Our Story

© 

Aaron BottNorth America Expedition Leader

Aaron is a wildlife biologist and a doctoral student at Utah State University studying wolves (Canis lupus) across the American West—predicting spatial and behavioral patterns to prevent conflict and promote human-carnivore coexistence.

Aaron's roots in the American Mountain West run deep. His ancestors first settled in the Rockies in the mid-1800s, and his family has remained here since. Growing up between the high country of Yellowstone and Utah’s red rock deserts, Aaron has spent his entire life outdoors, ultimately becoming a naturalist guide as well as a wrangler and farmer. He adds the charismatic flair of a local’s intimate knowledge to the areas in which he guides, and which he loves so well. Since 2008 he has worked as a naturalist, an interpretive wildlife specialist, and backcountry wilderness guide. His expertise includes the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem, and the Colorado Plateau Ecosystem. His knowledge of these territories is exceptional, and his skills as a communicator and educator bring the wonders of these wild places alive to his guests.

Keenly aware of the complex bio-politics surrounding predatory species such as wolves, grizzlies, and cougars, Aaron's western heritage and understanding of wildlife management allow him to move fluidly and genuinely between groups of different cultural values and find common ground without compromising his integrity. Most importantly, he can initiate civil discussions by promoting respect, empathy, and integrity while advocating ways to sustain biodiversity and generate a healthy environment for humans and wildlife. Aaron lives with his wife and their children in Utah.

Upcoming Adventures with Aaron:
Canyons of the American Southwest
Glacier & Waterton: An International Treasure
Yellowstone: Ultimate Wolf & Wildlife Safari

Praise from Nat Hab travelers:

C. Pflasterer

"Aaron's interest in and knowledge of the natural world was evident from the beginning. He was so well-versed in every area and had a natural ability to share his knowledge at a level understood by whomever he was communicating with. If a question was asked by someone in the group, he would later share a little more knowledge individually to make sure they received just what they were looking for. He has an easy, considerate manner with each traveler and got to know everyone as an individual; not always an easy task. His knowledge in every area was outstanding. I would consider his environmental knowledge on the level of a college professor. He is well equipped by his previous experiences for any backcountry adventure as well as for transferring knowledge of the naturalist world to those of us not as familiar with each aspect of that world. It was, indeed, a pleasure to have him on this trip and to learn from him."

T. Peterson
"Aaron is very knowledgeable on so many subjects! His botanical background is especially strong, but he is also strong in literary, historical, biological, zoological, climatological, geological and astronomical discussions/explanations. His passion for the area and for being a naturalist guide is infectious. We all came away knowing a lot more than we did before and can identify different types of trees, flowers, rock and animals. Nat Hab should make sure you don't lose him!"

E. Mickam

"Aaron's enthusiasm, ridiculous knowledge of all things Yellowstone and their passion for wildlife made the experience memorable and surpassed my expectations. He set the bar high, with this being my first group trip. My favorite part was that I could ask him anything, and he always had an answer or opinion backed up with a story. I quickly felt comfortable, like I was on a trip with friends."

J. Carter

"I'd give Aaron more than a 10 in some categories, especially subject knowledge. He also was amazing in responding to difficulties some of us had on the first day's strenuous walk, without neglecting the desires of the one serious hiker in our group. In short, you are very lucky to have Aaron."

M. Fox
"I have been on many adventure trips and have to say that Aaron is one of the very best. He is knowledgeable, patient, ready to help and adventurous. I would definitely go on another trip with him."

R. Schmidt

"Aaron our Expedition Leader was simply outstanding. What a refreshing experience to spend a week with a young man overflowing with passion and eager to shape his passion and knowledge of nature and the outdoors."

J. Zaret
"Aaron exceeded our expectations of an Expedition Leader in every way! We were already incredibly impressed with him, and then I had an accident that required a trip to an emergency room. His efficient, calm and caring response was incredibly reassuring at a stressful time and was most gratefully appreciated. He is certainly an outstanding representative for Natural Habitat Adventures and one that you should be very proud of!"
Admin Note : Slideshow or Grid
Choose the version to show.
Current Version: old
Set Version

Get Weekly Updates

Our weekly eNewsletter highlights new adventures, exclusive offers, webinars, nature news, travel ideas, photography tips and more.

Privacy Policy
We're Proud of the Reputation We’ve Earned
Voted "World's Best Travel Company" by Outside Magazine
Travel & Leisure logo
Voted "Top Tour Operator" in Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards
Newsweek logo
Voted "Best Adventure Travel Company" in Newsweek Reader's Choice Awards
VIEW MORE AWARDS

Request Your 2025/2026 Catalog

Discover the World's Best

Nature Travel Experiences

Nathab 2024 Catalog

Together, Natural Habitat Adventures and World Wildlife Fund have teamed up to arrange nearly 100 nature travel experiences around the planet, while helping to protect the magnificent places we visit and their wild inhabitants.

