Voices of the Community

Jim Mahoney

June 2023. Jim explores the question of how to make one’s way in wild landscapes and the impact of the book: Journey to Ixtlan by Carlos Castaneda. He reminds us: Don’t walk with things in your hands, the power of openness, and how facing challenges in nature has helped him with the challenges in life.

Mahoney completed a lengthy apprenticeship with the School of Lost Borders in the early 1980’s. As he was employed by the U. S. Forest Service and the U. S. Bureau of Land Management as a Wilderness Ranger / Planner, he did not enter into full-time guiding. He has, however, been an active member of the Wilderness Guides Council for over 20 years. Retiring from public service in 2015, Mahoney has sought, and continues to seek, to assist other guides in their good work.