Shanti Hodges is the founder of Land Beyond Zion. She has been involved in the outdoors industry for 28 years, first as a journalist, then running a non-profit called Hike it Baby that was dedicated to getting families with young children out hiking, and now as the owner of Land Beyond Zion Tours and Camp Land Beyond Zion, a Boutique glamp camp. 
 
Shanti is a passionate advocate for getting as many people as she can into the outdoors hiking. Part of her drive to make the outdoors's accessible for all came from the fact that she saw from a young age how many people in the United States didn't have access to the outdoors. When she started Hike it Baby and then later moved to the Zion area, she made sure to focus her business efforts on marketing toward women, BIPOC, LGBTQ+, families and those with mobility issues and disabilities. 
 
In 2022 she began guiding on Angel's Landing and officially rebranded her company as Land Beyond Zion (originally called Wild Utah Tours). Previously she had focused on running women's retreats in the Zion area, but during covid the company shifted away from groups, to private guiding and she has focused on that primarily over the last 3 years. 
 
When not guiding Shanti spends time hiking and hanging with 11 year old Mason and their dog Sunny. They divide their time between Southern Utah and British Columbia where she grew up. 

Carmella’s love for the natural world began in childhood through Girl Scouts, where she learned to find value in all things nature and to always leave places better than she found them. As a young adult, she embraced adventure, exploring Western Caribbean culture and moving away from home to discover herself.

For the past 20 years, Carmella has worked as a registered veterinary nurse, specializing in emergency medicine. Her leadership skills have been evident throughout her life, from captaining her club soccer team to embodying a highly organized, "get-it-done" mentality.
Recognizing the increasing prevalence of anxiety and depression in today’s fast-paced world, Carmella believes in the healing power of nature. She is a certified meditation teacher and sound healing practitioner, using her skills to promote mindfulness, grounding, and a more natural lifestyle.

In her free time, Carmella enjoys getting lost in Frida Kahlo books, perfecting her sourdough bread, and meandering through grocery aisles with an ever-growing list. She and her husband live in a remodeled RV, sharing their space with their quirky companions—Butters, a mischievous hairless cat, and Leroy, their long-legged Coonhound.

@purehealingresonancebycarmella

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Mckayla was born and raised by cowboys just outside of Zion Canyon and spent endless days in her youth exploring the mountains and canyons of this area on horseback, motorcycle, or on foot. Currently she splits her time between warm spots like Hawaii and Mexico in the winter and the Southwest the rest of the year. She's a fan of creating the perfect balance in life of roaming the desert and appreciating the tropics.

She lives just down the road from Zion in an offgrid earth home and practices sustainable agriculture is working toward creating food sovereignty for her community. Looking for homemade yogurt or amazing vegetables, she's your go to gal! Mckayla loves getting people outdoors and showing them the magic and beauty of Zion Canyon and surrounding areas, while educating them about the history, the geology and especially the native and edible flora and fauna in the area. 
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Follow Mckayla on instagram: @dirtfox94

Quinn is a dedicated outdoor enthusiast with a deep passion for the Zion area. Born in Arizona & raised in Southern Utah, they love sharing their knowledge of the area, encouraging everyone who crosses their path to feel the magic of the region. Whether it's guiding others through breathtaking hikes or discussing the natural wonders of Zion, Quinn's enthusiasm of the outdoors is contagious.
 
As a licensed massage therapist, with over 900-hours of schooling, Quinn understands the importance of being outside & reconnecting with the natural world. Their commitment to helping others extends beyond the trails, offering restorative massage therapy that complements the physical demands of exploring the outdoors. 
 
When Quinn isn't hiking the rugged terrain of Zion, you'll find them rock climbing or spending time with their beloved dogs. Their adventurous spirit and connection with nature inspires them to lead an active and fulfilling life, always eager to embrace new challenges and share these experiences with others.
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Instagram: i.quinnmassage

Since 1999, Stu has guided and taught across diverse fields—guiding, yoga, physics, and humor—working with spas, universities, wilderness therapy programs, and even NASA. Stu is a firm believer in the transformative power of gratitude, balanced with a dash of sass to keep things grounded. His philosophy centers on recognizing the extraordinary in others and giving thanks backed by evidence. This approach not only fosters loyalty but nurtures love—what some might call "manipulation," but in the best, most human way possible. Through his guiding, he strives to help people discover fulfillment in a world that is constantly evolving due to climate change, AI, and the challenges of our times. Want to follow Stu's adventure?
Website: kaivala.com
Instagram: @guru_stu

