The History of the Bob Marshall with Smoke Elser

Step into the rugged beauty of Montana's backcountry as
wilderness legend Smoke Elser shares his remarkable 60+ year
journey through the Bob Marshall Wilderness. Since 1957, Elser
has been a guardian of these pristine lands, witnessing their
transformation from horse-only trails to a diverse recreational
haven. Learn about Bob Marshall himself - an extraordinary
conservationist who, despite his aversion to horses, hiked
extensively through Montana's wilderness, laying the groundwork
for modern conservation efforts. His legacy lives on through the
Wilderness Society and the landmark Wilderness Act of 1964.


Arnold “Smoke” Elser is a legendary wilderness outfitter,
educator, and conservationist whose life’s work is deeply rooted
in Montana’s Bob Marshall Wilderness. Since his first trip
into the Bob in 1956, Elser has spent nearly seven decades
guiding thousands of people—many of them first-time
riders—through its rugged terrain, sharing not only the landscape
but also his deep reverence for wild places.


After graduating from the University of Montana in 1968 with a
degree in range management and secondary education, Elser and his
wife Thelma founded Bob Marshall Wilderness Outfitters. They
built their business on a philosophy of “interpreting the land,”
helping guests connect with the wilderness through storytelling,
horsemanship, and a commitment to conservation. Elser has
led over 700 trips into the Bob Marshall Wilderness and has spent
more than 8,030 nights under its stars.


Elser’s influence extends beyond guiding. He has taught
horse and mule packing at the University of Montana since 1964,
training over 30,000 students, including military personnel and
federal land managers. 


Elser’s stories and experiences are captured in the
memoir Hush of the Land: A Lifetime in the Bob Marshall
Wilderness, co-authored with Eva-Maria Maggi. The book
offers a vivid account of his adventures and his enduring
commitment to protecting Montana’s wildlands. Even in his 90s,
Smoke Elser remains an active voice in wilderness education and
conservation, embodying a lifetime dedicated to the stewardship
of the Bob Marshall Wilderness.


Show notes:


00:04:06 - Founding the Wilderness Society


00:07:13 - Establishing Wilderness Areas


00:09:55 - Creation of the Bob Marshall Wilderness


00:12:56 - Development of Wilderness Access


00:14:29 - Evolution of Bob Marshall Wilderness Use


00:16:52 - Growth of Hiking and Floating Activities


00:18:58 - Alumni Gathering in the Hills


00:21:06 - Starting an Outfitting Business


00:23:27 - First Trip to Sentinel Lookout


00:25:53 - History of the Bob Marshall Wilderness


00:29:05 - Establishing a Ranger Station


00:33:28 - Exploring Hawn Creek and Ranger Stations


00:35:41 - History of the Ranger's Cabin


00:37:45 - History of Bob Marshall Wilderness


00:40:28 - Improving Wilderness Camping Practices


00:42:52 - Backpacking Fire Pan Tips





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