Guided Backpacking Trips & Hiking Tours in Arizona

Trips & Events
Trips & Events
Where We Guide
Where We Guide
Contact
Contact

What We Offer

  • Embark on a guided trek several miles into the Arizona backcountry for multiple days, with everything you need to care for yourself condensed to a single pack.

    Our beginner friendly backpacking trips center around fun and education, so guests feel confident to enjoy the outdoors into the future. We have you fully covered with:

    • Pack & gear rental

    • Meals & snacks

    • Packing list

    • Pre-trip consultation - gear & pack review, best practices, Q&A, and whatever else you need to feel good about heading into the backcountry

    • Private group & open sign-up treks

  • Want to get outside but still sleep in your own bed that night?

    Enjoy a guided hike and backcountry adventure to a beautiful, yet secluded eco-system where guests are free to engage their natural surroundings however they like.

    For many of the locations we visit, opportunities for exploring, swimming, fishing, seeing petroglyphs / ancient dwellings, and encountering wildlife are prevalent. From learning new skills to simply enjoying your surroundings, our single day adventures can meet a variety of goals!

  • Looking to learn new skills and feel confident before exploring the backcountry on your own?

    Check out our Backpacking 101 Field Seminars!

    Whether you've always dreamed of backpacking but felt overwhelmed by the gear, planning, or logistics, we can help break it all down in a supportive and approachable environment.

    Our collaborative classes are led by experienced backcountry guides who will walk you through the foundational skills and knowledge you need to start your backpacking journey with confidence. We meet and, in many instances, hike to a remote wilderness setting so you can practice using gear and skills under the safe supervision of experts.

    Topics include:

    • Gear testing & recommendations

    • Packing list

    • Fitting & packing your backpack

    • Food planning & water filtration

    • Shelter building & overnight essentials

    • Safety and trail preparation

    • Leave No Trace principles

    • Q&A

    Private consultations and indoor seminars also available

Two people fishing in a calm river surrounded by trees and tall rocks, during dusk or dawn.
Where We Guide
Where We Guide
Trip Info
Trip Info

Advocating for the conservation of wildland through immersive backcountry experiences and education

A small campfire burning with smoke rising, surrounded by rocks and grassy ground, with trees and a hill in the background during dusk.

Who We Serve

At Backpack Arizona, we believe everyone deserves the chance to explore the backcountry—so long as it's safe to do so and you bring an open mind, you're welcome to join us on an adventure!

We guide trips on a variety of trails and wilderness areas across Arizona, offering experiences for all skill levels—from beginner-friendly hikes to more challenging treks.

We’re especially passionate about helping people experience the Arizona outdoors who may not have had the opportunity before, whether due to limited resources, life circumstances, or other barriers.

Of course, we love guiding seasoned adventurers too—and often learn a thing or two from them along the way!

No matter who you are, when you adventure with Backpack Arizona, you can count on us to prioritize your safety, comfort, and well-being. Our trips may take us far off the beaten path, but respect and dignity for every person will always come first.

A group of four people taking a selfie outdoors with a rocky background. The photo includes a man with gray hair and green eyes in the foreground, a woman with dark braided hair smiling on the right, a man with long dreadlocks and a nose piercing in the back, and a person wearing a navy blue baseball cap with red trim partially visible in the center.

What is Backpacking?

Backpacking is simply the art of throwing everything we need to care for ourselves in a pack (food, water filter, & shelter), hiking miles into the wilderness, and camping for a few days.

There are of course variations to this (thru-hiking, loops, etc.), but Backpack Arizona’s nature experiences are usually out-and-back, meaning we hike to a camp and establish a base to explore the area from.

Connecting with Nature

A backpacking trip just hits differently than other camping styles.

We’re miles from infrastructure and comfort as we know it. There are no cars, cabins, bathrooms, roads, etc. We arrive at the campsite by trail and our own physical prowess.

Once there, our days are full with simple yet stunningly fulfilling activities: hiking, fishing, climbing through canyons, swimming, sharing meals, resting, soaking in the beauty around us, and connecting with others.

For us, backpacking is merely a vehicle for accessing wild and remote places that remove us from our artificial constructs. This allows us to be present in a beautiful setting and reengage with a more natural, grounded version of ourselves.

The joys our guests feel during and after our experiences are not easily conveyed into words. Ultimately, the only way to truly understand is to experience it yourself. What we can say is that surrendering to this process has changed our lives in powerful ways—and it’s something we’re grateful to share with others.

Hiker standing in a mountain stream surrounded by tall trees and rocky cliffs on a clear sunny day.
A small campsite in a wooded area with a black backpack leaning against a tree, and a ring of stones around a fire pit.

We Have You Covered!

Whether it’s your first time sleeping outside or 100th, there are numerous trip experiences and levels guests can choose. We have the ability to turn the difficulty up or down based on your preferences.

Furthermore, your guide is a trained Wilderness First Responder who is equipped to provide emergency medical services in remote settings.

