Why Hire a Day Hike Guide
Whether you are on vacation, taking a business trip, or getting out in your local area, hiking is a great tool for discovery. You can discover more about yourself, discover the therapeutic benefits of getting outdoors, or discover where your drinking water comes from. As a hiking guide I believe my role is to help you fulfill your intentions on the trail and promote discovery along the way.
In this piece, I will explore reasons why hiring a day hike guide could be the right decision for your next adventure.
Safety First
Let’s be real, one of the biggest handicaps in life is fear. It is our inherent nature to avoid risk and increase the odds of survival. We have all been there before, facing something it was out of our comfort zone to do alone, but that was within our reach in the company of someone more experienced. That is exactly what a day hike guide is for, to increase your safety and minimize risk, thereby empowering you to do and enjoy more.
As guides we have years of hiking experience under our belt before we ever set foot on a trail wearing the Wildland Trekking Company logo. We also have Wilderness First Responder certification, having completed a wilderness medicine training focused on treatment in remote locations. On all our trips, including day hikes, guides come with extra food and water, warm clothing layers, emergency light sources, a backup form of navigation, a fully equipped first aid kit, and a satellite communication device. Your guide has checked the weather, knows the route, and is prepared both physically and mentally for anything the group might encounter.
Lost? Not a chance. Our guides have hiked these itineraries so many times they could probably do them with their eyes closed. At the end of the day, we sincerely hope that our encouragement on trail and extensive experience in all things outdoors will provide you with confidence and peace of mind. We take care of the preparation and logistics so you can simply enjoy the experience and be immersed in the environment, whether that is bear country, steep terrain, or simply a paved path.
Local experts
Don’t underestimate the power of local knowledge. As professional guides, we live and recreate in the same areas that we work, which makes us subject experts. And when you love a place, you always want to tell others about it. Just ask us, and we can tell you everything you want to know (almost!). From the best coffee shops and good eats, to where you can get a massage after your trip, or what trails to avoid on busy weekends.
Our knowledge literally goes down to the best photo op spots, most likely areas for animal sightings, and hidden picnic places. Out hiking we also know how to get off the beaten path to make the most of your experience, whether it’s a lesser-known spur trail or a secret short cut to a great view. Guides are truly walking encyclopedias of the area, and it doesn’t end there.
Interpretation is an invaluable part of each day hike trip we run. Guides have a plethora of knowledge about all things outdoors – the local flora and fauna, leave no trace practices, human and natural history, and more.
We know it’s not a classroom lecture and you don’t want to hear talking all day while trying to listen to the beautiful sounds of nature. This is your day hike after all so if you want peace and quiet, peace and quiet is what you’ll receive. We typically sprinkle knowledge and fun facts here and there at key locations, providing more information if you take an interest and less if you do not. Your safety and satisfaction are our priority.
Food & Gear
As an all-inclusive tour company, we have you covered on all fronts. That includes what you will need on your trip both in terms of food and gear. When it comes to food, Wildland does not cut corners. Our day hikes are private trips for you and your party alone. As such, your lunch will reflect your stated dietary preferences and restrictions.
We like to incorporate as many fresh fruits and vegetables as possible when left to our own devices, but don’t be surprised if there are also fancy cheese and cracker pairings, plus a sweet something for dessert. Oh and don’t forget the snacks, on us of course. We will have healthier options that are minimally processed as well as some of the more classic goodies. Are you a left or right Twix fan?
As for gear, we provide whatever you don’t have. This includes a day pack with a rain cover, trekking poles, plates and utensils for lunch, and micro spikes, crampons or snowshoes for winter trips. We also provide instructions on how to use it all for a worry-free hiking day.
ReAD: What to pack for a day hike
The Itinerary
How to chooses a trail? This is a question that plagues so many people when they go on a hiking vacation. That’s why we have done all the hard work for you. Forget the endless hours reading reviews on AllTrails and looking at confusing maps of unfamiliar places. We take great care to ensure that our day hike itineraries are world class.
Whether a local classic or a hidden gem, we want you to finish the day safe and satisfied! We specialize in getting you the most out of your limited time in a new location. All you have to do is have fun–and leave the rest to us.
Outdoor skills
Whether it is your very first time or you have a lifetime of experience under your belt, there is always something new you can learn or grow in. Remember, most of our day hike guides also lead backpacking trips and have a wealth of outdoor recreation experience in other areas.
Keep an ear out for tips and tricks to add to your tool kit along the way, or simply ask if you are curious about something. You may increase your knowledge on topics like navigation, backcountry cooking, risk assessment, wilderness medicine, river crossing, knot tying, and much more.
At the end of the day, this guided day hike is all about you, it’s your special occasion. As guides we hope that we can help break down barriers to the outdoors. We see each hike as an opportunity to help you gain the skills and confidence to head out on your own. So what are you waiting for? Nature is calling!
