The Trail Less Traveled

Clint Fries is a deeply experienced river guide and expedition leader with over two decades of professional guiding across some of the planet’s most remote and breathtaking landscapes. Known for his calm presence, intuitive leadership, and profound respect for wild places, Clint has become a trusted figure in the world of wilderness travel.For the past several years, Clint has guided multi-day rafting expeditions in Alaska with MT Sobek, one of the country’s most respected adventure travel companies. His work has taken him deep into the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, where he leads trips down the pristine Hulahula River—a rarely traveled corridor that winds from the Brooks Range through the tundra to the Beaufort Sea. Guiding in the Arctic demands more than just technical skill; it requires logistical precision, environmental sensitivity, and the ability to adapt to rapidly changing conditions. Clint brings all three, along with a quiet confidence that reassures both first-time adventurers and seasoned travelers.Clients often remark on Clint’s ability to make even the most rugged landscapes feel like home. Whether navigating braided channels, managing wildlife encounters, or helping guests find comfort and joy in the wild, he leads with humility and insight. His years of experience have made him fluent in the rhythm of rivers—from the heat of Latin America to the icy silence of Alaska’s far north.Clint’s path to guiding was shaped by a lifelong curiosity about the natural world. He studied at Earlham College, an institution known for its commitment to social justice and experiential learning, and participated in immersive field programs that laid the foundation for his career. He now lives in Capitola, California, but spends much of the year off-grid—on rivers, in mountains, and in the company of wild water.More than just a guide, Clint is a teacher, a storyteller, and a quiet advocate for the wild. He believes that the best journeys aren’t about conquering nature—they’re about listening to it. Through each expedition, he invites guests to slow down, pay attention, and discover a deeper connection to the land and to themselves. Show notes: 00:02:36 - Journey from Wilderness to Exploration00:06:52 - Value of Excellence in Guiding00:09:30 - Expedition Overview: Hula Hula Adventure00:11:19 - Exploring the Arctic Tundra00:13:50 - Muskox and Arctic River Adventures00:17:23 - Exploring Tundra and Wildlife00:21:23 - Dealing with Mosquito Pressure00:22:42 - Experience with Caribou in the Arctic00:25:31 - Wilderness Adventure and Bear Encounters00:28:11 - Epic Hiking and River Adventures00:30:31 - Exploring the Stunning Alaskan Wilderness00:33:43 - Challenges of Guiding on Alsec River00:36:05 - Embracing Nature as Healing Medicine00:38:25 - Fostering Connection with NaturePlease help us keep the podcast ad free by donating $3/month via PATREON. We really need your help, as of right now we are bringing in less than $100/month. Thanks for considering!

Bridget Crocker is a trailblazer in women's empowerment within the outdoor industry. A leading whitewater rafting guide in far-flung regions of Zambia, Ethiopia, the Philippines, Peru, Chile, Costa Rica, India, and the Western United States. During this interview, she discusses her new memoir The Rivers Daughter. Support your local bookstore and pickup a copy today! Bridget is also a contributing author to Lonely Planet guidebooks and Travel Anthology and the Best Women's Travel Writing series from Travelers' Tales. Her work has been featured in magazines including Westways, Men's Journal, National Geographic Adventure, Trail Runner, Paddler, Outside, Vela, and Patagonia's blog, The Cleanest Line, among others. She lives in Malibu, California.Show notes:00:04:36 - Connecting with Nature and Overcoming Challenges00:09:04 - Overcoming Insecurity in Guide School00:10:27 - Facing Fear on the Snake River00:12:29 - Empowerment and Challenges in River Guiding00:15:46 - Shifting Power Dynamics in Society00:20:03 - Empowering Women Beyond Sexual Power00:22:54 - Navigating Power Dynamics as Women00:24:44 - Connecting Through Nyami Nyami and Zambezi00:28:21 - Lessons on Allyship and Empowerment00:30:35 - Understanding Grief Behind Rage00:32:55 - Overcoming Obstacles in Relationships00:36:53 - Embracing Change and Courage00:40:29 - Embracing Change and New ExperiencesPlease help us keep the podcast ad free by donating $3/month via PATREON. We really need your help, as of right now we are bringing in less than $100/month. Thanks for considering! #travel #adventure #adventuretravel #podcast #travelpodcast #adventurepodcast #whitewater #whitewaterrafting #whitewaterkayaking #riverguide #theriversdaughter #rivers #womenwholead #zambezi #kernriver #snakeriver #bridgetcrocker #traillesstraveled #jacksonhole

