How’d we do? 262 testimonials about the 2022 guided trips

News/Andrew Skurka

Since 2014 I’ve asked our clients to complete a post-trip survey to gather feedback about our guides, locations, meals, and curriculum, plus their overall satisfaction. Reviewing the results is a time commitment — this year the document is 247 pages, plus a few more pages of tables with quantitative data! But it’s entirely worthwhile, as clients confirm what we’re doing right and give me a checklist of improvements for the next season.

Among our 2022 client pool, 374 took the survey, so I have high statistical confidence in the results.

Overall Satisfaction

The first question in the survey is the most important: “Overall, how satisfied are you with your experience?”

I’ve asked this exact question since the beginning, and on a 5-star scale the results have been:

2022: 4.82
2021: 4.88
2020: 4.88
2019: 4.92
2018: 4.81
2017: 4.88
2016: no trips
2015: 4.90
2014: 4.85

These scores have been remarkably consistent through the years, with just a 0.11 spread between the lowest-rated and highest-rated years. But there’s a subtle difference in those scores. Three trips in 2022 were notably sub-par, and the those scores dragged down the average (which was not a surprise to us).

Testimonials from 2022

At the end of our annual client survey, we ask clients to provide a testimonial. Of our 2022 alumni, 262 did. I will share them all here, to thank our clients for being so flattering and to leave no doubt with prospective clients that our program is truly extraordinary. You can also read an additional 179 testimonials from 2021, 76 from 2020 and 110 from 2019.

Abbreviated reading: Standout testimonials

If you don’t want to read 262 testimonials, read these fifteen:

Bang for your buck!! The class before the trip was invaluable in how they provided teaching in multiple areas along with providing individual feedback. The forum allowed us to learn from each other as well. The detailed assistance and feedback with pack items and weight will forever change how I backpack. The actual trip was the icing on the cake. The guide team were rock stars with so much experience and knowledge yet were so personable and humble and helpful and FUNNY. Andrew is a master at putting together groups of people who are similar in fitness level, experience, and will enjoy each other. Our group wants to stay together and do another Skurka trip next year. The trip was all we could have hoped for in instruction level, experience, and enjoyment. -Belinda J.

Andrew and his guide team consistently create trips that are challenging, fun, and fulfilling. The variety of locations they take groups has become an opportunity I use to explore areas beyond my typical home turf in backpacking, and serves as a chance to meet backpackers and hikers who share similar values and goals for adventure in the backcountry so that we can meet up on our own to hike together again. -Alex D.

This is my 5th time back. Can’t think of a better testimonial than that. -Glenn S.

This was one of the best things I have ever done. Sleeping out under the stars, waking up before dawn to tackle a technical climb before breakfast, route-finding among seemingly endless canyons and washes, getting my shoes wet on purpose to hike in a creek for half a day — despite a decade of backpacking under my belt I couldn’t have imagined taking on any of this stuff alone. I’m so grateful to Andrew and Katie for their competence, kindness, patience and humor. The skills and confidence I gained will last me (and the man I proposed to on our trip!) for a long lifetime of backpacking ahead. -Miranda

I have been backpacking for about twenty years and I have never experienced anything like my trip with Andrew’s company. I likely would have never explored this part of the world on my own due to the risks and difficulties that come with the terrain, but thanks to Andrew and our guides I had the trip of a lifetime. I saw more in one week than I ever could have hoped to in a year on my own. From getting certified in wilderness first aid, to identifying wild mustard plants and tracking wildlife, to learning rope techniques for technical canyoneering, I learned far more about almost every backcountry skill than I ever could have imagined. I would recommend this trip to any person who loves the outdoors without a moment’s hesitation. -Scott M.

My second Skurka adventure was excellent. In part because I took the pre-hike training more seriously this time. The guides were terrific, the terrain breathtaking, and our group was obviously carefully chosen so we all were hiking at similar levels. The food was great, the orienteering lessons were terrific. And “cowboy” camping under the stars during a meteor shower is something I’ll long remember. It’s a great way to get in the backcountry, and to sharpen your skills. -Doug R.

Skurka Adventures guides you so well that you won’t need to hire them again. But you will probably want to. In just five days, I learned to navigate off-trail with minimal impact, practiced evaluating risk in the backcountry, and challenged myself to lead a group through unknown terrain. The guides were exceptional, the scenery was stunning, and the confidence I gained as an outdoorswoman will be with me for the rest of my life. Go with Skurka! -Miranda W.

During the 7 days I spent in Utah, I learned to navigate off trail using printed and digital maps, made friends with great people from all over the country, and learned valuable backpacking and gear tips from expert guides. I feel ready to take my solo journeys to the next level and have the confidence to plan future trips with my children. The whole operation from planning to backpacking was very professional and well executed. I had a great time in a very special and beautiful place. -Alex H.

I could not have asked for a better, more adventurous trip. Our teammates were hand-picked to perfection. The guides were beyond knowledgeable and willing to help in every way. Good food, great conversation and a true sense of adventure. The location was amazing, but the people will bring me back for years to come. 5 stars all around! -Ryan D.

Totally worth the money! This was definitely the most expensive backpacking trip that I have ever been on but I would do it again in a heartbeat. The guides are quite literally professionals and have thousands of miles and hundreds of nights on trail each. They were experts in areas that I didn’t even know existed. There’s nothing like hands-on experience to learn new skills as well as level up in other areas. -Liv B.

I am a woman of color, and wanted more tools to be prepared for the wilderness because my culture and upbringing discouraged me from multi-day backpacking. The guides welcomed me and taught me the principles I need in the backcountry. I feel a lot more empowered to navigate the outdoors with confidence. -Hanah K.

I’m ready for my next Skurka adventure! After two trips, I cannot wait for the third, and fourth, and fifth, until you guys have to turn me away 🙂 Every element both before the trip and on the trip is deeply considered and carefully planned. I could go on and on about the quality of the guides, of the other group members, of the food (which is deeeelish), and of the instruction prior to getting in the backcountry. But what is so unique about a Skurka trip is that you get two expert backcountry coaches, your “guides” will challenge you, mentor you, get to know you, and will truly become invested in your own backpacking journey. -Diana R.

If you’re on the fence about signing up for a Skurka Adventure trip, just go for it. Even as a relatively seasoned backpacker, Eagle Scout, and someone who has spent a ton of time in the outdoors, I walked away from this experience with a wealth of new skills and confidence that I can’t wait to put to use on future off trail routes of my own. I felt that I more than got my money’s worth out of this trip and would not hesitate to spend my hard-earned dollars on another Skurka Adventure. -Josh S.

The Andrew Skurka guides are absolutely stellar! Their attention to safety, route finding, and making everyone feel comfortable and included was impressive. You will enjoy beautiful scenery, improve your skills and have fun doing it. If you’ve ever been thinking about doing a guided trip, or a friend invites you to go – don’t hesitate, just do it! You’ll have no regrets with a Skurka trip and you’ll be grateful for the experience! -Pattee

I have never backpacked in my life prior to this trip, and I would do it again in a heartbeat, but only with Andrew Skurka. These are world class guides and I had one of the best experiences of my life. I met an extraordinary group of people, accomplished something that I’ve wanted to do for years, and had more fun than I ever thought possible for something I was pretty apprehensive about. I never doubted for one minute that I was safe and would be taken care of, every expectation I had was exceeded, I learned more about backpacking and myself than I thought I would, and I am eternally thankful and grateful. -Susan G.

Grand Staircase Escalante: Adventure

Five days off trail in a rich beautiful area with awesome and knowledgeable guides made this backpacking trip one of my best ever. Without hesitation I would recommend Andrew Skurka’s trips to anyone seeking experience or development of backpacking skills with a bent towards ultralight travel. -Scott G.

The trip to Utah was a great experience and wonderful way to feel comfortable again with backpacking. The introduction to off trail hiking using downloaded hiking apps, as well as the study of paper maps with compass, is invaluable. Extensive pre-trip resources, knowledgeable guides and a fun group of fellow hikers made for a not-to-be forgotten 5 days. -Celia O.

I appreciated the amount of care to make this trip a unique experience tailored to our group. The fact that we as clients were making our own routes and leading the group made the trip very educational and empowering. -Rebecca W.

Definitely place to start bushwhacking experience and quality navigational skills upgrade! Inviting my partner and planning to go this time together. -Anonymous

I was a little anxious going into this trip that I would find the steep inclines and drop-off ledges to be more than I could tolerate from a fear standpoint. Andrew and his team gave me good guidance in helping me decide before I committed to the trip that I would be “ok.” Throughout the trip, the guides helped me through any section that challenged me. With each day I felt more confident and at ease on all the trail. I’m really glad I took the trip – I really feel like I accomplished something! -Jenifer C.

Fabulous guides! Great clients. Unusual routes. I will go anywhere and anytime on these trips. -David E.

Bang for your buck!! The class before the trip was invaluable in how they provided teaching in multiple areas along with providing individual feedback. The forum allowed us to learn from each other as well. The detailed assistance and feedback with pack items and weight will forever change how I backpack. The actual trip was the icing on the cake. We were privileged to have the first duo female guide team, Mary Cochenour and Bec Bastian. They were rock stars with so much experience and knowledge yet were so personable and humble and helpful and FUNNY. Andrew is a master at putting together groups of people who are similar in fitness level, experience, and will enjoy each other. Our group wants to stay together and do another Skurka trip next year. The trip was all we could have hoped for in instruction level, experience, and enjoyment. -Belinda J.

Exceeded Expectations. The trip was an immersive experience in off trail route finding. The scenery was spectacular, the guides were great and group participants worked so well together. Our group text is still active and we are looking forward to another trip next year. -Tony S.

Everything about my Utah backpacking trip with Skurka Adventures was fantastic. I only I wish I had found this company sooner. From the highly experienced, knowledgeable and kind guides and wonderful group to the fun and companionable other customers, to the amazing backcountry experience in Grand Staircase, it was truly worth the expense and travel effort. I will definitely be doing another trip…but it’s going to be hard to pick the location. -Paula R.

How does a 60 year old, ex-couch potato up her backpacking game? A Skurka trip! I can’t believe how much I learned and how comfortable I became with navigation skills and using Gaia GPS. The experience has set me up to be more skilled, confident and aware in the backcountry. It’s opened up a world to explore. -Jamie A.

What a great experience! We hiked through beautiful and unique landscape with some incredible guides. This trip exceeded my expectations. -David M.

If you want to go to the most beautiful places, with the best guides out there, then this is your trip. -Ali C.

Absolutely unforgettable Type 1 and 2 fun. I feel like I got further along in my life journey searching for my soul! Andrew and Melodie are two unique adventurers with a cause greater than themselves. The group is very aptly named “Andrew Skurka Adventures.” If it’s an adventure you’re looking for, this is for you. If it’s a tour your seeking, you’ll be disappointed! -Sam D.

I was with Andrew in in the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument, in Southern Utah. It was a wonderful trip! Not only was it a true adventure, but a great learning experience. Andrew has put together a great team of guides that lead us safely deep into the Monument. Highly Recommended. -Brad G.

The trip was an adventure and an absolute blast. Not only did we get first-hand experience navigating and route-finding in rugged canyon country, but the training leading up to the trip and the on-the-field training were top notch. My goal was to learn how to plan and execute a trip like this and I feel confident now that I can and I’m excited to get planning. -Neil S.