A pre-trip consultation is offered to all our guests free of charge, either in-person or digitally. This is an opportunity to review gear needs, packing strategies, and get all your questions answered, ensuring peace of mind before you adventure into nature!

No gear? No problem!

We provide essential and high-quality equipment at the request of our guests at no additional charge, along with a list of items for you to bring so you are assured a comfortable journey.

A tent pitched on a forest floor at the base of a tall, rocky cliff with trees surrounding it.

Content & Adventures

Loving these fall nights
Loving these fall nights
Having a lake to myself and waking up to sounds of Mexican Grey wolves is something I won’t soon forget. Feeling quite grateful for the experience. What a life!
It’s a true privilege guiding other humans deep into the backcountry for multiple days and witnessing the magic flow when they become fully immersed in nature. This was Beth’s first backpacking trip and she killed it! We put a ton of mile
It’s a true privilege guiding other humans deep into the backcountry for multiple days and witnessing the magic flow when they become fully immersed in nature. This was Beth’s first backpacking trip and she killed it! We put a ton of mileage on our boots through all sorts of conditions, but her optimistic perspective shined through it all. What a trip!
Had to Frankenstein a few items together, but this may be the best water filtration system I’ve used to date. #moneyplease
Had to Frankenstein a few items together, but this may be the best water filtration system I’ve used to date. #moneyplease
Yea, I did good #nicecrocsbro
Yea, I did good #nicecrocsbro
Backwoods
Backwoods
Views and sounds from the condo #stopbeingadicktotheplanet
Going commando For real though, opting to blend into the environment has started to alter how I perceive my own presence in it, and the impact it has. I’ve also been seeing more wildlife! #leavenotrace #stopbeingadicktotheplanet
Going commando For real though, opting to blend into the environment has started to alter how I perceive my own presence in it, and the impact it has. I’ve also been seeing more wildlife! #leavenotrace #stopbeingadicktotheplanet
Happy learned how to putt. Uh oh Thank you @colterbackcountry for the net assist. Best there is
Happy learned how to putt. Uh oh Thank you @colterbackcountry for the net assist. Best there is
Just returned from a 6-day solo backpacking trip into a new wilderness, but it’s going to take longer to process everything I experienced. Although I think the look on my face pretty much sums up how I feel. In a first, Backpack Arizona went
Just returned from a 6-day solo backpacking trip into a new wilderness, but it’s going to take longer to process everything I experienced. Although I think the look on my face pretty much sums up how I feel. In a first, Backpack Arizona went outside of Arizona, and it’s safe to say perspectives are shifting. Upon opening my social media apps for the first time after a week of no access, I was immediately greeted with news of growing wildfires, dying trout fisheries, and more wannabe influencers blowing up special backcountry locations that cannot handle the additional traffic. I’ve been very fortunate to have amazing outdoor experiences during my 30 plus years in AZ but damn, watching our precious wild places become degraded or flat out disappear has really taken its toll. This page has always steered clear of showing bummer news and remained neutral amongst the varying debates around climate change and conservation, but it might be time for an adjustment. The original intention of Backpack Arizona was to promote conservation, but I think the time has come for advocacy, whatever form it may take. More to come… #stopbeingadicktotheplanet
Thriving on sketchy trails
Thriving on sketchy trails
Backcountry guiding is easily one of the best things I’ve done with my time and energy. I’ll never tire of watching people immerse themselves into something new so they may experience the awe of nature from a new lens.
Backcountry guiding is easily one of the best things I’ve done with my time and energy. I’ll never tire of watching people immerse themselves into something new so they may experience the awe of nature from a new lens.
It was a true privilege guiding Charlie (@cd_moinet) and his son, Dom, on their first backpacking adventure together. When initially speaking with Charlie months ago, I asked what his goals were for the trip and was a little puzzled when he simply sa
It was a true privilege guiding Charlie (@cd_moinet) and his son, Dom, on their first backpacking adventure together. When initially speaking with Charlie months ago, I asked what his goals were for the trip and was a little puzzled when he simply said, “to experience nature.” But over a couple weeks my confusion grew to admiration. His goal was so authentic and a stark throwback to why I started Backpack Arizona: to facilitate immersive nature experiences. By doing so, I hope guests will gain new perspective on the backcountry and feel empowered to make future decisions that benefit wild places, just as I have. Unfortunately, I feel this idea has largely been absent from our overall messaging and it’s time for a course adjustment. This change starts by revealing who I am and sharing my personal journey, something I’ve deliberately avoided to this point. It’s far from easy, but I believe relaying our experience is one way to develop human connection, empathy, and inspiration. So, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Christian (second pic selfie), owner & lead guide for Backpack Arizona. For me, backpacking is merely a vehicle for accessing remote and wild places that remove us from our artificial constructs. It allows someone to be present in a beautiful setting and reengage with a more natural version of themselves. Submitting to this concept has profoundly impacted my life for the better and it’s something I think is worth sharing. Hopefully some of you agree and are here for it!
