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…

Scholarships

Since founding this program in 2011, my primary goal has been to empower individuals with outdoor skills and knowledge so that they can confidently undertake trips of their own and informally lead family and friends in the backcountry. Thousands of clients have joined our guided trips and have completed our Plan Like A Pro online…

Wilderness First Aid Certification

At select locations we offer Wilderness First Aid (WFA) courses, in partnership with the University of New Mexico International Mountain Medicine Center (IMMC) and Department of Emergency Medicine. Course structure The course includes: The in-person field component will be made available in two ways: Certification Upon completion of this course, students will receive either a…

2022 Schedule & Trip Availability

To apply for a trip, submit an application. For prices, refer to 2022 trip pricing. Scheduling iterations Each year I release three iterations of the schedule. In Iteration 1, I announce the trip locations, dates, and types; I estimate the number of groups in each session; and I identify the most likely guide team. I…

2021 Schedule & Trip Availability

To apply for a trip, submit an application. For prices, refer to 2021 trip pricing. 2021 schedule – Plan A Applications for 2021 trips were accepted starting on December 14, 2020. Nearly all trips were full by early-January, at the close of the open application period. Trip availability is updated every five minutes. If your…

Covid-19 Protocols

Our Covid protocols are designed to keep our clients and guides safe, and they will be based on scientific facts and official guidelines. This pandemic has been dynamic since the beginning, and for the foreseeable future I expect it to remain so. As the circumstances change throughout the season, our protocols may also change. Last…

Training Tips

The assigned fitness level and technical difficulty of your trip should be appropriate for your known physical abilities. But your experience will be more enjoyable and more comfortable if you train. Training should prepare you most for the vertical change, off-trail travel, and pack weight. I would not focus as much on training for mileage — it’ll…

Application dates, process, and expectations

If your 2023 plans involve a guided trip with us, this page will help you navigate the application process and to set your expectations. How to apply When to apply We will accept applications for all 2023 trips starting on: For the first two to three weeks, it’s an open application period, and applications received…

Guided Trips

I offer education-focused and adventure-filled backpacking courses and trips. Since 2011 I have managed 228 trips with nearly 1,800 total clients. To help me lead and instruct, I have assembled a world-class guide team. We are true backpacking experts, and specialize in modern gear and technique, long-distance thru-hiking, mountain high routes, and off-trail travel. Our…

Application Form

I am now accepting applications for 2023 trips. All applications received before December 27 or January 3, depending on the trip location, will be considered equally. After this initial open application period, remaining spots will be offered on a first-come first-served basis. Instructions 1. If you have not already, please review the application deadlines and…