Kevin McDermott—a.k.a. “Thirsty" has been guiding since he was 16 years old. He has 30+ years of experience guiding in Alaska, has climbed Denali and endears himself to travelers with his expertise, calm demeanor, and sense of humor. When he isn't guiding in the Arctic, you might find him on the Alsek, Tatshenshini, Middlefork Salmon or the Grand Canyon. He lives in Arizona with his wife, Darla, and enjoys working on Land Cruisers in his spare time. Show notes: 00:03:33 - Discovering a Passion for the Outdoors00:06:15 - Early Guiding Experiences in Alaska00:09:32 - Discovering Alaska Through Rafting00:12:15 - Exploring the Arctic Tundra00:15:19 - Exploring the Arctic Landscape00:18:31 - Understanding Winter River Dynamics00:20:26 - Spring River Conditions and Challenges00:22:37 - Wildlife and Mosquitoes in the Arctic00:26:28 - Exploring Glaciers and Wildlife00:29:33 - Climbing Denali: Challenges and Triumphs00:33:41 - Reading Glacial Rivers in Alaska00:38:37 - Understanding Nature Beyond IdentificationFollow the adventures and interviews in real time at TrailLessTraveled.net and be sure to check out our visual series on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram. Please help us keep the podcast ad free by donating $3/month via PATREON. We really need your help, as of right now we are bringing in less than $100/month. Thanks for considering! #arcticnationalwildliferefuge #hulahulariver #alaska #travel #adventure #storytelling #alsek #tatshenshini #whitewaterrafting #rafting #adventurepodcast #travelpodcast #arcticrefuge #grandcanyon

Step into the rugged beauty of Montana's backcountry as wilderness legend Smoke Elser shares his remarkable 60+ year journey through the Bob Marshall Wilderness. Since 1957, Elser has been a guardian of these pristine lands, witnessing their transformation from horse-only trails to a diverse recreational haven. Learn about Bob Marshall himself - an extraordinary conservationist who, despite his aversion to horses, hiked extensively through Montana's wilderness, laying the groundwork for modern conservation efforts. His legacy lives on through the Wilderness Society and the landmark Wilderness Act of 1964.Arnold “Smoke” Elser is a legendary wilderness outfitter, educator, and conservationist whose life’s work is deeply rooted in Montana’s Bob Marshall Wilderness. Since his first trip into the Bob in 1956, Elser has spent nearly seven decades guiding thousands of people—many of them first-time riders—through its rugged terrain, sharing not only the landscape but also his deep reverence for wild places.After graduating from the University of Montana in 1968 with a degree in range management and secondary education, Elser and his wife Thelma founded Bob Marshall Wilderness Outfitters. They built their business on a philosophy of “interpreting the land,” helping guests connect with the wilderness through storytelling, horsemanship, and a commitment to conservation. Elser has led over 700 trips into the Bob Marshall Wilderness and has spent more than 8,030 nights under its stars.Elser’s influence extends beyond guiding. He has taught horse and mule packing at the University of Montana since 1964, training over 30,000 students, including military personnel and federal land managers. Elser’s stories and experiences are captured in the memoir Hush of the Land: A Lifetime in the Bob Marshall Wilderness, co-authored with Eva-Maria Maggi. The book offers a vivid account of his adventures and his enduring commitment to protecting Montana’s wildlands. Even in his 90s, Smoke Elser remains an active voice in wilderness education and conservation, embodying a lifetime dedicated to the stewardship of the Bob Marshall Wilderness. Show notes:00:04:06 - Founding the Wilderness Society00:07:13 - Establishing Wilderness Areas00:09:55 - Creation of the Bob Marshall Wilderness00:12:56 - Development of Wilderness Access00:14:29 - Evolution of Bob Marshall Wilderness Use00:16:52 - Growth of Hiking and Floating Activities00:18:58 - Alumni Gathering in the Hills00:21:06 - Starting an Outfitting Business00:23:27 - First Trip to Sentinel Lookout00:25:53 - History of the Bob Marshall Wilderness00:29:05 - Establishing a Ranger Station00:33:28 - Exploring Hawn Creek and Ranger Stations00:35:41 - History of the Ranger's Cabin00:37:45 - History of Bob Marshall Wilderness00:40:28 - Improving Wilderness Camping Practices00:42:52 - Backpacking Fire Pan TipsFollow the adventures and interviews in real time at TrailLessTraveled.net and be sure to check out our visual series on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram.Help us keep the podcast ad free by donating $3/month via PATREON. #montana #bobmarshall #wilderness

