Posts by Andrew Skurka
Two open Alaska spots: Now discounted
Update, May 22, 4pm: The 11-day spot on 2A has been filled. The 7-day spot on 1C remains open. Update, May 23, 5pm: The 7-day spot on 1C is no longer available. All our Alaska trips are full. Due to recent cancellations, I have two spots available on our upcoming trips to Alaska’s Brooks Range. Starting…
Limited spots: Backpack with us in the High Sierra
We have a limited number of spots available on our High Sierra trips in July and August. Nearly all the trips had been full, but we recently added two new sessions. As I write this post, we have spots on: For travel and logistics information for these locations, go here. For updated trip availability and…
Remaining Utah spots: now 30 percent off!
Our first guided trips of the season in southern Utah start in about four weeks, wahoo! We still a limited number of open spots on 5-, 7-, and 11-day backpacking trips and technical canyoneering courses. All remaining spots are now available at 30 percent off full price. To apply, go here. If have questions, contact…
Recommended footwear for deserts and canyons
Footwear is consistently the most discussed topic among the clients on our guided trips in southern Utah during the planning phases. It comes up in our online discussion board, during gear list reviews, and on our virtual group calls. Why? I think it’s due to: This post should be helpful for any reader who is…
Aquamira: Why we like it, and how we use it
For about twenty years and almost exclusively I have used Aquamira ($15) to purify backcountry water sources. And it’s been the only purification method used by the guided trip program that I started in 2011 and that has over 1,000 alumni. Last month two of these alumni emailed me separately, asking for a written explanation…
Christopher Roma: Learning to turn back
Last week an experienced thru-hiker, 37-year old Christopher Roma, died tragically of exposure in the White Mountains. My condolences are with his parents, family, and friends. My father and several alumni shared this news with me. I had never met Christopher, but in at least a few respects we were kindred souls. I know only…
Application deadline today for UT, AK
If you’d like to join a guided trip next year in Utah or Alaska, the open application deadline is today/Monday. Officially, you have until 11:59 pm MT. Realistically, if your application is waiting in my inbox tomorrow morning, you’ll be fine. This week we will finish reviewing the applications, and next week we will start…
For sale: 3909 Apache Ct E, Boulder, CO
I’m hiring: Operations Manager (and maybe Instructor + Guide)
To help me during the 2024 season I plan to make a new hire. This is a local position, and the individual must live within a reasonable commuting distance of south Boulder, Colorado (75-ish minutes max, and ideally much less). The Operations Manager is responsible for all program gear, food, and other supplies. With the…
Released: 2024 guided trip schedule
Our 2024 trip schedule has been released! To view it, click here. The season will start again in mid-April in Escalante, Utah, which greets us with mild temps, wildflowers, and long days. In addition to our normal Adventure 5-day and 7-day trips, we’ll offer 5- and 7-day technical canyoneering expeditions and one 11-day thru-hike of…