People enjoy local hiking through the Granite and Bradshaw Mountains and rock climbing at Watson Lake Recreational Area. There are many interesting sightseeing activities in the Prescott, Arizona, don’t forget this is a prime adventure outdoors region.
A new travel trend is that people are using smaller tour companies for a distinctive experience during their vacations. Niche companies like Rubicon Outdoors are usually managed by adventure guides and experts who provide expertise of environmental awareness, reliable service, and local knowledge to travelers.
A 2009 travel survey found on the National Geographic Adventure website says, “that it is not always about where to go, but who the travelers might go with.” Travelers find adventure guides to be valuable resources. Why?
Adventure guides help people plan, manage their equipment, find places of interest, and accompany travelers on trips. Rubicon Outdoors is a great example of this newest trend. The family-owned Rubicon Outdoors is managed by Matt Brown, an experienced adventure guide – a specific type of tour director.
“People pass the point of no return on our trips,” Matt said to Suite101. The dictionary meaning of Rubicon, “is a bounding or limiting line that when crossed commits a person.”
“It is what we see on people’s faces and their sense of accomplishment we enjoy,” Matt said in a recent KPAM Portland Radio interview.
What Happens on Rubicon Outdoor Trips in AZ?
Rubicon Outdoors (800) 903-6987 is not new to this Arizona region. This company has been operating outdoor trips the past 11 years. Their focus was mountain biking, rock climbing, hiking programs in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Southwest, Switzerland, South Africa and specific Grand Canyon programs. Now, 2010 brings a variety of new trip programs starting from Prescott that are favorable to all levels, from novice to seasoned adventurers.
One element unique to these trips is the group size. There are small groups of up to eight people on back country treks and 12 people on day trips. Expert guides get to add a personal touch, such as preparing gourmet foods. Travelers are worry-free of securing the correct hiking permits, insurance and don’t carry the real heavy equipment – Rubicon manages these details. The 1-4 person ratio per guide delivers individual attention.
Most of the adventure guides hired are graduates from Prescott College with degrees in Adventure Education, Wilderness Leadership, Environmental Studies, or a related fields and well versed in these outdoor regions. They ensure people understand the steps like what scrambling is and the instructions before starting rock climbing – safety check, communication check, and begin climbing.
Is this an outdoor adventure trip or culinary trail? The gourmet snacks and meals brought on trips are natural foods like organic granola bars. Special diet considerations of wheat and dairy free items are addressed with people. Sample foods might be pesto pasta with pine nuts, smoked cheeses and dark chocolates, red beans and rice, or pulled pork slow roasted the day before.
Sightseeing on Adventure Trails Near Prescott, AZ
Travelers hike through the pine forests where they may see migratory bird paths, granite rocks, and great sunset moments. Animals to see in the region:
- Nesting bald eagles
- Peregrine Falcons
- Ospreys
- Javelina - resembles a pig or wild boar
- Pronghorn – these threatened species are similar to antelope
- Mountain lions
- Coyotes.
New Prescott Adventure Trips
There are several assorted guided trips which include rock climbing, mountain biking, day hikes available for one or more people. It is best to call or visit the website for latest prices and availability.
New trips offered from Prescott, Arizona:
- Northern Arizona Highlights of Prescott, Grand Canyon and Sedona. This trip includes six nights with Lodge/Hotels and guided hiking trips through three amazing northern Arizona regions.
- Prescott to Grand Canyon on Vintage Grand Canyon Railway – Guided One Day Tours. The trip includes historic ride on Grand Canyon Railway to South Rim of Grand Canyon, lunch and a walk along the rim of the Grand Canyon.
- Prescott to Grand Canyon – Rails and Trails. Three nights starting in Prescott, ride historic railway to visit the Grand Canyon, and stay one night at the Canyon. Walk along the canyon rim the first day, with a second day hike possibly on the Hermit Trail to Dripping Springs.
How to Get to Prescott, Arizona
Travelers may fly direct to Prescott, Arizona on Horizon Air or fly to Phoenix, rent a car, and drive north to Prescott. Most of Rubicon Outdoor trip packages depart from the family friendly Springhill Suites Prescott (928) 776-0998, in close proximity of downtown Prescott. Travelers get current news from the new Prescott Rocks Blog.
Matt Brown, Adventure Guide, Rubicon Outdoors, Prescott AZ
Matt Brown grew up in California where he worked with numerous outdoor teen programs in the Sierra Mountains. Matt has enjoyed many outdoor adventures around the world and has an Outdoor Adventure degree through Prescott College. It is his thorough outdoor adventure expertise and partner contacts which he uses to design each trip carefully and place other adventure guides to help with groups.
The newest travel trend is finding travel experts to help arrange all elements of trips. Rubicon Outdoors is an adventure travel company located in Prescott, Arizona ready to help show Northern Arizona outdoor recreation areas with their trips available to any size groups.
Donna West - Donna West is a Writer with an uncanny ability and passion of finding unusual ideas, off the beaten path, even in everyday occurrences.
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