My son turns 21 next January ...........

[87AndyPolham]

Hello All,

New to the group.

It is my hope I can get some suggestions from this group for a great 2-4 day excursion that my son (who is turning 21 next January) can do together Jan 9th- 15th 2023.

I will have my other Older Son and Son-in-law as well, so a total of 4 of us.

I didn't know if booking a guide this early is prudent, but would rather be prepared.

Also recommended guides would be appreciated.

Thank You

[nonot]

@87AndyPolham
You may want to clarify what type of excursion are you asking about: Horsepacking, Backpacking, Kayaking?

Most on this group do trips by themselves, rather than guided trips, as FYI.

[outdoor_lover]

@AZOutdoorsman is a member here. I think he's done some guiding in the past. You might message him and see if he's still doing that.

[87AndyPolham]

@nonot
Thanks for the insight. I was thinking simply hiking, but now I have more to think about.

[87AndyPolham]

@outdoor_lover
Thank You.

[Watauga]

@87AndyPolham
What kind of experience do you and the rest of the group have?

[nonot]

@87AndyPolham
If you have moderate levels of experience, REI offers guided trips, though they cost a pretty penny:
https://www.rei.com/adventures

Please note though that these trips are not fully catered, e.g. you have to carry your own fully-loaded backpack, pedal your own fully-loaded bike, paddle your own fully-loaded kayak, etc. So you still have to have endurance built up in that mode of travel, as you need to make those miles each day.

If you are looking for something where less physical preparation is expected and you don't lug your own stuff, where you hire a sherpa or pack mule to haul your stuff for you, included possibly schlepping yourselves, that's a different type of trip/guide service. Some companies, e.g. Xanterra, have some options which cater to those types of trip seekers. Not that I endorse them (I rather dislike them.)

[gummo]

@87AndyPolham
Option#1
Day 1: Go to Sweetwater Wetlands in the AM to look for bobcats. Then go to Kartchner Caverns in the afternoon (book in advance) Stay in Tucson.
Day 2: Drive to Chiricahua National Monument and spend the day there. Stay in Willcox or near Monument.
Day 3: Drive to Whitewater Draw to look at sandhill cranes (AM), then go either back to Chiricahua National Monument, or go to Tombstone, or go to Sonora Desert Museum. Stay in Tucson
Day 4: Either go to Madera Canyon ($8 fee), Kitt Peak, or Picacho State Park. Return back to Phoenix

Option#2
Day 1: Go to Sedona. Hike Devil's Bridge
Day 2: Hike Boynton Canyon, go to Jerome afterwards
Day 3: Either hike another Sedona trail or go to Watson Lake in Prescott
Day 4: Kayak or relax at Lake Pleasant

Option#3
Day 1: Musical Instrument Museum
Day 2: Day in Sedona
Day 3: More Sedona, maybe add Jerome
Day 4: Montezuma Castel or Lake Pleasant

I hope this helps.