John and Cindy Witzel own and operate this family business. John started it in 1986 after leaving the cattle business. His goal was to provide the public with quality outfitted recreational opportunities in the area in which he was born and raised. He felt he had a wealth of knowledge to share about the region and its history. Steens Mountain Packers believes in offering every guest a learning opportunity while embarking on their chosen adventure. At your option, you can take advantage of interpretive and continuing education information in your guide's many areas of expertise including, but not limited to, horsemanship, geology, plants, wildlife, photography, cultural history, outdoor etiquette, hunting, snowshoeing, skiing, and snowmobiling.

Your Guides

Wilson, Colton, and Laurel Witzel are support guides for our kids program this year.  At the ages of almost eleven, seven, and two they are as excited about the Steens, their native home, as the rest of us are, and as willing to share their knowledge of it as well.  Bring your kids!