Posts for Category Hiking

• The Yin and Yang of Phoenix hiking tours by Laurel Darren, Wild Bunch Desert Guides
  05/20/2023... A chance business meeting four years ago now has blossomed into a real friendship. Through the passage of time, the shared bonds of Phoenix hiking tours have continued to strengthen and deepen a partnership that has benefited much more than my Wild Bunch Desert Guides.
• Phoenix hiking tours: Colorado here we come! by Laurel Darren, Wild Bunch Desert Guides
  04/26/2023... The golden oldie is well-known as the unofficial state song of the golden state and the theme behind the expansion of our country westward. Written and first used on Broadway by Al Jolson, “California, Here I Come” celebrates its 100th birthday in January of 2024 after serving in the soundtrack of films, TV shows and stage productions for generations. But I am singing a different tune these days by changing the lyrics slightly for my Wild Bunch Desert Guides, with the second season of Colorado summer hiking tours on the vacation horizon.
• Avoid Phoenix hiking tours last-minute challenges by Laurel Darren, Wild Bunch Desert Guides
  04/04/2023... For the second straight year, the Phoenix adventure tours season has been one for the record books. But while 2022 was memorable for a seemingly endless stream of bookings, the 2023 calendar year has been remarkably inconsistent and maddeningly unpredictable. The most troubling trend? The rise of last-minute requests for guided Phoenix hiking tours and guided Phoenix mountain bike tours.
• Kids Day every day on Phoenix adventure tours by Laurel Darren, Wild Bunch Desert Guides
  03/23/2023... The thrills rival any amusement park roller coaster. The surroundings are more beautiful than any theme park, too. If only your kids could be part of the unforgettable experience you are enjoying with the Wild Bunch Desert Guides! (Sigh) … But wait! They can! Avoid being the parents who mistakenly leave the children back at the resort! Enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime family outing together on either guided Phoenix hiking tours or guided Scottsdale mountain bike tours.
• Phoenix hiking tours: Be spontaneous & open to new experiences by Laurel Darren, Wild Bunch Desert Guides
  02/20/2023... During the pandemic, I drove a delivery truck to try and save my business. So, I found myself listening to a lot of radio to keep me company at that time. In particular, I gravitated to talk radio on KTAR-FM 92.3 here in the Valley of the Sun for the financial advice of The Dave Ramsey Show. One of the host’s main messages spoke to my plight at the time and has always resonated with me. “ALWAYS have a side hustle because you never know when you’re not going to have work,” Ramsey said, repeating this mantra at least once per hour. “If you’re able to find some side hustles here and there, when things inevitably dip, you’ll still maintain your sanity and continue paying your bills.” Even though I own a successful small business now – offering Phoenix hiking tours and Phoenix mountain bike tours with my Wild Bunch Desert Guides -- I still walk that talk. I even found a side hustle that turned out to be a lot of fun during Super Bowl week here in the desert.
• Phoenix hiking tours wins with Super team by Laurel Darren, Wild Bunch Desert Guides
  02/11/2023... The top two teams in the NFL square off Sunday in Super Bowl LVII at State Farm Stadium right here in my backyard in Glendale. However, with all due respect to the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs, the best team in Arizona this weekend can be found as usual in the Sonoran Desert showing visitors the best of the old Southwest. The Wild Bunch Desert Guides deliver once-in-a-lifetime experiences on their championship-level Phoenix hiking tours and Phoenix mountain bike tours.
• Phoenix hiking tours safest Super Bowl bet by Laurel Darren, Wild Bunch Desert Guides
  02/02/2023... The long-awaited matchup is set. For the first time since 2017 – and only the 14th time in history – the top seeds from both the AFC and NFC are meeting in Super Bowl LVII on Sunday, Feb. 12. The Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles are squaring off in what should be an instant classic right here in my backyard at State Farm Stadium in the Phoenix suburb of Glendale, Ariz. So, everybody asks these days, who you got? My politically correct answer: I’m rooting for everybody to have a “Super” time during their visit to the Valley of the Sun. But if you are a gambler looking for some action? Here’s the hottest inside betting tip in town -- Phoenix hiking tours and Phoenix mountain bike tours with my Wild Bunch Desert Guides is a fun-in-the-sun proposition I like to call “Laurel’s lock.” We are even offering a “Super” discount for hiking with us – whether or not you are in town for the NFL finale!
