Meet Liam O’Neill
Liam has worked with AzRA for quite a long time, and it’s about time we were able to get his profile posted to our blog! Liam is an exceptional leader, trainer, guide and boatman. He excels at taking leadership roles, and he’s certainly a go to when you’re in a sticky situation with all of his experience. He loves Grand Canyon and loves sharing it with our guests. You’ll be very lucky to go on a trip with him! Read more about him below.
Where were you born? Tell us a little about yourself!
I was born in Wilson, Wyoming in 1977. I grew up on a cattle ranch boating on the Snake River. My dad started the river company I worked for the summer before I was born, and I have spent every summer on the river since I was born.
What’s your history with AzRA?
I began working for AzRA in 2010.
When did you start guiding?
My guiding career started in Jackson, Wyoming in 1996 on the Snake River. Since then, I have guided on most major river systems in the west. I have also guided on some rivers internationally. My dad brought me on a dory trip in 1995, and I knew right away that Grand Canyon was where I wanted to be.
What types of trips do you guide?
I guide all the trips that AzRA offers and more. I prefer to spend my days on motor boats and dories.
What are your favorite rapids and why?
My favorite rapids in Grand Canyon are the big, technical ones: Hance, Crystal and Deubendorf. I enjoy navigating these technical rapids and running the big waves to be found in them.
What are your favorite hikes and why?
Usually, my favorite places to hike to in Grand Canyon is a waterfall. My favorite hikes include Saddle, Shinumo, Stone Creek, and Whispering Springs. I love these waterfall hikes primarily because of the magic I feel at those pockets of paradise in the desert.
Any other interesting facts about yourself you would like guests to know?
I love poetry, especially Grand Canyon specific poems.
What do you do when not guiding at AzRA?
I teach Wilderness Medical classes, Swiftwater Rescue and Technical Rope Rescue. I teach these classes to guides, professional rescuers, and military groups.
Do you have hobbies, or things you like to do?
All my hobbies while not at work are based around water. I love to fish and be on the water as much as I can.
What do you love about the Canyon and guiding?
I enjoy sharing my passion for Grand Canyon in hopes of inspiring other people to care about and protect the Canyon for future generations.
Do you have a favorite Grand Canyon story you’d like to share?
You’ll have to come on the river with me to hear my favorite stories. 🙂
Any advice you would give guests that are planning a trip with us?
Be flexible, the best way to enjoy your trip is to be open to the many experiences the Canyon can provide. Be ready for anything and open to anything!
2 Comments. Leave new
When I was on the classic 14 day trip and was among only two other fisherman, one being Liam, the other another guest, Yong and there was myself… Liam was there to root me on, share tips of fishing the dark murky waters of the Colorado (with all of the rains we faced water most of our trip the color of chocolate milk), a side trip for clearer creek fishing, a magnificent day on the dory and yes some shared stories.
It was my privilege to be on the Colorado River with the man, the legend, the one who flows with the river … Liam (plus, he brought his cool mom Susan on the trip too whom we all loved).
Thank you so much for sharing! What a fun story, and clearly a great memory. 🙂