About Obsidian Expeditions
Obsidian Expeditions is a minority and women-owned (MWBE) tour operator based in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Our mission is to create lifelong memories of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem for our valued guests, their families, and their friends.
Our family-oriented tours are designed to help our valued guests see and experience the region’s most iconic wildlife and scenic landscapes and experience the must-do activities from the comfort and safety of one of our luxury vehicles.
For the more adventurous, we offer horseback rides, fly fishing tours, rock climbing, and exhilarating whitewater rafting trips down the wild and scenic Yellowstone or Snake Rivers through our partners.
Seasonal half, full, and multi-day tours are arranged daily from Big Sky, Bozeman, Jackson Hole & West Yellowstone.

Stacy Noland
Managing Partner & Tour DirectorStacy is a managing partner and tour director for Obsidian Expeditions, a professional snowboard instructor, recovering technophile, and 90’s grunge music aficionado.
Born in Alabama, Stacy spent his youth hiking, rappelling, and orienteering in the foothills of Appalachia. After graduating from college, Noland heeded the words of the American author Horace Greeley to “go west, young man,” and moved to Seattle, where he quickly found his passion for youth development and environmental sustainability.
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Subsequently, Stacy spent the early years of his career leading high school youth on multi-week environmental education, conservation, and restoration programs throughout Alaska, New England, the Pacific Northwest, and the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
In 1996, Stacy discovered his aptitude for technology and thus began a two-decade career as an information communication, marketing, and technology professional. He held leadership roles at Microsoft, NBC, Symantec, and several boutique marketing firms and technology start-ups.
While at Microsoft, Noland served as a key contributor to the Telecentre Knowledge Network (Telecentre.org), a United Nations-inspired program to educate and alleviate global poverty by connecting two billion people in Africa, India, and China with access to information communication technologies.
In 2007, Stacy launched the Moontown Foundation, an award-winning non-profit organization that provided experiential education and leadership development opportunities in entrepreneurship and sustainability for at-risk youth.
In partnership with the City of Seattle Office of Sustainability and Environment (OSE), Noland spearheaded the SWITCH Program, a citywide greenhouse gas reduction, and green jobs program. Participants successfully installed over 1-million energy-efficient lightbulbs and 30+ solar-powered trash compactors throughout Seattle.
In 2014, Stacy decided that he had had enough of Seattle’s dark and dreary weather, tech bro’s, and the corporate rat race, so he downsized and moved to Jackson, WY, to reconnect with his first true professional love, the outdoors.
Mr. Noland studied Applied Psychology at the University of Washington, holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Cognitive Psychology from Montevallo, and is a certified Wilderness First Responder and Mental Health First Aid practitioner.
When not guiding, Stacy can be found hosting dinner parties, hiking, fishing, kayaking, and backpacking in wild and scenic places.
Lisa Heslop
Co-Managing Partner & Operations DirectorIn addition to the titles of Operations Director & Tour Guide, Lisa proudly takes on the role of Chief Vehicle Detailer, and she’s a firm believer in the transformational power of the month-long road trip.
Lisa was born in a small British Columbia Mountain Town at the confluence of the Columbia and Illecillewaet Rivers, but her family relocated to Vancouver before she could walk or learn to ski. She spent her youth cycling to nearby seashores, exploring regional parks, and discovered a love for Alpine and Nordic skiing on the North Shore Mountains and at Whistler/Blackcomb.
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A few of her Pacific Northwest aquatic adventures include canoeing on the Yukon River, surfing near Tofino, kayaking off the shores of Victoria, and sailing the waters around the San Juan Islands. Fun Fact: Ask her about the time she was rescued, after a flash flood, from the base of the Grand Canyon.
In 2016 Lisa had a longing to shift her perspective and return to the mountains and she did just that when she relocated from Victoria, BC, to Jackson, WY. Before starting Obsidian Expeditions, Lisa helped lead a team of “unexpected farmers” at Vertical Harvest, North America’s first vertical, hydroponic greenhouse in the heart of downtown Jackson.
Lisa studied Applied Arts and Urban Land Economics, and her diverse professional experience includes over 20 years of event logistics, space planning, theatre design, and National Historic Site interpretation. As a lifelong learner, she enjoyed volunteering as a TEDxVictoria organizer and recently completed the Outdoor Guide Certification program through the University of Wyoming.
With a keen eye for detail, a curious mind, and an innate sense of wonder, she looks forward to welcoming you to her new wild surroundings and helping to create lifelong memories for you and your family.
Tessa Waddle
Reservation SpecialistMeet Tessa Waddle, a Certified Call Center Manager (CCMA) from Huntsville, Alabama, serving as the Reservation Specialist at Obsidian Expeditions. With over 20 years of customer service and management expertise, she stands as the gatekeeper for the company, ensuring every customer’s travel needs are met with utmost care and dedication.
Tessa’s journey in the customer service industry began at Delta Airlines, where she managed customer calls with finesse, earning a reputation for her exceptional communication skills and ability to resolve even the most complex inquiries.
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Later, she ventured into the world of logistics at Target, where her territory included much of the southeastern region of the United States. This experience honed her organizational prowess and attention to detail, qualities that shine through in her role at Obsidian Expeditions.
