Few things in life bring as much joy and well-being than a pleasant walk in the woods.
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Hit the Hiking Trail with Austin-Lehman Adventures


"My grandmother started walking five miles a day when she was sixty. She's ninety-three today and we don't know where the hell she is."
-Ellen DeGeneres

Few things in life bring as much joy and well-being than a pleasant walk in the woods. Footloose and free, there’s virtually no limit to one’s range of exploration and discovery. Bicycles need a road or forest path to follow. Rafts require a river. But on foot you can freely go wherever the wind may blow.

For years our guests have been asking us to run "hiking-only" trips. We listened and this year we launched a series of three exceptional itineraries specifically designed for the walking enthusiast. So lace up your boots and join us for the best time you've ever had on two feet!

Now shall I walk or shall I ride?
"Ride," Pleasure said:
"Walk," Joy replied.
- W.H. Davies



Alberta - Canadian Rockies Hiking Adventure


Feet on the ground - head in the clouds


As you take that final step and you stand triumphantly atop Sentinel Pass, you get the feeling that you can reach up and hug the sky. All the grandeur of the Canadian Rockies unfolds on this luxury adventure expressly designed to satisfy the most passionate hiker.

Highlights:
Burn calories and camera batteries on a jaunt to Stanley Glacier in Kootenay National Park • Climb the Plain of Six Glaciers to a vantage point high above Lake Louise • Catch a 360° view of the Valley of the Ten Peaks on a trek up Sentinel Pass • Watch for shooting stars from the outdoor hot tub at Emerald Lake Lodge • Hike to Takakkaw Falls, Canada’s second tallest.

Distinctive Accomodations: Nights 1-3: Baker Creek Chalet • Nights 4 & 5: Emerald Lake Lodge

Host City: Calgary, Alberta

2006 Date: July 23-28

Price: $2,398

Level of Difficulty: Easy to Moderately Strenuous

Click Here for Trip Details

"There is nothing like walking to get the feel of a country. A fine landscape is like a piece of music; it must be taken at the right tempo. Even a bicycle goes too fast."
Paul Scott Mowrer

Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Meet in Calgary and shuttle to Kootenay National Park • Hike through a sub-alpine forest where evidence of the 1968 Vermillion burn is still present • Soon the forest canopy opens up to an abundance of wild flowers and Stanley Glacier • Keep on the lookout for hoary marmots, pika and white-tailed ptarmigans • Dinner at Baker Creek Bistro. Today’s hiking distance: 5.3 miles

Day 2: Hike the shoreline of Lake Louise then ascend into the sub alpine to the Plain of Six Glaciers • An afternoon option includes a challenging climb to a spectacular view of Lake Louise • Descend switchbacks to stunning Lake Agnes and relax at a backcountry teahouse • Dinner tonight is at the Station, a restored Canadian Pacific Railway caboose. Today’s hiking options: 6.5 to 11.2 miles

Day 3: Morning departure to Moraine Lake • Hike a series of 12 switchbacks to Larch Valley • Sensational 360° views of the Valley of the Ten Peaks with lunch at Minnestima Lake • Then climb skyward to Sentinel Pass with rewarding views into Paradise Valley • Return for more pampering at Baker Creek Bistro. Today’s hiking options: 3.75 to 10.5 miles

Day 4: More hiking options around Lake Louise • Afternoon option to go whitewater rafting on the Class III-IV Kicking Horse River • Check-into the luxurious Emerald Lake Lodge • Dinner tonight at the Eagles Eye Restaurant with incredible views of the Columbia River Valley.

Day 5: Gradually ascend Yoho Pass • Views of the President Range are breathtaking • Lunch at Yoho Lake • Return route takes us past Takakkaw Falls, Canada’s second tallest • Relax in the hut tub before dinner at the lodge. Today’s hiking distance: 8 miles

Day 6: Casual morning with breakfast followed by a lakeshore walk • Mid-morning return shuttle to Banff hotels and the Calgary Airport

Book Now! Space is Limited
For Details, Availability & Reservations Call 1.800.575.1540



Montana - Big Sky Hiking Adventure


Afield and afoot one’s explorations are limitless


Embrace the joy and freedom of walking a forest trail spellbound with the changing landscape at every crest and turn. With guides well versed in pursuing the path less traveled, you’ll be treated to a kaleidoscope of wild beauty endemic to the Montana Rockies.

