Leeann (Lea)

Austin Adventures Guide in Yellowstone

Lea was raised in a large family that fostered a deep appreciation for nature, regularly visiting national parks across the United States. This early exposure to the outdoors ignited a lifelong passion for exploration, which has guided both personal and professional pursuits. As a seasoned solo traveler, she has visited over 10 countries and spent a transformative year in New Zealand. During this time, they worked as a hiking tour guide, utilizing their expertise to lead others through the region’s diverse and rugged terrain. In addition to holding an Outdoor First Aid Certificate, Lea enjoys a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, kayaking, foraging for edible plants and mushrooms, snorkeling, and bikepacking. With a strong foundation in wildlife biology, her adventures are always rooted in a deep respect for nature and a commitment to conservation. 

What's your favorite travel destination?

I loved Northern Italy and have a strong desire to return soon.

What's your favorite adventure activity? 

When it comes to adventure, I loved  backcountry hiking in New Zealand and want to do so in other countries.

What has been your most inspiring adventure experience? 

When I sold everything I had to go live in Mexico for two months. I had no plan, I made it all up as I went along. It was meant to turn into a yearlong adventure around the world but instead it turned into a multi year adventure. My time in Mexico was exhilarating, seeing remote ruins, eating the spiciest street food, and being challenged to speak a language I didn't know. I look back fondly on my time there, as it started all that I am doing now.

What's your favorite Active Adventures or Austin Adventures trip? 

After guiding the Classic South Island Adventure in New Zealand, I can easily say it's my favorite. So many fun activities from kayaking to mountain biking, with the most beautiful scenery the country has to offer. 

When did you first get the travel bug? 

When I was young, my parents traveled from Southern California to Pennsylvania to raise me and my sisters, but every year we made a priority to go somewhere new. It started with Disneyland and now we have traveled across the country twice as a family. Now I do it on the regular to see new places with my friends and now my husband.

Why did you want to become a guide with Austin Adventures?

I found their values to match mine, showing that we are a part of nature and not separate visitors to it. Being open and authentic to ourselves and our experiences allows for genuine connection with one another and the world around us.

What destination would you most like to travel to (that you haven't been to yet)?

I would love to go to Spain to further my fluency in Espanol as well as eat amazing food. The culture may be strong for me but I am willing and excited to be uncomfortable. 

Do you have any favorite hobbies or special talents you could tell us about?

Going into the forest without a goal is one of my favorite things to do. Normally when I just wander about the forest, I take a plant or mushroom identification book with me and see what I can find. Often I may see something that I recognize from my studies that is edible or toxic and take notes and pictures. Sometimes if I am 100% sure its a safe edible, I will harvest a sustainable amount and find a recipe to use it for. Alaska was a great location for this in the fall, as I was surrounded by like-minded people and I learned so many new edible plants.