Nestled among the Ponderosa pines of Northern Arizona, sits a fifteen acre Llama Ranch. Located about one mile from the Fossil Creek trailhead which leads to one of only three natural travertine springs in Arizona, this hiking tour provides a great outdoor experience for everyone. The Indian ruins in the area leave us evidence of the remarkable history of the native Americans who once lived here. Because of it's perfect location, tucked up against the Tonto National Forest, and the pre-Columbian ancestors, the ranch provides the perfect balance for physical relaxation and spiritual renewal.

You'll hike on some of Arizona's most secluded mountain trails, while the llamas with you carry the packs and equipment. At an elevation of about 7,000 feet, you travel on the Mogollon Rim through Ponderosa Pines and past many natural rock formations. You'll learn Ponderosa Pines, natural formations, llamas carrying your packs-perfect hikes at the Ranch at Fossil Creek, Strawberry, Arizona some fascinating facts about llamas as pack animals, as well as the various uses for their special wool. 

Tours are $65 for adults, and $40 for children under age 12. This does include lunch. Reservations are required.

 

Southwest Trekking Tours - Tucson/Southern Arizona

Mountain Biking

Hammer the hills, or enjoy a leisurely cruise up mountain trails with scenic vistas. Tucson is the perfect place for mountain biking. These guided tours offer complete service with transportation, the latest model front suspension mountain bikes, helmets, water, energy supplements.

The Arizona Trail, running from Mexico to Utah, provides some of the most diverse riding possible. Sections of the Arizona Trail running through the Rincon Mountains offer some of the best intermediate cross country riding, while sections in the Santa Catalina Mountains provides some of the most stunning downhill descents or sustained climb in the area.

A trip to Reddington pass will supply a rider with miles of flowing single track, backcountry views of grasslands and double track in the Rincon Mountain range.  Riding in the Tucson Mountains can be focused either technical route in the Sonoran desert or focused on fun rolling trails for beginners.  There are enough trails around the Tucson area to literally fill a lifetime of riding.
Cost: Individual $150, 2-10 people $125 per person. , 11 + $100 per person - half day

Hiking/Trekking

Customized hiking/trekking trips led by experienced local guides take you deep into the beautiful land of the Sonoran Desert. They call it "trekking" because the experience itself will take you beyond any average hiking trip. Follow paths through Araxaipa Canyon or explore into the Santa Rita Mountains. The difficulty level of your trip will be determined by the level of experience of the hikers in your group. Each trip is designed to meet your level of fitness and provide an unforgettable day of outdoor adventure. Includes transportation, water, iced beverages and experienced, trained, and knowledgeable guides.
Cost: Individual $130, 2-10 people $100 per person. , 11 + $80 per person - half day

Trail Running

For those who like a good work out in the morning or late afternoon, run with SW Trekking through the trails of Saguaro National Park. The beautiful scenery and natural landscapes provide a great backdrop for those who want to get up close and personal with the desert trails. The level of difficulty will depend on the fitness level of your group. Runs last anywhere from 2 to 4 hours morning, afternoons or dusk. Includes transportation and water.
Cost: $25 per hour minimum of two hours

Purple Mountain Pack Goats - Tucson trekking tours

Looking for a special hiking adventure? Why not hike with pack goats and dine in the wilderness! These custom hikes travel into Coronado National Forest covering the Tucson and southern Arizona regions. Your tour guide has permits for over 700 different trails including the Dragoon Mountains, the Chiracahua's, Santa Rita's, Catalina's and many more. Your day of adventure begins by packing up the goats and heading out to explore untouched wilderness areas with great scenic beauty. Take a break to partake of an extraordinary meal. Customized menus can range anywhere from hot dogs and hamburgers for the young ones to salmon, lamb or a hearty steak or chicken.

Day trips include a gourmet meal on the trail, guides and goats. Two to Four day overnight camping trips are also available. Overnight trips include all meals. Bring your own water and light snacks, camera and personal items. Camping gear for overnight trips can be rented at a low additional cost. Your trail boss has many years in the restaurant business and specializes in gourmet outdoor, wilderness cuisine. This is a trip the whole family can enjoy and an adventure you'll never forget! Cost: One day hikes: $60 per person or $160 minimum
Two days or more: $120 per person per day

 

Hiking Tours - Payson, Arizona

BOULDER CREEK TRAIL -This is an average hike that is very unique. When you stroll along this trail you will feel you have gone back 100 years in history. The shear beauty of this trail will overwhelm you. The boulder formations seem to come alive. You will gaze in wonder, asking how the boulders do not fall; they seem to be perfectly balanced.  Do not forget the camera for this journey. Length 1.5 hours. Cost: $35 per person, Child $15.00

DIAMOND POINT TRAIL - This hike is for the above average hiker. The hike starts on an old road just east of Star Valley.  The trek traverses Lion Spring Draw through dense forest of ponderosa pine, alligator juniper, and Arizona oak and pinion pine. After about ½ mile the road meets with an abandoned dirt road that traverses up to Diamond Springs. At Diamond Springs there are some of the largest alligator junipers this writer has ever seen.  The dirt road now ends and an old hiking trail is used to take us to the summit of Diamond Point. (Elevation 6380 Ft.) At this point, if everyone is up to it the tour can continue to remote cave or the group can retrace our path down Diamond Point. Length 3-4 hours. Cost: $62 per person, Child $30.00

HAIGLER CREEK TRAIL - This is a wonderful trail for the average hiker.  It is a trail that is only known by a few individuals in and around Payson.  The trail travels down Colcord Canyon to Haigler Creek.  Colcord Canyon resembles the famous West Fork Canyon of Sedona, Arizona. As the hike travels into Colcord Canyon the canyon walls raise from 50 to 100 feet. These canyon walls are comprised of sandstone layers.  The trail travels in and out of the forest canopy until it reaches Haigler Falls and Haigler Creek. The total round trip distance for this hike to Haigler Falls is 6.5 miles.  This distance can be shortened for those interested in a shorter hike.  Length 3-4 hours. Cost: $52 per person, Child $30.00 

DONOHUE TRAIL - This beautiful trail was built in the 1880 to reach ranches at the base of the Mogollon Rim.  The trail starts in a forest of ponderosa pine, alligator juniper and live oak.  At ½ mile the tail travels out of the forest canopy onto the Highline trail.  The surface of the trail now becomes littered with moderate sized pieces of Basalt (Volcanic Rock) that is from Milk Ranch Point above. The Donohue trail veers off the Highline trail and climbs steeply to Milk Ranch Point. The Views of Pine AZ, Mazatzal’s, Sierra Ancha and Mount Ord are out of this world. This is a hike for the above average hiker. The Donohue Trail can also be accessed from the top of Milk Ranch Point by a beautiful trek in Payson Adventures vehicles across Milk Ranch Point. This route to the tip of Milk Ranch Point is a lot less strenuous for the hiker.  This route makes it manageable for the average hiker. Length 3-4 hours. Cost: $52 per person, Child $30.00 

 

MONUMENT VALLEY

Explore Monument Valley on foot with your own personal Navajo guide. Get up close and personal with some of the lesser explored areas where the jeeps can't go. Hiking trips are tailored to the group for easy, moderate or strenuous activity. Choose from a two hour, three hour, half day, or full day schedule. Specialty hikes include going out at sunrise or sunset, moon light hikes, back packing and trekking. Costs: $20 per person per hour