Immersion
Immersion
Last weekend was not ideal for skipping the waders but not going to let that stop a good time.
Last weekend was not ideal for skipping the waders but not going to let that stop a good time.
Happy Earth Day #conservation #protectwildplaces #stopbeingadicktotheplanet
My first pack from 12 years ago. I slept on that cheap yoga mat strapped to the side of my Costco purchased pack for two nights. The quarter inch thick slab of rubber provided neither comfort nor warmth. I was so weighed down with superfluous gear
My first pack from 12 years ago. I slept on that cheap yoga mat strapped to the side of my Costco purchased pack for two nights. The quarter inch thick slab of rubber provided neither comfort nor warmth. I was so weighed down with superfluous gear that I spent the entirety of the trip recovering from the hike to camp. I also felt compelled to bring a machete for some reason. Live and learn
New blog published! The 3 Animals I (Kinda) Worry About When Backpacking in Arizona Link in bio or copy/paste URL (https://www.backpackarizona.org/blog/the-3-animals-i-kinda-worry-about-when-backpacking-in-arizona)
New blog published! The 3 Animals I (Kinda) Worry About When Backpacking in Arizona Link in bio or copy/paste URL (https://www.backpackarizona.org/blog/the-3-animals-i-kinda-worry-about-when-backpacking-in-arizona)
If you love backcountry recreation, especially backpacking, Arizona is a pretty awesome place to find yourself in. Check out our latest blog on our website about how the Copper State has some unique features that help it stand apart. backpackarizona.
If you love backcountry recreation, especially backpacking, Arizona is a pretty awesome place to find yourself in. Check out our latest blog on our website about how the Copper State has some unique features that help it stand apart. backpackarizona.org
Getting some very necessary backcountry medical training ahead of guiding season. As an FYI, if you’re on any guided overnight adventure in a wilderness setting, at a minimum you’re guide should be a Wilderness First Responder.
Getting some very necessary backcountry medical training ahead of guiding season. As an FYI, if you’re on any guided overnight adventure in a wilderness setting, at a minimum you’re guide should be a Wilderness First Responder.
Loving these fall nights
Having a lake to myself and waking up to sounds of Mexican Grey wolves is something I won’t soon forget. Feeling quite grateful for the experience. What a life!
It’s a true privilege guiding other humans deep into the backcountry for multiple days and witnessing the magic flow when they become fully immersed in nature. This was Beth’s first backpacking trip and she killed it! We put a ton of mile Had to Frankenstein a few items together, but this may be the best water filtration system I’ve used to date. #moneyplease Yea, I did good #nicecrocsbro Backwoods
Views and sounds from the condo #stopbeingadicktotheplanet
Going commando For real though, opting to blend into the environment has started to alter how I perceive my own presence in it, and the impact it has. I’ve also been seeing more wildlife! #leavenotrace #stopbeingadicktotheplanet Happy learned how to putt. Uh oh Thank you @colterbackcountry for the net assist. Best there is Just returned from a 6-day solo backpacking trip into a new wilderness, but it’s going to take longer to process everything I experienced. Although I think the look on my face pretty much sums up how I feel. In a first, Backpack Arizona went Thriving on sketchy trails Backcountry guiding is easily one of the best things I’ve done with my time and energy. I’ll never tire of watching people immerse themselves into something new so they may experience the awe of nature from a new lens. It was a true privilege guiding Charlie (@cd_moinet) and his son, Dom, on their first backpacking adventure together. When initially speaking with Charlie months ago, I asked what his goals were for the trip and was a little puzzled when he simply sa Immersion Last weekend was not ideal for skipping the waders but not going to let that stop a good time.
Happy Earth Day #conservation #protectwildplaces #stopbeingadicktotheplanet
My first pack from 12 years ago. I slept on that cheap yoga mat strapped to the side of my Costco purchased pack for two nights. The quarter inch thick slab of rubber provided neither comfort nor warmth. I was so weighed down with superfluous gear New blog published! The 3 Animals I (Kinda) Worry About When Backpacking in Arizona Link in bio or copy/paste URL (https://www.backpackarizona.org/blog/the-3-animals-i-kinda-worry-about-when-backpacking-in-arizona) If you love backcountry recreation, especially backpacking, Arizona is a pretty awesome place to find yourself in. Check out our latest blog on our website about how the Copper State has some unique features that help it stand apart. backpackarizona. Getting some very necessary backcountry medical training ahead of guiding season. As an FYI, if you’re on any guided overnight adventure in a wilderness setting, at a minimum you’re guide should be a Wilderness First Responder.

  • "Backpacking with Christian was incredible! I have never seen Arizona this way!"

    viator.com

  • "These are the kinds of experiences that make a life well lived."

    viator.com

  • "I was able to learn so many things and do them myself, but had Christian there to back me up and make sure I was safe."

    viator.com

  • "Christian was fun to talk to and was very easygoing. I can tell how much he loves sharing special places with people who appreciate it."

    viator.com