The trip opened up new types of terrains and territories for me. Where the canyonlands seemed too overambitious for my own outdoor endeavors at first, I can now confidently add this environment to my list of great places to spend time in. -Boy

I signed up for this trip because I wanted a crazy adventure with a bunch of cool people and Skurka Adventures delivered! -Deanna N.

This is my 4th trip with Andrew. I will be taking my 5th one next month. I plan on taking other trips with him in the years to come. I go on many of my own backpacking trips and will be taking my 16-year old nephew on his first trip later this summer. I feel capable and confident in planning these trips – including off trail travel – because of Andrew’s program. I keep taking trips with Andrew because of his selection of top notch locations, wonderful guide teams, and his care in putting together client groups. The trips are fun and there is always something new to learn! -Glenn S.

The Utah 5-day adventure trekking is one of my favorite trips I’ve ever done. The landscape is breathtaking, and there is a lot to explore: the inner self and the diverse natural surroundings. This has been my first trip with Andrew and two great guides, but surely not the last one. I still count on the energy I got there, and all the awesome impressions and, most importantly, the memories of a great team working together. Thank you all. -Sandy

Having been on a Fundamental level trip with Skurka adventures before, my expectations were high for the Adventure level trip I booked in Utah. My expectations were ultimately far exceeded. I came away from the trip learning so much about hiking in the desert and navigating canyons. I also walked away with 9 great new friends! -Kate K.

I was and am still very impressed with the whole Skurka Adventures experience. From start to finish everyone involved was consistently organized, considerate, helpful, willing to help and maintained a wonderful attitude. I never felt unsafe or in a place where I couldn’t explain any discomfort during the trip as my guides Jessica and Nicco were so accommodating and helpful every step of the way. I would highly recommend this trip to anyone who is debating it and wanting to take the next step of their backpacking knowledge and experience. I could go on about my positive experience, including specific scenarios that forever impacted my life but that would be a novel. I am so thankful to have joined this adventure and meet the other backpackers. It is such a privilege to have known and bonded with these people, the friendship created is forever special. I am looking forward to planning my next Skurka Adventures trip! -Karla D.

This trip was fantastic, not only were the guides amazing, but all of the trip participants were the coolest people I’ve ever hiked with (everyone was a super smart, well prepared experienced backpacker). -Andrew F.

A key difference with Andrew’s trips are the quality of the guides. I have been on 2 treks and the guides are not just incredibly experienced, but they take the time and genuine interest at an individual level to share their knowledge. -Peter B.

Super fun hike with super awesome people! Skurka obviously spent a ton of time picking people he thought would fit together and he nailed it with our group. -David J.

I was looking to gain more confidence in the backcountry. My adventure with Andrew’s team in Utah exceeded my expectations. The incredible organization at all levels from the pre-planning to the field made for an exceptional outing and provided the tools to continue on my own. Their highly professional approach is top notch. -Lynne L.

The Skurka Adventures are an amazing, immersive antithesis to metropolitan drudgery. The wilderness has so many things to offer differently to each individual for growth, replenishment, and great fun. And there are myriad variety of “wild” terrain out there. Getting to know and converse with like-minded individuals that comprise the hiking groups is an added plus. You learn to rely on one another out there and sometimes even come back out with good friends. The deserts, mesas, and canyons of Utah have truly inspired and refreshed my juju and I look forward to more off trail excursions. -Kurt A.

A great adventure through beautiful, varied territory with emphasis on adventure! A lot of fun was had route-finding up onto mesas and down into canyons, and wading along streams and rivers. -Greg J.

This was my third trip with Skurka Adventures. Each has been amazing for different reasons. This time I particularly enjoyed having two female guides with different backgrounds and perspectives. Such a treat and I’ll definitely be back for adventure number 4 next year! -Jo R.

My first trip with Andrew Skurka Adventures exceeded my expectations and goals in every way. I can’t recommend them highly enough. Most importantly, I hadn’t done any mountaineering in seven years and was questioning if, at 69, I was too old to start again. I learned I’m not! From the pre-trip curriculum, orientation and leadup, location, guides, route, and food, it couldn’t have been better. I’m already looking forward to another trip with them as well as my own off-trail adventures. -Jim M.

I thought I was pretty fair with map & compass already, but now I’m not sure if I could get lost if I tried. The brief but clear instruction really was that good! -Steve F.

After originally being accepted to join the Utah 5 day trip I had second guessed whether or not I should confirm on my end. I thought that it might not be the best choice for me financially and that I should have been able to do something like this on my own given my age, ability, etc. I can now say that Andrew’s course is most definitely worth every penny. I am so grateful that I got to experience this place with the help of some truly amazing guides, Jeff Wohl and Melodie Kao. Their extensive knowledge about the backcountry and overall environment really made my experience feel one of a kind. Not to mention that Andrew’s ability to facilitate such a program is extraordinary. The weeks of online courses really made me feel ready once it was time to get hands-on in the field – something I certainly have never achieved on my own. I now feel I have the foundation to expand my personal trips which may of initially felt out of my comfort zone. I would highly recommend this course to anyone who is looking to improve their backpacking skills or even get into the backcountry for the first time! With so many locations I hope to join more trips in the future because I know I will learn something new each time! -Cody B.

The Utah trip was great! I loved the mix of river and canyons and sleeping under the stars! The instruction was spot on for the group and safety was always considered! I highly recommend this trip! -Michaela P.

A Skurka trip is worth every penny! If in doubt, just do it. -Sam D.

This was my first adventure with Andrew Skurka. It was a rewarding and educational experience. The guides were great. The work Andrew and his team put into planning the adventures and grouping the hikers was top notch. I would highly recommend participating in one of Andrew’s many guided hikes for the exceptional locations, learning, and comradery. -Tony W.

The Escalante trip surpassed my expectations in every way. It would have taken me years of trial and error to learn what I learned with Andrew in 5 days. -Brent G.

It was hotter than normal, really windy for the last 2 days (enough wind to cancel a bunch of flights into Vegas), challenging in multiple spots, but incredibly rewarding and educational. Our group of 10 (including 2 guides) did probably 30 river crossings, a couple of class 4/5 scrambles, hiked slot canyons, battled high winds, enjoyed harmonica wake-up calls in the morning, guitar as the stars came out, cowboy camped every night, practiced off-trail navigation skills, cooked great meals, and enjoyed conversation for 5 days. Can’t wait to do it again someday. -Anonymous

The Adventure trip in southern Utah was exquisite – beautiful, challenging, and full of learning and camaraderie. -Greg U.

When I started the hike everything about it was absolutely out of my box. Cowboy camping, hiking steep sand dune hills down, scaling slickrock up. With help and instructions my fear level went way down. Now I feel cautious but not super-scared. -Anonymous

This trip did a great job enhancing my existing backpacking knowledge in the areas of gear selection and use of mapping tools (Caltopo and GAIA) to plan for the trip. While on the trip, we were pushed out of our comfort zone which enables us to grow and develop our backpacking skills. Finally, we all advanced our navigation skills significantly using maps, compasses, and electronic tools. Overall, a great experience. -Tom F.

What a great way to learn how to hike like a pro! Experienced, knowledgeable, friendly and personable guides, beautiful landscape, liked-minded fellow hikes and incredible views of the stars and milky way while cowboy camping. I am definitely a better and stronger hiker after this amazing experience. -Cesar O.

I had a blast. Everyone in my group had a blast. The varied terrain of Southern Utah is second to none. The land full of wild canyons, mesas, creeks, rivers, and most importantly wild experiences. I’ve made a few new friends and learned plenty. -Damien H.

I had such a fantastic trip with my guides Jessica and Sam. They were very knowledgeable and fun, and their expertise gave me a lot of confidence. Traveling in a somewhat larger group was a new experience for me, and it was awesome to watch us go from strangers to family, especially after we all worked together during a particularly exciting fording of the Escalante river. I learned a ton and got pushed near to my limits. Easily the most exciting and fun hiking trip I have ever taken! Can’t wait to go on another one. -Megan M.

Fantastic!!! This was the most challenging (mentally and physically) experience I’ve ever had. It was also the most rewarding. While not always fun in the moment, I look back on my time in Utah as an exceptional experience of personal growth and introspection. My guides were extremely knowledgeable and led the trip with grace. I had a great group of trip mates who were collaborative and fun! Andrew is personable and made a very conscious effort to engage with everyone (even those not in his trip group). I really appreciated this. I 100% want to take another trip with Andrew Skurka next year and every year thereafter! -Erin F.

Fantastic experience! Very knowledgeable and fun guides. Challenging but beautiful route, shared with a wonderful group. -Isaac S.

This was a transformational experience for me to bring my confidence in my backcountry skills to the next level and feel ready to tackle new challenges on my own. I had high expectations going in and learned even more than I thought I would — about backpacking, navigation, the area, and also about myself in taking this journey. -Matt M.

I’ve just returned from an amazing 5-day trip to Escalante. We hiked around 50 miles through some of the most beautiful country in the western US, hitting some of the area highlights but mostly spending time off-trail in places most people will never see. Our guides were the most experienced adventurers I had ever hiked with and every day I learned something new from them. One of the highlights was sharing a great meal at the end of each day while getting to know others that share the same passions and interests. This was my second trip with Skurka Adventures and I hope to go on many more. -Andy B.

Getting out for the Skurka Utah 3F 2022 guided trip exceeded my high expectations. Skurka Adventures goes above and beyond to select great trip locations. Often overlooked is the compatibility of the group, where we were well-matched fitness and interest-wise, and with similar trip objectives. Top it off with rock star guides there to show us the basics, to challenge us if desired, build camaraderie, provide support, and share their wealth of knowledge. Thank you! -Ken M.

I had personal goals going into this trip, and I was hoping to gain experience and meet people. My experience really exceeded my expectations. The amount of preparation work that went into this trip was so incredibly valuable for this specific trip, and also for other adventures in the future. The adventure itself was worth every single penny and then some. I would recommend this company and adventure experience so many times. I was able to meet some wonderful people, and I learned many new skills related to backpacking. I am a beginner backpacker, and this course gave me skills and knowledge to feel confident and safe in my adventuring. I hope the stars align and I can sign up for another course in the future! -Emily S.

The seven day adventure trip is certainly a game changing experience. The immersion in the wilderness really has an affect on you. In addition you get to learn and practice so many of the skills day after day and that really makes them sink in. I appreciated the guidance and encouragement from the team leads. They pushed us outside our comfort zone to help us grow and realize that we are more capable than we think. That is a real lifetime, long-lasting lesson. Thank you. -L. Avila

I had an absolute blast on my Utah adventure! The days were challenging, rewarding, and full of new experiences in spectacular topography. Our guides were incredible, our group was diverse, and we all became close friends! I learned important new backcountry skills as we encouraged and helped each other. I am already looking forward to another Skurka trip! -Peggy M.

This trip was the best thing I have done for myself in many years. It challenged the limits I had set for myself and allowed me to feel stronger than I thought possible both emotionally and physically. The guides are inspiring and knowledgeable professionals who will push you to challenge yourself. -Michelle S.

Trip of a lifetime, unparalleled professionalism, just DO it!! -Mary M.

I would highly recommend a Skurka trip to anyone. The detailed planning and prep lessons prior to the trip are invaluable to skill building. The attention to detail he and his team display is truly a feat. With so many groups and people to oversee, they still manage to make the experience very personal and are very present with each group. Our guides Melody and Jessica were amazing leaders who exuded confidence making me feel very safe, weaving in education, skill building, and teamwork to the experience. -Sara K.

