Adventure Collection

Nathanael Dodge has been guiding trips for Off the Beaten Path for seven years. While he has led journeys in numerous North American national parks – last summer alone, he guided OBP groups through seven parks — his specialty is the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone. He lives 50 miles north of the latter – and loves introducing travelers to the area’s natural wonders.

How long have you been a guide?

Roughly 10 years. The first couple of years I led 60 day-trips into the backcountry with at-risk youth. I then shifted into naturalist guiding/family guiding for OBP.

How long have you been a guide for OBP?

Seven years.

As a guide, what do you do?

A variety of things. A few of the more important aspects of my job are keeping my clients safe in wilderness areas, sharing information about the geology, flora, fauna, and natural history of the area we are visiting, and taking the stress of daily travel/food arrangements off their hands so they can have a great time.

What area/trip is your specialty?

That is a tough question because I guided in seven different national parks across the West last year, but I have spent the most time in the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone. I like all kinds of trips, but guiding families into these wonderful places – and I’d say Yellowstone is my favorite — is what I enjoy the most.

What is it about this area that most appeals to you and that you love most to share with your travelers?

Yellowstone is a delight because it has something for everyone, big animals like wolves and bears, the grandiose geysers like Old Faithful, and the stunning scenery. It is easy to get excited and share with all that wonder around you.

Can you give an example of any special experience or connection you have that you have been able to pass on to your travelers?

Nature has taught me that getting up early can give you the most special of times. I often cajole a group or family to head out early and the payoff can be a stunning sunrise in the Grand Canyon (I know the best spots to be alone), or wolves howling around you in Yellowstone’s Lamar Valley.

Can you give me an example where you think you made an important difference for the travelers on one of your trips?

Last year I was guiding a group in Yosemite, and an older gentleman told me that he had a poster of “Moon and Half Dome” by Ansel Adams. I calculated roughly when the moon would rise above Half Dome (1:00 am), and we made the hour-long drive back into Yosemite from our lodging. I think I can confidently say that we both were impressed with the sight and will never forget it.

What are a guide’s most important skills?

Empathy and listening to clients’ wants and needs, risk management, knowledge of the area, sense of humor — and the ability to pick a decent wine to go with the salmon.

What does a good guide add to a journey?

Safety, knowledge, ease of travel, and the secret spots and info you might otherwise have missed.

What are the main challenges of travel in your destination?

Weather, elevation, wild animals, poor food service (sometimes), unreasonable expectations, and delayed flights are just a few.

How do you overcome these challenges?

Prepare and then prepare some more, and then when things don’t go quite as planned…well, I can usually look at my surroundings — those amazing wild places — and smile.

What do you enjoy most about your work?

Seeing clients be completely in the moment. Taking in their surroundings without thinking about all the trappings of modern life. It often takes a couple of days to get there but I enjoy sharing those moments with people. I believe they take those moments home with them and I get to be a small part of that. That’s the sweetest part of my work.

What has been your one most memorable experience as a guide?

I guided a trip a few years ago in Southern Utah. Most of the nine clients had never met before. The trip had many moments where the group needed to come together. I felt at the end of the trip that this group had really bonded. A few weeks after the trip I received an email from all of the participants asking, “Where do you want to take us next?” Well, we traveled to Glacier National Park last year (almost every participant came back) and there is talk of Alaska next summer. It is most memorable when I get to see people year after year.

How can travelers get the most out of an OBP trip?

Share your thoughts ahead of time with OBP staff about what you’re hoping to get out of your trip. The guide will then do his or her very best to have you experience what you want. Travelers should also be open to trying a few new things on their trip.