Meet Ashley Petefish | Outdoor Content Creator and Attorney

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ashley Petefish and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashley, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I was born and raised in Camp Verde, Arizona. Living in a small town in the Verde Valley meant growing up playing in the red rocks of Sedona, by the Verde River, swimming in the creeks. Those values of respecting nature and the outdoors have inspired me to be who I am today- an avid hiker who educates others on leave no trace principles, outdoor ethics, and the best way we can preserve the wilderness around us.

Additionally, growing up in a low income rural community instilled in me a value of hard work. I started working at age 14 and held two jobs all through high school and college. My ability to manage time and multitask from those experiences have allowed me to pursue my creative social media marketing and content while still working as a full time attorney as well.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve been working very hard on my outdoor photography and videos the past couple of years. It wasn’t until a few years ago that I realized there was a niche for content that showcased the beauty of Arizona and the west, while also providing information about the outdoors and hiking.

I’m most proud of my ability to merge outdoor photography and videos with information about Arizona. I love to share information that many people don’t know and I love to encourage others to explore.

It was not easy to get where I’m at today. I’ve essentially been working my full time attorney job and then fitting in my outdoor content work on the weekends. It’s been a ton of weekends with little to no sleep. But I love hiking, I love the outdoors and I love sharing the outdoors with others so it’s worth all the sleepless nights and four-hour one way drives to trailheads.

I want people to know that it’s okay to have multiple passions and pursuits. I had so many people tell me I shouldn’t be doing content on Instagram or Tiktok because I’m a lawyer. Or, that nothing will ever come of posting outdoor photos. But now I’ve been able to partner with brands on campaigns, promote products that I love, and get paid to do what I love most- being outside!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting, the first place I’d take her would be Camelback Mountain. It’s a great way to see just how big Phoenix is and it’s a fun intro to Arizona hiking! After Camelback we’d head to Buck and Rider for some great sushi and oysters!

I’d make sure to take her to the Arizona Hiking Shack in case she needed any outdoor gear. They’re my favorite place to grab shoes, backpacks, or backpacking essentials.

During her trip I would make sure we visited Sedona. Best sunrise hike is Little Horse Trail and the best sunset is Cathedral Rock. For lunch we would definitely hit up Pumphouse Station in Sedona!

I’d also show her some of our awesome National Monuments and Parks! We have 3 National Parks (Grand Canyon, Petrified Forest, and Saguaro). I’d make sure she at least got to see at least one of them.

In order to get fuel for my hikes I have a few favorite places I love to grab food! Some of my favorite pre-hike food spots are ProteinHouse, Luci’s at the Orchard, Flower Child, Farm and Craft, and Juby True!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and foremost I couldn’t have been where I’m at today without the constant love I have received from my grandparents. My grandpa took me on my first hike when I was not even 5 and taught me the beauty of the Verde Valley. He instilled in me a love for the outdoors.

I also wouldn’t be where I’m at currently without my mentor, Alexis Pheiffer. She was my boss at my first in-house attorney job and she taught me that lawyers can be more than their jobs, that we should always pursue our passions and put our mental health first, and she always encouraged my outdoor pursuits.

Website: https://www.ashleygoeshiking.com/

Instagram: @ashley.goes.hiking

Other: Tiktok: hiking_adventures