Backcountry Safaris has an amazing team of knowledgeable wildlife biologists that guide our tours. They possess a deep understanding of the wildlife, ecology, geology, and natural history of Jackson Hole, Grand Teton National Park, and Yellowstone National Park. When it comes to guiding, however, it takes more than just knowledge to bring the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, part of one of the largest intact mountain ecosystems in the world, alive. Enthusiasm, passion, and the perception to tailor each safari tour to the varying needs and interests of our guests are a few of the many qualities that set our guides apart from the rest. Each guide brings their own unique personality and experience to our safaris to make your trip personal and truly one of a kind. Whether you are touring the vibrant geo-thermal features of Yellowstone National Park, searching for moose along the Gros Ventre River, or enjoying the beautiful landscape of Jackson Hole, our guides will provide you with a travel experience you will never forget!
Anna Luhrmann
After graduating from Eckerd College on Florida’s gulf coast with a degree in Environmental Studies, Anna moved to Wyoming to pursue a Master’s degree. She spent a year in the Tetons at the Teton Science School’s Residential Graduate Program. There, she studied the ecology and geology of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, taught field education to students from around the country, and spent her free time exploring the mountains of Western Wyoming. She then completed a Master’s of Science Degree in Natural Science Education and Environment and Natural Resources at the University of Wyoming in Laramie. Anna is passionate about ecology and loves sharing the natural world with others. On her days off she enjoys riding her mountain bike.
Bradley Parker
Bradley studied ecology at Central Washington University and has been exploring nature all over the world ever since. He has spent many days amongst the forests, rivers and mountains of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. His love of this incredible natural treasure is easily interpreted and infectious. While he is a good source of information on the regions geography and geology; ecology is his true fascination. An avid sportsman and naturalist, Bradley spends the majority of his free time fishing, skiing, trail running, and mountaineering in the Tetons.
Edwin LaMair
Edwin LaMair was born and raised in Denver, Colorado. Growing up he spent summers and weekends in the Rockies honing his outdoor skills. After graduating from the University of Colorado with a degree in Philosophy, he moved to the mountains to pursue an outdoor centered lifestyle. He has worked winters as both a ski instructor and gear salesman in Vail, Colorado and in Jackson Hole. Edwin spent the past two summers working for an outdoor education company, leading trips around the world for high school and college students. He is extremely passionate about outdoor education and plans to eventually work in the field of environmental law and policy. Most of his free time is spend in the outdoors skiing, hiking, hunting, and fly fishing.
Ellie Finnegan
Ellie grew up on the west side of the Tetons in Alta, Wyoming and attended school in Jackson. Ellie has her undergraduate degree in biology from Whitman College and has spent the last two summers monitoring backcountry streams in Idaho assessing fish, macroinvertebrates, and general riparian health. In her off time, Ellie can be found on her skis, in her running shoes, swimming in Jackson Lake, or identifying wildflowers in the mountains.
Hannah Schaefer
Hannah is originally from Kent, Ohio and graduated from Hiram College with a B.A in environmental studies and a focus in natural resources. She has an extensive background in outdoor education, ecology, biology, forestry, natural history and interpretation, and she was previously a park ranger at Grand Teton National Park. When not guiding she loves traveling, backpacking, adventuring, running and hanging out with her cat and fiancée. She plans to get a graduate degree in environmental policy in the future.
Kyle Tibbets
Kyle graduated from Lewis & Clark College with a B.A. in Environmental Studies, with a focus in fisheries management. Before coming to Jackson, he operated as a Fisheries Data Technician for the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. He also has an extensive background in outdoor education and interpretation, giving him an infectious passion for this beautiful natural area. When not guiding he can be found fishing, hiking, and camping around the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
Pete McGrath
Pete graduated from Western Washington University where his love for the mountains and the ocean was born. A competitive sailor from a young age, Pete has raced sailboats all over the world including multiple transatlantic crossings, the Bering Sea in Alaska, Bass Strait in Australia, and numerous offshore races spanning the globe. After years on the ocean his passion for the mountains lead him to Jackson, WY which he now calls home. Pete is an avid photographer, skier, fisherman, kite-boarder, surfer, mountain biker, and backcountry enthusiast. He spends his free time exploring the snake river and the endless activities in the Tetons.
Gus Davis
Gus was born and raised in New Hampshire where he frequently went hiking in the White Mountains and developed a passion for the outdoors. After graduating from University of Colorado, with a degree in a environmental science, Gus moved to Jackson to explore the Teton Range. Spending most of his days snowboarding and mountaineering in the high alpine, he has an every growing admiration for learning about, and discovering new places in The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.