The TripOutside Podcast

In this episode of the TripOutside Podcast, we sit down with Colin Courtney, founder of Meraki Mountain Adventures, based in Durango, Colorado. Colin is an incredible guide who creates inclusive outdoor experiences for all ages and abilities, making it easier than ever to connect with nature in the San Juan Mountains.

We talk about:
🌄 Why the San Juan Mountains are truly special
🚶 Hiking, biking, climbing, and paddleboarding adventures in Durango
🤝 The value of guided trips compared to self-planning
🌱 Leave No Trace education and sustainable tourism
💚 How supporting local guides helps build stronger communities

Whether you’re planning your first visit to Durango or looking for inspiration for your next adventure, this conversation will give you the beta you need — and maybe even the push to finally book that guided trip.

👉 Learn more about Meraki Mountain Adventures: https://www.meraki-ma.com/
👉 Compare and book guided trips directly on TripOutside: https://tripoutside.com/browse/location:us:co:durango

#OutdoorAdventure #DurangoColorado #SanJuanMountains #TripOutsidePodcast

In this rafting podcast episode, we dive deep into the wild beauty of northern Canada with Joel Hibbard, second-generation river guide and co-owner of Nahanni River Adventures, one of the most respected wilderness outfitters in North America. Joel joins us to talk about what it’s like to grow up guiding rivers in the Yukon, Northwest Territories, and beyond—sharing stories of childhood summers spent paddling canyons, flying into remote bush camps, and learning the rhythms of the land from his family’s legacy.

If you’ve ever dreamed of Yukon River rafting or navigating untouched waterways where caribou roam and grizzlies fish for salmon, this is your episode. We explore the incredible variety of guided rafting trips and canoe expeditions Joel and his team lead on some of the most legendary rivers on the continent, including:

🛶 Nahanni River trip – home to Náįlįcho (Virginia Falls), twice the height of Niagara, surrounded by 1,000-meter canyons, hot springs, and Indigenous history.
🛶 Firth River trip – a pristine Arctic whitewater river that cuts through unglaciated Beringia, offering unreal tundra hiking, wildlife encounters, and geology that hasn’t changed in over a million years.
🛶 Tatshenshini River trip – wild, coastal, glacial terrain flowing into British Columbia with Class III whitewater and massive mountain backdrops.
🛶 Horton River – a lesser-known gem for packrafting and canoeing in the tundra, ideal for spotting caribou, wolves, and expansive Arctic vistas.

This episode is packed with storytelling and insight for fans of outdoor adventure podcasts, aspiring expedition paddlers, and anyone curious about what goes into leading multi-week trips in some of the most remote wilderness on the planet.

We cover:
🌄 What it’s like to run a family-owned outfitter in the North
📆 The short but spectacular rafting season in the Yukon and Northwest Territories
🐻 How guides manage grizzly bear safety in remote camps
🚁 The logistics of flying guests, gear, and guides into off-grid rivers
🛶 The differences between raft, canoe, and packraft expeditions—and who each style is right for
💬 Why Joel says these trips are less about adrenaline and more about connection
🌱 The critical role of conservation, Indigenous stewardship, and keeping wild places wild

Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or just curious about stepping off the grid, this conversation will give you a deeper appreciation for the wild rivers of Canada’s North—and maybe even inspire your next great adventure.

🎧 Listen now to one of the most inspiring rafting podcast episodes of the year.
🧭 Book a trip or learn more at: https://tripoutside.com/browse/activity:water-sports:rafting

Keywords:
Rafting podcast episode, outdoor adventure podcast, Yukon River rafting, Nahanni River rafting, Firth River rafting, Tatshenshini River rafting, Arctic rafting trips, guided rafting Yukon, packrafting Canada, canoeing Yukon, rafting podcast, wilderness expedition podcast, Nahanni Wild, Náįlįcho Virginia Falls, Beringia, Northern Canada rivers

Join us as we chat with adventurer, creator, author and ultra-runner Ryan Van Duzer about the transformative power of human-powered exploration. From bikepacking across countries to running 100-mile races, Ryan shares how slowing down can help us connect deeply with nature, our communities, and ourselves. Discover his journey from Peace Corps volunteer to global storyteller, hear tips for getting started with adventures like bikepacking, and learn how pushing through discomfort can unlock personal growth. Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or just starting out, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical advice to fuel your next journey.

