As an industry recognized field guide, Mike Kangley remains one of Open Sky’s most experienced guides. Mike discovered his love for working outdoors in 1997, working at a Summer Camp in the Boundary Waters wilderness. Here he worked with a special needs population and taught nature studies and canoeing skills. He witnessed the power of the wilderness when taking students canoeing and paddling next to loons in the Great North Woods of Minnesota.

Mike values change and growth. He believes empowering students to be outside of their comfort zone promotes change and growth. He values the power of wilderness therapy and all that Open Sky offers in the student experience. He recognizes the benefits of slowing things down and keeping life simple, away from distractions.

Within a guide team, Mike's strengths are patience, humor, good communication, holding firm boundaries, implementing effective interventions, mentorship, and creating meaningful ceremonies. Mike brings a lot of wilderness experience. He started in the industry in 2009 and joined the Open Sky team in 2011.

In his spare time, Mike loves hiking Colorado’s 14ers, running long distance and trail running, collecting vinyl, and attending shows at Red Rocks Amphitheater.