The Missoula Housing Authority offers housing assistance to veterans through programs like HUD-VASH, which combines rental assistance with VA case management and supportive services. MHA's Valor House provides 17 one-bedroom units for permanent housing for homeless veterans, featuring communal amenities such as a kitchen, meeting spaces, and laundry facilities.  In 2023, MHA received funding to expand permanent housing options for homeless veterans and their families. Established in 1990, Veterans Inc. is a nonprofit organization headquartered in Massachusetts, serving veterans and their families across New England, Montana, and North Dakota. It provides holistic supportive services, including housing, employment and training, case management, food security, behavioral healthcare, suicide prevention, and programs for women veterans.  Veterans Inc. has assisted over 100,000 veterans, achieving an 85% success rate in transitioning them out of homelessness. Valor House is a 72-bed transitional housing facility operated by First Step House, offering housing and supportive services to veterans experiencing homelessness. The program provides structured support to help veterans transition to permanent housing. Show notes:00:04:32 - Journey from Alcoholism to Recovery00:07:55 - Importance of Seeking Help00:11:45 - Supporting Veterans and Community Programs00:13:34 - Understanding Homelessness Among Veterans00:17:22 - Finding Support and Rebuilding Life00:25:15 - Opening Your Eyes to Change00:26:42 - Supporting Veterans in Need00:29:01 - Embracing Support and Community00:30:36 - Journey to Self-Sufficiency00:33:47 - Life at Valor House00:35:04 - Update on Eye Surgery and Community Care00:36:30 - Conservation Tips for Baby Birds

Step into the extraordinary world of Skip Horner, a veteran adventure guide whose 50-year career spans over 100 countries and countless epic expeditions. Skip Horner is a legendary American adventure guide, mountaineer, and expedition leader with a career spanning over five decades. He is renowned for being the first guide to lead clients to the summits of all Seven Summits—the highest peaks on each continent—including Mount Everest, where he became the 420th person to reach the top. His extensive guiding experience encompasses more than 100 countries, with expeditions in 62 of them, ranging from mountain treks to river descents and wildlife safaris.Horner's adventurous spirit has led him to accomplish numerous firsts in the world of exploration. He has led first descents of 12 major rivers, including the Yangtze, Zambezi, and Indus, and has navigated the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon 38 times. His mountaineering feats include 33 ascents of Kilimanjaro, eight of Mount Vinson in Antarctica, and six of Gunnbjørnsfjeld in the Arctic. Additionally, he has skied to the North Pole and participated in 11 expeditions to Antarctica.Alongside his wife Elizabeth, Horner operates Skip Horner Worldwide, Inc., based in Victor, Montana. Together, they design and lead bespoke expeditions to some of the world's most remote and culturally rich destinations, including camel treks across the Sahara, Himalayan climbs, and Amazon rainforest explorations . Horner is a certified alpine guide by the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) and a Fellow Emeritus of the Explorers Club. Show notes:00:04:48 - Reflecting on 40 Years of Adventures00:08:07 - Memorable Adventures in Burkina Faso00:10:48 - Determining the Highest Arctic Peak00:14:19 - Life's Journey Through Travel Chapters00:16:39 - First Descent on the Çoru River00:19:25 - Preparing for the River Challenge00:21:57 - Preparing for Class Five Rapids00:23:36 - First Descent of the Choroo River00:25:35 - From Turkey to Antarctica Adventures00:27:28 - First Ascent of Vinson00:30:02 - Climbing Challenges at High Camp00:32:27 - Facing Mistakes in Mountain Climbing00:34:33 - Overcoming Failure on Mount Vinson00:37:13 - Movement as a Key to Problem SolvingFollow the adventures and interviews in real time at TrailLessTraveled.net and be sure to check out our visual series on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram.The radio version of the show premieres Sunday nights at 6 MST, streaming live online at Trail1033.com & locally (Missoula) on the Trail 103.3 FMWhy listen to the radio version instead of the podcast? Well, because the radio version includes music selected by the folks we interview!Please help us keep the podcast ad free by donating $3/month via PATREON. We really need your help, as of right now we are only brining in $79/month in donations.#travelpodcast #adventurepodcast #conservationpodcast #podcast #whitewaterrafting #antartica #skiphorner #travelpodcast #travel #adventuretravel #missoula #missoulamontana #montana #storytelling #mountainclimbing #whitewater

