With so many destinations to choose from, North America is a broad expanse of raw, open wilderness where it would be easy to spend a lifetime discovering new hidden places to getaway.

 

With so many destinations to choose from, North America is a broad expanse of beautiful places, and you could easily spend a lifetime discovering famous highlights and hidden getaways. The mountains, creeks, canyons and deserts provide a seemingly endless adventure playground blessed with wonderful suprises.  While our tours are rooted in the Southwest, we’ve also curated a wide selection of tours to help get you acquainted with some of our favorite areas all over North America.

We can also arrange custom tours to anywhere you want to go, these are our favorites and we feel they are among the best. Places not to be missed.

Northern Arizona

Many people are surprised by what they find upon first arrival in Northern Arizona; it’s not all saguaro cactus, desert sand and blinding heat. Set between about 5000 to 8000 feet above sea level, Northern Arizona is much cooler compared to its southern counterpart and includes an immensely varied landscape. Pinyon-juniper and ponderosa forests, chaparral, and riparian creeks are scattered across mountains and canyons making for a new scene everywhere you look.

Sedona and the Grand Canyon are show-stoppers. Flagstaff is home to Arizona’s highest peak, towering over 12,000 feet and snow-capped much of the year. We love to spend our free time adventuring outdoors, and Arizona is fantastic for year-round fun. We invite you to come see what it’s all about!

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Southern Utah

Southern Utah is perhaps the greatest place in the world to get up close and personal with some of the most enchanting and mystifying geology on Earth. Twisting canyons, natural arches, spires and hoodoos seem to appear from no where, the formation of which takes some serious mental gymnastics to comprehend. Catch a sunset glowing off these red rock cliffs and you just may never see the world the same way.

Our lodge-based Southern Utah Highlights tours focus on our favorite parts of Utah, visiting Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks and the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.

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Colorado Rockies

The Colorado Rockies are famous for their jagged peaks with 58 14ers and thousands of other smaller peaks in between. So where do you start? Our 6 night hiking tour of Crested Butte and Aspen is what we recommend.  Two of the best stops in the state with daily hikes and an iconic hike connecting the two past the Maroon Bells.

Your trip begins with four nights in the historic mining town of Crested Butte, the wildflower capital of Colorado and known throughout the state for its mellow and friendly vibe. The end-of-the-road town features picturesque hikes to secluded lakes or mountain peaks with rainbow-colored wildflowers along the way. Crested Butte is tiny, but boasts many fine restaurants, shops and B&Bs. We’ll arrange your stay at one of our favorites.

Next, you’ll hike over a beautiful pass (or drive yourself) to the bustle and charm of upscale Aspen. Your car and luggage will conveniently meet you in Aspen for two ,pre days of exploration.  Famous for a reason, enjoy world-class hikes and a great boutique hotel in downtown Aspen. If the rugged mountains of Colorado have been on your list of places to explore, now’s the time. Pack your hiking shoes, Colorado is ready!

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California

If you haven’t made it to Lake Tahoe before, you’re going to wonder what took you so long. Stunningly blue and surrounded by natural beauty, it is the 2nd deepest lake in North America and certainly one of the prettiest.

Lake Tahoe sits high in the Sierras at 6225 ft, surrounded by a ring of impressive mountains, numerous meadows and endless pine trees. A paradise for hikers, the region is also a multi-sport dream, with great biking and kayaking opportunities. Relax with a beach day on one of the sunny lake shores. Try out one of the world-class mountain biking trails or spend a leisurely day along a lakeside trail. Rent paddleboards for a day on the water, or treat yourself to a sailboat cruise along the lake. A week is not enough to experience it all.

Straddling California and Nevada, it is easily accessible from both Sacramento (2 hrs) and Reno (30 minutes). Fly in, rent a car, and you will be breathing the fresh woodsy air high in the mountains. We like to start in the delightful little town of Truckee. Just off the lake, Truckee has great restaurants and shops and a fun bohemian vibe.  After 3 beautiful days and nights in Truckee, you’ll transfer down to South Lake Tahoe, where you stay in a comfortable upscale hotel close to numerous great hikes on this side of the lake. Hikes into the nearby Desolation Wilderness are certainly a highlight.

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Canadian Rockies

Discover the magic of the Canadian Rockies! Huge limestone peaks, turquoise lakes, wild animals, and abundant trails. You’ll spend 3 nights in Banff exploring mountain valleys and glacier-fed rivers while relaxing in a comfortable hotel each night. The hiking options are nearly endless… Healy Pass with it’s stunning views, iconic Lake Louise and the Plain of the Six Glaciers, Moraine Lake and Valley of the Ten Peaks… you will not lack for options.

It might be hard to leave, but there’s more to see, so after 3 nights it’s time to move along. The drive to Jasper National Park along the Icefields parkway may be one of the best drives in the world, winding along the Continental Divide with unfair views at every turn. Nearby Yoho Park (named, appropriately, after a Cree expression of awe and wonder) is a notable stop with many hiking options.
The drive terminates at our favorite Rockies town, Jasper.

Jasper began its life as a fur trading post in the early 1800’s and has retained a healthy low-key charm. It is a great jumping off point for hikes to Maligne Lake, taking the gondola up Whistler’s Peak and for hikes near the colossal Mount Robson, the highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies. After 3 nights here, relive your route along the Icefields parkway back to Calgary and flight home.

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Europe: The Swiss Alps and Dolomites

Through our partner company, Alpinehikers, we have been offering a self-guided, group guided and private trekking tours in the Alps since 1999.  If you’re interested in a custom European hiking adventure ranging from village-based luxury to rustic inn-to-inn treks, we think our tours are unparalleled.  The Alps are an endless mountain playground and we’re happy to show you around our second home.  Check out alpinehikers.com for the full schedule and more info.

Alpinehikers Tours >
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