The best part of AS trips are the exceptional combination of the incredibly knowledgeable and helpful guides, the uniquely spirited clientele who become friends, and the off-trail routes and locations — together they stretch you, educate you, entertain you, all while feeling (almost) safe. I’ll come back just to experience all his guides. -Suresh C.

This trip exceeded all my expectations. The country, guides, and hiking companions were perfection. -Bart P.

This trip exceeded every expectation. I cannot believe how much Type 1 fun I had out there! The scenery, the challenge, the learning, the food–all amazing! My guides, Andrew and Katie, were exceptional. Knowledgeable for sure, but also thoughtful about how to craft an experience that gets better and better until it crescendos with an amazing finale. The trip had clear arc. Also, I got engaged! My girlfriend proposed to me on night 5 while cowboy camping on the slick rock under new moon dark and starry skies! Maybe the top #1 thing I have ever done. -Jordan B.

This was a great confidence builder. I was pushed to my limits and was able to do everything asked of me even if some coaching or a hand sometimes was needed. -Robbie M.

Andrew & Katie led us on a 7-day adventure on- and off-trail that exceeded all my expectations. The group was very well-matched and delightfully compatible. The trail learning was great and all while enjoying wonderfully selected country to explore and with truly capable expert guides. -Rod L.

What an incredible trip: our group was perfectly matched with care, the pre-trip preparation and coaching was so great, and I got to learn from the best guides in an amazing remote wilderness area — thank you!! -Randy C.

The Utah slick rock and slot canyons were as beautiful and rugged as I expected. The guides and meals were better than expected. And we gelled as a team better than I expected. The route-finding curriculum, online and on-trail by map and compass, will open a lot of trail options for me beyond the popular but difficult to get permits I’m used to. -Craig M.

This is my second Skurka trip, and I can’t imagine anyone doing it better. As with my earlier Colorado trip, the guides, the area, and the group on the Utah trip were perfectly matched. -Scott S.

I would very much recommend anyone to go on a trip. It was very well organized, professional, and a good group of clients and guides. -Scott S.

I can’t recommend the Skurka Adventure trips enough. Extremely well run, great locations, and the guides are amazing. -Wes T.

My experience with this outfit far exceeded my expectations. This is not only in terms of the actual trip, but the course involvement, the knowledge and tools shared, and the exposure to exceptional professional backgrounds and expertise. All first class. Additionally, the careful attention and consideration this team demonstrated in order to provide a cohesive, coherent individual and group experience is understated. I found exceptional value by taking this opportunity and I hope to return to Skurka Adventures in the future! -James F.

This was my second trip with Skurka Adventures and I will undoubtedly look to do a third. Andrew brings together great guides and terrific clients in amazing locations for adventures that are hard to beat. Escalante Grand Staircase was stunningly beautiful. Our guides were super knowledgeable about every aspect of what we did and saw. The people with whom I traveled were fun to be with and taught me a ton. It was another fabulous week. -Michael W.

I appreciate the effort that Andrew and Team put into pairing groups together that are compatible personality and fitness-wise. Together with the group pairings, top notch guides, and world class locations; experiences can be shared by complete strangers that turn into great friends in just a matter of days. -James

I had such a great experience on my first Skurka Adventures trip that I came back for a second – and I’ll definitely be coming back for a third. I have found a new passion for backcountry travel through these trips. Learning the skills of off-trail travel and feeling comfortable to do it in a safe, responsible way is an invaluable tool to have in your backpacking skill set. -Danny P.

This has been a trip of a lifetime. Though I considered myself a seasoned backpacker, I learnt so much more in a short period of time and I am confident now to go off trail by myself on any high route out there. Andrew put together a fantastic program consisting of all aspects of trip preparation with great locations and a world class guide team. I instantly became friends with all my team members as well as the two guides and we stay in contact for future trips together. -Gerry F.

This was my second Skurka adventure and it was just as rewarding and well planned as the first. I will definitely be doing another one. -Billy G.

Compared to other professionally-guided trips I’ve done, Skurka Adventures definitely lives up to their stated goal of preparing and empowering clients to feel confident striking out on their own! The skills, knowledge, and experience gained were invaluable, and spending 7 days in INCREDIBLE wild lands with equally-motivated people (and fantastic guides) was like icing on the educational cake! 10/10. -Emily P.

I arrived in Utah feeling that it was going to be poor consolation for not getting into the 11-day high route that I initially applied for. I showed up for the trip skeptical, with low expectations, and prepared not to enjoy it. Backpacking has been a lifelong activity for me, always self-directed and organic. Considering myself an advanced backpacker, I was bristling at the entire notion of being a “client.” I could not have been more wrong. From almost the first moment I realized that I had tons to learn along almost every dimension: gear, pack-weight, off-trail navigation, route-planning, walking with wet sandy feet every day, etc. It was deeply humbling. I cannot say how grateful for and impressed I was with my guides, Mary and Brandon, and how much I learned from them. I also learned a ton from my fellow clients and enjoyed spending quality time on the trail and in camp with every one of them. The terrain we explored was breathtaking, with every day seeming to top the day before, and presenting lots of opportunities to challenge ourselves and explore our boundaries. I had an absolute blast and even within a long lifetime of much travel and adventure, this trip was an absolute highlight. -Michael H.

This was my first trip with Andrew Skurka Adventures and it absolutely exceeded my expectations and I can’t wait to go on another trip. I learned so much that I can now incorporate into my own backpacking trips, most importantly being the confidence with navigation, compass & GPS mapping apps so that I can go off-trail. -Joe B.

This was THE MOST AMAZING “guided” experience. Someone described it as “mentored” backpacking, and I think that is a more accurate description. I saw, learned, and did more things than I expected. These trips are for all levels and not to be missed. The instruction and educational support is top-notch, the destinations are awe-inspiring, and the people are amazing. I can’t wait for my next trip! -Kelly P.

I had an incredible seven days in Utah, it was better in almost every way than I even hoped. The landscape was amazing in ways that you have to experience to believe, the route we took was fun and challenging, and I learned a ton that will help me take on more trips like this on my own. -Jabs J.

These “guided trips” are so much more than any of the descriptions can lead on. In a short time you will learn more than any book, class, or video could ever teach you all while visiting places most people aren’t aware exist and growing strong connections with a diverse group of strangers. By the end of your trip all you’ll want to do is resupply and head back out. -Alec C.

I would highly recommend this trip to anyone. The pre-trip planning is very thorough and informative, the groups carefully assembled, and the instructors top notch. The focus is on learning skills that you can apply in the future, and having completed the trip, I feel very prepared to take my outdoor adventures to the next level with confidence. -Carrie M.

I came to this trip with a good foundation of backpacking knowledge, and left with the framing for a small building. The course and guides helped me to refine my gear, better understand route planning and selection, and to cover good distances while still having fun. -Brayden

What is that old saying? “The proof is in the pudding” – These adventures speak for themselves which is why I came back a second time and am already planning a third trip! -Michael B.

The Skurka trip was awesome! I got to experience backpacking like we hadn’t before. We got to explore off trail and learn about Escalante through knowledgeable guides. We encountered things I would have missed myself like arrowheads and petroglyphs. All around great experience! -Will B.

Desert and mountains, Great Sand Dunes National Park

Great Sand Dunes: Fundamentals

I thought my past backpacking trips were successful, but I learned through this program how it could be much more enjoyable with better techniques and gear choices. It’s difficult to express just how satisfying this trip was. -Bryan S.

This was one of the most enjoyable and pleasing trips I’ve ever been on. Such a great time and memories. I had a great group of backpackers and instructors. Can’t wait to come back for another trip through Andrew. -Brock M.

In an era of vloggers, don’t be fooled, Andrew Skurka and his guides are the real deal Pros. The advice and curriculum is the best time and money you can spend to become confident and proficient in developing your backpacking and hiking skills. Hands down the best decision I have made to get me out on the trail and into the backcountry. -Jim K.

This trip was the perfect introduction to backpacking. I had limited experience to multi-night trips and the guides ensured that everyone was prepared above and beyond what was necessary. The amount of information and knowledge shared within the 3-day span was tremendous. Both guides were experienced beyond belief, wonderfully kind and inviting, and had so much to share. Overall a great experience. -Chase S.

What a amazing experience!!! We joined very last minute. We were able to get connected with the group and learn a lot through both classroom and hiking experiences. Andrew and all the guides made the experience very seamless and enjoyable. Classroom preparation was very helpful and contained a lot of good content. Andrew was great on weather updates to prepare for a cold weekend. Our guides, Katie and Dave, were spectacular. They were very enjoyable, knowledgeable, and helpful from start to end. Can’t wait to book another trip!! -Melanie S.

Andrew Skurka Adventures provided a truly expectational educational and adventure experience that was everything I hoped for and more. From the online educational classroom to the in-field lessons, the curriculum was highly comprehensive. The overall experience was unforgettable. Tremendous value was gained secondhand through interactions and exposure to the highly skilled guide team. Throughout the entire process, the professionalism, experience, knowledge, and positive attitude of every staff member was simply unsurpassed. In short, my experience with Andrew Skurka Adventures was a 10/10. And, without any reservation, I would give my highest recommendation to anyone considering joining one of the many guided trips that are offered. -Thomas L.

It was an incredible experience! The course was very thorough. I have gained the confidence to do backpacking on my own. -Amanda V.

This fundamentals trip is perfect for someone who has done a few on-trail backpacking trips and is nervous about taking things up a notch with off-trail lightweight backpacking. The guides are all amazing teachers and were very patient with my silly questions about cold weather, bears, or getting lost. You finish this trip with a lot of confidence in your ability to take your newfound backcountry skills and test them out in upcoming trips! -Alex A.

This trip was exactly what I needed. I had been out of backpacking for 20 years, and a lot has changed. Andrew, Matt and team are all well-versed in the technology and gear, and how to enjoy your time on the trail. Participate in all the exercises provided prior to the trip, and you’ll be able to spend the trip doing hands-on learning. High winds, rain, snow, and sand climbs – this trip had it all! Another wonderful benefit – talking to your fellow backpackers, learning why they were on the trail, and seeing different gear under a variety of circumstances. Leave No Trace was practiced throughout, and the team always explained what they were doing during the trip, how to plan to accomplish your objectives, and what to do when Plan A (or even B) is no longer possible. A positive learning environment from start to finish. You will not only be a better ‘packer after this trip, but you’ll learn how to enjoy it. Couldn’t ask for a better team, a better class, or a better trip! -J.B. C.

The Fundamentals trip met all of my expectations. I learned so much it will take a while to really take it all in. Some of the most useful information was related to gear – what to take and what not to take – with very specific suggestions. Also, learning how to better navigate with map and compass will make me more confident when hiking – regardless of whether I have my phone. Finally, the guides were excellent. Very knowledgeable and willing to answer any and all questions. I would highly recommend this course to someone who is relatively new or inexperienced in backpacking and wants to do more. -Kari C.

The guides were fantastic. I learned a lot and definitely feel more comfortable about the idea of exploring on my own. Now I have to figure out what my next adventure will be. -Alex W.

Life changing experience that I could have not done on my own. For over a year I read over the trips on the website, researching and researching, trying to get the courage to fill out the application. What a wasted year! I gained so much knowledge and hands on experience in a few days, and can’t wait for the opportunity to return for more. -Mechelle E.

I can say with a great deal of certainty that I feel not only more confident in my ability to plan and execute a hike but to manage and endure surprise adversity. The conditions enabled us to experience being pushed beyond our comfort zone and expectations for three season gear. The guides turned what could have been a trip-ending storm into a learning experience and helped keep morale high. We persevered and were able to continue with an amazing trip. It was great practice for the weather I regularly hike in. Thank you! -Kevin O.

