Wayne Ranney

Wayne Ranney is a geologist, writer and lecturer, and a veteran of expedition travel, having worked on all seven continents and visited more than 90 countries. Wayne is a two-time recipient of the “Geosciences in the Media Award” (from the Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists and the American Association of Petroleum Geologists) and has received other national and regional honors for his writing, lectures, and guiding skills. He has also authored many award-winning books and articles and was elected to the Explorers Club. His travels have taken him to the Mediterranean; South America (Patagonia, Tierra del Fuego, and the Amazon); Australia and New Zealand; the polar regions (Antarctica, Iceland, and Greenland); and desert landscapes in Africa, Asia, and the American Southwest.

With a lifelong interest in the earth sciences, Wayne specializes in making the fascinating story of our planet come alive for fellow travelers in an easy-going and informal style. He has led trips for Smithsonian Journeys since 1995. He is a retired professor of geology who lives in Flagstaff, Arizona near his beloved Grand Canyon. He enjoys foreign languages, hiking, river running, photography, conversation, and anything that allows him to get outdoors to experience the varied and colorful landscapes of our beautiful planet.

Language spoken: English