Private backpacking trips and custom outdoor adventures
Guided backpacking trips designed just for your crew in Yosemite National Park, Emigrant Wilderness, Point Reyes National Seashore, and the Lost Coast. Ultralight gear is included, along with planning and support from first idea to final mile.
Is a private or custom trip right for you?
A private trip tends to work best when:
You have specific dates that don’t line up with the group schedule.
You want to go with your own crew: family, partner, friends, or a small team.
Your group has mixed experience or fitness and you’d like the route and pace tuned to that reality.
You’re drawn to a particular area or idea like a certain basin in Yosemite, or a parent–teen rite of passage.
You value having a guide’s full attention on your group from planning through the last day.
If you’re solo or don’t mind joining others, a group trip will usually be more cost-effective. You can see current options on the Group Trips page.
What makes a private Wilder Walks trip different
You can read a full explanation of how our trips work and feel on the What to Expect page. The difference with private trips is that every detail can be customized for your group’s specific needs or goals.
-
Itineraries are built around your dates, fitness, experience, and goals so each day feels appropriately challenging for your people.
-
You don’t have to own all the fancy stuff. I can outfit your group with a full set of modern ultralight packs, shelters, sleep systems, and kitchen systems.
-
If you want, I’ll show you how I plan, what I look for in terrain, and how to run simple, repeatable systems so you can apply what you learn on your own trips later. If you mostly want to be taken care of, we can do that too.
-
Private trips are usually 2–7 people plus me (and occasionally a co-guide for bigger or more complex routes). There’s room to ask questions, adjust plans, and keep everyone in the loop.
Trip ideas by level and location
These examples show the range of what’s possible. We’ll customize the route, length, and difficulty to fit your group, using the same Levels system as my group trips.
Level 1 Essentials | Learn the basics together
For newer backpackers, mixed-experience groups, or anyone who wants a relaxed trip that focuses on fundamentals and comfort rather than big mileage.
Good for: parent–teen trips, couples new to backpacking, small friend groups, and people returning after a long break.
-
Point Reyes National Seashore, with a short approach and beach-adjacent camping, focused on simple systems, low elevation, and plenty of time to settle into living outside.
-
Yosemite high-country trails with moderate climbing, cooler nights, and a focus on getting comfortable hiking and camping at elevation.
Level 2 Explorations | Go farther and deeper
For groups that already like to hike and want more time, more challenge, or some off-trail travel without committing to a full high route.
Good for: experienced day hikers, Level 1 alumni, friend groups who want a substantial shared adventure, and teams looking for focused time outside.
-
Quieter high-country basins in Yosemite, combining trail and gentle off-trail granite travel, with options to link several basins or sit atop a non-technical high point.
-
Granite canyons, lakes, and cross-country passes in Emigrant Wilderness, with trip length and off-trail exposure tuned to your experience and appetite.
-
Tide-timed backpacking on the Lost Coast, mixing sand, cobble, and pocket coves along a remote stretch of California shoreline.
Level 3 Immersions | High-country, high-route style
For very fit or experienced backpackers who want a demanding trip that includes significant off-trail travel, high passes, and real remoteness.
Good for: people with substantial backpacking experience who want to be involved in planning and daily decisions, not just follow a line.
-
An adventurous high-country week in Yosemite built around high-route style travel, with a strong emphasis on navigation, route design, and decision-making.
-
A bespoke high-route style itinerary in Yosemite or nearby areas, designed around your group’s experience, goals, season, and tolerance for exposure and commitment.
How private trips work
1. Reach out
You submit a short inquiry form with rough dates, group size, and goals.
2. Talk it through
We schedule a quick call to check fit and brainstorm possibilities.
3. Review options
I’ll send a short written outline with level, area, rough itinerary, and price range.
4. Reserve dates
You submit a deposit to hold dates and lock in the general trip outline.
5. Prepare together
We schedule pre-trip prep calls to review gear, logistics, and get everyone ready.
Pricing: what to expect
Pricing for private trips depends mainly on:
Trip length and level
Shorter Level 1 weekends (e.g. Point Reyes) sit at the lower end of the range. Longer Level 2 and Level 3 trips in Yosemite, Emigrant, or the Lost Coast land higher.Group size
Up to a point, more people lowers the price per person because you’re sharing fixed costs. Groups of 2-3 are more expensive per person than a group of 5-6.Complexity and staffing
It costs more when a trip needs extra planning, more travel on my side, or a second guide or co-facilitator (for certain high-route or themed trips).
All private trips include:
A trip designed for your group’s dates, goals, and level
Ultralight backpacking gear
Pre-trip planning, materials, and at least one video call
Professional guiding and risk management in the field
If you have a specific budget in mind, include it in your inquiry. I’ll tell you which options fit and which don’t.
Private trip FAQs
-
Yes. Any of the itineraries on the Group Trips page can be adapted as a private trip, often with more flexibility on dates, daily mileage, and areas of focus.
-
Earlier is better, especially for Yosemite and peak summer dates. Six months or more is ideal. If your timeline is shorter, still reach out – I hold some dates and permits for last-minute sign ups.
-
That’s common and not a worry. I can outfit your group with ultralight packs, shelters, sleep systems, and kitchen systems. You bring clothing, footwear, and personal items. We sort this out in pre-trip calls.
-
My main focus is multi-day backpacking but I do occasionally lead day hikes as well. In some cases, especially for families or mixed-ability groups, we can build in a warm-up day hike or a lighter frontcountry day as part of a longer itinerary. If you’re only interested in day hikes, still reach out and I’ll let you know what’s realistic.
-
Most dietary needs can be accommodated with planning. Let me know about allergies, restrictions, and preferences in your inquiry, and we’ll design a menu that works.
Tell me what you’re envisioning
You don’t need a finished plan. A few sentences about your group, timeline, and what you’re hoping for is enough to start a real conversation. I’ll follow up with questions, honest guidance, and one or two options that make sense.
What past hikers have said
“What really made the experience exceptional was Alex, our guide. We had never camped before and were nervous going in, but he made sure we were fully prepared from what to pack to what weather to expect to what physical prep we needed to do in advance. He is delightful to be around and clearly has gift for connecting with his guests. He even managed to engage our teenage sons who fully disconnected from their phones and spent the whole time making jokes with each other and talking with Alex about nature, life and backpacking. For those who are apprehensive because they haven't done it before -- go for it. Alex will make it work for you. For those who are experienced, he'll help you level-up. This is a wholehearted recommendation for an amazing experience!”
— Amy W. from Washington D.C.
