Discover The Great Outdoors
“Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is going home; that wilderness is a necessity…” ― John Muir
We live in a time of innumerable distractions: text messages, emails, status updates, TV, pop-up ads, Tweets, Likes, shared content, etc. More and more, we look around and see people with their heads down, eyes fixed on the screen of a computer, smartphone, or tablet, lost in an electronic world and mostly removed from the tangible world around us. We stress over commitments, obligations, deadlines, responsibilities. Rarely do we find (or make) time to escape it all and offer ourselves a break from the constant stimulation. Although, there is great value in such an escape and some quality time spent in the outdoors can be just the trick to ground yourself, recharge your mind and soul, and relieve pent-up stress and anxiety.
This is why we endeavor to explore the wondrous wilderness around us, and to share it with as many people as we can. There is an amazing freedom offered by leaving behind the hustle and bustle of our modern lives for a few days (or longer) and walking off into the undeveloped natural world.
On a multi-day backpacking trip, you travel under your own power, on your own two feet, with everything you need (and nothing you don’t) on your back. Life becomes extremely simplified: eat, walk, rest, eat, walk, rest. As you settle into your surroundings and this new, simplified routine, your mind will begin to let go of the distractions of the ‘real’ world, stress diminishes, and your mind gets the opportunity to stretch its legs as well. With all the normal distractions removed, your senses become heightened: colors are more vivid, smells are more tantalizing, sounds (or the lack there of) are more profound, and tastes…oh my…everything tastes delicious!
You start to pay more attention to little things, such as the warmth of the rising sun on your skin, the sound of the morning’s first bird song, the crunch of the soil and stone beneath your hiking shoes. The wide-open spaces and distant views of dramatic landscapes can inspire a sense of awe and wonder unrivaled in our everyday lives. It can invoke a renewed feeling of discovery and an excitement and zest for life, too often drowned out by the fast-paced, hectic day-to-day.
To experience this can be wholly rejuvenating for the mind, body, and soul and it has a way of reminding us of what is truly important and valuable in our lives.
The value of wilderness cannot be overstated. The more people that have the opportunity to enjoy an outstanding wilderness experience, the better chance we have of continuing to protect the remaining wild places that exist. As our day-to-day lives continue to separate us from the natural world, it only becomes more important that these places be protected, appreciated, and acknowledged for their inherent value as a place of escape and good old-fashioned freedom. So go on, get out there, and get lost. You just might find yourself.
Backpacking Vacations (A Sampling)
Rim To Rim Grand Canyon – 4 Days of Moderately Strenuous backpacking allowing you to explore both the North Rim and South Rim of the Grand Canyon. This is one of our more popular hikes.
Dates: Mid May to Early November
Days: 4 Days
Canyons of The Ancients: Archaeology Trip – 4 to 5 days of exploring the Canyons of Grand Gulch in Southeastern Utah. We will explore a number of cliff dwellings and rock art left behind by the ancient Anasazi and Fremont Indians from thousands of years ago.
Dates: April-June and Sept-Nov
Days: 4-5 Days
Paria Canyon – Explore one of the longest, deepest slot canyons in the world as it cuts through 195 million year old Navajo Sandstone. Paria Canyon is one of the most unique destinations in the southwest.
Dates: April-June Sept-Oct.
Days: 5 Days
Yosemite Half Dome – This unforgettable loop hike will allow you to experience the most talked about scenery in all of Yosemite Park and is a must for your travel adventure plans.
Dates: June to September
Days: 3 Days
Frequently Asked Questions
Discover how spending time in nature and joining guided backpacking trips can rejuvenate the mind, body, and soul while helping preserve wild places for future generations.
Why is spending time outdoors important?
Being outdoors reduces stress, restores mental clarity, and reconnects you with the natural world. The simplicity of hiking, camping, or backpacking clears the mind, heightens the senses, and promotes overall well-being. It’s a chance to slow down, breathe deeply, and experience life without digital distractions.
How does backpacking help relieve stress?
Backpacking removes you from daily pressures and immerses you in nature’s calm rhythm. The physical activity releases tension while the quiet surroundings clear mental clutter. As you focus on simple routines—walking, eating, resting—stress naturally fades, leaving you more relaxed and centered.
What should I expect on a multi-day backpacking trip?
Expect a simplified routine of walking, eating, and resting while carrying only essentials. You’ll develop self-reliance and mindfulness, and each day will bring scenic views, peaceful silence, and deeper appreciation for the wilderness. Meals taste better, the air feels fresher, and you’ll return home rejuvenated.
What are some popular backpacking destinations?
Popular trips include the Grand Canyon Rim to Rim hike, Paria Canyon, Yosemite’s Half Dome Loop, and the Canyons of the Ancients in Utah. Each offers unique landscapes—from deep canyons and ancient rock art to towering granite peaks and desert vistas.
When is the best time to go backpacking in the Grand Canyon?
The ideal time for the Rim to Rim Grand Canyon trip is from mid-May to early November. During this period, the weather is generally mild, trails are accessible, and the experience is safe and comfortable for most hikers.
What makes Paria Canyon unique?
Paria Canyon is one of the world’s longest and deepest slot canyons, carved through 195-million-year-old Navajo sandstone. Its winding, narrow walls and glowing colors create an otherworldly landscape that offers solitude, challenge, and unmatched natural beauty.
Why are wilderness areas worth protecting?
Wilderness areas provide peace, perspective, and freedom that modern life often lacks. Protecting them ensures that future generations can experience the same sense of wonder, connection, and rejuvenation that wild places offer today.
Who are Four Season Guides?
Four Season Guides is a boutique outfitter based in Flagstaff, Arizona. Since 1999, they’ve led guided backpacking and lodge-based trips across the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Havasu Falls, and Southern Utah, offering safe, enriching outdoor adventures for all experience levels.
How can exploring nature change your perspective?
Immersing yourself in nature reminds you of what truly matters—peace, simplicity, and connection. Away from screens and schedules, you rediscover joy in small details: sunlight, birdsong, fresh air. These experiences foster gratitude and a renewed sense of purpose.
How can I get started with a guided backpacking trip?
Begin by choosing a destination that excites you and matches your fitness level. Four Season Guides offers multi-day adventures with expert leaders who handle logistics, gear, and safety—so you can focus on exploring, learning, and reconnecting with the great outdoors.
About Four Season Guides:
Four Season Guides is a privately owned boutique outfitter located in Flagstaff, Arizona. Providing guided backpacking and lodge-based adventures since 1999, Four Season Guides has become the leading adventure tour guide for trips into Yosemite, Southern Utah, Grand Canyon and Havasu Falls.
Four Season Guides, 506 N Grant St suite o, Flagstaff, AZ 86004, United States
+19285251552
35.19653980, -111.62000560
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