Outdoor Leaders

Our dedicated, professional team of Outdoor Leaders brings our mission to life every day! At Wilderness Inquiry, trips are led by talented and trained Outdoor Leaders who help create life-changing outdoor experiences for adults, youth, and families of all backgrounds, identities, and abilities.

Our team of Outdoor Leaders lead trips to many popular destinations including the Apostle Islands, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, Voyageurs National Park, Yellowstone National Park, and more. Read more about these destinations below and head to our Trip Finder to see the full list of trip and travel offerings.

Interested in joining the Wilderness Inquiry team? Check out open job opportunities!

Outdoor Leader Spotlights

Kath Sharp

Kath has been leading trips for Wilderness Inquiry since 1990, and she has earned the trust and affection of thousands of folks who have paddled, skied and hiked with her. Kath's broad wilderness expertise makes her a great trip leader, but what distinguishes her most is her caring nature for everyone adventuring with her. You will learn why so many people want to go back to Kath’s trips.

Asha Shoffner

Asha (she/her) is a queer, first generation immigrant via transnational adoption, who lives and works in the traditional homelands of the Dakota people, Imnížaska Othúŋwe (Saint Paul, Minnesota). She is the creator of BIPOC Outdoors Twin Cities and she leads many of our BIPOC Affinity Trips to places like the St. Croix River and Superior Hiking Trail.

The Wilderness Inquiry program is one of a kind. The staff is well trained and conducts themselves with passion and professionalism. We enjoy working with them every year providing local students with a rare opportunity to paddle the Harlem River, something they will remember the rest of their lives. Kudos to Wilderness Inquiry!”

— JOHN, ROBERTO CLEMENTE STATE PARK

Popular Destinations

Apostle Islands

The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is a 22-island archipelago on the South Shore of Lake Superior. It is known for its red sandstone sea caves, sandy beaches, picturesque lighthouses, and historic shipwrecks. Sea kayaking in the Apostle Islands is great for both novice and experienced paddlers. There are also plenty of opportunities to hike, play on the beach, sight-see, camp out, and enjoy the rhythm of the world’s largest freshwater lake, Lake Superior. We have several different itineraries for the Apostle Islands because there is so much to see and do! Whichever trip you choose, you will enjoy the beauty of the area, the quality of our equipment, our wonderful staff, and great food.

Boundary Waters Canoe Area

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is America’s premier canoe destination. It is also one of the most accessible wilderness areas in the United States, and where Wilderness Inquiry began operating in the 1970s. Over one million acres in size, the Boundary Waters covers much of the Superior National Forest in northeastern Minnesota. Paddle among towering pines in the home of moose, lynx, wolves, and bald eagles. We have many Boundary Waters itineraries to choose from, but whatever Boundary Waters trip you choose, we know you will enjoy this iconic wilderness area and come to understand why it is beloved by so many.

Voyageurs National Park

Voyageurs National Park is Minnesota’s only National Park. Located on the international Canadian border adjacent to the Province of Ontario, Voyageurs National Park lies along the border immediately to the west of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Nearly 40% of its 218,054 acres is water, with over 500 islands and more than 650 miles of shoreline. Visitors to Voyageurs can enjoy the pine-clad forests and exposed glaciated bedrock; wildlife like moose, wolves, black bears, bald eagles, common loons, and over 20 species of wood warblers; and fish like walleye, northern pike, and smallmouth and largemouth bass. Canoeing is a must in the massive chain of lakes that boasts clear waters and starry nights. Our guides will take you to their favorite local spots along your voyage.

Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone is a land of extraordinary wildlife and breathtaking scenery. We stay at a campground with modern facilities and venture to the park’s most picturesque sights on day hikes and paddles. The sight of bison, elk, and even wolves is common as we explore all corners of this massive park straddling three states. Our itineraries are highly accessible for all ages and abilities. Our most popular Yellowstone Family Adventure is a great way to create lasting family memories. Our Discover Yellowstone adult adventure visits may great features of the park, returning to the same great centrally located campsite at night. The Yellowstone Lake Backcountry Canoe trip travels deep into the wilderness of the largest Alpine Lake in the United States. The scenery and solitude are fabulous.

Contact Us

Outdoor Leaders

Outdoor Leader Spotlights

Kath Sharp

Asha Shoffner

Popular Destinations