Nick has spent decades building a career around the outdoors, sharing some of North America’s most spectacular landscapes with travelers from around the world. His experience spans rivers, mountains, glaciers, and coastal waters, with a passion for creating memorable adventures through interpretation and storytelling. Whether leading guests through Yellowstone or captaining whale-watching excursions in Alaska, Nick brings a lifetime of outdoor experience and enthusiasm to every tour.
Certifications
- Wilderness First Aid
- CPR & AED
- Leave No Trace Certification
- Tread Lightly! 101 Certification
- U.S. Coast Guard Licensed (100 Ton) Captain
- Commercial Drivers License
- FCC Radio Operator Permit
- STCW Marine Basic Training
- ServSafe Food Handling Certification
More Adventures
Nick's Favorite Safari Tours
Bio
Nick grew up along the Santa Cruz Mountains just south of the San Francisco Bay Area. On weekdays, when he wasn’t doing homework, he was exploring the Santa Cruz Mountains. Weekends were spent in the Sierra Nevada around Lake Tahoe, where his love for the mountains took root at an early age.
While in high school, Nick’s family visited Yellowstone National Park. A few years later, he found himself working there. He spent the next four years in neighboring Big Sky, Montana, just to remain close to the park. On his days off, he backpacked through Yellowstone’s vast backcountry and has since explored roughly 75% of its trail system.
Eventually, Alaska came calling. Nick left Big Sky and spent the next 25 years guiding throughout the state. During that time, he led rafting, kayaking, hiking, biking, zip-lining, and multi-day land tours. Of all his guiding experiences, his favorite years were spent as a whale-watching captain.
As much as he loved Alaska, Yellowstone always felt like home. He eventually returned to the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, and this coming summer marks his third season guiding in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks.
During the off-season, Nick enjoys traveling the world. His goal is to visit at least 100 countries, and he’s getting close.
Nick took us on a Best Of Yellowstone Tour and a Wildlife Safari this past week. Words cannot express how wonderful of a time we had on tour with him. We were very impressed by his professionalism, knowledge about the park and how pleasant he is to be around. We will certainly be recommending Yellowstone Safari Co to all of our friends and family. Thank you Nick!
