You probably already recognize the name “Alex Mac” from her frequent posts and hot tips that she shares on our Facebook community page about Moab, Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park. Alex Wehrle is our peppy in-house go-to on the dramatic national park ecosystems of Utah–and she has an equally deep appreciation and love for the Greater Yellowstone area.
She guides our Moab National Parks Adventure–the only Wild Women Expeditions trip that offers a full day of canyoneering– in Moab! This trip is guaranteed to spike your adrenaline levels with lessons in rappelling (34m/110ft), abseiling and feeling the rush of class I and II rapids on a 2-hour whitewater rafting trip down the Colorado. It’s a soft cowgirl type of experience in the iconic American southwest complete with a 4-night yurt stay in Dead Horse Point State Park. Insert hoodoos, slickrock and petroglyphs here!
Most days Alex can be found in her true office–outside! She’s either hiking, camping, doing yoga, or attempting to mountain bike. She’s all energy–her favorite adventures include the ones that unfold before the sun even rises! She believes there is nothing like being the only one at the summit watching the sunrise. Alex also has a thing for pepperoncini-flavored potato chips, San Diego beaches, Fillo backpacking pillows, 80s tunes and Bedrock Mountain Clogs.
Now, let’s hear more from our top Arches adventurer!
Tell us a bit about your street (well, trails) cred…
I’m an Outdoor Advocate and professional Recreation Therapist. Beyond being naturally passionate about the outdoors, I love helping others see their abilities, and say yes to any outdoor adventure. I’m easily recognized by my big smile and for laughing at the cheesiest of jokes.
I have a bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation, am Masters Certified in Leave No Trace and have my Wilderness First Responder credentials. My professional guiding experience began with conducting leave no trace workshops in Southern California and teaching others how to recreate responsibly.
My passion for the outdoors kept morphing and now includes leading multi-day adventures in the Utah National Parks and planning Wild Women Expeditions next southwest adventure!
What’s your favourite place on earth?
This is such a hard question to answer because there are just too many places to love.
But, I’ve narrowed it down to three: Moab, Banff and the beaches in San Diego!
What secret spot do you love to share with Wild Women?
I absolutely love being able to share Tower Arch hike in Arches National Park with Wild Women. Most often we cross paths with one or two other groups and have the arch all to ourselves.
What’s the most incredible experience you’ve witnessed while guiding?
One of the most incredible experiences is getting to witness folks out in nature and in places for the first time. Whether it’s the first time in this particular landscape and the opportunity to see the beauty or the first time they are doing something out of their comfort zone, sharing that experience with them is so rewarding!
What’s your spirit animal?
Hmmm. I would have to say that spiritually, a bear. But when I am out in nature, definitely birds!
What’s your greatest accomplishment?
Being able to be part of the outdoor industry and the professional and personal growth opportunities within Good Trip Adventures.
What don’t we know about you?
I love to play board games, Wingspan is my favorite game right now!
(Editor’s note: I had to Google this! Birders will love this as Wingspan revolves around discovering and attracting the best birds to your personal network of wildlife preserves. Each bird creates a chain of powerful combinations in one of your habitats. Unique bird cards are drawn and miniature eggs are laid while collecting food tokens from the birdfeeder dice tower. Sounds so much more engaging than our endless child rounds of Monopoly! Check out Wingspan here. ~Jules)
What’s your biggest fear in the wild?
While I have yet to encounter one, I have no desire to run into a mountain lion on trail!
What would you like to learn more about?
I’d love to learn more about birds and baking bread!
Tell us–what’s your kick ass song that gets you revved up and ready to take on the day?
My favorite song probably changes everyday and also depends on the mood– but anything 80’s will ultimately be my favorite!
What’s your favourite trail snack?
There are so many good ones to choose from! If I am backpacking I love tortillas with avocado and olives. If it is just a day hike, some sort of bar, fruit and pepperoncini-flavored potato chips!
What’s your favourite piece of gear?
My current obsession is my Bedrock Mountain Clogs– come summer it will be my Bedrock Adventure Sandals. But I also recently upgraded my pillow for my sleep system to a Nemo Fillo, talk about game changing!
Who has been your greatest mentor?
It has truly been one of the best times getting to learn and work alongside Megan Kennedy. I am so grateful for the opportunities that we’ve shared.
You can read more about Megan here: “Our Guiding Lights: Meet Our Gregarious Tour Guide, Megan in Yellowstone“