Tales from the Trail Blog
Phoenix hiking tours: ‘Nightmares on Cactus Street’
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Laurel Darren, Wild Bunch Desert Guides • September, 15, 2022
From “Psycho” and other classic Hitchcock thrillers to Stephen King chillers such as “The Shining,” horror films consistently rate among the most popular of movie genres. The great horror director Wes Craven often spoke of the feelings of fear, dread and danger as an addictive elixir keeping fans clamoring for more on the big screen. People simply seem to love sitting in a darkened theater on the edge of their seats for a rollercoaster ride of shocking surprises whether watching monsters, killers or psychological thrillers do their worst to unsuspecting victims. However, neither Freddy Krueger nor Michael Myers nor Pennywise is what keeps me up at night these days.
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Phoenix hiking tours: How I spent my summer vacation
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Laurel Darren, Wild Bunch Desert Guides • August, 25, 2022
The Labor Day Holiday weekend used to be the finish line – and that still is a week away. However, the final strains of summer vacations have already played out in much of the country. So, what did your favorite Phoenix adventure tours operator learn during her working summer break from Phoenix hiking tours and Phoenix mountain bike tours? Offering Colorado summer hiking tours for the first time has brought back a lot of memories – and revealed some key differences.
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‘Groupies’ limited on Phoenix hiking tours
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Laurel Darren, Wild Bunch Desert Guides • August, 08, 2022
Movies such as “Almost Famous” and “The Banger Sisters” put Rock N’ Roll groupies in the spotlight. However, this Blog addresses “groupies” of a different kind – with corporate outings, both large and small, trickier propositions than one might think for Phoenix hiking tours and Scottsdale mountain bike tours. That is especially true for a small mom-and-pop specialty shop with limited resources such as the Wild Bunch Desert Guides. Group outings for Camelback Mountain hikes are also impossible for any Phoenix adventure tours operator of any size because of safety concerns.
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Phoenix hiking tours vow: ‘Every step I take’
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Laurel Darren, Wild Bunch Desert Guides • July, 31, 2022
Ever get the incredibly calming feeling of having a Guardian Angel peering over your shoulder? The founding owner of Phoenix hiking tours operator Wild Bunch Desert Guides can relate to having a watchdog keeping her safe with every move she makes. Now, she honors the memory of her little angel with every step she takes guiding Phoenix adventure tours – and by showing off the natural beauty they experienced together on so many hikes in Phoenix and beyond.
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Posted in:
Hiking, Adventure Tours |
Views: 140
Phoenix hiking tours: Here comes the Boom!
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Laurel Darren, Wild Bunch Desert Guides • July, 02, 2022
Fireworks are the major attraction on the Fourth of July. However, an Arizona adventure company owner offering Phoenix hiking tours and Scottsdale mountain bike tours loves Independence Day for so many other reasons. Here are some thoughts as beautiful as all the colorful explosions across the sky this holiday.
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New heights for Phoenix hiking tours
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Laurel Darren, Wild Bunch Desert Guides • June, 17, 2022
The Wild Bunch Desert Guides open a new chapter this week in their history of providing five-star rated Phoenix adventure tours. Founding owner Laurel Darren is turning her annual summer retreat into a working vacation by adding Colorado hiking tours in the remote tourist destination of Lake City CO. Here is a detailed look at the natural beauty to be discovered on the five trails offered in our new service.
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Posted in:
Hiking |
Views: 162
Summer fun for Phoenix hiking guides
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Laurel Darren, Wild Bunch Desert Guides • June, 05, 2022
So where do Phoenix hiking guides escape when they go on summer vacation? For the founding owner of the Wild Bunch Desert Guides, the remote wilderness wonderland of Colorado’s San Juan Mountains is the answer. The breathtaking beauty in the area surrounding Lake City serves as a superb summer home for those interested in the outdoors – whether fishing or hunting, or if hiking, mountain biking or climbing is your jam. Laurel Darren’s personal piece of paradise also is allowing her to make this summer a working vacation – and offer amazing, guided Colorado hiking tours this summer.
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Posted in:
Hiking |
Views: 246
Summer Phoenix hiking tours: Why so early?
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Laurel Darren, Wild Bunch Desert Guides • May, 25, 2022
Sweltering heat dominates summertime activities in Arizona. Phoenix hiking tours and Scottsdale mountain bike tours are limited to early morning hours to avoid the worst of the triple-digit temperatures. Adventure tours guides also take advantage of this downtime to take much-deserved vacations during this June 1-Oct. 1 offseason.
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The Importance of A Certified Guide For Your Hiking Or Mountain Bike Adventure
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The BANG! Team • May, 16, 2022
When you're planning your hiking vacation in the Scottsdale area, you need to find a certified team to take you on your guided adventure. If you're looking to book a tour and find a deal that sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Keep in mind that your safety and any friends or family with you are most important when on a hiking adventure. More than saving a few dollars.
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Posted in:
Hiking |
Views: 207
Advantages of a Hiking Guide in Phoenix
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The BANG! Team • May, 09, 2022
When hiking the beautiful trails of Arizona, a hiking guide makes the experience safer and sweeter. Seeing the Sonoran Desert on foot is truly an intimate experience when led by professional guides who know every inch of the trails.