As a freelance Web & Graphic designer, Jamie began her journey with Land Beyond Zion in July of 2023. Captivating logo designs, eye-catching flyers, magnets, stickers, and creative PDFs are all a part of her portfolio. Additionally, she plays a role in updating the Land Beyond Zion website, ensuring its visual appeal and functionality.
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As a mother of two and a grandmother to an energetic 7-year-old, she cherishes family moments. When she steps away from her computer and family responsibilities, Jamie embarks on cross-country adventures. Her trusty 4Runner, outfitted with a rooftop tent (RTT), becomes her mobile sanctuary. Driven by a love for nature, she seeks out the highest peaks for invigorating hikes. Tai Chi and meditation provide moments of serenity, while music infuses her life with rhythm and emotion.
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If you have any graphic or web design projects, feel free to reach out to her. She’ll be more than happy to assist you! Facebook @jsjdesignsplus or email her at jsjdesigns95@gmail.com. 

Lana grew up in Utah, but didn't visit Zion until 2006. That year, she worked up at Zion Lodge learning & sharing information about the park on tram tours & exploring the hikes in her spare moments. 
 
In 2020 Lana finished her 200 hour teacher training at Gayatri Yoga Academy. She enjoys guiding others in the path to finding alignment & peace in the mind & body.
 
Although Zion feels like home, Lana is a Butterfly who loves to travel & live in climates with exotic fruits. No matter where she goes, Zion will always be one of her favorite places on earth. She started assisting canyoneering trips in 2021 & leading hikes in Zion in 2022-2023. She has a passion for creating meaningful connections, sharing information, & adventuring with others.
 
She currently lives on the island of Kauai, but loves to come to Utah & guide whenever she can. She lives to spread Aloha wherever the journey takes her.
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Instagram: @butterflymagic128

​Carmella's partner is Matt Hoeft, who will also be filling in from time to time. Together they hail from northern Illinois, a place where sweet corn grows tall, apple pies are always fresh, and community roots run deep. Their journey together began in 2014 at a local gym, where Matt worked as the Lead Master Trainer and Carmella was a client. Their shared love for the outdoors became evident during bike rides through Rock Cut State Park, with its rolling hills, lush trees, and quiet trails. In 2018, they tied the knot and soon embarked on an adventurous new chapter.
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During one of their annual getaways to a small, privately owned whitewater rafting company, inspiration struck. Fueled by the rush of rafting and a desire for more adventure, they decided to embrace a nomadic lifestyle. Since 2018, they have been full-time travelers, exploring breathtaking landscapes, scaling towering peaks, and immersing themselves in the beauty of the natural world.
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Throughout their travels, Matt and Carmella have taken on roles that allow them to share their love for nature and hospitality. They’ve been ranch hands and housekeepers near Grand Teton National Park, zip line guides in Big Bend National Park, and campground hosts in Yosemite National Park, among other adventures. Their journey led them to Zion National Park in 2021, where they were captivated by its majestic canyon walls and found a sense of peace they had never experienced before.
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Their connection with Shanti Hodges and Land Beyond Zion was serendipitous, made possible through a mutual friend. Shanti’s incredible vision for her company and the tragic loss she suffered in 2024—the sudden passing of her son’s father—set the stage for a meaningful partnership.
 
This opportunity, born from heartbreak, has inspired Carmella and Matt to approach their work with Land Beyond Zion with gratitude and intention.
As stewards of Land Beyond Zion Tours, Carmella and Matt are committed to preserving its legacy of connection, inclusivity, and awe-inspiring experiences in the Zion backcountry. They believe that even in the face of tragedy, the human spirit can find hope, purpose, and a path forward.
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A midwestern traveling chef and a tour guide here in the United States, Lydia has developed a deep understanding of the importance of having a good relationship with the food you eat and bringing movement into your life.
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As a professional chef, she takes pride in creating dishes that both benefit our bodies and the way we think about food. She enjoys working in an ever-changing environment, as it allows me to travel, cook for others, and help them get outside for adventures. Currently, she works as a private chef in Wisconsin and she visits Land Beyond Zion annually to support the guide business during the company's busier months. If you are interested in hiring a private chef during your stay in the Zion area reach out to Lydia!

Megan was born and raised in St. George and has hiked in the surrounding area as well as Zion all growing up. She is fascinated by the flora and fauna of the area as well as the geology. She has been a hiking guide for a local resort for 2 years prior to working with Land Beyond Zion and has her 200 hour yoga teacher certification. She enjoys piecing together her two loves of hiking and yoga by taking friends and clients on guided hikes to practice yoga out in nature.

When she isn't out guiding hikes she is at home with her two young children showing them how to love the world around them and be stewards over the land by working on a fruit tree orchard.