Guided Trips

Prices

“Priceless!  The pre-trip classwork and time in the field was worth every penny.  I am confident that I will be able to take everything I learned and apply it to any future trip.” — Jenn B.

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.

“So much value is provided pre-trip compared to other guide companies. There’s so much value for the cost. Andrew, you really need to raise your prices!!!” — Jonathan K.

2024 prices (per person)

All prices below include the Application Fee ($25) and a 9-week online planning course based on Plan Like A Pro ($175).

For backpacking trips in Utah, California, Washington, Yellowstone, and West Virginia:

  • Fundamentals (3 days): $775
  • Adventure (5 days): $1,695
  • Adventure (7 days): $2,145
  • Expedition (11 days): $3,175 + up to $150 shuttle surcharge*

For technical canyoneering trips in Utah:

  • Expedition (5 days): $1,975
  • Expedition (7 days): $2,545

For trips in Alaska:

  • Expedition (7 days): $3,175 + $1325 flight surcharge*
  • Expedition (11 days): $4,425 + $1325 flight surcharge*

For Wilderness First Aid courses:

  • Online + one in-person day: plus $175

* Shuttle and flight surcharges

These are direct pass-through costs. I collect funds from you up-front, pay the carriers, and issue a refund after the trip so long as the total costs were less than budgeted (which they have been, to date). Refunds are normally sent out at season-end, when I complete end-of-season accounting tasks.

All Alaska trips will have a flight surcharge. The 11-day trips in the lower 48 are TBD, based on the routes. Loop itineraries or point-to-point itineraries with key swaps will not have a surcharge.

Updates (March 6, 2024):

  • The listed shuttle surcharge for 11-day lower 48 trips (Utah, California, Washington, Yellowstone) is a maximum, based on preliminary conversations with transportation companies before we have our exact wilderness permits. If the itinerary is a loop, a charge will not apply.
  • The flight surcharge for 7- and 11-day trips in Alaska is final.

Discounts

Discounts cannot be combined.

Wilderness First Aid courses are not eligible for discounts.

Discounts cannot exceed $200 per person (the cost of the Application Fee and Planning Curriculum).

  • If you are an alumnus, subtract 10 percent.
  • If you are a first-time client and are part of a group of 2+, subtract 10 percent.
  • If you are a first-time client who is joining an alumnus, subtract 10 percent.
  • If you participated in the Plan Like A Pro online course in 2020-22, subtract the cost of your tuition.

Gratuities

Tipping your guides is customary. For a job well done we recommend 10 to 20 percent of the trip’s cost. If you have two guides, divide this amount between them, or 5 to 10 percent per guide. If have one guide, they should receive the full tip.

Cash or check is preferred, and should be given directly to the guides as you see fit. Electronic payments are also accepted; refer to this page for Venmo, PayPal, and Zelle information.

Included

  • $25 Application Fee
  • $175 online planning course
  • World-class backpacking guides and instruction
  • Group gear, e.g. first aid supplies, repair kit, emergency communication device, etc.
  • Backcountry permit and/or backcountry campsite reservations
  • Breakfasts and dinners
  • Loaner gear, including shelters, sleeping bags, stoves, and backpacks
  • Product discounts from partner brands
  • Free digital download of a high route guide ($25 value), pending completion of our post-trip survey

Not included

  • Transportation to/from the trailhead
  • Park entry fees, if applicable
  • Daytime food/snacks
  • Personal gear and supplies
  • Guide gratuity (see above)

Scholarships

Financial need-based scholarships are available. Learn more and apply.