Tristan grew up in Mankato, MN, growing up exploring the many lakes, waterways, and trails of that beautiful State. Encouraged to explore the natural world at a young age, Tristan has been building his relationship with the outdoors since he was a child.
Tristan worked as a wilderness therapy field instructor in Alaska in the summer of 2008 and 2009, leading at-risk youth around State and National Parks in trail construction. After completing his degree in History in 2012, Tristan completed a hike of the Appalachian Trail. Through his experience arose a commitment to helping others see the benefits of prolonged outdoor living. His sense of adventure led him to backpack Southeast Asia in 2013, eventually living in Vietnam and teaching English to children and adults. Nature soon called him back again and Tristan completed a hike of the Pacific Crest Trail in 2014.
Tristan believes that nature can heal and coupled with compassionate role models, can turn lives around. He is an avid backpacker, trail runner, mountain biker, and adventure seeker. Tristan is a Wilderness First Responder and is thrilled to make an impact on lives as a field instructor for Rites of Passage.