Guided Arizona Expeditions

Explore Arizona’s stunning canyons and wilderness
 with glamping or backpacking excursions 
Northern Arizona is a wild and remote place with spectacular and complex geology.  It is located on the southern edge of the Colorado Plateau, and includes famous places such as Monument Valley, The Wave of The Vermillion Cliffs, the Petrified Forest, the San Francisco volcanic field, and world-class slot canyons such as Buckskin Gulch and Antelope Canyon. 
 
 Northern Arizona contains some of the most iconic and rich scenery in the southwest.  You may recognize several areas from old John Wayne or Gary Cooper movies, as this was once a popular place to truly capture the spirit and scenery of the Old West. 
 
Surprising and haunting from the stark and remote beauty of the Painted Desert and ancient Native American ruins to the lush aspen forests found in its 12,000ft peaks, Northern Arizona adventures offers something very unique to each of its visitors.
 
We offer guided hiking, backpacking, and basecamping tours of Paria Canyon, The Little Colorado River, and the outstanding Vermillion Cliffs National Monument.  Our day adventures include photography workshops, gem hunting tours, and the unique Canyons and Chefs, which presents an opportunity to pair a gourmet chef with a day hike.  Bon Appetit!

Arizona Geologic Immersion Backpacking Expeditions

Arizona Red Rock country contains some of the most breathtaking beauty and scenery in the entire United States, and some even say the world over.  Our adventure tours in these areas will leave you with a new sense of deep appreciation and wonder for the marvels you behold.  Feel free to ​​contact us with any questions, or to create your own Arizona Red Rocks BackPack adventure.

Paria Canyon Via Buckskin Gulch

The Paria Canyon and its tributary The Buckskin Gulch (the longest, deepest slot canyon in Canyon Country) is quite possibly the finest canyon hike on the planet.  Surrounded by sheer, humbling 1000ft walls of Navajo Sandstone, Paria Canyon is a main tributary to the mighty Grand Canyon.

Duration: 5 Days

Skill Level: Graduate +

Cost: $1350/guest

Little Colorado River

Feeding into the mighty Colorado River, the Little Colorado River is contained in an impressive gorge with soaring limestone walls, spires, swooping eagles, and dramatic beauty.  This trip leads to the LCR’s confluence with big brother, and some of the finest scenery in the southwest.

Duration: 5 Days

Skill Level: Undergraduate +

Cost: $1350/guest

Vermillion Cliffs Excursion

The Vermillion Cliffs of Northern Arizona contain some of the most remote, spectacular, and fantastic places on the planet.  We will visit Water Pockets, Coyote Buttes, and White Pockets on this photogenic Tour de Force.

Duration: 4 Days

Skill Level: Graduate

Cost: $1250/guest

Arizona Chef-Driven Luxury Basecamp Expeditions

Basecamping in the American Southwest provides a comfortable alternative to backpacking for those looking for a more luxurious experience.  Hike and explore the fabulous scenery by day, and return to camp in the evening for excellent meals prepared by fire, and creature comforts that include a toilet, solar shower, and comfortable sleeping arrangments.  Whether you want to take a guided backpacking tour of ​​​Grand Canyon, Utah Canyon Country, The Red Rocks of Arizona, or create a custom tour, your geologist/guide will ensure that your experience is unforgettable no matter your adventure!

Vermillion Cliffs

Our basecamp tour of Northern Arizona includes fantastic adventures into iconic slot canyons, sweet overlooks, and even a day rafting on the Colorado River.  What are you waiting for?!

Duration: 5 Days

Skill Level: Undergraduate +

Cost: $2800/guest

Arizona Adventure and Tour Information

The wild lands of Arizona are bucket-list destinations.  Trips to this area are breathtaking, mind-bending, inspiring, and spectacular.  It is also a land of extremes with hot summers, cold winters, and very little precipitation.  Good physical condition is required, and smart packing is a must (see our ​​​​​​​blog for training and packing tips).  
 
 

What is included?

Trip price includes certified guide, gear (backpack, tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad), meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks), water, permits and camp fees, transportation to and from trails/campsites. 

Trip price does not include: extra gear rental (water bladder, first aid kits, luxury items, etc.), airfare, transportation to and from host city, pre or post-trip hotel accomodations, personal health/liability insurance

Reservations

Tours of Arizona’s lands, particularly the National Parks, are very popular and advanced planning is often necessary. We strongly recommend making your reservations at least 3 to 5 months in advance. We can accommodate last-minute bookings provided space is available, so please call our office to check. 

Why reserve early?

Each trip requires a minimum number of participants for departure. Blue Marble Adventure GeoTourism reserves the right to cancel scheduled trips that do not meet minimum sign-up requirements (usually 4 guests).
For more details please see our comprehensive Trip Policies and Payments page.

To make a reservation, visit our Reservation Request page. Or call our office at (602) 904-2536, Monday to Sunday, 9am to 5pm AZ time.

Meeting Time & place

Blue Marble can grab you from your hotel, or you may choose to meet at the designated meeting place, which will be included in your pre-trip information packet. Our meeting time will be arranged upon booking your reservation and is largely dependent on time of year.

Cancellations

To guarantee your reservation we require a 50% deposit. We collect the remaining balance 30 days prior to the hike departing. Any cancellation made more than 15 days prior to departure will receive a full refund less a $30 processing fee. Cancellations made within 15 days will receive a 50% refund and any cancellation made within 72 hours of the hike departing will receive no refunds or credits. There are no refunds for guests who arrive late or depart early from the trip. There are no refunds for late arrivals.

Why Go Guided?

So much of the true wilderness experience comes from being able to understand and interpret what you are seeing.  Why are those rocks red?  How did this canyon form?  What is that tree?  What cultural significance are those petroglyphs?  Our expert guides will not only keep you safe, relaxed, and intrigued, they will also be able to answer almost any question you have about the landscape you are seeing.

A trained geologist is a person who can interpret millions of years of Earth’s history simply by staring at a rock outcrop for a few minutes.  Anyone can read a book about The Grand Canyon, Zion, The Painted Desert, or Death Valley, but seeing it up close and personal is a completely different and extraordinary experience. Our guides will give you knowledge and the intimate experience of truly knowing where you came from.  ​

In addition to our geologic knowledge, our trips also give you the fundamental ability to immerse yourself in the landscape without worrying about food, water, camping arrangements, transportation, driving directions, or any logistical issues that invariably accompany adventure.  Let us handle the details, all you need to do is enjoy the ride.

Explore Further, Be Wild, See Through Time.