Hiking & Climbing
Dip! Wade! Swim!
The water ouzel was my father’s favorite bird. Sometimes I think it was his favorite because he liked to say “water ouzel.” Try it, it’s fun! There are five water ouzel varieties throughout the world, and our local ouzel is the American dipper. (Not as much fun to say.) The American dipper is roughly robin-sized…
Read More2020 Float Season is here!
Finally, after a most unpleasant spring, the 2020 Float Season is here! Our crew has spent the last several weeks working on our boats, trailers, and vehicles to make sure everything is ship-shape and ready for action, and scouting the best routes down the Snake River. And at last, Grand Teton National Park is open…
Read MoreBest Job in the World
River Guiding: it’s the best job in the world. I have been a River Guide on the Snake River in Grand Teton National Park for 25 summer seasons. I return each year for the same reason as all the other guides: I love it. Spending time outdoors, piloting a raft, and looking at the river,…
Read MoreLong Hikes, Short Hikes, Birds, and Squirrels
Like many destination resort communities, Jackson Hole has its share of trophy homes, five-star restaurants and Range Rovers. But what makes this place a destination in the first place? Grand Teton National Park, mountains that look like mountains, world class skiing in the winter, abundant wildlife, wild and scenic rivers. And the folks who live…
Read MoreThe Greatest American Invention
Families are important. Vacations are important. Our National Parks are important. And taking our families on vacations to National Parks might be the most important thing we do. As a culture, Americans enjoy a “love/hate” relationship with our jobs. We value hard work and industry to the point that we as individuals feel diminished when…
Read MoreUnidentified Flying Objects
As we navigate our stretch of the Snake River in Grand Teton National Park, Barker-Ewing guides are constantly on the lookout for wildlife. Moose, Mule Deer, and Elk make their homes in the spruce and cottonwood forests along the riverbank and are relatively easy to spot. I’ve frequently had Pronghorn Antelope, Bison, Otters and Beaver…
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