The Big Wild Mission

Our mission is to provide our clients with safe, well planned and profoundly rewarding wilderness experiences in some of western North America’s wildest and most beautiful landscapes. Also, it is to provide our guests with opportunities to learn about the unique natural features of each wildland that we visit. And viewing wildlife – large and small – is usually a key part of that experience.

We strive to provide unmatched customer service, and to make each adventure joyous and fun and one that will remain with folks forever. Once folks join us in the big wilds, combined with their own life experiences their adventure is usually so wonderful that they return time and again. Many of our clients tell us that their week in the big wilds was the best week of their lives, and that it gave them a unique opportunity to reflect, renew and recharge their spirit.

Another part of our mission is to provide a rewarding and pleasant work environment for the entire Big Wild working family, including owners Howie and Marilyn as well as our other guides.

Finally, although our primary goal is to provide for a great wilderness experience, we also provide the opportunity for those who are interested to learn about efforts to protect our nation’s remaining wild habitats. We believe that protecting wild landscapes is important because wild nature has intrinsic value. And, conserving wild nature also contributes to the sustainability of both our society and of all life on Earth.

Annual Trip Calendar

Scheduled Trips 2012

Below, we’ve listed our trips by region. Trips listed under Yellowstone Backpacking are also listed under the state in which they occur. You’ll find complete information on each trip by clicking on the regional heading above each section.

Yellowstone Backpacking

Montana Backpacking

Wyoming Backpacking

California Backpacking

Utah Backpacking

Colorado Backpacking

Washington Backpacking

New Mexico Backpacking

Alaska Backpacking

Canoe Tour in Montana


NOTE: Our Death Valley and Gila wilderness trips are offered only in odd numbered years. In even numbered years, our spring backpack trips are the Escalante Canyons and Grand Staircase backcountry areas of southern Utah.

List prices include our complete gear package and there is a $200 discount if you bring your own (see Canoeing ListBackpacking List, and/or
Questionnaire for details). Also, we offer a $200 discount for the second trip in a calendar year. Scheduled trips are for persons ages 16 and over. Exceptions to the age requirement will be made by us on a case-by-case basis.