Having pursued her education at Howard University, Tessa holds a degree in Mathematics with a specialization in Actuarial Science and a minor in Economics. This academic background has enriched her analytical and problem-solving skills, which she seamlessly integrates into her work as a Reservation Specialist.
Beyond her professional achievements, Tessa’s passion for baking and creating fun desserts adds a delightful touch to her personality. Her creativity extends from the office to her kitchen, where she crafts culinary masterpieces that awe her family, friends, and colleagues.
As the heart of Obsidian Expeditions, Tessa is the primary frontline, engaging with customers and acting as a reliable liaison for all their travel needs. Her CCMA certification further validates her expertise in call center management, making her an invaluable asset to the company and its commitment to top-notch customer service.
Outside the office, Tessa remains an active member of her community, contributing her time and efforts to various volunteer initiatives. Her dedication to making the world a better place resonates with everyone she encounters, leaving a lasting impression on colleagues and customers.
With Tessa Waddle at the helm, Obsidian Expeditions guarantees a seamless travel experience for its customers and embodies a genuine and compassionate approach to service, setting a standard of excellence for the entire industry.
Ted Jackson
Lead Tour Guide & Resident Rock NerdBorn and raised in Summit, New Jersey, Ted Jackson has dedicated his life to studying all things outdoors and helping people. His passion started at a very young age when he regularly attended camps and outdoor adventure programs. His outdoor experiences continued to evolve as he grew up.
Ted attended St. Lawrence University and graduated in 2012. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Geology, specializing in Volcanology, Igneous & Metamorphic Petrology, and Structural Geology. Ted spent most of his class time observing geological features in the Adirondacks.
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Ted spent a summer studying abroad in Kenya, conducting field research in the National Parks, assessing all-natural and human threats that endanger the wildlife and the park’s ecosystem. Because of his education, Ted researches and inquiries about the geological background of everywhere he travels.
Before graduating, Ted served in the Peace Corps and was sent to South Africa. Ted committed his two amazing years of service to teaching Health and HIV to upper middle school/lower high school students and hosting weekend camps. Ted spent his downtime exploring most of Southern Africa, backpacking through its many forests and mountain ranges while appreciating the region’s environmental diversity and wildlife.
Ted’s special ability to adapt to any environment and culture enabled him to integrate with his host community easily. Ted was honorably discharged in 2015 for his successful service.
Today, Ted continues his outdoor lifestyle here in Jackson Hole. Since moving to Jackson in 2016, he has spent his winters snowboarding and summers camping, climbing, and exploring Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Park.
When Ted is not outside, he can be found playing his guitar, learning from his favorite artists, and teaching his friends.
Jordan Epstein
Tour Guide, Photographer & Retired AviatorHailing from the vibrant San Francisco Bay Area, Jordan’s love for water and mountains was ignited during summer camps in the Sierras. Canoeing, sailing, hiking, and backpacking around Yosemite fueled his passion for the great outdoors.
While pursuing his studies at UC Santa Barbara, he delved deeper into the outdoor industry, working with renowned brands like The North Face and Patagonia. Eager to expand his outdoor leadership skills, he volunteered for the UCSB Outdoor Recreational Department, where he taught sea kayaking and led backpacking and canoeing trips.
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Jordan’s affinity for adventure extends beyond guiding. He is a talented photographer whose art has graced the pages of newspapers, magazines, and studio galleries. His images of the natural world have been praised as postcard quality or worthy of becoming a screensaver, depending on the observer’s age.
After completing college, Jordan answered the call of the Tetons and relocated to Jackson Hole. Drawn by the promise of 50% expert terrain at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, he embarked on a journey that would shape his life. His first job with Teton Mountaineering immersed him in the local landscape. On his days off, he would climb, bike, and kayak, exploring every corner of the breathtaking terrain. Like a true adventurer, Jordan dedicated one day a week to “playing tourist,” rising early to witness the sunrise painting the Tetons with golden hues, and spending the day discovering wildlife and capturing new perspectives.
During a hiatus from the outdoor industry, Jordan explored new horizons, working in a fine dining environment and pursuing a remarkable 15-year career as a commercial pilot. However, his heart remained tethered to the allure of Jackson Hole.
In 2017, the call of the Tetons became irresistible, and Jordan returned to his beloved Jackson. When he’s not guiding, his free time is spent skiing down pristine slopes, kayaking the Snake River’s wild currents, sailing on the enchanting waters of Jackson Lake, and sharing moments with his loyal canine companion, Pepper, at his favorite campsite. Having called Jackson Hole home for over 15 years, Jordan thrives on the opportunity to “play tourist” daily and share his profound knowledge of this extraordinary place with the clients of Obsidian Expeditions. He hopes that one of the captivating photos he shares with you becomes a screensaver for your home computer, forever evoking the memories of your unforgettable journey through Northwest Wyoming.
Embark on an adventure curated by Jordan, where his expertise and passion will transform your experience into an unforgettable tale. Let him guide you through the untamed beauty of the Tetons, capturing moments that will grace the screensavers of your memories. Get ready to embrace the extraordinary and embark on a journey that transcends the ordinary with Jordan as your trusted companion.