AzRA Guide Profile-Michele Lohman

Meet Michele Lohman

We are excited to introduce Michele to you in this new year! Not only is she a great guide, but she’s also really valuable to AzRA in the off-season as she has been on a few of our Questions & Answers Zoom calls with our guests, as well as helping us out with other local events like our Flagstaff Film Festival booth. If you’ve had the pleasure of going on a river trip with Michele, you’ll know just how infectious her energy is. She’s a strong leader, loves the outdoors, loves sharing Grand Canyon with other people, and plays guitar as an extra special treat! Read more about here below.

Where were you born? Tell us a little about yourself?

I was born in Fort Collins, Colorado. I moved to the mountains as soon as I graduated, and got my degrees in Recreation and Spanish.

What’s your history with AzRA?

My first trip with AzRA was in 2013 as a support boat. I had been doing Grand Canyon trips with another company for a few years, but I knew I found my home with AzRA on that first trip. It took a couple more years to commit to being in Grand Canyon full-time, so it was probably 2016 when I did my first real AzRA season.

When did you start guiding?

I started guiding in Dinosaur on the Green and the Yampa in 2006, then in 2008, right after I graduated college, I got a call saying “what are you doing in 3 days? Could you be down in Flagstaff rigging a gear boat for a trip?” Ummm…yes. I then guided up in Idaho for a few summers, went out to Oregon for a stint, guided in Colorado, and did a season on the Daju River in China.

What types of trips do you guide?

I am a rowing guide. I run the dory and paddle boat too. I am starting to be a “swamper” to learn how to drive the motor boats.

What are your favorite rapids and why?

I love Tiger Wash, especially at low water; its hydraulics are just silly. It can definitely have its way with you if you are not paying attention to that next wave. And Hance and Hakatai, and Lava of course, and 205 and 217…

What are your favorite hikes and why?

My favorite hikes are Sheer Wall because it leads to a sweet overlook and neat slot canyon in the Supai rocks which I love. Saddle because it leads to a lovely waterfall and I have memories of hiking it before it flash floooded. It is so cool watching it change after it had been washed away. I love Stone Creek, so many waterfalls. I always say that the only wrong choice at Stone is not getting off the boat.

Any other interesting facts about yourself you would like guests to know?

I just took up lyra and silks this winter. If you don’t know what that is, think Cirque du Soleil.

What do you do when not guiding at AzRA?

I have been a snowboard and ski instructor for 18 years mostly in Colorado.

Do you have hobbies, or things you like to do?

Who has time for hobbies? Just kidding. On the river, you’ll find me playing guitar and singing and doing watercolor. (I am a work in progress, so don’t judge me!)

Do you have a favorite Grand Canyon story you’d like to share?

It’s hard to pick a favorite, most of them involve music, passing a guitar in Marble Canyon, having a rowdy 20 kazoo jam, hearing beautiful voices in echoing canyons.

Any advice you would give guests that are planning a trip with us?

“Everything you’ve heard about the Grand Canyon is a lie….go there”-Amil Quayle. Every trip is truly unique, so come in prepared with good shoes, a good rain jacket, a sense of adventure, and an open mind.

 

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