Natural Habitat Adventures and World Wildlife Logos
Request Your 2025/26 Catalog
Text Messaging Policy Message and data rates may apply. You can unsubscribe from SMS at any time by texting STOP. Reply HELP for help. 2-4 promotional msgs/month. Informational msg frequency varies.
Continued - Page 2 of 2
To help us customize your catalog request, please tell us more about your travel needs:
Thank you for requesting a catalog
We’ve received your request. If you have any questions about our trips, please feel free to contact an Adventure Specialist today by calling 800-543-8917.

Get Weekly Updatess

Discover the World's Best

Nature Travel Experiences

Our weekly eNewsletter highlights new adventures, exclusive offers, webinars, nature news, travel ideas, photography tips and more. Sign up today!

Natural Habitat Adventures Logo WWF Logo
Send Me Travel Emails
Text Messaging Policy Message and data rates may apply. You can unsubscribe from SMS at any time by texting STOP. Reply HELP for help. 2-4 promotional msgs/month. Informational msg frequency varies.
Privacy Policy
Thank you for joining our email list!

Look for a special welcome message in your inbox, arriving shortly! Be sure to add naturalhabitat@nathab.com to your email contacts so you don’t miss out on future emails.

Send Us a Message

Send Us a Message

Have a question or comment? Use the form to the right to get in touch with us.

Natural Habitat Adventures Logo WWF Logo
Send Us a Message
Text Messaging Policy Message and data rates may apply. You can unsubscribe from SMS at any time by texting STOP. Reply HELP for help. 2-4 promotional msgs/month. Informational msg frequency varies.
Text Messaging Policy Message and data rates may apply. You can unsubscribe from SMS at any time by texting STOP. Reply HELP for help. 2-4 promotional msgs/month. Informational msg frequency varies.
Thank you for your message

We’ll be in touch soon with a response.

Refer a Friend

Refer a Friend,
Get $250 Off
Earn rewards for referring your friends! We'd like to thank our loyal travelers for spreading the word. Share your friend's address so we can send a catalog, and if your friend takes a trip as a first-time Nat Hab traveler, you'll receive a $250 Nat Hab credit you can use toward a future trip or the purchase of Nat Hab gear. To refer a friend, just complete the form below or call us at 800-543-8917. It's that easy! See rules and fine print here.
Natural Habitat Adventures Logo WWF Logo
Refer a Friend

Earn rewards for referring your friends! We'd like to thank our loyal travelers for spreading the word. Share your friend's address so we can send a catalog, and if your friend takes a trip as a first-time Nat Hab traveler, you'll receive a $250 Nat Hab credit you can use toward a future trip or the purchase of Nat Hab gear. To refer a friend, just complete the form below or call us at 800-543-8917. It's that easy! See rules and fine print here.

Text Messaging Policy Message and data rates may apply. You can unsubscribe from SMS at any time by texting STOP. Reply HELP for help. 2-4 promotional msgs/month. Informational msg frequency varies.
Thank you for the referral!

We've received your friend's information.

View Our 2025/2026 Digital Catalog

View Our 2025/2026

Digital Catalog

Help us save paper! We offer a digital version of The World's Greatest Nature Journeys. If you'd prefer a mailed copy, please provide your contact details here. To view our digital catalog, please enter your info in the form to the right.
Natural Habitat Adventures Logo WWF Logo
View Digital Catalog
Text Messaging Policy Message and data rates may apply. You can unsubscribe from SMS at any time by texting STOP. Reply HELP for help. 2-4 promotional msgs/month. Informational msg frequency varies.
Happy browsing!

Thanks for requesting access to our digital catalog. Click here to view it now. You’ll also receive it by email momentarily.

Our Trips

Polar Bear Tours

Polar Bear Tours

African Safaris

African Safaris

Galapagos Tours

Galapagos Tours

Alaska Adventures

Alaska Adventures

U.S. National Parks Tours

U.S. National Parks Tours

Canada & the North

Canada & the North

Europe Adventures

Europe Adventures

Mexico & Central America Tours

Mexico & Central America Tours

South America Adventures

South America Adventures

Asia & Pacific Adventures

Asia & Pacific Adventures

Antarctica & Arctic Journeys

Antarctica & Arctic Journeys

Photo Expeditions

Photo Expeditions

Adventure Cruises

Adventure Cruises

Women's Adventures

Women's Adventures

Family Adventures

Family Adventures

New Adventures

New Adventures

Questions? Call 800-543-8917

Contact Us

Have a question or comment?
Click any of the buttons below to get in touch with us.

Hours
Mountain Time

  • 8 am to 5 pm, Monday - Friday
  • 8 am to 3 pm on Saturday
  • Closed on Sunday
Call 800-543-8917
Questions? Click to Chat
Questions? Click to Chat
/our-story/expedition-leader-bios/aaron-bott/