Let’s Go Backpacking: Picture Yourself Here
Frequently Asked Questions
Planning your first backpacking adventure in the American Southwest? Here’s everything you need to know about guided trips with Four Season Guides — from choosing routes to packing and group sizes.
You’ve seen all the incredible photographs of the American Southwest. Everyone has. The waterfalls. The sunsets. All those surreal colors in the towering rock layers. But can you really imagine yourself in that selfie? The research, planning and logistics of it all can seem so daunting.
All of the guides at Four Seasons understand the feeling. We were all there once, before our first backpacking adventure. We realize what you need to overcome your apprehensions about venturing off into the wilderness.
Two People or Twenty, It’s Your Call
It all begins with a comfortable group size. On a guided tour you are never alone out there but every backpacker has a sweet spot for trail companionship. We offer over
40 backpacking trips in the U.S. and each one is unique – we handle large groups or small, organize tried-and-true adventures to familiar destinations or we can
customize itineraries for private tours.
But peace of mind does not end there. Just like poorly fitting shoes will raise blisters that ruin a hiking trip, an ill-fitting, over-stuffed backpack will sabotage a backpacking trek. We not only provide you with detailed lists of exactly what to bring to guarantee your adventure tour is a success, but we will fit the backpack to your individual specifications and ensure that it is packed properly and efficiently. For instance, how you place equipment in your backpack matters in achieving ideal balance for the load. But don’t worry, that’s what a guided tour is all about – letting experienced backpackers sweat the details so you don’t have to.
If you have never been on an overnight backpacking trip before you are probably grappling with a number of questions. With a Four Seasons tour, we guide you through all of the details so that you can relax on your journey. Your biggest decision is deciding on what amazing adventure you want and whether you would like to camp out or stay in a lodge.
As to gustatory concerns, our guides are prepared with a wide range of energy-producing snacks and our delightful backcountry cuisine can be tailored to accommodate just about any dietary restrictions.
If You’ve Dreamed It, We Go There
If you have heard about some spectacular place in the American Southwest, we probably go there. Below the rim in Grand Canyon – we have over a dozen different backpacking trips. The Canyon Country of Utah – we visit Zion and Bryce and Canyonlands and Arches and wilderness areas you won’t believe are not national parks in their own right. In Yosemite, we lead tours to all the famous landmarks and along High Sierra trails that deserve to be famous. And of course our guides have their favorite hidden spots to show you as well.
Are you ready to go? We definitely are. We look forward to seeing old friends on new tours each year and new friends who are backpacking with us for the first time. Isn’t it time to picture yourself in that photo
in front of the impossibly blue green waters of Havasu Falls.
What is a guided backpacking trip?
A guided backpacking trip is an organized hiking experience led by professional guides who handle logistics, safety, meals, and equipment preparation. You focus on the adventure itself while they manage route planning, campsite setup, and other details so you can fully enjoy the journey.
Why choose a guided tour instead of going solo?
Guided tours remove the stress of planning and navigation. Expert guides ensure safety, provide local insights, handle permits and gear logistics, and prepare meals. It’s an ideal option for first-time backpackers or anyone wanting to explore remote trails confidently and comfortably.
What should I bring on a backpacking trip?
Four Season Guides provides detailed packing lists tailored to each trip. Essentials include proper footwear, layered clothing, a fitted backpack, hydration gear, and personal items. Guides help adjust your pack for comfort and balance, ensuring you’re well-prepared without overpacking.
How large are the backpacking groups?
Group sizes vary depending on the trip. Four Season Guides can accommodate small private groups for a more intimate experience or larger groups for social, shared adventures. They help you find the right balance between companionship and personal space on the trail.
Can trips be customized for private groups?
Yes. Many trips can be personalized based on destination, duration, and group size. Whether you’re planning a family adventure, a couples’ retreat, or a team-building experience, Four Season Guides can tailor itineraries to match your goals and comfort levels.
What if I have dietary restrictions?
Guides prepare nutritious backcountry meals that can be adjusted for dietary needs. Whether you’re vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or have specific allergies, meal plans are customized so everyone enjoys satisfying and energizing food during the trip.
Where do Four Season Guides lead trips?
Trips cover top destinations across the American Southwest, including Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce, Canyonlands, Arches, and Yosemite. Each offers unique scenery — from desert canyons and waterfalls to alpine trails — with both popular routes and hidden gems.
Do I need prior backpacking experience?
No experience is required. Four Season Guides cater to all skill levels. New hikers receive detailed instruction, equipment fitting, and safety guidance. Your guides handle navigation and logistics, allowing you to focus on the scenery and the adventure itself.
How long are the trips?
Trip durations range from short overnight treks to multi-day adventures, depending on the destination and your comfort level. Each itinerary is designed for balance — enough challenge to feel rewarding without overwhelming first-time backpackers.
What makes Four Season Guides different?
Four Season Guides combine professional expertise with a personal touch. Their trips emphasize safety, comfort, and connection to nature. Guides know hidden viewpoints, manage all logistics, and ensure every traveler — whether solo or in a group — enjoys a memorable, worry-free experience.
Four Season Guides, 506 N Grant St suite o, Flagstaff, AZ 86004, United States
+19285251552
35.19653980, -111.62000560
Read More
