Ruth “Roo” Wharton (they/them), deeply rooted in earth, body, ceremony and a long lineage of guides from the School of Lost Borders, Roo offers an abundance of love and fierce insight to those Roo guides and mentors. Beginning to guide wilderness rites of passage at the age of 21, Roo’s experience spans over 2 decades, supporting over 1000 people of all ages through initiation practices. As a licensed professional counselor, wilderness therapist and guide, play therapist, and wilderness first responder, Roo has worked in a variety of settings supporting diverse people in meaningful life passages. As a guide working with the School of Lost Borders for over 25 years, Roo is also one of the founders of both the Women’s Fast and Queer Quest. Being gender expansive and having a strong focus on social justice, Roo is continually on the path of creating safe, inclusive, and accessible space for all people. Roo cofounded Wild Mountain Wilderness Retreats and continues to guide, offer trainings and mentorship on ancestral Ute land, the wild mountains of Colorado, and around the world. Traveling to support communities cross culturally, Roo is continually learning from diverse landscapes and people inspired by our differences, earth based common threads, and shared humanity.

Email: [email protected]