Highlights:
Engage your senses on a vigorous hike to Lava Lake deep in the Lee Metcalf Wilderness • Explore the alpine environment of Beehive Basin high above the town of Big Sky • Learn about the explosive history of Yellowstone on a series of ‘back door’ hikes • Trek along Specimen Ridge then luxuriate in the thermal waters of Chico Hot Springs

Distinctive Accommodations: Nights 1 & 2: 320 Ranch • Night 3: Lake Yellowstone Hotel • Nights 4 & 5: Chico Hot Springs Resort

Trip Length: 6 Days/5 Nights

2006 Date: July 23-28

Adult Price: $1,898

Host City: Bozeman, Montana

Click Here for Trip Details

"In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks."
John Muir

Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Pick-up in Bozeman • Hike along Cascade Creek to Lava Lake inside the Lee Metcalf Wilderness • Spend the day exploring the wonders of Gallatin National Forest • Later, shuttle past the town of Big Sky and check-into the 320 Guest Ranch • Evening hayride and cowboy barbecue. Today’s hiking distance: 6 miles

Day 2: Amid the Spanish Peaks embark on an all-day hike through Beehive Basin • Gaze upon sweeping views of the Madison and Gallatin Ranges • Lunch by a picturesque alpine lake • Under the crags of Beehive Peak, explore lush wildflower meadows crossing numerous streams lacing this glacial cirque. Today’s hiking distance: 5 miles

Day 3: Head to Yellowstone Park • Tour the magical Fountain Paint Pots, Old Faithful, and neighboring geysers • Lunch on the shore of Yellowstone Lake then hike to the brink of Yellowstone’s Grand Canyon • View the powerful 308-foot Lower Falls of the Yellowstone • Unpack at our park hotel then relax to a string quartet at dinner. Today’s hiking distance: 6 miles

Day 4: Trek through the largest concentration of petrified trees in the world along Specimen Ridge enjoying expansive views of Yellowstone River Canyon and the Lamar Valley • After lunch, tour the boardwalks of Mammoth Hot Springs • Head to Chico Hot Springs Resort, where a soak in the recuperative thermal waters and a sumptuous dinner await. Today’s hiking distance: 5 miles

Day 5: Up for a hearty breakfast before departing for a hike into the Absaroka Mountains • Climb through dense stands of aspen and fir on the way to spectacular Passage Falls • Back at Chico, enjoy an optional spa treatment or relax in the hot spring pool before a candlelit farewell dinner. Today’s hiking distance: 4.2 miles

Day 6: Morning hike to Pine Creek Falls or treat yourself to a massage, or final dip in the hot springs • Return to Bozeman hotels and the airport Today’s hiking distance: 2 miles

Book Now! Space is Limited
For Details, Availability & Reservations Call 1.800.575.1540



Utah - Bryce & Zion Hiking Adventure


National Park hiking at its absolute best


The climate is ideal, the scenery ever-changing and after each daily workout you reap the rewards of fine dining and restful accommodations. We encourage you to set the pace, offering up a variety of lesser-known trail options that deliver solitude and varying degrees of challenge.

Highlights:

Investigate ancient lava flows and petrified dunes in Snow Canyon State Park • Hike to Zion’s Double Alcove Arch • Descend from the rim of Bryce into a fairyland of hoodoos, spires and fins • Explore a hidden slot canyon • Crisscross the Virgin River on a walk up Zion’s iconic Narrows or ascend Echo Canyon to a vista high above the park

Distinctive Accommodations: Night 1: Seven Wives Inn • Nights 2 & 3: Bryce Canyon Lodge • Nights 4 & 5: Flanigan’s Inn

Trip Length: 6 Days/5 Nights

2006 Date: October 15-20

Price: $1,898

Host City: St. George, Utah

Click Here for Complete Trip Details

"When you come to a fork in the road, take it."
Yogi Berra

Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Meet for lemonade on the porch of the Seven Wives Inn • Depart on a hike through Snow Canyon • Enjoy the burnt-red sandstone walls and patches of sage highlighted by the colors of a Utah sunset • After dinner, kick-back for some of the best star gazing in the lower 48 states. Today’s hiking distance: 3.5 miles