Dr. Jim Halfpenny is a renowned polar ecologist, expedition leader, and expert in cold-climate ecology with decades of experience studying the extreme environments of the Arctic and Antarctic. With a background in wildlife biology and ecology, Dr. Halfpenny has led and participated in numerous scientific expeditions to the polar regions, where he has conducted groundbreaking research on climate change, snow ecology, and the adaptation of wildlife to some of the planet’s harshest conditions.Dr. Halfpenny's firsthand accounts paint a vivid picture of climate change's impact: shrinking glaciers, thawing permafrost releasing dangerous methane, and indigenous communities forced to relocate due to shifting wildlife patterns. His upcoming book "The Last Cold" documents these profound changes, while his research using ice cores reveals how current CO2 levels far exceed anything seen in the past 800,000 years.Despite passing certain environmental tipping points, Dr. Halfpenny emphasizes hope through action and the importance of individual contributions to combat climate change. From infrastructure challenges in Alaska to the transformation of the Northwest Passage into a potential trade route, this episode offers crucial insights into our warming world.Don't miss this essential conversation about one of the most pressing challenges of our time. Listen now to understand why the Arctic's story is everyone's story.Show notes:00:02:48 - Climate Change Observations in Greenland00:06:05 - Impact of Climate Change on Icebergs00:09:27 - Future of Coastal Towns and Trade Routes00:11:14 - Understanding Historical Climate Change00:14:13 - Carbon Dioxide and Climate Change00:17:05 - Tipping Points and Climate Action00:19:22 - Impact of Permafrost Thawing00:22:43 - Challenges of Northern Train Travel00:24:09 - Impact of Climate Change on Northern Communities00:26:50 - Impact of Climate Change on Species00:30:15 - Impact of Climate Change on Wildlife00:34:44 - Impact of Climate Change on Wildlife00:38:06 - Impact of Climate Change on Bears00:40:12 - Grizzly Bears and Climate Change00:41:32 - Advice for Mitigating Climate ChangeFollow the adventures and interviews in real time at TrailLessTraveled.net and be sure to check out our visual series on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram.The radio version of the show premieres Sunday nights at 6 MST, streaming live online at Trail1033.com & locally (Missoula) on the Trail 103.3 FMWhy listen to the radio version instead of the podcast? Well, because the radio version includes music selected by the folks we interview!Please help us keep the podcast ad free by donating $3/month via PATREON. We really need your help, as of right now we are only brining in $79/month in donations.#travelpodcast #adventurepodcast #conservationpodcast #podcast #conservation #storytelling #adventure #travel #traillesstraveled #adventuretravel #climatechange #climateaction #climatecrisis #yellowstonenationalpark #polarbears #polar