The trip was more intense than anticipated, but that only made it better. I learned a lot and had a blast. -Jonathan K.

This was an amazing trip! The guides were fabulous and there was great chemistry with the participants. Lots of opportunities for learning but also the chance to just soak in the surroundings. The unusual snow storm at the end of May made the trip even better. -Karen L.

Amazing experience! Could never have expected to learn so much in 3 days. Guides were knowledgeable, fun, and helped make the trip special. -Matthew G.

Fantastic guidance and instruction in the field! This course promotes confidence and knowledge that you can use on future adventures. They provide invaluable guidance while still encouraging self care and responsibility. -Linda May

Skurka’s awesome guides (Dave & Katie) somehow managed to challenge and educate us while still making us feel empowered and safe. While this was not an “easy” excursion, it was all that I signed up for – a way to try new things and test myself with experts who were there to make sure I succeeded. One of the best aspects of the trip was that the other participants were all equally game for an intense learning experience – a testament to Andrew’s reputation as a leader in what is becoming less of a niche subsection of outdoor adventure – ultralight backpacking. Kudos to him and all the folks who help him provide one-of-a-kind trips to adults looking to stretch their skills and meet like-minded folks in amazing locations. -Lisa Cornelio

Alaska: Expedition

I have been to Yosemite and Alaska twice with Andrew Skurka Adventures and each experience has been unique. I learn something new and strengthen my knowledge every trip. The logistics are dialed in. Just arrive in shape, ready to explore around the next bend or over the next pass and share the wilderness with great people. -Tim S.

I loved the Brooks Range trip! It was everything I wanted and more. Some amazing landscape and incredible connections with people from all over. I would do it all again! -Colleen N.

This was an adventure and backpacking learning experience like no other. The techniques and tools Andrew has developed, combined with our highly experienced guides provided everything we needed on this trip. The food selection and gear guidance was right on. I used everything I brought with me and was always comfortable. Maybe best of all, our group was well matched for personality and ability! -Kevin C.

What a fantastic Alaska trip with Andrew Skurka Adventures! The magnificent landscape, expert guides, fellow backpackers, and terrific weather was more than I could have hoped for. I believe that much of the trip’s success can be attributed to Andrew’s expertise and exceptional attention to detail and planning of the curriculum, logistics, trip planning, and meals. -Cynthia G.

I really appreciated the team decision-making on this trip. We didn’t just follow the leaders whether navigating, analyzing risk, deciding to stop, etc. After looking at the options, it was often a joint decision by all members of the group. This helped me learn better than being told what to do. I received an improved understanding of the decision-making process. This will help me in the future as no two situations are exactly alike. -Chuck T.

Having returned from Alaska, I’m still working to comprehend the experience. Beyond other adventures, trekking in the Arctic has filled my senses and spun my head around – the wildness, the unspoiled beauty, the remoteness, and the challenge of it all. Every day delivered breathtaking scenery. We encountered non-stop daylight. We were immersed in the territory of truly wild animals – caribou, grizzly bears, wolves, dall sheep, bald eagles, and an enormous variety of birds. Everywhere, we found signs that the Arctic is a harsh environment. We’d been told to expect tough walking – with wet feet, river crossings, and uneven terrain like tussocks, sponga, and aufeis. We found all of that. I was glad to be teamed with great folks that were prepared for the adventure. Our guides were able to call on their experience to bring even more life to our hike. My wife is asking me what’s next? There will be more trips, more adventure. But it will be a challenge to match the impact of the Brooks Range. -Phil B.

After this trip to The Gates if the Arctic NP in Alaska, my third with Skurka Adventures, I don’t feel like I graduated as much as I found and have been accepted into a really nice community. Skurka, his cosmic superstar guides, and all the thriving and vibrant souls attracted to these trips make me look forward to being with them and inspire me all year long to live my best life. They all have taught me mad outdoors skills that I am proud of and have allowed me to access landscapes I would have never imagined. The trips are what you make of them, but for me they become spiritual, where I can just be me and feel my essence the strongest. WARNING: re-entry into civilization can put you in a funk for a few days after being with such nice supportive people in the beauty of nature. -Stuart M.

This is my 5th time back. Can’t think of a better testimonial than that. -Glenn S.

The Alaska Brooks Range expedition was amazing, meeting and exceeding all of my expectations. My dream trip. The guides and group participants were excellent. So much that I did not want the trip to end! I enjoyed all of my meals and loved seeing the wildlife and the beautiful scenery and aufeis! -Helen S.

Never thought wet feet, tussocks, sponga etc. could be so much fun. Alaska was everything that we had read about and more. Definitely worth seeing in the way that we did. Jessica and Scott were fantastic guides who had the knowledge, skills, sense of humor, patience, etc. to make the trip a fun, educational adventure. Andrew assembled another great group. We look forward to our next trip. -Dave H.

My second trip with ASKA and recommend to anyone that will listen. The experience, preparation, and knowledge set a high bar. The trip exceeded any expectations I had set and I will take memories of the experience with me for the rest of my life. A true backcountry Alaska experience. -Brian B.

As someone who usually DIYs trips but had long dreamed of exploring the Brooks range, this guided trip was phenomenal. The scale and challenges of Alaska are so different than the Mountain West and I was glad to go with experienced, incredible guides. Not only did they give us a great experience, they also spent a lot of time teaching. By the end of the trip, I felt like I could get a group of strong friends and DIY the next trip myself. It was an incredible week and I learned so much. It’s also wonderfully anti-thru hike, where the miles don’t really matter (in part because the terrain can be so hard), the route is actively discovered day by day, and the whole purpose is to be in awe of such an amazing corner of the world. -Kori

We encountered some surprises on our journey that were beyond our control and our guides demonstrated their deep experience and training in the way they handled them. Even in challenging situations they maintained positive attitudes that made for an overall positive experience. -Lisa R.

On the last night of our trip, I reflected on all I’ve learned since I joined a fundamentals trip on a whim in 2018. At that point, backpacking was something I tolerated in order to get to places that I couldn’t day hike to. My pack was far too heavy and I thought suffering was just part of the experience. Today, I have the skills to be safe and comfortable both in camp and while hiking. I know how to read terrain and navigate so that I’m no longer confined to trails. I’ve accomplished two ‘bucket list’ trips that I never thought I’d have the skills or ability to do: hiking the John Muir Trail and experiencing Gates of the Arctic. Most importantly, I’ve made great friends and been able to use my new skills to take numerous friends and family on their first backpacking trips. Your program was the catalyst of all that and many more adventures to come. Thank you so much! During our last night, Scott asked us to do our lemon, orange, sponge for the whole trip. I hadn’t anticipated that but upon reflection, it didn’t make sense to restrict what I learned to just that week. So when it was my turn to speak, I put my ‘sponge’ in the larger context of everything I’ve learned since that fundamentals trip in 2018 and everything it’s enabled me to do. Sitting in Gates of the Arctic and reflecting on that journey was a powerful and emotional experience that I did not expect. Thank you again for everything. Obviously I will have a new adventure later this year and that may curtail joining you for trips in the near future. But I hope to be able to stay in touch and join you again sometime down the road. -Nate K.

It was no doubt a once-in-a-lifetime trip for me and I’ve since highly recommended such trips to my fellow hikers. The guides were professional and treated all clients like friends. I was especially amazed at how well the 7 clients in our group matched and belonged, regardless of age and gender. -Shuwen W.

If you want to level up your skills in the backcountry, or travel through a place you don’t have the skills/comfort to travel to, this is the trip for you. -Ram

This trip was 100% worth it. To experience so much of the Brooks Range in only 7 days without our guides would have required endless planning, numerous recon trips, and lots of trial and error – probably over the course of several years. The logistics and route planning alone are worth the investment, and that’s before you consider the meals! -Sam C.

Our trip to the Brooks Range was phenomenal–from great communication and guided preparation beforehand, to being in good hands in the backcountry, to thoughtful follow-up afterward, this was truly the trip of a lifetime. Andrew and Katie cared a lot about our goals for being out there, and they worked hard to ensure that we were supported in meeting them. I expected that I would fall in love with the landscape, learn a ton about travel in that environment, and push myself physically–and I did–but I didn’t expect that our group would bond so quickly and have so many fun and meaningful moments together. This was a really special experience and one of the best weeks of my life. -Amy F.

This is a first rate guide company that offers clients wilderness trips that educate. I believe that the expertise so generously offered by the staff will definitely improve all of my future hiking experiences. -Geoff J.

I can’t think of a better way to spend 8 days: getting rigorous exercise by traversing and climbing through a remote landscape, drinking pure water, breathing fresh air, eating delicious, clever meals, and learning at every step of the way from our world-class guides and a diverse, inclusive crew of clients. Sorry for all the adjectives. -Stephen V.

High Sierra: Adventure

Awesome trip/experience with excellent guides in an epic location! Joe & Mikaela are the best and created a memorable backpacking trip. I’m looking forward to another Skurka Adventures trip next year! -Chuck C.

I have been on two adventures with Skurka Adventures now, and I can say without a doubt they lived up to the promise of an outfit backed by Andrew Skurka. Everything about a trip with Skurka is carefully curated. I don’t know how he does it but Andrew matches a group to a pair of guides to a location with almost preternatural ability. When you sign on with Skurka you can expect to learn amazing skills, be taught and led by the best of the best, and see places you never thought you could see. Both of my trips have been life-changing and I can assure you, I will be back for a third. -James H.

Had a great adventure with a wonderful group of like-minded people and the top guiding team you’re likely to find. Even though I’m an experienced backpacker, the trip pushed me into terrain I would not normally tackle and has me energized thinking about new possibilities for future trips. It was surprisingly intellectually demanding to practice navigating and leading the group off trail. Feel like I grew my knowledge and skills a lot in just five days and came away with some new hiking buddies. -Carla B.

Everything about the trip was amazing. I was nervous about many things – hiking in an unknown group, keeping up with fitness expectations, and just doing a longer trip than I am used to. The planning and care of the guides and whole team took care of everything. Our group selection was perfect – we had very similar levels of challenge and trip goals even with many different backgrounds. Hiking and working with anyone in the group was pleasant. The fantastic guides taught us an amazing amount, pushing me so that I was challenged while being incredibly supportive and making me feel safe and confident. The Sierra are beautiful no matter what but the forethought of the program and guides are what really take this trip to another level. While it gave me the confidence to make future trips on my own, I’m sure I will apply again next year because it was such a phenomenal experience. -Kelly C.

Beautiful scenery, knowledgeable guides, perfectly matched companions, and tasty food. My wife and I plan on joining another adventure next year! -Alan C.

This was my second time going on an Andrew Skurka trip. I learned so much on my first trip that I felt comfortable going on overnight/multi-night trips alone, something I never would have tried otherwise. Even though I trust my abilities and skills now, I still feel that I could not have replicated this trip on my own. Definitely would not have hiked up a glacier and climbed down a cliff all off-trail and felt safe about it. The best part continues to be the people I meet on each trip. It is hard to find others who enjoy the outdoors to this extent and understand the why. My husband and I have gone on one other trip with people we met from last year and stay in touch with them. -Stephanie C.

My experience with ASA in the Sierras was a pretty transformative life experience. It pushed my physical and mental boundaries in a very positive direction. I feel like it condensed years of experience and knowledge into several days. I know feel empowered to plan and execute much more advanced backpacking trips. -Ross D.