Day 2: Depart for Zion National Park • Streamside hike up Kolob Canyon beneath towering 1,600-foot vertical sandstone walls • Trek along the cottonwood-lined banks of Taylor Creek to the weeping walls and unexpected flora of Double Arch Alcove • Later, head to Bryce Canyon Lodge for check-in and dinner. Today’s hiking distance: 6.8 miles

Day 3: Embark on a full day of hiking along Bryce’s Fairyland Loop Trail amid towering rock pinnacles bathed in pink, buff, and tangerine • Visit Fairyland Amphitheater, Chinese Wall and Tower Bridge • Tonight’s reward is a hearty dinner back at the park lodge. Today’s hiking distance: 8.3 miles

Day 4: To Zion! • Enjoy two morning hiking options exploring Hidden or Echo Canyons • After lunch, climb to the canyon rim to admire the snaking Virgin River 1,200 feet below • Ready for a cold beverage? Check-into the desert oasis of Flanigan’s Inn. Today’s hiking options: 6 to 12 miles

Day 5: Embark on National Geographic’s “#1 Hike in the U.S.” • Spend a full day walking and wading along the Virgin River, into the sheer walled canyon of the Narrows • Explore lush grottos, mineral springs and hanging gardens • Final group dinner and celebration at the Bit ’n Spur. Today’s hiking distance: 6 to 11 miles

Day 6: Morning hike to Northgate Peaks exploring Zion Canyon’s highcountry • Enjoy sensational views and marvel at a multitude of wildflowers along the way • Lunch at the Springdale Fruit Market before returning to St. George. Today’s hiking distance: 5 miles

Book Now! Space is Limited
For Details, Availability & Reservations Call 1.800.575.1540



Hiking Tips & Tidbits


“Everywhere is walking distance if you have the time.”
Steven Wright

Preparing for a Hiking Trip
Most likely you’ll be hiking across varied terrain, so you will want to vary your pre-trip workouts accordingly. For an indoor program, the StairMaster machine is ideal (i.e., six to ten miles with elevation gains of 800 to 1000 feet per mile). If you prefer walking outside, choose routes and trails that offer flat and hilly sections. We recommend carrying your daypack and wearing hiking shoes during some workouts to get used to them.

Your Feet
The healthier and more comfortable your feet, the happier your trip will be. To avoid blisters, keep your feet and socks dry and clean. As soon as you feel a hot spot (rubbing), stop, and apply moleskin to the effected area. If a blister develops, keep the area dry and clean, and protect it from further pressure. You may want to carry the following foot care items with you in your daypack.

  • moleskin
  • mole foam
  • spenco gel
  • second skin
  • tincture of benzene
  • athletic tape
  • small scissors

Footwear
Choosing the right footwear is one of the most important decisions you will make. For hiking, a tried-and-true, lightweight walking shoe or boot is the best. We recommend a "hybrid" walking boot or "approach" shoe that combines the lightweight, ventilated features of a shoe with the support and durability of a boot. If you buy new footwear for your trip, be sure to break them in beforehand.

Socks
Bring at least one pair for each day of your trip, plus extras for the evening. We highly recommend specialized hiking socks such as Thorlo or SmartWool. These are designed with extra cushion to absorb shock and help prevent blisters. If you have had trouble with blisters in the past, try a sock liner, a thin layer worn under your hiking sock to reduce friction and wick moisture.

Daypack
On an adventure vacation, your daypack will take on a multitude of uses. It will store extra clothes, water and snacks, raingear and first-aid supplies as well as act as a pillow for that welcomed rest break. Choose a pack that can carry everything you’ll need plus a camera and bag lunch. Be sure that it has a comfortable hip belt so you carry the weight on your hips, not on your shoulders.

Hydration
Drink plenty of water before and during your hike. By keeping hydrated, you replace water lost from perspiration. Water intake reduces the chance of nausea and headaches, as well as cramping and sore muscles. If you find water a little dull, ask your guides for a slice of lemon.

More Information
Check out these helpful online resources:
• LL Bean – helpful tips from the experts Click Here
• GORP – Hiking how-tos Click Here
• Kaboose – Hiking for kids Click Here

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