Happy New Year from our family to yours.

We here at Dreamland are pretty glad that 2020 is finally over, and we're working hard to make 2021 epic - at least as far as desert adventures are concerned, since that's about as much as we can control! If you are looking for a break that'll recharge your physical and mental batteries... you know where to find us. It is our 20th anniversary after all.  

In the meantime, read on to learn more about: 

• Dreamland's commitment towards supporting female participation in backcountry adventures
• A word about the new Wave permit regulations (*!*)
• Maddi Nelson, one of our guides and an outdoor enthusiast with a light heart and a warm smile

Women's Adventures are on the Rise.... 

... and we at Dreamland are proud to play a part in that. 

Not only do we count five female desert guides among our staff* at Dreamland, we are also actively creating a platform to encourage more women to get out and play - because everyone wins when gender equality extends to the great outdoors. Dreamland co-owner Sunny Stroeer has long been a vocal advocate for female participation in outdoor adventure (if you're curious about the 'why' behind that, you can read more here on NBC). 

From a women-only adventure hike on International Women's Day on March 8, to the upcoming weeklong all-female Paria Winter Backpacking trip that Dreamland is leading on behalf of AWExpeditions: we strive to provide opportunities for women to pursue big adventures in an all-female environment.  

Think of the women in your life who love outdoor adventures, and pass this note on to them! What's more, stay tuned for an exciting announcement about our Women's Adventure Hike in Kanab on March 8.  

*Editor's note: We are looking to hire more guides as we are expanding our guide team for the spring season.  If you know somebody, female or male, who'd make a terrific guide and might love to live and work in Kanab... get in touch.

A Word about the New Wave Permit Regulations

Just a little over 48 hours ago, the Bureau of Land Management announced an increase in the daily number of available hiking permits for North Coyote Buttes (i.e., the Wave).  Starting on February 1, the cap on Wave permits will be raised to 64 from previously 20 permits per day.  Under the new rule, 48 of these permits will be allocated via the advance online lottery; 16 permits will be available as last-minute walk-in permits in Kanab via the daily lottery the morning before your desired hiking date.

While we here at Dreamland are all about helping our guests access amazing places in the desert backcountry, we are also conservationists with a keen appreciation of the impact that human visitation has on many of the spots we guide - particularly fragile, concentrated-use areas such as the Wave. That's why we are not unequivocally thrilled with the BLM's decision to increase the number of available permits.  We will continue to do our part to share Leave No Trace principles with our guests as well as the general public, and to help our hiking-happy guests explore stunning and rarely-visited areas in North Coyote Buttes that can be found beyond the Wave. Come explore with us!

Meet the Dream(land) Team, Episode 13: Maddi Nelson

The first thing you will notice when you meet Maddi Nelson is her infectious smile. With her outgoing, fun personality and zest for life our clients get to enjoy a special day of fun and enjoyment when they have Maddi as their guide. 

What’s your favorite Dreamland tour?

I’d have to say South Coyote Buttes, it's so beautiful. [Editor's note... that makes Maddi our 4th or 5th guide to choose South Coyote Buttes as their favorite tour! Have you been out there yet?] 

If money was no object, what would you do all day? 

I would travel and camp around the world to see all of the beautiful places. I would love to bring my family and friends along to enjoy it with me.

If you could live anywhere EXCEPT for the desert Southwest, where would you want to live? 

Having the choice I would live in the Uintah Mountains in northern Utah between spring and fall, and spend the winter in Hawaii.

What are you passionate about besides being outdoors?

I LOVE going to concerts and comedy shows. And I very much enjoy watching mixed martial arts fights. 

Share one of your favorite memories that you've made while guiding/working for Dreamland? 

I love when I have kids with me on tour, and I love seeing the places we go to become a big playground for them. I guess I might be a kid at heart :) It was also a lot of fun to watch how excited folks got about the stars and the sunrise on the White Pocket Overnight I guided last fall.

• 'Maddie was great and went out of her way to accommodate us. My friend and I are photographers and made numerous suggestions on where we might want to photograph. She made a last minute change to our itinerary and took us to an area for some sunset shots along a beautiful stream. Thank you Maddie, it was a wonderful day.'
• 'Every aspect of our tour was terrific… We absolutely LOVED our experience at White Pocket with Maddi. She was such a great guide. I am so thankful that we used Dreamland Tours to take us hiking there.'
• 'Our tour was awesome - our guide Maddi was friendly, knowledgeable, and really catered to the dynamic of our particular group. My son and I loved the entire experience and look forward to booking future tours with Dreamland!'
• 'An outstanding trip out to White Pocket. Certainly the right choice to have someone with the right equipment and knowledge to get you there. Our guide Maddie made sure that the day was an enjoyable experience. She understood that as photographers there were certain areas and locations we were interested in and made sure we knew were they were.'

Parting words. 

As you are settling into 2021, and start getting intent on your goals for the year, think about the possibility to visit us in Kanab.

Epic desert experiences and safe, fresh-air quality time with your loved ones - that's what we are here for. Not quite sure when, how long, or for what specific adventures you might come visit? Pick up the phone and call us at 435-644-5506 and we'll help you plan your perfect desert adventure. We look forward to chatting with you!