The Andrew Skurka guided trip was one of the best backpacking experiences in my 20 years of backpacking. It was great to feel back at my NOLS days learning in an outdoor wilderness classroom again, building new skills, and meeting new friends in both the instructors and the rest of the students/participants. Our instructors gave me ample opportunity for learning off trail navigation and route finding in a truly spectacular setting. We even got to climb up and a glacier and down a 500′ class 4 scramble which was a dream come true and really helped me break out of my comfort zone. -Justin W.

This was the best backpacking trip I’ve ever been on. I learned a ton from the guides and other participants. We learned how to: navigate off-trail with maps and compasses, how to estimate travel time off-trail, climb glaciers, scramble down steep terrain in a safe manner, and more. I learned so much I could go on and on. If you want to learn new skills, challenge yourself, and team up with new and existing friends, I would highly recommend doing an Andrew Skurka Adventure. -Michael M.

Andrew’s team opens up the world of backcountry navigation: exploring epic landscapes, where you apply lessons of reading the terrain, navigational skills, how to respect the land, and deepen your joy of backpacking. Both the expert guides and the hiking companions transform experience into a unique and priceless journey. -Paul S.

This is a comprehensive training experience in light, and ultralight backpacking techniques applicable to a variety of terrains and conditions. I’ve been backpacking for 50 yrs and one Skurka course will teach what it took me decades to learn. All this is done through a team of dedicated and really enjoyable guides and client groups that are well-matched for ability and experience. -Erik O.

I cannot speak more highly about Andrew Skurka’s guided trips! Not only did I get to experience a beautiful and remote place that I never could have experienced on my own (Sequoia Kings Canyon), but I was astounded by how much I learned about ultralight backpacking, off-trail navigation, and general backcountry know-how in just five days. For those looking to become more confident outdoors in a safe, scenic, and friendly setting, this is truly the pinnacle program for expanding your skillset! Though there is now less in my pack, I’ll carry with me the skills I learned from this trip for years to come. -Sarah D.

Skurka school is your ticket to becoming a competent backcountry traveler. Don’t learn the hard way; let Andrew and his all-star team teach you all their tricks to plan your own backpacking adventures. A+, would highly recommend. -Danielle C.

I was on the 5-day adventure trek in Sequoia/King’s Canyon. It was an excellent experience in a beautiful location that challenged me in ways that made me grow as a hiker, gave me more confidence in the backcountry, and showed me what I still need to work on. The guides were highly competent and experienced, knowledgeable and patient in teaching certain essential backpacking skills and best practices, and allowed us to apply those skills in the field with minimal intervention but with adequate supervision. We felt safe with the guides at all times, even on some gnarly traverses and descents. The rapport we had with the guides was natural and they were very easy to talk with. I would definitely sign up for another trip with Skurka Adventures. -George C.

I spent 5 days backpacking off-trail in Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park with Andrew Skurka Adventures. This trip was rated as “High” intensity and certainly met that bar. I’d done a very small amount of off-trail hiking before, but this was my first trip in which the focus of the trip was off-trail travel. Most of the trip was in remote sections of the immense national park, far from trails and other people. We crossed over numerous high passes, dropped into deep canyons, swam in unnamed lakes, and camped with spectacular views. The supplied breakfasts and dinners were exceptionally good for backpacking food — I’ll be making some of those recipes on future trips. The organization and guides at Andrew Skurka Adventures are world-class. If you have any interest in backpacking, at any level from beginner to advanced, I’d highly recommend doing a trip with them. -Jan M.

America’s best idea guided by the best. We visited breath-taking beauty, stretched our skills and knowledge, challenged our fitness, and learned how to do more. This was a once in a life time trip I hope to make twice and again. The magnificence of place will humble you. The care and preparation of the guides will give you confidence. The route will challenge you. It’s a wonderful, epic, enabling, learning, joyous experience. -Rory M.

The trip challenged me to try new things, it gave me confidence to plan my own adventure, and a desire to do another Skurka trip. it was amazing to get the opportunity to be around such competent backpackers and watch and learn from them. -Clare A.

I climbed a summit with this group that was higher and more remote than anything I dreamed I’d ever do. Five days of wall-to-wall type 2 fun. I climbed 2000 more feet in a day with this group than I’d ever climbed before, and somehow it was fun! -Jon J.

Although I’ve backpacked in the Sierras throughout my life, I learned a great deal from both the classroom experience and the trip. Andrew and Nicco were superb and experienced guides. The trip was challenging and I had a blast. -Fernando V.

I’ve taken guided trips before but this trip stands out. You have the chance to challenge your abilities in a safe space while learning new things both about backpacking and the natural world around you. The skills I learned in one week would have taken years to discover independently. I left this trip with a big confidence boost knowing that I can now take on much more ambitious adventures and enjoy the experience more while doing so. -Alex V.

What an incredible adventure! A solid week of practical learning and appreciating the wilderness with phenomenal people! Excellent group matching with expert guides. Truly an epic wilderness opportunity! -Michaela

I was looking for a way to get my 67 year-old dad back into backpacking. This trip achieved that and more. It reawakened his love of the mountains and wilderness backpacking. More importantly, it gave us lifelong memories to reminisce over for the decades to come. The trip itself was amazing. It was one of the top 3 backpacking experiences in my life, and I’ve got at least 500 nights backpacking including a PCT thru-hike, a summer as a Ranger at Philmont Scout Ranch, an individual Philmont trek, and a month-long National Outdoor Leadership School course. The route managed to keep it interesting for me while safe and engaging for people with less experience. The fact that Andrew could do this is nothing short of miraculous. I loved the teaching aspect of this trip. Our guides Hunter and Bec were wonderful. Their guided instruction made sure I got way more comfortable route-finding off trail. I felt completely comfortable and safe in their hands. I’m already counting the days until my dad and I can apply for Andrew’s Brooks Range trip next summer. -Henry C.

I’m 67 and went on this trip to spend time with my son and to reintroduce myself to backpacking after 40+ years. This trip did both and so much more. The physical challenge was really invigorating. More importantly, meeting those challenges under the able leadership of our guides brought our diverse group together as a real team, and left us all with enduring friendships. And the food was great! -Andrew C.

Our adventure pushed my partner and I to our limits and then beyond, allowing us to access terrain and experiences we wouldn’t have previously been able to do on our own. It was an amazing learning experience and we’re already fantasizing about our next Skurka trip. -Ankur D.

This trip exceeded my expectations. The instructors excelled in knowledge, instruction, coaching and motivation. The off trail navigation and scrambling allowed me to grow in skill and confidence that frankly I did not expect. This was truly a life-changing experience, one I will carry with me for the remainder of my life. It’s been over 2 weeks since coming off the trail and I still smile from ear to ear when I remember this hike. Thank you. -Rick S.

The trip and guides blew my expectations away. If someone could have explained where we would go and what we would do, I am not sure I could have overcome my fear/apprehension; however, I am so very glad I went on this trip. An absolutely life-changing experience which will empower me to go nearly anywhere in the backcountry with some confidence. -Damon V.

These trips are a chance to make long lasting friendships on an incredible journey through the wilderness while learning from guides who have an unrivaled depth of experience. -Trevor N.

The Skurka California 7 day adventure completely exceeded my expectations. I’m an experienced backpacker but learned new skills and techniques, was able to improve my gear kit, and the trip pushed my physical limits while not going beyond them. Most importantly, the trip pushed beyond the boundaries of what I’d previously thought was possible in off-trail travel. The guides had impeccable skills & knowledge and had a fantastic attitude at all times, but also acted as partners on the trip making the experience a shared adventure. I didn’t feel “led” at all. Overall it was an exceptional experience and the skills I learned will enable executing similar personal trips in the future. -Michael B.

There isn’t another guided trip/program we’d ever go on. The off trail aspect, the caliber of guides, and the community of participants is what keeps us coming back, over and over. -Keela

Would definitely do it again. This trip was unique in that the guides are truly coaches. I was empowered, encouraged, and taught. I was expected to spend portions of the trip leading. The group bonded and I had a memorable experience I will never forget. I can’t wait to take these skills and get my family into the backcountry with my new skills and confidence. -AJ D.

A very good first time experience hiking in the Sierras with terrific guides and a good group of people. -Scott S.

This was my second adventure with Andrew and his spectacular crew, and I was genuinely nervous that it might not live up to my expectations, or that my second trip would somehow diminish my memories of my first. I shouldn’t have worried. Utah and California were both uniquely magical experiences, and I’ll be returning for as long as Andrew will invite me. -Ross P.

Overall fabulous trip with great guides and people. Our group was matched well and everyone were great group members. I would imagine our group would continue to do things together in the future after meeting for the first time on this trip. Great learning experience in the field and the knowledge throughout the course utilizing google classroom was top-notch! I can’t wait to go on another trip. If you’re on the fence, get off! And sign up for one of these guides trips in your future. -Rob B.

Great adventure and learning experience. -Antonio S.

This was such a great trip. I learned a ton, met fantastic people that I would love to see again for future adventures, and got to spend a week exploring a beautiful area that was new to me. Andrew and his team have everything absolutely dialed and I can’t recommend them enough! -Annie S.

I’m a fairly experienced on-trail backpacker but this trip took me out of my comfort zone and challenged me physically and mentally. The combination of top-notch guides providing skill instruction and then immediately going and applying that skill in the field is a strong feedback loop, and I feel ready to try taking on some off-trail backpacking on my own route. The experience of working hard to crest a pass or reach a lake with no one around but your group is magical (and hard to achieve in the Sierra in the summer!) Everything about this adventure was wonderful and I would readily join another Andrew Skurka Adventures trip, or any backpacking trip with any of my group members. -Steffan S.

5 stars for organizational pre-, during, and post-trip. The precision that Andrew and his team use to set these trips up is impressive. The group selection was perfect, our guides were experienced and knowledgeable. Having guides not only be interested in the hiking tasks at hand, but also botany and geology really made for a special experience. One would be foolish not to use this guiding service, as I don’t think you can get much better than this. -Sean R.

This was my fifth Skurka trip and they get better each time. The routes Andrew picks are always challenging and you can hardly wait to see what’s over the next pass. The adventures are deeply satisfying and shared with wonderful guides and fellow adventurers. -Michael L.

I was unsure about my navigation skills going in to this trip, but afterwards I feel super confident. The guides did such a fantastic job working with our group’s existing strengths and weaknesses and getting us all up to speed. I’m much more confident and already planning several high route trips on my own after this trip. -Kenan H.

Skurka’s guided trips are such gems of quality. The guides are fabulous, the prep curriculum deep and thorough without being overwhelming, and the field time absolutely full of immersive learning that contributes to the experience of being outdoors. A tremendous resource for new and skilled backpackers alike. An unexpected perk was making great friends who are already turning out to be future backpacking pals! Thanks for having the tenacity to create a remarkable program, Andrew! -Aaron N.

Another awesome trip with Andrew Skurka Adventures! The Yosemite high route is incredible, and the guides and group were a ton of fun. Even though we had to deal with significant smoke from a nearby wildfire, the guides were able to make it into a learning experience by analyzing the information we had to make the best possible decisions and still have an enjoyable trip. Looking forward to my next trip! -Megan M.

