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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