• Phoenix hiking tours: Happy New Year! by Laurel Darren, Wild Bunch Desert Guides
  12/31/2022... Laurel Darren resolved long ago to avoid making New Year’s resolutions. However, the Wild Bunch Desert Guides owner does have a 2023 promise for guests. Her small mom-and-pop specialty shop will continue offering the same great Phoenix hiking tours and Scottsdale mountain bike tours made famous by five-star reviews. The Wild Bunch draws those raves regularly for homespun hospitality, superb customer service and customizable adventures.
• Finding fulfillment on Phoenix hiking tours by Laurel Darren, Wild Bunch Desert Guides
  12/11/2022... From the wonderous natural beauties in the Sonoran Desert to meeting incredible people from all over the country, Wild Bunch guides and guests alike find many different kinds of fulfillment on Phoenix hiking tours and Phoenix mountain bike tours.
• Date Night ideas in Phoenix? Try Phoenix adventure tours by Laurel Darren, Wild Bunch Desert Guides
  12/05/2022... The perfect pairing of comedic geniuses Tina Fey and Steve Carell makes the mistaken identity and madcap misfortune in the movie “Date Night” a truly hilarious experience to watch. But make sure to avoid a sad sequel yourself – especially when looking for romantic things to do in Phoenix during your next vacation or couples’ getaway. Here are some super cool Date Night ideas in Phoenix from the owner of five-star rated Phoenix hiking tours and Phoenix mountain bike tours. Best yet, this list of things to do in Phoenix for couples offers real-life adventures better than any film can conjure up.
• Sunrise or sunset: Phoenix hiking tours shine by Laurel Darren, Wild Bunch Desert Guides
  11/12/2022... “Don’t let the sun go down on me” was one of Elton John’s biggest hits in the 1970s. A George Michael cover of that classic also was a No. 1 worldwide smash in the 1990s. However, the tune has completely changed for guests on Phoenix hiking tours. Instead of pining about a curtain-dropper, Valley of the Sun visitors celebrate the ultimate showstopper splashing a palette full of Easter egg-colors on their once-in-a-lifetime vacation memories.
• Vote for Phoenix hiking tours fun by Laurel Darren, Wild Bunch Desert Guides
  11/01/2022... Tired of all the campaign ads on TV? Weary of the non-stop political rhetoric? I’m Laurel Darren, the owner of Wild Bunch Desert Guides, and I approve this message -- because I’m asking for your vote when the ballot addresses fun for the whole family. After all the venom and vitriol leading up to Election Day 2022, we all could use a getaway to get unplugged and get back to nature with our loved ones on one of our Phoenix hiking tours or Phoenix mountain bike tours.
• Phoenix hiking tours: No tricks; just a treat by Laurel Darren, Wild Bunch Desert Guides
  10/18/2022... Phoenix hiking tours or Phoenix mountain bike tours from the Wild Bunch Desert Guides are a real treat for guests of the small mom-and-pop specialty shop. Totally private, completely customizable experiences stressing safety and homespun hospitality make these Phoenix adventure tours a great addition to Trick-or-Treat buckets any time – not simply this Halloween.
• Things to do in Phoenix February 2023 by Laurel Darren - Wild Bunch Desert Guides
  10/08/2022... Heading to Arizona for this year’s Super Bowl to enjoy all of the NFL’s season-ending celebrations? Or maybe you are returning to the Valley of the Sun for the usual “Frantic February” fare of baseball’s spring training or the PGA Tour’s Phoenix Open? Or perhaps the world-renown Barrett-Jackson Car Collector Auction is more your speed? Whatever your reason for visiting one of the world’s top vacation destinations, here are some travel tips and things to do in Phoenix February 2023 to make sure you have a Super experience.
• A ‘Dream Team’ behind Phoenix hiking tours success by Laurel Darren, Wild Bunch Desert Guides
  09/26/2022... Jordan. Bird. Magic. Those first ballot Hall of Famers were among the biggest name standard bearers of the NBA's first Olympic basketball "Dream Team." The members of my personal "Super Squad" are hardly household names, but their love and support has helped me get through the toughest of times -- and turn my Phoenix adventure tours into something truly special.
