This morning wakes with the sun, as we will be spending the day searching for associates of silver and copper; bornite, chrysocolla, wulfenite, and other colorful specimens yielded by these historic mountains.  In tow will be chisels, geologic hammers, hand lenses, and everything else that the 1880’s prospector might have been carrying with him.  Your geologist/guide will hunt alongside with you, explaining the source and formation history of these fabulous gems, and giving perspective as to why this area is particular was of such interest.  Happy hunting!

Elevation & Distance: 3-5 miles, rolling topography
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Our final day contains more great gem hunting in the turquoise mountains, a search for some of the world’s finest “peacock ore” outside of a small ghost town, and a stop in Tombstone to drink in the history and culture of this Old West mining boom town.  After we get our fill we will head back to Tucson.

Elevation & Distance: 2-4 miles, rolling topography
Breakfast, Lunch

 Blue Marble takes care of all meals on your tour.  Starting with breakfast on your first day through lunch the final day, your geologist/guide will prepare a variety of chef-inspired meals on the trail and in camp.  All dietary needs are accommodated, so please get in touch with us to give us details of your requirements. There may be times where special needs necessitate a small rate increase.

Meals with include one main dish, which is prepared by your geologist/guide. Fresh options may be limited, as backpacking typically requires lightweight, non-perishable foods. Trail snacks will include meats, cheeses, nuts, chocolate, and other filling, delicious, and varying backcountry food.

• Transportation to and from the host city/hotel

• Lodging prior to and following your trip

• Gear such as clothes, rainwear, and boots/shoes

• Personal items such as toiletries and sunscreen

• BMAG does not provide water bottles or Camelback-Style bladders

• Personal lighting such as headlamps or flashlights

• We suggest gratuities for your guide, typically 10-15% of the total trip cost

*Booked guests will receive a detailed information packet

Standard backpacking tours will accommodate 6 people plus one geologist/guide.  The maximum group size is 10 guests and 2 guides.

Children under 12 are generally not permitted on any of Blue Marble’s scheduled trips due to insurance liabilities. This can be negotiable on private tours, please contact us to discuss this policy

Tour bookings can be completed through our online booking platform or through our office.  A 50% deposit is required, and the full trip rate will be due 90 days prior to trip departure.  Bookings within the 90-day window require payment in full.  Trip rates are payable through our online booking platform or over the phone by Visa, MasterCard, AmEx, or Discover.  Checks by mail are fine as well, as are bank transfers ($35 transfer fee).

Call our office Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm Arizona time. 1-602-904-2536, or contact us for more information.

A pre-trip briefing is held at the host hotel the evening before trip departure.  Any questions will be answered, and you will have the opportunity to discuss anything you wish with your geologist/guide. Most trips will depart between 6am and 9am the following morning.

BMAG provides all transport throughout the trip.  Our guests staying at the host hotel may choose to leave their car at the hotel. Our designated host hotels will typically store your luggage if necessary.  In the event that this cannot be arranged, BMAG is more than happy to store luggage and personal belongings in a private and secure location during your tour.

In general, most trips can expect to be back to the host hotel by 6pm on the final day of the trip. Some trips may return earlier.  BMAG typically recommends that you do not plan to fly home on the same day your trip finishes. Each trip has its own particular set of circumstances and logistics, so please  contact us with any specific questions you may have.