High Sierra: Expedition

An amazing adventure that exceeded expectations. The trip was challenging, the scenery and locations were incredible, the guides were great and everybody in our group was fantastic. So happy to have been able to have this adventure and share the experience with such wonderful people. -Bill K

Three years ago after reading Roper’s Sierra High Route, I began dreaming of doing more off trail Sierra travel. Unfortunately, I needed to learn new skills, improve on others, and find a way to practice these skills. Likewise, I have not yet found hiking partners who want to move further towards this level of backcountry travel. After last year’s 7 day adventure trip to Yosemite, I was convinced that this was the type of backpacking I wanted to pursue. When Andrew offered an 11 day Kings Canyon High Route expedition trip for the first time in 2022, I jumped at the opportunity. His ability to plan a challenging but doable trip, teach skills, match guides with clients, and create a team of clients with similar experience, fitness, and personality is unmatched. There is no glamping or cruising along groomed trails. These trips will test you while you learn. But in exchange, you will experience some of the most beautiful terrain in the world while sharing the experience with an incredible group of people. -Bill F.

Skurka Adventures are a step above any other guided trip I have been on. All guides are superior in their experience and wisdom. Skills are taught well in an engaging manner. Trip planning and leading responsibilities are shared among participants, and the trips are more like hiking with friends than being led passively through the wilderness. -Dave P.

This trip was not for the feint of heart – it truly tested me every day! But great beauty has to be earned, and I earned it! The chance to visit the remote parts of SEKI and explore the high alpine terrain while having it all to ourselves was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I ventured into places that even those who travel the HSR don’t typically go, and I felt a connection with Muir and other early explorers — not knowing exactly what was around the corner or how passable our route might be. The trip as a whole was truly magical, and I’m sure I will forever cherish the special memories that came from 11 days in the high Sierra and with a small group of like-minded individuals. I will also take pride in having completed a very challenging, but in the end, rewarding adventure. -Jill M.

This was my second Skurka trip with a relatively advanced group and as with my first outing, I cannot overstate how much I learned and profited from the trip. This 11-day high route in the Sierras was the trip I had my eye on from the beginning and the confidence it gave me to tackle other high routes either on my own or as a trip leader was invaluable. The guides were great and collaborated with our group to let us really push ourselves well beyond the original route plan. Getting to go up Muro Blanco which no Skurka group has ever attempted was worth all of the difficulties in that route. And even though I have hiked many many times in Kings Canyon, getting to see the entire crest of the high Sierras from our unique off-trail vantage points was simply stunning. Day after day, we could see Whitney, Goddard, the Palisades… the whole range. From start to finish, the trip was amazing and exceeded my expectations in all dimensions. -Michael H.

I found the Skurka guiding company to be super professional and well organized. Our guides were amazing, The group was well matched, and all eight were in similar shape. The 11-day trip ran smoothly with no issues. The guides were flexible, and listened to the group, and we ended up making a couple of route changes during the trip. The guides also imparted their knowledge of gear and route-finding during the trip. Overall I enjoyed the trip very much. -Greg B.

It’s hard to give a short and concise statement about what a great experience this trip was. I learned so much, experienced so many gorgeous and wild places, and connected with other awesome hikers. Spending 11 days in the wilderness with 9 strangers sounds daunting, but it was a great opportunity to make new friends, really learn to work as part of a team, learn about myself, and gain new knowledge and confidence in my outdoor skills. I’m excited to take my new knowledge and skills into the wilderness on my own trips and into other parts of my life. I wouldn’t hesitate to take another trip and would highly recommend to anyone looking to gain outdoor experience. -Jessica H.

I had very high expectations for this trip. With the awesome route, Jeff’s and Dahn’s excellent guiding skills, and likely one of the loveliest groups of clients ever, all expectations were exceeded. Crushed, really.
I can’t say enough about the guides: neither had a weak spot yet their strengths meshed perfectly. -Jim B.

The 11-day Sierra expedition hit the mark on all levels. It was beautifully remote, challenging, and rewarding, and I learned so much more than I expected–not just about navigation and route-finding, but also about rock-fall management, lightening protocols, and engaging in an expedition mindset. -Lisa H.

What an incredible learning experience! My favorite moment was when I looked around in an alpine zone and realized that I could identify every plant and flower I could see. Only three days earlier, I could have only named one or two. -Nick B.

High Sierra: Fundamentals

The guided preparation for each trip is intense and an education in itself; the guides come with stellar resumes and are patient; the routes are spectacular. -Jack R.

The Fundamentals trip is a fantastic experience. The instructors were phenomenal teachers and even better people. They challenged and supported each of us. How Andrew also managed to select a cohort of students who complemented (and complimented) each other so perfectly is beyond my comprehension. The setting was beautiful beyond my expectations. I really feel that I now have the tools to take a similar trip on my own — picking a route that even includes a bit of off trail travel and understanding so much more about how to travel respectfully. I’d recommend without any hesitation that anyone interested in upping his, her, or their backpacking and hiking skills take this course. -Pam K.

Life changing! Upon completion of our fundamentals course, I found Andrew in the parking lot and said I had to write a testimonial. My entire experience couldn’t have been better! I’d never been backpacking, complete newbie from Louisiana. From the pre trip google classroom instruction to on the trail learning, this course was amazing! The communication and organization provided prior to the trip allows you to mentally and physically prepare. I didn’t know anything about gear and now I know exactly what is needed and how to pack it! Our guides were patient and extremely knowledgeable. Jeff Wohl ( who might be the nicest human ever) taught us invaluable navigation skills. Emigrant Wilderness was beautiful and our group bonded perfectly. I started this review saying it was life changing- I now have a new hobby. I’ve planned 2 more short trips and will be signing up for another Andrew Skurka trip next year! -Martha B.

Andrew’s coursework and the CA-FUN 1A trip was a terrific experience from start to finish. The leaders were not only extremely expert long-distance backcountry hikers, but also kind, patient, and terrific teachers, and *always* focused on participant safety and enjoyment. At 68 with some persistent hip issues, I wasn’t sure whether I could resume backpacking again but, with the help of the instructors during the preparatory coursework re: ultralight gear and training and, especially, during the in-field-practicum, the trip was a great success. Newly confident, I’ve followed up this brief class with solo trips this summer to Sequoia-Kings Canyon, the Carson Range, the Hoover Wilderness, Lundy Canyon, and the John Muir Wilderness. If you are newly retired like me and wondering if back-country adventures might still be possible, I encourage you to take this class and find out, learning and testing your skills under the safe and expert guidance of Andrew and his very experienced trip leaders. -Mary B.

I did not know exactly what to expect when I signed up for the Fundamentals trip, but I’m really glad that I joined. The trip made me very excited about maps and navigating off trail, and our guides were so patient in teaching us and in giving us opportunities to practice our fledgling wilderness skills. This was really neat because it made me feel more confident in myself and more comfortable with the idea that I have a place in the wilderness, even though these are skills I am just learning as an adult. I am impressed by the amount of things I learned in a 2.5 day trip! -Christine S.

I was honestly a little nervous about this trip, as it was my first experience backpacking and I didn’t want to do it “wrong.” The pre-work is incredibly helpful, taking out a lot of the guesswork that most first-time backpackers end up going through, which meant that my first time was actually more enjoyable than I think many others’! The best part was, of course, going out in the field with Bec and Nicco, aka the best guides EVER! Stories were told, adventures were had, and I won’t forget a minute of it. The group was solid – we were all at pretty much the same pace, and the off-trail portion was a game-changer. I learned so much and now I’m saving my pennies for hopefully another trip next year! -Raquel V.

This wasn’t the kind of trip where I was lead around like a trail pony. Instead I learned a ton of skills that make me feel more confident about heading into the backcountry. It was like being the world’s most beautiful classroom. -Rebecca K.

The guides make the trip and you will want to invite them to your family’s Thanksgiving dinner – I know we did. -Lowell K.

If you are at all considering going on a Fundamentals trip, do it! Not only do you cover basics like campsite selection, overnight food storage, mapping, and Leave No Trace principles, but you get to immediately put it into practice with the same team for a seamless experience. The guides created a fun, welcoming atmosphere and shared tips and tricks that I don’t know how I would have ever learned on my own like how to clean a pot using pinecone bristles or filter organic matter out of your water with a bandana. It was a truly amazing learning experience where I felt both supported and challenged, and I would highly recommend it to anyone interested. -Rebecca C.

This was my first overnight backpacking experience ever and I could not have asked for a better one! I felt both equipped and challenged in both the physical and mental exercise. We learned skills and tools that will undoubtedly come in handy in future trips. This course has made a total beginner like me feel confident in their ability to plan and accomplish future trips. -Maxwell N.

Had a fun backpacking trip experience with Andrew Skurka Adventures. The guides Joe and Jose made the trip fun, engaging and a memorable learning experience. They are great communicators, great with letting others lead part of the hike (to help us learn navigation skills), kept the conversations going, checked on each trip member before sleep (evening) / after sleep (morning), made meal conversations fun. I look forward to more trips with Andrew Skurka Adventures! -Dhiraj P.

I went on a Skurka trip because I simply wanted to hike with any one or two of these very talented and experienced guides. I also wanted to learn the basics of map and compass navigation and be exposed to the off-trail backcountry experience. The guides on my trip, Joe McConaughy and Jose Mendez, are great guys. I’d hike with them again any time and I’d gladly hike with any of the other guides who were introduced at the trip meetup. Prior to my trip, I never would have ventured off trail. I would have been too anxious about route finding and getting lost. The guides taught me how see features on the map and transpose them to corresponding features in the field and visa versa. I was particularly impressed by their campsite selection on the side of a mountain where I never would have expected to find a flat forested campsite. Nonetheless, they saw it on the map and suggested we hike up there to check it out. It turned out to be a great campsite and it really opened my eyes as to how to look at the map and use it to your advantage. Just two weeks after my Skurka trip, back in Idaho’s Sawtooth range, I used my map, compass, and Gaia GPS for an off-trail scramble from base camp. I was able to navigate up and over a ridge to a talus-strewn basin below a ridgeline of high peaks. From there I took a compass bearing to an alpine lake in a higher basin below one of the peaks. Looking at my map and at the landscape in the direction of my compass bearing to the lake, I was able to see the “soft spot” in the next ridge and we hiked right up to the pristine lake. My hiking partner was amazed at my confidence in leading us right to it. I was pretty stoked too. If only I’d brought a fly rod. -Pete W.

I decided to try out the fundamentals class even though I have done a decent amount of backpacking throughout my life. It was an incredibly rewarding experience in terms of both learning skills and testing the ones I already had. The guides were A+ adventurers and really fun to learn from. -Brandon K.

The trip was great. Great planning. Great location. Andrew clearly took the time and made great effort to match our group. The age/ability/interests aligned really well. Most of our group were STEM background. Our guides had computer and astronomy backgrounds. Over long hours of walking, the last person in the group only fell behind by several minutes. A lot of care was taken to make it a good experience. -Morteza

Andrew’s course changed my life. I thought I was a good backpacker, but the course taught me skills that I was not comfortable with, provided personal suggestions on how to improve, and has given me confidence and enthusiasm to head out into the back country solo or leading a group of people. I did not know what I did not know, and the on the trail teaching was so valuable and the individual attention so useful, that I wish I had taken a course like this a long time ago. -Eric S.

A fantastic experience and a great choice for people who like to learn by doing! -Amanda P.

The Fundamentals course was challenging and fun, but more importantly equipped me with the knowledge and skills I can use to go out and experience more than I was able to do before. -Erik A.

Flyin’ Brian and Melodie are flipping amazing. Blows my mind that Andrew Skurka has managed to wrangle some of the most interesting people on the planet to join him in guiding burgeoning backpackers into the pathless woods. Seriously, the dinner chats alone are worth the price of admission. If you are looking to go off-trail and want to learn new skills from incredibly knowledgable, patient, and fun guides look no further. -Tiffany L.

