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Yellowstone and Southwest Guide: Matty Kirkland
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Guide: Matty KirklandShort Bio: Matty had a wonderful childhood growing up in Chicago (Elgin), IL. And with 8 siblings, he was destined to be a people person! Matty settled in Big Sky, MT in 1995 and built his house in 2006. He has been guiding for quite a while, starting out guiding rafting trips and backcountry skiing in 1996 and joining Adventures Plus in 1998 to lead trips in Alaska.
Guiding is Matty’s profession and he still loves being the “Facilitator of Fun” after so many years! He is passionate when it comes to learning about each area he guides. He loves showing people the finer details and explaining the history of a location, watching guests’ eyes widen with excitement. Matty takes special care planning each day and outing for every group, always keeping an eye peeled for something to point out or the best place for a WOW (surprise treat on the trail). Matty admits that it feels great to have so much passion for his work and feels he has the perfect job because it allows him to travel, learn, and be active! He spends most of his life doing what he loves and sharing it with others.
- Bryce/Zion
- Utah- Arches to Moab
- Yellowstone/Teton Family - Bull Moose to Bucking Broncos
- Yellowstone/Teton National Park - Best of the West
- Yellowstone Family - Geysers & Grizzlies
- Yellowstone - The Serengeti of the American West
- Montana - Big Sky Family - Cowboys, Canyons, & Campfires
- Montana - Canyons, Calderas, & Cowboys
Matty has guided lots of trips for ALA over the years, including:- Alaska
- Vancouver Island
- British Columbia
- Maine
- Novia Scotia
- Montana
- Yellowstone
- Yellowstone – Tetons
- Kauai, HI
- Napa
- Bryce Zion
- New Mexico
- Arizona Sedona/Grand Canyon
- Canyonlands
- Costa Rica
- Big Sky Winter
| Facts about Matty: He has skied over 100 days a year for 10 years. He loves multi day raft trips. He lived out of a converted school bus for 8 years (because he was on the road with ALA for most of that time)! He is an EMT (Emergency Medical Technician). Matty's Guide Survey: What’s your favorite vacation destination? What’s your favorite hike? What’s your favorite bike ride? What’s your favorite trip to guide? Why? What do you do that makes a guest’s vacation special? Favorite Movie: North Shore Favorite Song: Peanuts song or any dance music Describe the most amazing experience you’ve had while guiding a trip: When did you first catch the travel bug? What are your hobbies? |
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ALA is added to the list of Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth in 2009. Read the Press Release >
National Geographic Traveler 50 Tours of a Lifetime
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