• Phoenix hiking tours: ‘Nightmares on Cactus Street’ by Laurel Darren, Wild Bunch Desert Guides
  09/15/2022... 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.
• Phoenix hiking tours: How I spent my summer vacation by Laurel Darren, Wild Bunch Desert Guides
  08/25/2022... 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.
• ‘Groupies’ limited on Phoenix hiking tours by Laurel Darren, Wild Bunch Desert Guides
  08/08/2022... 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.
• Phoenix hiking tours vow: ‘Every step I take’ by Laurel Darren, Wild Bunch Desert Guides
  07/31/2022... 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.
• Phoenix hiking tours: Here comes the Boom! by Laurel Darren, Wild Bunch Desert Guides
  07/02/2022... 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.
• New heights for Phoenix hiking tours by Laurel Darren, Wild Bunch Desert Guides
  06/17/2022... 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.
• Summer fun for Phoenix hiking guides by Laurel Darren, Wild Bunch Desert Guides
  06/05/2022... 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.
• Summer Phoenix hiking tours: Why so early? by Laurel Darren, Wild Bunch Desert Guides
  05/25/2022... 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.
• The Importance of A Certified Guide For Your Hiking Or Mountain Bike Adventure by Laurel Darren - Wild Bunch Desert Guides
  05/16/2022... 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.
• Advantages of a Hiking Guide in Phoenix by Laurel Darren - Wild Bunch Desert Guides
  05/09/2022... 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.
• Phoenix hiking tours: Sun still shining by Laurel Darren, Wild Bunch Desert Guides
  04/10/2022... 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.”
• Group mentality of Phoenix hiking tours by Laurel Darren, Wild Bunch Desert Guides
  03/23/2022... 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.
• Phoenix hiking tours share ‘Super’ message by Laurel Darren, Wild Bunch Desert Guides
  02/10/2022... 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.
• Adventure tours Phoenix/Scottsdale: It’s a wonderful life by Laurel Darren, Wild Bunch Desert Guides
  01/31/2022... 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.
• New year, same great Phoenix hiking tours by Laurel Darren, Wild Bunch Desert Guides
  01/17/2022... 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.
• 'Tis the Season for hiking tours in Phoenix by Laurel Darren, Wild Bunch Desert Guides
  12/21/2021... '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..
• Christmas gift for a Phoenix hiking tours guide by Laurel Darren, Wild Bunch Desert Guides
  12/13/2021... A Yuletide wish granted for a Phoenix hiking tours guest turned into an unexpected and unlikely Christmas present for the owner/operator of the Wild Bunch Desert Guides.
• A Thanksgiving feast from Phoenix hiking tours by Laurel Darren, Wild Bunch Desert Guides
  11/26/2021... 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.
• Veterans Day every day on Phoenix hiking tours by Laurel Darren, Wild Bunch Desert Guides
  11/08/2021... A group of West Point classmates recently reunited in the Phoenix area on one of the Phoenix hiking tours from the Wild Bunch Desert Guides. Witnessing the event reminded company owner Laurel Darren that every day should be Veterans Day, with our collective thanks to the military for their selfless service protecting our freedoms not limited to one day each November.
• Enjoy Handicap Accessible ADA Hiking Trails in Phoenix by Laurel Darren, Wild Bunch Desert Guides
  10/21/2021... The Phoenix Metropolitan Area rates among the top communities nationally for hiking and mountain biking opportunities. Sun-kissed weather conditions allow for endless days of exploring the hundreds of miles of trails in the other-world beauty of the Sonoran Desert. The incredible variety of trails includes dozens of ADA accessible hiking trails suitable for every age and ability level. Everything from wheelchairs to walkers, and scooters to strollers can be used on these handicap hiking trails, which in turn allows every member of a family or group to experience one of the Phoenix hiking tours from the Wild Bunch Desert Guides.
• Every dog has its day on Phoenix hiking tours by Laurel Darren, Wild Bunch Desert Guides
  10/09/2021... Travelling with your dog and want Bingo by your side for all the unforgettable moments in the Valley of the Sun? This is not “Ruff Stuff!” You are more than welcome to bring Rover on one of our guided Phoenix hiking tours. Here are the rules and recommendations to follow to enjoy a dog friendly hike with man’s best friend.
