This Is Our Story

Nature Nomads exists to make the outdoors wild, welcoming, and accessible. We empower all women and gender diverse folks step outside their comfort zones, build real skills, and forge deep connections with nature and each other. Woman-led, small, and hands-on, we plan and guide every adventure ourselves. No gatekeeping. No outsourcing. Just real experiences that change you.

Who We Are

Katie

Katie is a Team Lead at Nature Nomads and a dental hygienist by day, trail-blazing adventurer by every other waking moment. CPR and Wilderness First Aid certified, she’s spent over a decade chasing peaks, remote places, and the kind of experiences that change you.

From quick-hit day hikes to backpacking deep into the Grand Canyon via the Escalante Trail, Katie thrives in elevation, long miles, and the mental game of the trail. She’s trekked to the edges of the earth—from the depths of the canyon to the raw, windswept magic of El Chaltén and the Fitz Roy range in Patagonia.

Known for her steady leadership, on-trail pep talks, and unshakable curiosity, Katie is always testing her limits to see where her body—and the journey—will take her next. Fuel of choice? Nerds Gummy Clusters. Non-negotiable.

Wilderness First Aid

First Aid/CPR/AED

Leave No Trace Certified

Candace

Hello, I’m Candace, founder, leader, and lifelong seeker behind Nature Nomads.

I chase experiences that expand my perspective and challenge how I see the world. Since 1998, that pursuit has taken me around the globe as a touring musician and later into movement, adventure, and journeys that reshape how you think and live.

I’m a mother, a personal trainer, and a small business owner, roles that have taught me that growth doesn’t come from comfort, it comes from showing up curious, prepared, and willing to give it all I got. I’m always learning new skills, and saying yes to experiences that broaden how I see the world.

When I’m not guiding Nomads, you’ll find me wandering from the red sands of the American Southwest to the rugged peaks of the Northern Appalachians, all the way to the end of the world in Patagonia, following trails that challenge the body and shift the mind.

With over 10 years in the health and fitness industry, I lead Nature Nomads adventures with intention, safety, and a deep belief that the right experience can change everything. My passion is bringing people together through movement, nature, and shared curiosity, and watching mindsets expand one step at a time.

Wilderness First Aid/CPR

UWY Outdoor Guide Certified

Leave No Trace Certified

Tread Lightly Certified

Certified Personal Trainer

Certified Yoga Instructor