Christa Hayes

Christa Hayes is a naturalist, expedition guide, and educator with a passion for translating complex ecological systems into meaningful, memorable experiences for guests in the field. Raised internationally, her early life across multiple cultures shaped a deep curiosity about the natural world and a lasting appreciation for ecological and cultural diversity.

Christa leads wildlife, geology, and natural history tours in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, where her interpretation emphasizes ethical wildlife viewing, ecosystem dynamics, and clear, engaging storytelling grounded in science. She is particularly interested in species interactions, predator–prey relationships, and the patterns that connect landscapes, wildlife, and climate.

She is the co-founder and former executive director of Peak Academy, an expeditionary learning school where she designed and led wilderness and international expeditions for students and families.

Christa has nearly twenty years of experience in academia and holds a PhD in applied mathematics, which sparked a lasting interest in ecological modeling, population dynamics, and biological systems—subjects she now brings to life through field-based interpretation. In winter, she works as an alpine ski instructor in Big Sky, where she combines risk management, movement, and mountain awareness to help guests build confidence and connection in snowy, dynamic environments. Her work is rooted in helping people see the living connections between landscape, wildlife, and the deeper patterns that shape the natural world.