Guided Trips

2023 Schedule & Trip Availability

Apply for a trip starting on Tuesday, December 13.

For trip prices, go here.

Scheduling iterations

Each year I release three iterations of the schedule.

In Iteration 1, I announce the trip locations, dates, and types; and I estimate the number of groups in each session. I don’t specify guide teams or trip intensities at this time.

I release Iteration 2 in mid-January, several weeks after the open application period ends (December 27 or January 3, depending on the location). Based on the interests and abilities of the applicant pool, I will finalize the number of groups, trip intensities, and guide teams.

The High Sierra and Olympics locations require an Iteration 3. Wilderness permits are not available until mid-January and mid-March, respectively; and commercial permits are not normally approved until late-winter or early-spring. Once these permits are in-hand, I can lock in these trips.

Waitlists

Many trips were full by the close of the open application period in late-December 2022. What should you do if the trip(s) in which you’re most interested are full? My tips:

  • Apply anyway. Cancellations happen, especially for trips that are months away and often last-minute (within the last 4-6 weeks, when hard choices sometimes must be made). If you’re in our system and you’re a good fit, we can contact you about these openings.
  • Block out the dates, as if you’re going. This will allow you to join a group even if a spot opens up late.
  • Periodically check in with me/Andrew, to keep it known that you’re interested. Also, sometimes I get an early notice that a spot may be opening (e.g. “I hurt my foot and I have a doctor’s appointment next week.”), and I can set you up early to fill it.

Iteration 2

“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.