This course changed my life. I was adventurous in the outdoors, but tentative in my skills, and as an older backpacker, concerned about being out there on my own. Brian and Melodie not only dispelled my fears, but encouraged me to do more exploring and to broaden my horizons. With many of the skills I learned in this course I prepared, planned and organized a 60 mile backcountry backpacking trip for a group of five, with a resoundingly successful outcome. My wife was dismissive of the need for me to take a course like this one, feeling that we would not learn much that would be useful, and I admittedly felt that I would benefit most from navigation skills and not much else. I could not have been further off the mark, and she admitted that she was wrong (which does not happen very often) when I was able to put into practice so many things that I learned in a very brief amount of time. In a situation like the outdoors, one does not know what one does not know, and opinions abound on the web on what the latest and the greatest gear is and how to get out there are rampant, but usually come with a sales pitch. With this course, Andrew himself was there to greet us, which was huge and felt very much like he wanted to make sure we all felt personally welcomed by a person who cares, and not an institution for profit. I feel that Andrew does a great job of distancing himself from promoting products for his own profit, which improves my trust in what he is trying to teach and impart. He does not hesitate to promote products that can be readily made in one’s home, to the high end gear that ultralight (and wealthy) people crave to shave off ounces. When I applied what I learned in this course on the longest backpacking trip I have ever taken, I was grateful, as was the group that came with me, for the practical knowledge gained from taking this course. -Eric S.

Awesome trip that exceeded all my expectations. It instilled enough confidence that I really wanted to stay out another night by myself. Would do it all over again without changing a thing. -Patrick L.

My Skurka Fundamentals trip was incredible. Just the right amount of uncertainty, adventure and fun. I appreciate being pushed beyond what I would do myself or what I would plan for a friends trip. I learned all sort of tips and tricks for better, lighter, faster and more fun backpacking. The guides were total experts with incredible resumes and I trusted them every step of the way. -Alix M.

I was so thrilled to have participated in a Fundamentals trip. I have been a day hiker for years, and though I have felt confident in my physical ability, I have always questioned my skills and avoided overnight backpacking. COVID made my spouse and I realize how precious our youth and health is, and Skurka’s guided Fundamentals trip put my confidence into warp speed. I’m so excited to do future backpacking trips, and am sure I have the knowledge and resources to plan for and execute trips in various places. -Aaron N.

This trip exceeded my expectations greatly. My guide was phenomenal and a wealth of backcountry knowledge. Andrew has really outdone himself. Not only will I be returning for a more challenging group, I will also be referring people and hopefully bringing someone else with me for my next excursion. -Finn B.

Fantastic course. I came in unsure if I could pull off overnight backpacking and left with the confidence and skills to not only backpack, but to also feel comfortable adventuring off trail. Great guides, great prep work, great outcome. -Chris F.

I was looking for a new challenge in my life. I started researching the hiking lifestyle and came across Andrew Skurka’s website and guide service. After holding off a year I finally took the plunge and applied for the California hike. Upon being accepted, and going through the hiking course I was able to apply everything I learned in the classroom to the field which made the trip all the more enjoyable. Combine this new knowledge with a great group of like minded individuals and a fantastic guide and you get one of the most exciting adventures of your lifetime!!! -Shane S.

Our trip through the Emigrant Wilderness was beautiful, rugged, and challenging, yet I always felt I was in good hands with our guide, Scott. He has mastered teaching difficult backpacking skills, making learning in what could be a scary, unknown environment fun and easy. He is a great listener and friendly, making asking questions stress-free. I hope to have him as a guide on future trips with Andrew Skurka Adventures. -Casey B.

The whole experience was exceptionally organized, starting with team’s allocation, preparation and prep materials being made available, through meals and route choice. At times I even felt overwhelmed by the attention given to ALL details and found it a bit scary:) But everything falls in place once you start the route and what you experience goes from good to better to best! -Daniel M.

Taking a skurka adventures course/trip changed the way I look at the back country. It gave me the confidence to get out there more often and start taking planning into my own hands. -Luca M.

The guides on this trip (Bec and Nico) were patient, knowledgeable, fun and accommodating. They were careful to always check in with everyone and managed to cater to everyone’s fitness levels. The location was gorgeous! The grouping of strangers was so awesome. We were all so unique and different but everyone got along and was very supportive. It was one of my favorite activities this entire summer! -Aniela L.

Washington: Adventure

This was my third trip with Andrew Skurka Adventures and I’ll keep coming back for more as long as they’ll have me! -Kenan H.

During a difficult year, it was a great opportunity for me to link up with like-minded individuals and receive quality instruction from knowledgeable, humble, and enthusiastic guides. The vetting of participants, exceptional locations, and even better quality people who were guiding, make this program to be far superior than anything I have sought out. I wanted to get away, put up big miles, and go over numerous remote mountain passes, and Skurka adventures did that, and than some! It was a fabulous experience working with all the guides, but it was a fabulous experience to be around Andrew. His love for the outdoors is infectious, and it was great up an opportunity to be taught by a world class outdoorsman. Thank you Hunter, for trying to answer all my questions, but even more so it was great to get to know you. Thank you both Andrew/Hunter and your program. -Rob B.

Andrew and Hunter took great care in checking in with everyone and making sure there was a consensus as routes were concerned. And with some gentle prodding we ended up doing 35% more miles and vert than the initial plan (much to my enjoyment). -Adam S.

It’s 5:45 am and you’ve got 45mins to roll out of your bag, get packed, grab a bar and go hike up a 1500′ pass before having breakfast. If that’ sounds like fun then I have a trip for you! -Damien H.

My second Skurka trip was just as amazing as my first–something that was hard to accomplish given how great my first experience was. Everything was outstanding. Our route took us from high sub-alpine environments to a lush forest floor. Our guides, Joe and Christy, are both legends in the outdoor community and yet incredibly humble and absolutely devoted to ensuring their clients’ experiences were as good as possible. They safely navigated us through some terrain that was much gnarlier and more exposed than anything I would have done on my own while teaching us how to evaluate risk and make smarter decisions for ourselves. -Jesse S.

This was my second Skurka adventure — and it was every bit as challenging and fulfilling as our first trip. The Olympics are a stunning park, and the guides very ably helped us build the confidence to navigate tough, off-trail terrain. Joe and Christy were wonderful, using much of our waking moments to impart wisdom about backpacking, navigation, or general hiking skills. Finally, Andrew and his team always do an incredible job of pulling all the logistics for these trips together. The food options and gear library provide flexibility for all hikers, and the team seems to have a magical knack for pulling together groups of really good people that genuinely all want to be exploring outdoors. Can’t wait to join a Skurka adventure again soon. -Lauren D.

After being on two Skurka Adventures, one in Dolly Sods last year and the other in Washington in the ONP about a week ago, I feel like I’ve compressed years of learning by trial and error into a couple of weeks and feel much better prepared to seek out adventures on my own. I can’t say enough good things about these trips and the guides I had on both of them. I can safely say I feel better in my abilities to tackle some of my own trips because I’ve learned from some of the best out there in the business and it was worth every penny! -Anthony H.

I went on one of the trips to Olympic NP and had a blast. The guides Nicco & Bec were excellent. The practical application of backing, hiking and navigation as well as the skills transfer was great. The pre-trip classroom work was extremely valuable. Even though I’ve taken many trips myself and feel even more confident in my skills now, I’ll be taking more trips with Andrew Skurka Adventures. -Joshua R.

????????????????️❤️ -Vincent B.

My second trip with Skurka Adventure proved just as great as the first. From the stellar team of guides to the incredible locations, they are well worth their reasonable price! I feel much more confident venturing off the beaten paths even in unfamiliar terrain, and truly appreciate the learning that I gained on the terrain. Now considering a third trip! -David B.

I’d like to say the Skurka adventure/expedition trips are the best kind you can find! -Shuwen W.

I experienced some of the most beautiful backcountry of Olympic NP that I never would have seen on my own. -Steve S.

A couple of friends and I plan annual adventure trips. This was a great addition to our usual- and a unique opportunity to ‘up our game’ when it comes to tips and tricks provided by friendly and knowledgeable guides, both in advance but most importantly in the backcountry. The level of physical challenge was good. I though the trip was great value, and Olympic mountains were beautiful. To top things off, we were lucky with the weather for a fall trip. -Simon T

Incredible backpacking experience, combining detailed preparation and planning, skills development, great people, and beautiful rugged environments. -Lance L.

Andrew did a great job of matching our groups hiking ability, route planning, and overall organization. We worked well as a team and really enjoyed our time together. I would absolutely do another trip in the future with this incredibly professional outfit. -Seth R.

Excellent instruction of off-trail map reading and navigation skills! -Kurt M.

This was my first trip with Andrew and his team. I was a last minute addition after a cancellation opened a slot. They did a fantastic job making sure I was fully prepared. The trip had some unexpected challenges with the route, but Andrew and Hunter made sure to everyone was safe, had a great time, and got the most out of it. While I had a fair bit of experience with backcountry travel and backpacking, I still gained new knowledge and skills. I would certainly recommend Skurka adventures. -Ron J.

These trips provide a meaningful place to hone both one’s skills as well as one’s connection to others and the self. Being in the field with like-minded individuals of similar intention engenders feelings of both self-satisfaction and camaraderie not felt in everyday life very often. They are good for the mind, body, and soul. -Dylan B.

I’m still processing how I feel about the trip. It was wonderful meeting the guides and getting to know a great group of hikers. Even though the hike was a super tough cluster, I think it helped form strong bonds with each other. -Bill C.

I’m always looking for a challenge, and I crave hard things. The Olympic’s really delivered. Joe and Christy led our group through technical, loose, exposed terrain with grace and determination. Their leadership enabled people that were clearly outside of their comfort zone to persevere, success, and finish strongly. There were many tears along the way, but their was also abundant laughter, deep conversations, and a stronger sense of camaraderie than can be developed in any other 7-day experience. I’d do this trip again in a heartbeat. -Matthew M.

Washington: Fundamentals

I love hiking, but had not done any backpacking in more than twenty years. Andrew’s program got me back up to speed with the process, and gave me the knowledge and tools to get back in the mountains on my own. That said, the trip was so well organized and fun that I will probably do more trips with them. -Pepe A.

Excellent trip – expert and friendly guides – I learned a lot about the art and science of backpacking. -Susan K.

I was very nervous about going on a guided trip with strangers. I am no stranger to backpacking but I’ve never gone with a guide or with strangers. I couldn’t be happier with the outcome. The hiking was fantastic, the company was perfect, and the guides were excellent. I have no hesitation on going on another trip with Nicco and Joe. My group is already in talks about trying to coordinate together for a 5 day trip next year. -Eric K.

