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.

2025 prices (per person)

* Service fee

To ensure compliance with state law, a 15 percent service fee has been added to California trip prices. Revenue from this fee will be entirely passed through to guides. If you would like to tip your guides in addition to this 15 percent fee for a job well done, please do so. Contact and tipping information will be provided after the trip.

* Guide gratuities

For a job well done we recommend a guide gratuity of 15-20 percent of the trip cost, divided between a two-guide team (so 7.5-10 percent per guide) or given entirely to a solo guide. Please tip the guide(s) directly. Contact and tipping information will be provided after the trip, or can be provided by the guide.

* 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. Refunds are normally sent out at season-end, when I complete end-of-season accounting tasks.

* 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.

Included

  • 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.

Transaction fees

To help keep costs lower, I don’t build transaction fees into my prices. If you pay by paper check or Zelle, there are no transaction fees. But:

  • If you pay with Venmo, a 2 percent fee will be added to your invoice.
  • If you pay with PayPal, a 3 percent fee will be added to your invoice.