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Posted in:
Hiking |
Views: 143
Phoenix hiking tours: Sun still shining
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Laurel Darren, Wild Bunch Desert Guides • April, 10, 2022
I am a huge fan of the Rocky Balboa film franchise and its fictional philosopher in the boxing trunks. Among the many gems I was reminded of so far this year? “The world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows,” the Rock has said. During the busiest of busy seasons for Phoenix hiking tours and Phoenix mountain bike tours, I also got to successfully test his theory that life is “about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward.”
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Group mentality of Phoenix hiking tours
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Laurel Darren, Wild Bunch Desert Guides • March, 23, 2022
With new COVID cases recently dropping down to zero, Arizona tourism thankfully is what’s spiking in the Valley of the Sun. Phoenix/Scottsdale adventure tours are experiencing the busiest busy season many can remember. But the glut of guests has created a large problem for large group and corporate outings seeking Phoenix hiking tours and Phoenix mountain bike tours. Here is the fix for the Wild Bunch Desert Guides.
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Phoenix adventure tours: Cheers to ‘frequent flyers’
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Laurel Darren, Wild Bunch Desert Guides • March, 12, 2022
The song from “Cheers” is absolutely right. People do love “to go where everybody knows their name” – because everybody enjoys being made to feel important and special with superb service and tremendous treatment. That is why repeat patrons are a sure sign of success in any service industry. “Regulars” become the core of any great business by showing great loyalty to their favorite people, places, and products. However, for Phoenix adventure tours, “comebacks” become extended members of the Wild Bunch Desert Guides family – just like these folks featured in our latest Blog.
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Posted in:
Mountain Biking, Adventure Tours |
Views: 264
'Elite Eight' of adventure tours Phoenix/Scottsdale
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Laurel Darren, Wild Bunch Desert Guides • February, 25, 2022
With Spring Breaks fast approaching, there is no need to wait until “Selection Sunday” to choose the must-do adventure tours Phoenix/Scottsdale. If planning a “March Madness” dance to Arizona, these are the “Elite Eight” stops to make during your visit to the “Valley of the Sun.”
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Posted in:
Adventure Tours |
Views: 314
Phoenix hiking tours share ‘Super’ message
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Laurel Darren, Wild Bunch Desert Guides • February, 10, 2022
A pair of Florida teens have added new meaning to the old saying, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” The duo are dedicated to ocean conservation, with their clean-up efforts turned into artwork sold to benefit environmental causes. After delivering their latest sculpture to Super Bowl LVI, the boys and their moms shared their “super message” during a Phoenix hiking tours pit stop on the way home.
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Posted in:
Hiking |
Views: 397
Adventure tours Phoenix/Scottsdale: It’s a wonderful life
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Laurel Darren, Wild Bunch Desert Guides • January, 31, 2022
Despite mounting troubles, George Bailey concluded in the classic Christmas movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Wild Bunch Desert Guides owner Laurel Darren discovered the same truths during some recent personal challenges away from adventure tours Phoenix/Scottsdale – and she has several Angels to thank for that.
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New year, same great Phoenix hiking tours
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Laurel Darren, Wild Bunch Desert Guides • January, 17, 2022
Wild Bunch Desert Guides owner Laurel Darren resolved long ago to avoid making New Year’s resolutions. However, she does have a 2022 promise for guests – the Wild Bunch will continue to offer the same great Phoenix hiking tours, Scottsdale mountain bike tours & superb customer service.
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Posted in:
Hiking |
Views: 314
'Tis the Season for hiking tours in Phoenix
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Laurel Darren, Wild Bunch Desert Guides • December, 21, 2021
'Tis the Season for holiday hours, and Phoenix hiking tours and Phoenix mountain bike tours are no exception. Wild Bunch Desert Guides do offer hiking and biking help on the holidays, though, to make your Christmas merry and New Year's celebrations happy..
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Posted in:
Hiking |
Views: 375
A Thanksgiving feast from Phoenix hiking tours
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Laurel Darren, Wild Bunch Desert Guides • November, 26, 2021
What makes a Phoenix adventure tours owner thankful this Thanksgiving? Turns out, an awful lot since last year's holiday and, before that, the worst days of the COVID pandemic. Feast on these many blessings realized during Phoenix hiking tours and Scottsdale mountain bike tours.
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Posted in:
Hiking |
Views: 432
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My husband and I were celebrating (our) anniversary in Scottsdale and were looking for some outdoor adventure, not too far from our Doubletree resort in Paradise Valley. The concierge recommended mountain biking with Wild Bunch, and I was sold after having spoken with Laurel, (the) owner/manager. Her enthusiasm and helpfulness made all of the difference! We booked the (90-minute) ride and had an outstanding guide, Don. He had such a fun personality and was certainly an expert when it came to the terrain and rules of the 'road.' He challenged us while allowing us to enjoy the scene as much as possible. He helped in taking pics and videos of us. The bike, gear, snacks, and just everything was tops. Wild Bunch goes out of their way to make it an incredible, memorable experience!
- Mary Beth V.
We had an amazing experience hiking with our guide Jason! He was so knowledgeable about all the local plants, animals, mountain and trails. He went above and beyond and even surprised our daughter with cupcakes and candles for her birthday on top of the mountain! The Best!!!!
- Joann D.