Mark Giebel, Director

If you’re curious about the nooks and crannies of the Backcountry Wilderness Area, ask Mark. He started as a lifeguard with the HRCA 24 years ago, began conducting research in the Backcountry in 2001, and became the director of the Backcountry Wilderness Area in 2006.
[email protected] | 303-471-8885
AnnaKate Hein, Program Supervisor

Most often spotted leading a troop of kid explorers from Camp Backcountry’s Base Camp, AnnaKate oversees all of Backcountry’s programs including
Camp Backcountry, youth programs, and school groups
- Born & Raised: Athens, Georgia
- Educated: University of Georgia: Political Science, minor in Music and Environmental Ethics; Vermont Law School: Masters in Environmental Law and Policy
- Where She Can be Found Outside the Backcountry: Adventuring down rivers via a paddle board, mountain biking, and camping
- She Did What?!?: Studied marine ecology and human environmental impacts in Antarctica
[email protected] | 303-471-8876
Gus Brunger, Property Maintenance Coordinator

If it needs built or fixed in the Backcountry Wilderness Area, Gus is on it.
- Born & Raised: Castle Rock, Colorado
- Educated: Colorado State University: Natural Resource Recreation & Tourism
- Where He Can Be Found Outside the Backcountry: Fly Fishing & Hunting
- He Did What?!?: Played lacrosse for 14 years
[email protected] | 303-471-7042
Lindsey McKissick, Communications & Outreach Coordinator

You’ll find Lindsey trying to capture the best of the Backcountry Wilderness Area with words and photos along with bringing awareness to it through the
Backcountry Conservation & Education Fund nonprofit.
- Born & Raised: Colorado & Illinois
- Educated: University of Wyoming: Journalism; Masters in Communication
- Where She Can Be Found Outside the Backcountry: Hiking, paddleboarding, mountain biking, & camping with her husband and two daughters
- She Did What?!?: Interviewed pro athletes like Yao Ming, Nolan Arenado, & Von Miller in her former life as a sports reporter.
[email protected] | 303-471-7076
Tara Clark, Environmental Education Coordinator
- Born & Raised: Raleigh, North Carolina and Denver, Colorado
- Educated: NC State University: Elementary Education & Zoology; Masters in Science Education
- Where She Can Be Found Outside the Backcountry: Hiking, paddle boarding, fishing, and camping
- She Did What?!? Rehabilitated baby squirrels and rabbits
[email protected] | 303-471-7053
Jess Fangman, Environmental Education Coordinator
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Born & Raised: Cincinnati, Ohio
- Educated: Ohio University: Communication, Minor in Psychology
- Where She Can Be Found Outside the Backcountry: Backpacking, climbing, and exploring all that Colorado has to offer
- She Did What?!? Lived in San Bernardino National Forest for three years teaching outdoor science elementary school kiddos
[email protected] | 303-471-7054
Carly Boyd, Equine Coordinator
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Born & Raised: Burbank, California
- Educated: Cal Poly San Luis Obispo: Agricultural Communication, minor in Sustainable Agriculture; Colorado State University: Masters in Integrated Resource Management
- Where She Can Be Found Outside the Backcountry: Horseback riding, hiking, and snowboarding
- She Did What?!? Has worked as a trail guide/wrangler at a dude ranch
[email protected] | 303-471-7078