Tune in for stories, laughs, and a fresh perspective on what it means to truly live adventurously.

Guest:
Kurstin Graham – Vice President, Friends of the Black Rock High Rock and bikepacking enthusiast.

Episode Summary:
In this episode, I chat with Kurstin Graham, a conservation leader and bikepacking expert, who has spent over a decade exploring and advocating for the protection of Nevada’s wild landscapes. Kurstin shares his journey from working with the Reno Bike Project to leading conservation-focused bikepacking tours in Northern Nevada. We dive into the challenges and rewards of bikepacking, the importance of conserving public lands, and how Kurstin uses adventure as a tool for advocacy.

Key Topics:

Links Mentioned:

Connect with Kurstin:

Support Conservation:

Call to Action:

In this episode, Reet interviews Fred Drake, founder of Snorkel Alaska, about the unique experience of snorkeling in a cold water environment like Ketchikan, compared to the tropical locations that we often associate with snorkeling.

What Makes Alaska Snorkeling Unique?

- Thick 7mm wetsuits, hoods, boots, and gloves keep you warm despite cold waters reaching 65F in summer

- Abundant marine life - fish, kelp, plants, invertebrates like sea stars, urchins, cucumbers

- See wildlife like wolf eels, sea lions, otters, whales (orcas, humpbacks) up close

- Steep underwater rock walls and ability to free dive down 100ft walls right off shore

Tour season for snorkeling in Alaska is May to September, coinciding with cruise ship arrivals. You'll find the warmest water June through August, while April, May, September tend to have clearest water visibility.

While the cruise ship industry is crucial for bringing tourism to the area, Fred and his company are keenly aware of the environmental impacts. Their tours start directly on the beach, limiting local boat traffic, and they educate guests about the sustainability of marine life in the area.

Ketchikan is a beautiful area for an extended visit, with abundant opportunity for activities like hiking, fishing, camping, kayaking, mountain biking, and kiteboarding.

Tune in now to learn more and immerse yourself in the unique world of snorkeling in the glacial waters of Alaska.

Resources Mentioned:

Book a Tour on TripOutside

Reet talks with Jayci Ferrimani, founder of Arizona Climbing Guides and AMGA Certified Rock Guide, about the vast array of outdoor adventures available in southern Arizona. Jayci shares his journey from growing up exploring the mountains of Colorado to becoming a professional rock climbing and canyoneering guide.

They discuss the underrated and surprisingly rugged wilderness found in Arizona's mountains, canyons, and deserts. Jayci highlights how despite its desert reputation, Arizona is teeming with untapped outdoor treasures waiting to be explored.

The conversation dives into the various trips offered by Arizona Climbing Guides:

Canyoneering Tours:

- Tanque Verde Canyon - half-day with 3 rappels up to 90 feet

- Seven Cataracts/Willow Canyon - full day, 5 rappels up to 200 feet

Rock Climbing Areas:

- Cochise Stronghold - granite domes, moderate to hard routes

- Mount Lemmon - year-round sport and trad climbing at 2,000-9,000 feet

- Queen Creek - popular sport crag near Phoenix

- McDowell Mountain Preserve - adventurous trad climbing near Scottsdale

JC also provides an overview of the three main rock climbing disciplines:

- Bouldering

- Sport Climbing

- Traditional (Trad) Climbing

He offers advice for beginners looking to transition from indoor climbing to roping up outside, emphasizing the low-consequence way to start with top-roping.

Jayci and Reet chat about the unique advantages of Tucson - a city surrounded by a multitude of outdoor playgrounds, allowing visitors to combine urban amenities with morning canyoneering, afternoon hiking, and evening breweries all in one day. JC also highlights other local activities like mountain biking and backpacking right from Tucson's doorstep.

Throughout the show, Jayci shares his profound passion for exploring Arizona's wilderness and connecting others to the thrill of adventuring in these rugged landscapes. The episode provides inspiration for visitors and locals alike to get out and experience Arizona's great outdoors.

