Her wildlife project highlights include breeding bird surveys in Prince William Sound, Grizzly bear research on Kodiak Island, and gray wolf recovery in Yellowstone.

Bill Bryan

Explains OBP co-founder Bill Bryan, “a backcountry gaucho festival I happened upon got me thinking, ‘Wouldn’t it be fun to take guests to a rodeo where we would be the only gringos?’ I decided I wanted to design a whole trip where people could experience authentic, rural Chile.” And so he did. “This journey,” says Bill, “is an off-the-beaten path experience like no other adventure travel company offers. It’s real, it’s comfortable, it’s cross-cultural, and it’s vintage Off the Beaten Path.”

Bryan Bates

...teaches biology at Coconino College in Flagstaff and lives in a solar hogan he designed and built. His special interest is archaeoastronomy, or how ancient civilizations used astronomical events as seasonal calendars.

Fritz Wittwer

Having spent the past ten summers leading hiking and wildlife viewing expeditions in Denali National Park--Fritz brings in-depth knowledge of Alaskan wildlife, botany and history to our Alaska tours. Fritz and his wife, Marianne, live year-round at the entrance to Denali National Park and have lots of stories to share about life in Alaska.

Gail Richardson

...has guided tours in the Northern Rockies and the Southwest for many years. Steeped in the particulars of the region’s ecology, geology and history, she is also a long-time environmental advocate, avid hiker, backpacker, and skier.

Hugh Rose

If they gave trophies for “most energetic guide,” Hugh Rose would have a cabin-full. A resident of Fairbanks, Hugh has photographed and lived in northern climes most of his life. He left a ten-year career in geology to explore and photograph the vast landscapes and wildlife of the north. His sense of aesthetics is matched by his sense of humor, and he is as knowledgeable about the Northland as he is enthusiastic.

John Ninneman

Dean of Arts and Sciences at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado, John has spent years studying the Anasazi and Fremont cultures. He takes a keen interest in rock art, flora and fauna of the high desert, archaeoastronomy, and the ancient road systems of the Southwest.

Josh Taitelbaum

Josh Taitelbaum gained a deep passion for the culture, history, and geology of the Southwest while living in the mountains of Northern New Mexico. During his years there, he volunteered his time to protect wild places and organize trips to out-of-the-ordinary locales. His love for the colorful sunsets, unique traditions, and contrasting landscapes is paralleled only by his desire to share his experiences with others.

Kurt Westenbarger

OBP guide Kurt Westenbarger loves nothing more than sharing with travelers of all ages his love and knowledge of the Rocky Mountains. His experience as a guide, writer, photographer, and teacher has given him unique insights and understanding, and a great base of knowledge from which to answer just about any question a kid (or parent) could pitch. Kurt lives in Dillon, Montana, where he teaches regional topics for Western Montana college.

Leslie Stoltz

Leslie Stoltz’s work as a field biologist and naturalist guide in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem has instilled in her a broad knowledge of the area as well as a deep love and respect. In 2002, the OBP guide joined her husband, Jim, for the grand finale of his Yellowstone to Yukon walk, which over the course of five years took him from the northwest corner of Yellowstone to Hope, British Columbia.

Nathanael Dodge

Nathanael Dodge is known for the way he brings science, natural history, cultural history, and geology to life for young people. He enjoys teaching kids the kind of skills that build their confidence and their awareness of the natural world. After a few days with this patient and energetic guide, your kids will be teaching you how to start a fire with a bow-drill—safely! Nathanael is a Wilderness First Responder and Crisis Prevention Instructor.

Pam Bryan

Off the Beaten Path co-founder Pam Bryan researched, developed—and the best part, personally field tested—this “exploring Patagonia” itinerary. She has a soft spot in her heart for Patagonia, since it’s where she and OBP’s other co-founder, Bill, spent their honeymoon. “I love introducing travelers to my favorite places and people in Patagonia,” she says. “The landscapes still take our breath away, and our friendships with local guides and hosts continue to grow and deepen.”

Steve Gehman

...has over 21 years of experience studying bears, wolverines, and other carnivores in Montana, Wyoming and Alaska. A wildlife biologist, he is co-founder of an organization dedicated to wildlife research and education and has been guiding since 1986.

Wendy Pope

In the fall and spring, Wendy is naturalist-in-residence at Banff Elementary School, and in the winter, she tracks large carnivores with Parks Canada and works as a ski patroller at Lake Louise. In the summer—she guides! Wendy has a special enthusiasm for sharing her beloved mountains.