As far as guided backpacking out west goes?
April 20th, 2010
A reader asked..
Is there any guided backpacking expedition services as informative and adventurous as NOLS courses that are cheaper and more geared towards backpacking tourists than outdoor professionals?
(Scroll down to read responses).
Tags: backpacking, goes, guided, west
April 20th, 2010 at 8:04 pm
Yep… most of the major western national parks that have significant backcountry areas have at least one or two outfitters in the area that offer a variety of backpacking trips with different difficulties and distances.
Although I have not used them myself, I am familiar with groups that offer backpacking trips at both Grand Canyon and Glacier National Parks (see links below). I suspect that you could find them for other major parks and wilderness areas as well. For other areas, I would recommend calling the local ranger station or backcountry office.
Guided backpacking tours do have the advantage of giving you somebody that can tell you about the sights, they can help ensure you get permits, and some even pack a lot of the heavier gear or do all the cooking for you. That being said, you will be paying a lot more than if you just got the permits and went on your own. Most of the western parks are pretty nicely setup in terms of trails, facilities and camps such that even a pretty entry level backpacker could find options they could easily do on their own.