Backpacking | Hike Southwest

Guided Backpacking Adventures

Backpacking is our specialty, and we're excited to share our passion with you!

We've already done most of the work for you: picked some awesome spots, put together delicious food, arranged all the details, and even stocked up on some ultralight gear you can use. It's as easy as packing a few personal items and picking the dates for your epic outdoor experience!

With us, adventure comes second only to safety so every staff member has extensive outdoor knowledge and first aid training. You may find yourself deep in the wilderness, but you'll never be out of touch with emergency services.

Fall Foliage Extravaganza

The stars won't be the only brilliant objects grabbing your attention on this all-inclusive 3-day, 2-night backpacking adventure in the remote reaches of the eastern White Mountains!

The fall foliage will tickle your brain and the view from the precipice of the Mogollon Rim will blow your mind.

We'll venture deep into the wilderness on this trip of a lifetime to explore astonishing vistas and sweeping views, a true one-of-a-kind experience. Be one of the few who ever visit this rugged and wild place!

Lightweight equipment is provided. Group size is limited so reserve your spot now!

Details

October 7-9, 2023

Join this amazing three-day adventure in:

Showtime!

Do You Want to be a Woman in the Wild?

This overnight Mini Retreat has all the makings of a great adventure: beautiful outdoor setting, fun women, delicious food, and time to just be you.

We will backpack to a beautiful location, make camp, enjoying our surroundings while the benefits of nature transform us into better versions of ourselves.

Gain confidence and insight, have fun, make new friends, learn new skills, all while discovering the true power of Women in the Wild.

We provide the gear; you bring a sense of adventure!

Details

October 14-15, 2023

Find your wild side in:

Showtime!

Frequently Asked Questions

These adventures are for moderately fit individuals with the ability to carry a 25 pound pack. Backpacking Basics and Women in the Wild hike gentle terrain over a distance of less than two miles.

Our 3 day, 2 night trips require the ability to carry a 25 pound pack plus hiking up to six miles per day with a few hundred vertical foot elevation gain/loss. We have all day to get to camp, so it will be a relaxed experience, not a forced march.

Our packs are new, high quality, adjustable, lightweight and handle the weight comfortably. If you would like to participate but are unable to carry a backpack, we offer a porter service for an additional fee to transport your gear for you. A daypack with your water and personal items is all you will need to carry.

In camp we will be sleeping in tents so physically, it will be necessary to get in and out of a tent on ground level. You will set up your own tent, pad, and sleeping bag (with assistance/instruction, if necessary).

We recommend doing some pre-trip conditioning to make your experience more enjoyable (walk with a pack, do some cardio and core are a great place to start!). Please do not hesitate to consult your physician if you have any concerns.

We're happy to help put you in the right direction if you'd like to begin a conditioning program for one of our adventures! Email [email protected]

Please let us know if you don't have any of the items below, chances are we have loaners available.

Water
Light snacks for hiking
Hat - preferably with a wide brim
Bandana/Buff/Scarf or similar
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Prescription glasses
Lip Balm
Rain gear* (Frogg Toggs are inexpensive and lightweight)
Medications
Camera - be sure to charge that cell phone!
Headlamp
Toiletries* condense whatever possible into overnight portions, less is more!
Pillow* your extra clothing can be easily be substituted for a pillow to save weight, we have a couple lightweight loaners available as well.

Other items to consider:

Warm beanie-type hat
Lightweight sun gloves
Insect repellent
Umbrella
Pocket knife
Sit pad

Clothing: Pants, lightweight shorts, base layer shirt, top long-sleeve shirt, warm jacket (down has best weight to warmth ratio), leggings or sleep pants are an option but keep it lightweight, sleep socks (can also serve as backup socks).

Footwear: Appropriate for walking on uneven terrain with obstacles like rocks, sticks and downed trees. Hiking shoes with a decent tread and ankle support are ideal. Adventures with river crossings will require you bring an additional pair of water shoes (and socks) like Crocs, a small towel or washcloth is nice for drying feet.

Water: The lightest option is a Platypus container, but a 700 or 1000 ml. plastic water bottle is a great lightweight option and can be reused multiple times. Nalgene and stainless bottles are another good option. Water will be close at all times so bringing one water bottle, or approximately one liter, should be fine. A second bottle is sometimes nice to keep separate for drink mixes.

To reserve you spot, a minimum deposit of 50% is required when you receive email confirmation of your booking. Payment link will be included in the email. The balance is due upon departure.

For a full refund of your deposit, the backpacking trip must be canceled NO LESS THAN 7 days before your scheduled departure time.

Backpacking trips canceled less than 7 days prior to departure time will be credited the full deposit amount for a future date.

Weather related cancelations will be fully refunded or rescheduled for a future date at a 10% discount price.

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