Four Season GuidesReviews of fsguides.com

The Winter Rim-to-Rim, which is actually Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim because you come back to the South rim (but go up a different route) far exceeded our expectations! The views were of course spectacular, but there was a lot more color and variance of scenery than I expected, while down in the canyon. The descent and ascents on the South and North rims were all unique with different views along the way. We trained really hard for distance and uphill and downhill and were well prepared. The only part that tested us was the first day with full packs, going down the large steps on the South rim descent. If I did this again I would find a way to train specifically for that, or take more time and use my walking poles more to preserve my legs longer. This is your first day and your pack is its heaviest. It could set you up well for the rest of the trek, or set you up for failure, so be strategic. The temps at night were cold, but our sleeping bags and tent from Four Seasons worked great. The temps during the day were cool and perfect for backpacking. Most campsites had nice restrooms and water sources, some already drinkable. We were not expecting this but it was a pleasant surprise. Our guide was very knowledgeable and every meal he made was tasty and creative. He had over 22 years guiding in multiple national parks and was very prepared. We were in good hands. Everybody was in good shape so we were able to push the pace, take short breaks, and finish with time to relax at camp. So be ready to go hard, because it pays off later in the day. Afterwards we spent a few days in Sedona to recover, where we avoided stairs like the plague. I highly recommend this trip, and highly recommend Four Seasons Guides. It was an experience we are still high from!

Our trip with Four Seasons Guides was perfect! Our guide was so patient with our varying levels of fitness during the hardest parts of the hikes. His knowledge of the area and history really added to the experience. Everything from meals to accommodations was great. I wouldn’t change a thing! Thank you!

We did it! Our group of 5 older adults was filled with trepidation as we approached our South Rim hotel. Sure, we’d hiked, trained, acquired appropriate new equipment, studied, watched the YouTube videos, evaluated the weather reports. All of it. But we still had to do it. The staff at 4 Seasons Guides prepared us completely with their website information, communication prior to the event and assignment of our guide Matt who finished our preparation with his pre-hike, night before meeting. We were blessed with unseasonably calm and warm weather for November 18. Matt was a Grand Canyon scholar. From details on geology to knowledge of history of the area to decades long awareness of local events/people we felt like we’d been in the Canyon for years. We felt prepared. Matt supplied us with diet appropriate trail snacks. We carried necessary fluids. The 7 mile hike down South Kaibab Trail was lots of effort but not punishing. Our gear sent down to Bright Angel campground awaited us in good fashion. Matt got straight to work setting up our camp & preparing dinner. It was Mexican food night and it was great. We prepped ourselves for a deserved rest & rejuvenation. Skies were clear and stars were distinct. Upon awakening to our full day in the canyon matt gave us choices. How much did the group want to sit around and lick our wounds? We had made it down. Why not explore? We decided to go for it. A day hike of 7 miles up to Ribbon Falls and back. Ooof, 14 miles!? As we strolled through the Phantom Ranch center we got to assist the wranglers feeding the miles preparing to haul visitors to the top. Another cloudless day in high 70s and a refreshing dowse of high desert stream water. Matt was sure to share with us the Native American lore relating to the region. It brought all the feels for us. Our return to camp ended in another damn good home cooked meal: pasta. The night was again clear but colder. We took Matt’s advice and walked to the middle of The Silver Bridge to view the unadulterated night sky. The sound of the mighty Colorado River below us and the image of moonshine on the canyon walls created lasting memories. All that hiking helped us all sleep hard. We arose a couple hours earlier so we could begin our uphill trek. Matt prepared the campsite breakfast and consolidated our sleeping quarters to once again load onto the pack mules. Once again we were treated to an in depth perspective on the geology and human history of the specific trail: The Bright Angel Trail. From the River Through the Devils Corkscrew, Indian Gardens and finally over the Green Triangle. An inspiring activity we are all proud to have accomplished. We had another night in the South Rim which was a great decision. Relaxing in our rooms, strolling out along the Rim & enjoying a final meal at El Tovar helped us process the enormity of our undertaking. This formula worked well for us. We are all in above average physical condition so we could tolerate the hiking aspects. As a first time visitor understanding the effort required helps me realize it can’t be a one and done. I will embrace the planning to return to the Canyon. The trip is invigorating & rewarding. Just Do It.

I can’t say enough about Four Season Guides and their mission to deliver great customer service and wonderful customer experience. This was the first trip for my friends and I using a guide and it was wonderful. We had everything organized for us. We had no worries about finding trailheads, finding parking, accommodations, food, rules for using the trails and hiking equipment. It was all taken care of by our guide from Four Seasons. Bob was a wealth of information, funny and attuned to our capabilities on the trail. We (4 women) felt very safe with Bob. I would highly recommend Four Season Guides!! We will be using their services again!

Our 4 person group did the Clear Creek 5 day, 4 night backpacking trip in November. The trip was amazing! Our guide (Bob C.) was just great, worked hard for us, and is extremely well organized. The food was WAY above our expectations for a backpacking trip. The gear that was provided was all high quality and worked great for us. The overall experience was wonderful. We give our highest recommendation to FS Guides.

Great company, great trips, reasonable well understood costs, and great guides. Look forward to my next trip!

We completed our first backpacking adventure in October 2020. Wow, what an incredible experience - unforgettable. Four Seasons provides excellent snacks and foods that provided the energy needed to take on the Canyon. Our guide knew every nook and cranny of the Canyon; he told stories and pointed out trails and sites most people would never learn about. Be sure to check the weather, be prepared, and do not bring anything extra, as you will be carrying about 35-40 pounds down 14 miles and up 10 miles!

Just got back from an amazing Grand Canyon backpacking trip with Four Season‘s guides. Definitely recommend them!! From the first phone call, Dave the owner was friendly and professional. Our guide Jeremy was awesome and made our trip very enjoyable. Four seasons provided all of our gear (which was in excellent shape.) Jeremy did an awesome job of getting us thru the canyon and cooking all the meals (the meals were delicious)!! Jeremy is very informative about the Canyon and knows where all the spectacular views are. I’m not going to lie, Hermits loop is tough but definitely rewarding. I’ll be planning my next backpacking trip with Four Seasons Guides!!