Resources Mentioned:

Arizona Climbing Guides website

Book A Trek on TripOutside

In this episode, we interview Elizabeth Biron the owner and founder of Trek Sierra, a premium backpacking guide company based in Mammoth Lakes, California. Elizabeth shares her journey from starting as a sport climber and backpacker on the East Coast to making Mammoth her permanent home and launching Trek Sierra. She discusses the unique aspects of Trek Sierra, including the use of ultralight gear, through hike support, and themed treks like art classes and stargazing experiences. Elizabeth also highlights the custom training plans and coaching support offered to help clients prepare for their treks.Key Topics:- Elizabeth's background and how she got into the outdoor industry- The philosophy and unique offerings of Trek Sierra- Popular treks like the John Muir Trail, Yosemite summits, and Mount Whitney- Living an outdoor lifestyle in Mammoth Lakes- Leave No Trace practices and responsible recreation in the Sierras- The personal impact of spending time in the wilderness- Raising awareness about underpaid guides in the industryThis insightful interview with Elizabeth provides a fascinating look into the world of guided backpacking adventures and Trek Sierra's mission to elevate both the client experience and the guiding profession.Links:- Trek Sierra (https://treksierraadventures.com/)- Leave No Trace principles (https://tripoutside.com/leave-no-trace-outdoor-recreation/)- AMGA (American Mountain Guides Association) (https://amga.com/)

In this podcast interview with Joel Gratz from Open Snow, we dig into his journey and expertise in snow forecasting. We discuss the unique challenges in predicting snow conditions, emphasizing the unpredictability and joy of chasing powder.

Joel and his team nerd on mountain weather to bring their app users the highest quality of snow forecasts that are built into the app and also have a human reporting element layered on top.

I learned so much during this chat! Things like:

Whether you like to geek out on weather or just want to find the best option for skiing, I think you'll love this podcast.

Exploring Bellingham: A Mountain Biker's Paradise

In Conversation with Ike Bancroft of Dig Deep Mountain Biking Tours

Introduction

Nestled in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, Bellingham, Washington, is an outdoor enthusiast's dream come true. With its lush forests, stunning bay, and rugged mountains, it's no wonder that Ike Bancroft, owner of Dig Deep Mountain Biking Tours, chose this picturesque town as the backdrop for his mountain biking adventures.

From Boston to Bellingham: Ike's Journey

Ike Bancroft, originally from Boston, Massachusetts, found his love for mountain biking in the hills of Vermont. However, it was a brief stint in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, at the age of 18, that fueled his passion. Ike's days were spent shuttling up and down the pass trails, hitchhiking with his downhill bike in tow.

At 21, he moved to Bellingham to attend Western Washington University. The allure of outdoor pursuits drew him to this vibrant town. But it wasn't until later, in 2019, that he decided to establish Dig Deep Mountain Biking Tours. COVID-19 momentarily halted his plans, but in 2021, the venture finally took off to an enthusiastic reception.

Bellingham's Mountain Biking Paradise

Bellingham offers an array of mountain biking experiences, and Ike is the perfect guide to navigate this mountain biking paradise.

Beyond Mountain Biking: Exploring Bellingham

While mountain biking is a central activity, Bellingham has much more to offer. Ike recommends exploring the stunning bay, which sets Bellingham apart from many outdoor towns. Rocky sandstone beaches, sandstone cliffs, and ocean views are perfect for unwinding after a ride.

Water activities abound, from kayaking to stand-up paddleboarding and even sailing. Don't miss the chance to embark on a whale-watching trip; the local orca pods make it a memorable experience.

For a complete Bellingham adventure, consider hiking in the craggy mountains, especially during the summer months. Ptarmigan Ridge, starting at Artist Point, is a popular choice.

And of course, make time for the local breweries and entertainment options, which add a delightful dimension to your visit.

Responsible Outdoor Recreation in Bellingham

Visiting Bellingham comes with a responsibility to preserve its natural beauty. Ike emphasizes that it's essential to be mindful of the impact visitors can have on this pristine environment.

Find Bellingham Mountain biking tours https://tripoutside.com/browse/activity:biking:mountain-biking/adventure-type:guided

Find Outdoor activities in Bellingham https://tripoutside.com/browse/location:us:wa:bellingham

This one is from the archives, we wanted to share our favorite places to visit, eat, and grab a coffee or a beer near Mammoth Lakes California.

We hope that you like this behind-the-scenes podcast of our travels in our RV.