• Staying safe on Scottsdale hikes by Laurel Darren, Wild Bunch Desert Guides
  09/19/2021... What does a Phoenix adventure tours owner think of two tragedies in six weeks of unguided public hiking in Arizona’s triple-digit heat? Quite a lot, actually, especially in relation to the Scottsdale hiking tours offered by her Wild Bunch Desert Guides.
• Labor Day Means Back To School Fun... For Parents - Scottsdale Hiking Tours by Laurel Darren, Wild Bunch Desert Guides
  08/31/2021... The extended Labor Day holiday weekend is upon us. Time for picnics, cookouts, and all sorts of great get-togethers as we all work hard to have some last summer-blast fun. If considering a quick getaway this or any other weekend, guided Scottsdale hiking tours with Wild Bunch Desert Guides also is a perfect part of any couples retreat or family outing on the long break from the workaday grind.
• Phoenix hiking tours: No substitutes, please! by Laurel Darren, Wild Bunch Desert Guides
  08/08/2021... Phoenix hiking tours with Wild Bunch Desert Guides are completely customizable to the desires of our guests. From trail difficulty to private group size to celebrating special occasions on the trail, every adventure is tailored to your wants, needs and wishes. The one unchangeable item in the summer, though, are early-morning start times. Read on to discover why.
• Phoenix hiking tours: Hot times, cool thoughts by Laurel Darren, Wild Bunch Desert Guides
  06/30/2021... So, you have hot summer vacation plans that include guided Phoenix hiking tours. Here is how to make sure instead of fizzling in Arizona’s legendary July heat, your adventure with Wild Bunch Desert Guides sizzles like an Independence Day firecracker. Hint No. 1: Start by crossing off an iconic Camelback Mountain hike.
• Phoenix hiking best adventure for group outings by Laurel Darren, Wild Bunch Desert Guides
  06/20/2021... Whether the calendar says July 4 or Nov. 4, an Arizona adventure tour is a great way to celebrate everything from a holiday to an anniversary, birthday, or another personal milestone. Guided Phoenix hiking or Scottsdale mountain biking also makes for a fantastic way to put a unique stamp on any corporate retreat, business event, family reunion or weekend group getaway. However, for the largest groups, hiking in the Sonoran Desert with the Wild Bunch is the best option and here is why.
• Top 3 Phoenix guided hikes from a Scottsdale adventure tour company owner by Laurel Darren, Wild Bunch Desert Guides
  04/25/2021... I am posed with this question often: When friends or family visit from back home in the Midwest, where does a Scottsdale adventure company owner take them for a Phoenix guided hike? The answer: The same places I like to walk my dog – and the Wild Bunch Desert Guides take our guests! Here is my list of all-time favorites, though.
• 'The kids are all right' on hiking & biking tours by Laurel Darren, Wild Bunch Desert Guides
  04/11/2021... The scenery is unbelievably beautiful. The experiences are unforgettably memorable. If only your kids could be part of your guided Phoenix hiking trip or guided Scottsdale mountain biking tour. But wait! They can! Here is how families can enjoy the same thrills together with the Wild Bunch Desert Guides.
• Hiking or Mountain Biking in Phoenix? Watch for these ‘Easter Eggs’ by Laurel Darren, Wild Bunch Desert Guides
  04/04/2021... Easter comes only once per year, but the Wild Bunch Desert Guides offer an “Easter Egg Hunt” of a different kind daily in the Phoenix Metro area. From Flora to Fauna, Arizona’s Sonoran Desert boasts all sorts of colorful and exotic sights not seen elsewhere. And those cool plants and animals are just waiting to be discovered, too, during a guided hiking tour or guided mountain biking trip.
• Camelback Mountain Master Class: This is 'F'ing hard' by Laurel Darren, Wild Bunch Desert Guides
  02/05/2021... Look at the spectacular pictures from the peak, and the attraction of a Camelback Mountain hike is easily understandable. I certainly get the allure for visitors to Arizona’s Valley of the Sun, too, as a Midwestern transplant blessed with many unforgettable moments in my memory bank. However, as an adventure tour company owner, I must be honest with my guests -- a guided Camelback Mountain hike is not for everybody.