AzRA Guide Profile-Steven Mace

Meet Steven Mace

Another one of our stellar guides to introduce you to this month! Though, frankly, they’re all stellar. 😉 Here at AzRA, we call Steven “Mace”, and that’s how he introduces himself on river trips too. Mace is an all-around great guide, with a fun personality, always ready for adventure, always with a big smile on his face. He’s a bomber kayaker, bike rider, skier, among so many other things. We’re excited to share more about Mace with you!

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

I was born and raised in the front range of Colorado. I’ve been bouncing around the mountains and deserts in the west chasing powder snow, long single tracks, and swift water my whole life.

What’s your history with AzRA?

My first trip with AzRA was in 2014, when I came as a member of a team kayaking the Canyon with 2 blind athletes. I started working as a guide with AzRA the following year and I have been here ever since.

When did you start guiding?

I started river guiding on the Arkansas River in Colorado as a summer job during college. In the years since, I’ve guided on many rivers around the world. From kayak trips around the western US, Canada, and Peru, to inflatables in Colorado, Idaho, Canada, and Arizona.

What types of trips do you guide?

I guide all of the trips AzRA offers, and it’s difficult to pick a favorite type. In recent years, I’ve spent a lot of time on motor trips, which are awesome, but I’ve also got a special place in my heart for moving through the Canyon in a hard-shell boat, whether that be a kayak or the dory. The truth of it is that the BEST trip is the one you are on!

What are your favorite rapids? Why?

Oh boy, it’s hard to pick favorites. Different rapids shine brighter at different water levels. But if I had to pick a couple, I would say Sockdolager and Upset are two of my favorites. They are both fairly consistent across different water levels and there is something beautiful about straight-forward rapids. Stay in the current, and T up for big hits. It’s all smiles, really.

What are your favorite hikes? Why?

So many! I like to stay flexible and let weather and collective need dictate the destination. I love the many shady grottos and dripping (or gushing) waterfalls like Elves Chasm, Shinumo, Whispering Spring, and Thunder River on hot days. But I have to say the long, steep trails that lead to big vistas like Cardenas, Little Nanko, the diving board, and the tabernacle are hard to beat when it’s cool enough to get away with it.

What do you do when not guiding at AzRA?

During the winter months, I live in Mammoth, California, where I work as the Director of Operations at the Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center. We produce a daily avalanche advisory during the winter that describe avalanche conditions in the backcountry to inform recreationalists, local guides, educators, and industry folks before they enter avalanche terrain.

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

I try to fit as much fun into my life as I can and find a lot of joy on my mountain bike when I’m not on the river. Being honest, it’s my favorite way to move through space. I also spend a ton of time on skis or my split board chasing the ever-elusive joy of powder turns and steep grades.

What do you love about the Canyon and guiding?

Grand Canyon is a challenging and harsh environment that encourages all who pass through to embrace the vulnerability that comes with discomfort and fear, and be truly present in the moment. Life is simplified and time can stand still while also flying by too quickly. total strangers become lifelong friends, and seemingly mundane moments leave you wondering how any of this can be real. While the Canyon isn’t objectively magical, magical moments are everywhere if you let them in. It’s like a can opener that will open your heart and soul to parts of you long forgotten or yet to be discovered. I love being a part of these moments.

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

Stay flexible and open to places you haven’t been or heard about; they are often the best part of the adventure. Try not to sweat the details, they’re boring. Leave your watch at home. I promise you don’t really want to know what time we make the coffee.

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