Who is canyons and chefs?

Professional chefs, guides,  seekers of adventure, stewards of the Earth

Who we are:

chefs, adventurers, dreamers

 

What we do:

 create custom, private, bespoke experiences for lovers of fine food and adventure in the American Southwest
Colorado  Arizona  Utah   Death Valley  Santa Fe

Canyons and Chefs specializes in Chef-Driven Outdoor Experiences that illuminate the mind, refresh the body, and nourish the soul. Born of two companies, Canyons and Chefs is the meeting place between wildnerness adventure and fine food and drink.

Our two “parent companies” were once known as Red Rock Culinary (a private chef firm) and Blue Marble Adventure GeoTourism (a geology-focused guided hiking outfitter).  They have created the daughter, Canyons and Chefs, colliding the two worlds of fine restaurant dining and natural exploration.

About the Founder

Our founder Billy Woods is a classically trained chef AND and educated geologist.  After spending the first part of his career working in some of the finest restaurants in North America, he pursued his passion for the outdoors with an MS in geology from Northern Arizona University.

Operating the dueling companies for nearly 4 years, it was actually our clients that inspired him to integrate the two concepts.  So many of our private chef firm clients are deeply interested in the outdoors and natural settings of our beloved southwest, while so many of our adventure hiking clients are blown away by the food we offer on our tours.

Henceforth, we’ve created an incredibly unique concept: chef-driven outdoor experiences.  Hike and adventure by day, return to camp and have a meal that rivals some of the tastiest restaurants in the country.

 

 

Why Canyons and Chefs?

Our Mission & Vision

To create an exceptional, unique, luxurious atmosphere of adventure, fine food, fun and environmental immersion for our guests and employees, and to provide for the enrichment of their life experiences by creating a unique meeting place between wild adventure and fine dining.   Canyons and Chefs is an avid supporter of environmental causes, wilderness and public lands, and sustainable farm-to-table dining

Professional Chefs, Professional Food

Few things in life are as satisfying as an outstanding meal and a cool beverage after a long day of adventure.  We do that, but far beyond.  All of our trips, regardless of style, include multi-course meals for dinner, fresh ingredients prepared by a professional chef (even our backpacking trips utilize ingredients straight from our dehydrator), and adult beverages.  Our basecamping trips include a professional kitchen-on-wheels, which serves as the backbone to us cooking over the fire, in the smoker, and in dutch ovens.  Ever eaten at a Michelin-Starred restaurant overlooking Grand Canyon?  We thought not.  Trust us, you’ve never experienced anything quite like this.

Safety First

Our guests and employees safety is our top priority on every adventure.  Though there are no guarantees in Mother Nature, our staff is trained and certified in CPR and First Aid.  Our guides carry fully outfitted first aid kits, extra water, and are experienced navigators with maps, GPS, and compasses.  Dependent upon the trip, our guides may also have advanced certifications such as Wilderness First Responder, Swift Water Rescue, or National Outdoor Leadership degrees.  We operate with the idea that a safe adventure is a grand adventure.

Comfort

Canyons and Chefs can be counted upon to design and execute custom experiences that pamper and please.  Our luxe glamping experiences include large bell tents, mattresses, fuzzy sheets, mounds of plush pillows and blankets, and small furnishings in tents with solar chargin stations.  Camp includes large, private bathrooms with composting toilets and hot showers with plush towels and complimentary bathrobes/slippers.  Our guides are fully trained and outfitted with the necessary tools to help inexperienced backcountry travelers maintain a certain standard of personal hygiene.  Our luxury tours take this to an entirely different level, with the most comfortable accommodations one can experience in the backcountry.

First-Classs Geologist/Guides

Our lead guides are geologists with at least a Bachelor of Science in geology from an accredited university, as well as certified in CPR, First Aid, and if necessary, Wilderness First Responder or other necessary certifications based on your trip.  They are carefully chosen based upon their expertise in the area of your trip, and will ensure your every need is satisfied.  The rest of our crew, should your adventure require one, will ensure that each and every one of our guests’ desires are met in a timely, professional, and personal manner.

Wilderness Immersion

Getting a first-hand perspective of the diverse geologic and cultural history of the unparalleled landscapes to which you will travel adds a layer to your adventure that you may have never even imagined. Veteran adventure travelers know that a fulfilling and memorable vacation goes far beyond gorgeous vistas.  Our focus on the landscapes and how they were created, along with knowledge of the flora and fauna you will see will create a incredibly satisfying feeling as you reflect on what you gained from a tour with Blue Marble.