I’m a middle aged urbanite (Brooklyn, NY) who despite a lifelong love of nature and the outdoors, had hiked too little, and done absolutely no backpacking. The pandemic instigated in me an urge to get out of the city, and I became an avid and passionate hiker. I was also inspired by my kids, who have extensive experience hiking and backpacking in the Adirondack mountains of NY. Researching where to begin to learn backpacking skills, all roads seemed to lead to Andrew Skurka, universally esteemed and venerated by the backpacking community and by backpacking gear manufacturers alike. Andrew’s website not only has extensive content and skills tutorials for beginners and experienced backpackers; but his rich and extensive program of trips is very well described and documented, and I quickly realized that one of his “Fundamentals” trips could be the way for me to start backpacking. I was also fortunate to be able to get some one-on-one time with one of his guides during a program of “office hours” that Andrew offered to prospective clients, before his trip season began. Talking with Joe McConaughy (who would go on to be the lead guide on my trip) confirmed for me that a Fundamentals trip would be perfect for me and got me very excited about doing a trip. The care and thoroughness with which Andrew puts together his trips is evident from the get-go, from the trip descriptions on his site, to the clearly described methodology he applies to trip selection and planning (as extensively set forth on his site), through to the application process, which gave me an opportunity to articulate (for him, but also for myself) my goals and intentions, and do an inventory of my own hiking experience and fitness. And if I was already impressed by Andrew’s trip application and trip selection process, I was utterly blown away by the planning phase for the trip, once my trip (a 3 day fundamentals trip in Olympic National Park in Washington) was set. This planning phase is taken from Andrew’s “Plan Like a Pro” stand-alone course, and it is a full blown 10 week curriculum run through Google Classroom, using Andrew’s famous “Ultimate Hiker’s Gear Guide” as its core text, but also including an abundant supply of other writings and tutorial videos by Andrew, as well as content by other contributors. In this profoundly rich, methodical, step-by-step course, my knowledge of backpacking grew beyond what I ever expected. Indeed, because of this course – even before my trip to the Olympics – I was able to plan and execute a backpacking trip in the Catskills with 100% confidence and success, with all my gear dialed in, and with a fairly moderate base weight. Feeling well prepared, I was excited to get out on the trail in the Olympics with my guides and fellow backpackers. As a New Yorker, and someone who has only hiked in the northeast, the landscape and topography utterly blew me away, and moved me exceedingly. Our group gelled quickly (within 2 miles on the trail!) – we all felt at ease with one another, and trusted our guides, who were not only knowledgable and deeply experienced, but kind, joyful, and utterly fun to be around. Over the next three days, our guides’ coverage of core topics such as navigation, map reading, compass, water preparation , etc. was thorough and fun – we were learning by doing. The off-trail component of our trip was quite different than anything I had done as a (day) hiker, and was a real highlight of the trip. Arriving back at the trailhead at the conclusion of the trip, our group (including our guides, Joe and Nicco) was already talking about trying to get together again for another trip. Saying that the trip exceeded my expectations is a profound understatement. I can’t wait until my next trip. -Mark B.

This was an experience of a lifetime!!! I wanted to learn to backpack and felt the training I received ahead of time truly prepared me for my time in Olympic National Park as well as any future trips I may take. I knew nothing before signing up (and I’m not being modest). Now I can plan a trip, pack a backpack, cook on a tiny stove, filter water, clean my dishes, read a map, use a compass, and poop in the wood properly. What more could a girl ask for? If you are on the fence – DO IT! You won’t regret it. -Kim K.

West Virginia: Adventure

This was my first trip with Skurka Adventures and it did not disappoint! I had a goal to better understand how to use a paper map and compass. My guides did a fantastic job in explaining the concepts and then providing hands-on experience during the trip. For someone who is a hands-on learner, this was priceless! Many other aspects of the trip left me feeling more prepared for my next solo adventure from learning a new skill to fine tuning an old one. Thank you for providing a great experience! -Sherry J.

This was a trip of a lifetime! What a great experience to wander off into the wilderness with two knowledgeable guides to help you improve backpacking and orienteering skills while having fun! -Tony G.

I consider myself to be a seasoned backpacker, but the experience of a Skurka Adventure has shown me that no matter how much experience you may have, there is always something to be learned. Not only did I learn a lot on the hike itself, but the learning started with the gear/equipment review and increased exponentially from there. -Gregg C.

A first class experience from a first class operation. I totally recommend Andrew and his team for people of all skill and experience levels looking to lean more about backpacking in all types of environments and terrain. -Ryan L.

The Dolly Sods, WV, trip is flying under the radar as an undervalued gem. DS is a stunningly beautiful and varied ecosystem that is not otherwise represented on the East Coast. Having spent much of my adult life exploring Eastern forests, I thought I knew what to expect, but what I found was so much more, including secluded ferneries, dappled rhododendron thickets, rolling prairie, cotton grass speckled wetlands teaming with berries, upland reindeer moss moors, soaring rock formations looming over hardwood forests, and acres of conifers rimmed with spongey duff. It seems inconceivable to exist in such a concentrated space. And all of this to explore with skilled and thoughtful guides, focused on teaching you to move through the landscape efficiently, employing navigation using the resources around you, reading clues in the topography and environment. I am so deeply grateful for this experience, as it was both more than what I expected and different from what I anticipated, culminating in something bigger than its disparate parts. This trip is a tremendous value, from the initial, and invaluable course work, through to the camaraderie, and the experience of the place itself, I remain moved and deeply grateful for this opportunity and hope to do more Skurka Adventures trips in the years to come. -Heather T.

This was an amazing trip, one of my top life experiences. Dolly Sods was beautiful and the guides were really informative and helpful. I now feel prepared to go on backpacking trips on my own. Also, the bread bags is a fucking genius idea and worked great! -Nicole R.

Thanks for an amazing guided adventure in the backcountry! -Kelly W.

A unique and great experience for experienced recreational backpackers to improve their knowledge, skills, and gear usage. -daniel m.

The Dolly Sods are a completely unique area in the central Atlantic region and the timing choice of peak fall colors was perfect. The grand tour of the area provided an in-depth immersive experience of all that it had to offer. Our guides, Andrew and Witt, shared their deep backpacking knowledge to make the trip not only an enjoyable experience but a learning one too. -Larry G.

I took a 5 day trip in West Virginia with Andrew and Witt, and had an excellent experience. I am an experienced backpacker, and both of the guides did a great deal to help me further refine my gear and skills. In addition, they were so kind in accommodating me for meals on a vegan diet. -John P.

My 5 day West Virginia Adventure met and exceeded my expectation. Saw unique country, learned a tremendous amount, enjoyed our spirited group, and look forward to another Skurka trip in 2023. –Jerry S.

West Virginia: Fundamentals

I really appreciated Andrew working with me to make this trip happen. I also appreciated the expert guides and the pre-trip preparation work. This made for an enjoyable trip. I would most definitely recommend Andrew and his trips offered to others. My experience pushed me out of my comfort level and this allowed me to see that I don’t need to put limits on myself. -Hallah

I recently embarked on an incredible experience as part of West Virginia Fundamentals 2A. The expert guides, breathtaking views, delicious food, and great camaraderie all added to an A+ trip. As a beginning backpacker, the pre-trip coursework prepped me well for the trip and the beautiful scenery of Dolly Sods, WVa. This is not to be missed folks. -Russ P.

This was my first backpacking and hiking trip. I knew from my research that I wanted to go on one of Andrew’s basic fundamentals trips. If you want to learn then go with the best. This trip exceeded my expectations and then some. The guides for our trip Katie and Kat was the reason that the WV 2A trip was such a fantastic experience. They provided a great learning environment while making sure our group was safe. The 3 day trip was a great introduction into the backpacking and hiking experience that I am already planning on the 5 day WV trip in 2023. For an older beginning backpacker/hiker it was a highlight that just fueled my desire to go on another trip with Andrew. -Greg R.

Highly recommended! Everything about the West Virgnia fundamentals course exceeded my expectations (which were high after speaking with trip alumni). The pre-trip planning course is excellent. As a beginner, I learned a lot of the basics, but I’m sure more experienced backpackers would be able to fine-tune their skills/kits. The course provided me with confidence going into the trip itself, which was the highlight of my fall. Dolly Sods in the Seneca Rocks Wilderness area is beautiful, especially with all the leaves changing colors. I could tell that great care was put into grouping students, matching us with guides, and selecting the trails we’d explore. I loved being able to test out gear from the gear library and will soon be using the special discount codes available to trip participants to get some of the items I tried out. -Kristine F.

I have done a lot of backpacking through the years, but I made mistakes. I carried too much stuff. I didn’t have good mentors to show me the right way to do things. Still, I enjoyed those trips but knew things could be better. The fundamentals trip brought it all together for me. In planning, I had to face up to the tough questions of what to bring and what to leave. The pre trip pack inspection gave more emphasis to these choices as I was told to leave “xyz” behind. On the trip itself, the guides were great teachers and gave great advice on how they do things. It was the learning experience of a dozen trips condensed into one. My investment of time and money into this trip definitely paid off. -Steve M.

I could not have been in better or more knowledgeable hands during this trip. It was a beautiful, educational, and inspiring experience. -Bill F.

The fundamentals course was exactly what I was looking for to get me started as a backpacker. It helped me (1) make informed gear decisions without wasting a lot of time and money, (2) learn to plan my own backpacking trips and (3) connect with a great group of like-minded backpacking enthusiasts. I would highly recommend this course for anyone that is new to backpacking or is looking to hone their backpacking skills. -John C.

Skurka’s fundamentals class is state of the art. Through research and years of experience he has fine-tuned every element of lightweight backpacking, giving the novice a thrilling and safe entry to the backcountry. -Michael P.

Our guides were so knowledgeable, skilled and friendly and showed us a great time. -Jim B.

This is my second trip with Skurka, this time a fundamentals course with my spouse. I cannot rave about his trips enough. Each time they have far exceeded my already high expectations .The guides were excellent instructors with a lifetime of experience yet humble and down to earth, FUNNY, kind and encouraging. The skills you learn in a few days are worth a month of figuring it out on your own or learning the hard way through mistakes or not having the correct gear. One of the biggest benefits is a master plan for gear planning along with feedback and suggestions. Of course the actual trips are in lovely locations, totally dialed in for expectations re: fitness, conditions, etc. They are well planned and executed and of course the food is over the top. You learn map and compass skills in the pre-course and then get to practice them in the field. Our guides met each person where they were. Scott Christy and Hazel Platt – sign up for one of their trips as they are each lovely, interesting, kind, brilliant and incredible humans. Andrew was the on-site manager and was welcoming and helpful as always. 10 of 5 stars! -Belinda J.

The coursework and professional instruction on my trip was next level. From the basic (butt cleaning) to the complex (navigation and knots), the experience left me feeling confident that I can survive and even enjoy the backcountry. -Caroline C.

This was my first ever experience backpacking and I had a blast and can’t wait to do it again. The location, guides, and experience were all top notch. -Drew L.

I signed up for the 3-day fundamentals class kind of on a whim — I wanted to learn more about backpacking but wasn’t sure this would be the best way to do it. I was a wrong; this is an excellent way to do it. The information learned leading up to the trip is essential and really helps you understand just how much planning needs to go into a safe and successful trip. But it’s offered up in a way that makes it both easily digestible and easy to put in practice immediately on your own. The actual trip itself was the most fun I’ve had in a long time. I’m definitely planning on taking another Skurka course in the future. -Aiden K.

Andrew Skurka’s guided trips was an unbelievable experience. I was very novice, not confident and out of my comfort zone going into this trip. The preperation leading up to the trip helped me gain confidence in trip planning. The trip was not only stunningly beautiful but also a process for learning how to backpack the correct way. We learned how to find water sources, choose a camp site and on and off trail navigation. -John A.

The best adventure guide experience I’ve had. Unsurpassed preparation and organization! -Doug D.

Posted in News on December 9, 2022
Tags: Guided Trips

Exclusive 25% off discount on my four favorite Sierra Designs products

Events this weekend in Sheridan & Buffalo, WY

Registration now open for select guided trips