Frequently Asked Questions

Our guides are experienced outdoor enthusiasts with extensive knowledge of the trails and activities offered. They undergo regular training to ensure they provide a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.

We prioritize safety and have several measures in place, including carrying first aid kits, ensuring all guides are CPR and first aid certified, conducting pre-hike safety briefings, and monitoring weather conditions. We also have our trail dog, Shanti to help alert us to the presence of any hostile wildlife or humans. Our head trail guide also carries a variety of protection measures, including bear spray.

We love dogs, but it depends on the trail and the specific hike. Please check with us beforehand to see if dogs are allowed on the hike you're interested in. They usually are, as long as they get along with other dogs and are supervised at all times. One fur baby per adult, please.

We provide water and sugar-free lemonade packets to drink. To eat we’ll have nutritious and delicious pre-packaged snacks such as grass fed meat sticks, green olives, nuts, protein bars, baby carrots, tuna, smoked clams, oysters, crackers and chocolate! Our goal is to keep you energized and satisfied throughout the trip. You are free to add your own food and snacks, especially if you have any food preferences or sensitivities. Please let us know in advance if you have a life-threatening allergy.

All necessary gear and equipment, including backpacks and yoga mats are provided as part of the half- day and full- day trips. However, feel free to bring any personal items or gear that you prefer such as hats, gloves, rain gear, or lip balm. Your guides always carry sunscreen and insect repellent for use by the group. **The overnight backpacking trips do not include equipment or food because it’s so personalized to the height of the individual. However, we are happy to give recommendations on shopping for your backpacking gear.

Phones will be encouraged to be on silent and put away for the duration of our adventure. Some trails don’t have cell service but one of the trail guides will always have a sat phone.

Our maximum group size is 6 people. We aim to keep groups small to ensure a personalized experience and minimize environmental impact.

Your safety is our top priority. If the weather conditions are unsafe (such as lightning or snow), we may reschedule the hike or offer an alternative activity. However, be prepared for rain because that is always a possibility in the mountains. We will keep you informed and work to find the best solution.

These sessions include 4 fifteen minute sessions of mindfulness practices, gentle yoga/stretching, qigong (similar to Tai chi), and journaling exercises designed to deepen your connection with nature and enhance your overall well-being.

Yes, beginners are welcome! Our hikes and mindfulness sessions are designed to accommodate participants of all levels. Our experienced guides will ensure you have a safe and enjoyable experience, regardless of your level of experience. With that being said, we recommend the half-day hikes for beginners and the full-day hikes for people who are used to walking or hiking regularly.

Not usually. For bathroom breaks, we follow Leave No Trace principles. Participants are advised to go off-trail and at least 200 feet away from water sources, dig a small hole, and cover it properly after use. Each backpack has a trowel for this purpose. For number 2, please place a 2-3 foot stick in the hole when you are done to keep someone else from digging in that spot. To accommodate privacy, women will be guided to one side of the trail for bathroom breaks, while men will be directed to the other side. We will have plenty of scheduled bathroom breaks along the trail. However, if anyone needs to go outside of these designated times, please inform one of our guides so that we can accommodate you without getting too far ahead.

Our activities are designed to be inclusive and respectful of all beliefs. While some activities may have a spiritual aspect, they are optional, and participants are encouraged to engage in a way that aligns with their personal beliefs and comfort level.

We create a safe and supportive environment where participants can share as much or as little as they feel comfortable. Our guides are trained to listen empathetically and offer support without judgment.

We respect the privacy of our participants and have guidelines in place to ensure that personal reflections and sharing within the group remain confidential.

Participation in activities is always optional, and participants are encouraged to engage in a way that feels right for them. Participants can use those moments to take pictures, have a snack, find a private spot to go to the bathroom, etc.

Participants with specific health concerns are encouraged to consult with their healthcare provider before participating. We strive to accommodate participants' needs to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. Please let us know in advance if you have a specific mental or physical diagnosis that could affect your experience.

While some hikes may be hard on very young or elderly hikers due to difficulty level, we strive to accommodate participants of all ages. A one-to-one parent to child ratio is required for participants under 10 years old. Please note that half-day hikes are easier than full day hikes.

In 2024 we will have three overnight backpacking trips on the schedule for people who have already participated in a half-day hike or a full day hike. In the winter of 2025 we will be adding snowshoeing and kayaking to the schedule.

For the entire year of 2024, our hikes will be all in the area of Nevada County between Highway 20 North and Highway 80. Commonly referred to as the Grouse Ridge Area.

Please contact us if you have any other questions or concerns.