Frequently asked questions

What parts of the trip do you plan?

We want you to feel empowered, safe, and stoked for your adventure. We plan a variety of elements which include: which hikes you will do and where they are located, local dining options with our favorite dishes, pro-tips on camping spots and/or accommodations, a day-hike checklist, and important safety considerations for your hikes (terrain beta, level of difficulty, etc). If you are traveling with kids, we will aim to include fun add-ons for them too.

Where do we start?

It all begins with your idea. We will schedule an initial phone call to discuss the expectations you have for your trip. We will talk through where you plan to go, who is coming with you, what type of hiking you want to do, and must-see spots on your list. You can also use our online form beforehand, found in the Services tab.

What is the actual itinerary and how do I use it?

A trip planned with Outdoor Mavens includes a comprehensive, day-by-day logistics plan. This includes things like: live map links to your trailhead for the day, contact info and summaries of dining options, helpful tips and tricks for the environment where you are hiking (re: desert vs mountains) and relevant interpretive facts to further your place-based experience. We deliver all this to you in a PDF format complete with rich photos and timely information. All you need to do is check your email for your trip plan, and once it arrives, click it, save, and enjoy on your smartphone during your trip. Our custom trip files can also be printed.

Can I hire Outdoor Mavens as my private adventure guide?

Yes, we offer privately created custom itineraries which can be led by our expert guides. Please use the trip planning form to get started.

What if I don’t want a fully curated trip? Do you have other planning tools?

Yes we do have other options. For those of you who want more of an “add to cart” function, we have pre-built trip options for you to choose from. Select your location, browse the options, and pick the PDF that is right for you. Each pre-built trip itinerary includes the elements of a custom adventure plan, but scaled down. This is perfect for the adventure traveler who has hiked before and wants the freedom to inject some of their own flare.

Do you rent out camping gear?

Yes! We have a wide selection of hand selected, top of the line camping gear. You can rent individual items or rent our customized bundles. Click here to explore our rental packages. Pick up and return is located in Salt Lake City, UT. We do not ship gear rental items.

Where does Outdoor Mavens run multi-day adventures?

As of 2023, we are hosting adventure trips to the following areas: Great Basin National Park, Canyonlands NP, Escalante National Monument, and Moab, Utah. Click here for our list of trips.

I would prefer a guided trip that you don’t offer, can you recommend an outfitter?

Absolutely. Check out our partners section.

What areas of the U.S do you plan adventure trips for?

We are experts of the west. When we say “Intermountain West” we mean: Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, Nevada, Arizona and parts of California. This is not an exhaustive list, please reach out if your destination is not outlined here, as we most likely can work with you.

Where do you get your information from?

Our adventure consultants are outdoor industry professionals. They have worked commercially as backpacking guides for years. They are also locals of the Intermountain West. This means their knowledge is first hand expertise. The trails they recommend, the tips, the information about our National Parks, this is all from their direct experience; walking the trails, eating the food, and cultivating in person relationships with park service personnel and local business owners. We keep up to date via aggregated online information and then weave it into an easy to use trail guide.

How long is your turn around time?

We want to get you out on your vacation as efficiently as possible. From your initial call with our consultants/or online form submission, we aim for a 10 day business turn around. Things that can change this are if your dates and destination change, causing a re-work of your logistics.

Do you only plan hiking vacations? What about multi-sport options?

While we are most fluent in hiking trips of the West, we are also well versed in climbing, mountain biking, and resort skiing. Give us your vision for your trip and we will work hard to piece together multi-sport stops that are fun, less crowded, and that seamlessly flow with the trip guide as a whole.

What is your cancellation policy for an Outdoor Mavens hiking trip?

Cancellation & Refund Policy

Cancel 61-90 days prior to trip: Full refund, less deposit
Cancel 31-60 days prior to trip: 50% of trip cost is refundable
Cancel 0-30 days prior to the trip: 100% trip cost is non-refundable

What other terms of service does Outdoor Mavens have?

Please visit our Terms & Conditions page for all information related to this