Join us as we venture into the wilds of Zambia’s Lower Zambezi with three seasoned bush guides—Marshal, Luckson, and Malan. From the rugged seats of a Toyota Land Cruiser, we chat with Marshal and Malan about wildlife conservation, poaching, ecology, and the intricate behaviors of Africa’s iconic animals. Then, we sit down with Luckson, a top-tier guide with the highest level of training, to uncover the rigorous education, testing, and fieldwork required to lead walking safaris—a tradition that was born right here in Zambia. Tune in for an immersive journey into the heart of the African bush. Show notes:00:06:07 - Protecting Zambia's National Parks from Mining00:09:03 - Revisiting the Mating Lions in Lower Zambezi00:12:08 - Elephant Encounter in Lower Zambezi00:17:12 - Let's Move Together as One Zambia00:20:19 - Becoming a Bush Guide in Zambia00:22:47 - Intensive Training and Expertise of Safari Guides00:25:31 - The Importance of Respecting Animal Boundaries00:28:59 - From Whitewater to Walking: A Guide's Journey00:30:57 - Family Doubts, Overcoming Fears, and Protecting the Zambezi00:32:57 - The Importance of Protecting River Ecosystems00:34:53 - Night Drive with Guide Milan in Zambia00:39:58 - Transforming Poachers into Conservationists00:44:07 - Night Drive with Cooperative ClientsFollow the adventures and interviews in real time at TrailLessTraveled.net and be sure to check out our visual series on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram.The radio version of the show premieres Sunday nights at 6 MST, streaming live online at Trail1033.com & locally (Missoula) on the Trail 103.3 FMWhy listen to the radio version instead of the podcast? Well, because the radio version includes music selected by the folks we interview!Please help us keep the podcast ad free by donating $3/month via PATREON. We really need your help, as of right now we are only brining in $79/month in donations.#travelpodcast #adventurepodcast #conservationpodcast #podcast #conservation #storytelling #adventure #travel #traillesstraveled #adventuretravel #zambia #lowerzambezi #lowerzambezinationalpark #zambeziriver #guidelife #safari #safariguide #lowerzambeziriver #zambeziriver

As a child growing up on a farm in Zimbabwe, Mikey Hensman was surrounded by rescued exotic animals like elephants, impalas, and warthogs. This unique upbringing sparked his deep passion for wildlife that eventually led him to a career in anti-poaching and conservation. Hensman is the co-founder of Resolve Wildlife, an African-led strategic advisory and training group dedicated to conserving Africa's wild landscapes. Resolve Wildlife's team includes experts in protected area management, ecology, law enforcement, and community-based resource management. One of their key conservation partners, Conservation Lower Zambezi (CLZ), is a non-profit organization working to protect Zambia’s Lower Zambezi region. CLZ collaborates with Zambia’s Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) to conduct foot and aerial patrols, as well as operate specialized enforcement units, including the highly effective Dog Unit.Introduced in 2016 with support from USAID, the Dog Unit plays a vital role in combating poaching and wildlife trafficking. Trained to detect scents of ammunition, bushmeat, ivory, pangolin, and firearms, these skilled sniffer dogs and their local handlers conduct vehicle searches at checkpoints and assist with tracking operations. Their efforts have resulted in numerous arrests and significant recoveries of illegal wildlife products, including over 175 kilograms of bushmeat and multiple firearms. Looking ahead, the program aims to expand the dogs' detection capabilities to include rhino horn and Zambia’s rare Mukula wood, further strengthening anti-poaching efforts in the region. Show Notes:00:03:46 - From Polo to Elephant Training: A Family's Journey00:07:09 - Elephant Conservation and Canine Anti-Poaching Programs00:10:16 - Detection and Tracking: Canine Anti-Poaching Capabilities00:12:23 - Challenges of Conservation Dog Training in Africa00:18:42 - Patrolling the Periphery: Combating Poaching in Africa00:21:14 - Encounters with Poachers in the Miombo Woodland00:24:23 - Tracking Poachers Through Rugged Terrain00:27:28 - Tracking Animals for Conservation00:30:51 - Protecting Wildlife and Communities in Lower Zambezi00:34:41 - Protecting the Zambezi River and Wildlife00:36:18 - Promoting Environmental Education and Community EmpowermentFollow the adventures and interviews in real time at TrailLessTraveled.net and be sure to check out our visual series on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram.The radio version of the show premieres Sunday nights at 6 MST, streaming live online at Trail1033.com & locally (Missoula) on the Trail 103.3 FMWhy listen to the radio version instead of the podcast? Well, because the radio version includes music selected by the folks we interview!Please help us keep the podcast ad free by donating $3/month via PATREON. We really need your help, as of right now we are only brining in $79/month in donations.#travelpodcast #adventurepodcast #conservationpodcast #podcast #conservation #storytelling #adventure #travel #traillesstraveled #adventuretravel #zambia #resolvewildlife #lowerzambezi #conservationlowerzambezi #elephantconservation #dogtraining #antipoaching #k9training