Backpacking

We know you’re excited about your adventure, but please understand that we don’t give exact details of our routes before booking. As professional guides, we plan each tour based on your fitness, goals, and the ever-changing conditions of the backcountry. We don’t know yet if it’ll be the most perfect bluebird day, a heatwave, or where the wildflowers will be in full bloom on your specific date (each year it changes due to varying conditions)—but we do know that we’ll pick the perfect, uncrowded spot for you, away from the masses.

Our team goes out and does recon to make sure you have a one-of-a-kind experience—which can't be done way in advance. We’re here to guide you to those hidden gems the general public doesn’t know about. So, trust us to plan an unforgettable adventure that will blow your mind!

Book your trip, leave the details to us, and get ready for something incredible!

A 50% non-refundable deposit is made to secure a guided overnight trip. Cancellations made with more than 30 days’ notice will receive a refund for the cost of the trip, less the deposit fee. Cancellations made between 15 to 30 days prior to scheduled departure will receive a refund for half of the final balance.

Cancellations made less than 2 weeks prior to your scheduled trip are 100% non-refundable.

We understand things come up and we want to work with you to ensure you get time in our beautiful Idaho backcountry. While your deposit is non-refundable, it is partially transferable (less the hut fees). If you cancel with more than 30 days’ notice, we will work with you to find another available date to make your trip happen.

Please keep in mind that these policies vary by service. See our full cancellation policy for details.

Gratuity is not included in the trip fee. As with other service industries, it is customary to tip your guide(s) if you are satisfied with their service. A gratuity of 10-20% of the total trip fee is standard, reflecting the quality and excellence of your experience. Cash or Venmo is preferred.

Yes! Expect to carry your own overnight gear on a backpacking trip with Sun Valley Guides.

A great way to make this task more manageable is to ensure your gear is backpacking-appropriate (lightweight) and comfortable. Please refer to the equipment list and consult with your guide for help!

Yes! You and your guide will visit a local gear store before leaving town where you will be able to pick from a selection of dehydrated backpacking meals. Alternatively, if you already have some on hand, you’re welcome to bring them! Just be sure to consult with your guide to ensure the items you’ve brought are appropriate and enough for your trip.

We also encourage guests to bring along their favorite lightweight, energetic snacks like granola bars, jerky, granola, etc.

Sometimes smoke from nearby or even distant fires can affect the area. We understand this can be a concern. Rest assured, we closely monitor air quality and will not take groups out when the AQI (air quality index) is above 150 where we are recreating.

Please keep in mind, because we are in a mountainous region, air quality can vary significantly between locations. What you see in town may not reflect conditions in the backcountry. What is coming in from one direction, might not be affecting another area of our permit. We adapt as needed, sometimes changing our planned location to find a pocket of clearer air. We do extensive recon to ensure the best experience and will make the call to reschedule if necessary.

If we determine conditions require rescheduling, we’ll reach out. However, if you choose to cancel on your own, our standard cancellation policy applies.