Guided Hiking Tours
A guided hiking tour is the perfect way to experience a hike. You can let your guide handle the harder aspects of the hike, and you can just enjoy all the beauty that the hike has to offer. I offer customized, private guiding hiking tours and trips to small groups.
Unfortunately, I'm no longer offering in-person guided hikes. A combination of increased insurance costs, difficulty obtaining permits promptly, and logistical hurdles mean that it's just not possible for me to offer this service anymore.
Exceptional Certified Guiding
With over five years of professional guiding experience, I offer a comprehensive, personable, and safe guided hiking experience. I make the hike work for you: your pace, your interests, your needs. I'll add in some local knowledge such as history, ecology, and geology to brings the hike alive. And of course, I have the certifications, insurance, and permits to make sure that your hike is not only fun but also safe.
An Adventure Customized For You
Every hike is unique, and I want to help you make the most of your time on the trail. I've got an intimate knowledge of hundreds of trails; my online guides are read by millions of hikers each year. I’ll work with you to put together a guided hiking tour that matches your schedule, fitness level, and interests. My personalized service guarantees your next guided hike will be beautiful, fun, and trouble-free.
| Personal | Corporate & Organizations | |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Guiding | Team Building | Company Events |
| Family Outings | Corporate Wellness | Conference Events |
| Photography | Executive Retreats | Employee Perks |
| Fitness Hikes | Media & Influencer Events | Location Scouting |
“Cris created a hike that worked perfectly for our event. We had a group with folks between 22 and 76, and everyone came back with glowing reviews. Thanks Cris!” – Sally S., Event Planner
Guided Hike Ideas: Los Angeles - Orange County
Comprehensive Risk Management
My first priority on the trail is your safety. I plan hikes to mitigate any risks, and I guide you personally to make sure you are safe at all times. I'm NOLS Wilderness First Aid Certified, CPR certified, survival school certified, and fully insured. I also carry a full first-aid kit, two satellite communicators, and there is an emergency staff on call 24/7 to handle any issues that may arise.
Always Small Group Adventures
A small group makes for a more personalized hike and overall better experience. My hikes have a maximum group size of 12 people to ensure that everyone get the personalized experience that they deserve. If you have more people in your group, I recommend splitting the hiking trip into multiple sessions.
My husband had summited Mt Baldy when he was a Boy Scout, and wanted to try it again on his next visit to LA. I arranged a guided hike with Cris as a birthday present, and he couldn’t have been happier. He had a blast and is already planning another hike for when he goes back to LA. – Cheryl C.
Guided Hiking Tour Pricing
I’m based out of Southern California and can do hikes in the Los Angeles, Orange County, Riverside County, and San Diego areas. I am also available to travel. If you're looking for some suggested itineraries, see my guided hike overviews of Los Angeles and Orange County. You can see my reviews here.
- 1-3 people, $150/hour
- 4-6 people, $200/hour
- 7-10 people, $250/hour
$450 minimum per day
Questions & Answers
Are there any other costs?
If you have a larger group, certain parks may require a special event permit, which I can secure as an insured hiking guide. It's usually just a matter of some paperwork with my insurance and credentials. I'll always pass permitting costs straight through to you. Some parks also have parking fees which you are responsible for based on how many cars and people will do the hike.
How far in advance should I book?
I recommend booking as far in advance as possible, with a month being ideal. I'm generally not able to accommodate last-minute bookings.
Can you give me a ride to the trailhead?
Unfortunately I'm not legally allowed to offer rides to a hike without a livery license (like a limo or taxi driver would have). I can help you arrange a ride-share or give you directions if you have a rental car.
Will you help me pick gear for the hike?
I will help outfit you for your specific hike if you don't already have gear. I base my recommendations off of a comprehensive list of hiking gear that's I tested and now use.
What is the refund policy?
You can cancel anytime up to 7 days before the hike with a full refund. Betwee 7 days and 72 hours before the hike you'll be refunded 50% of the cost of the hike. For 72 hours and less there is no refund. Also note that any permit fees usually can't be refunded by the issuer, but if we can, we'll try. If for some reason I cancel the hike, you will be refunded in full.
How can I pay for my hike?
I take all major credit cards, PayPal, and check. Payment in full is required to secure a date. If you have corporate invoicing requirements, I'm happy to adapt my policy to work within your framework.
What if the weather is bad?
The hikes are rain or shine unless the park closes or unless I determine that conditions become too dangerous for the hike. In either case you will get a full refund.
How does the process work?
- Contact me with your date, desired distance, time, or destination.
- I'll write you back with a suggested itinerary and fee. We can go back and forth to get it just right.
- You pay for the hike to lock in the date.
- You can email me to ask questions, etc. before the hike.
- Shortly before the hike I'll send you a hike brief and release waiver to sign.
- We meet at the trailhead and do the hike!
I had a conference where a group of C-level execs wanted to incorporate some team-building in before the larger meetings. Cris created a hike to a summit above the clouds for sunrise, and then back to the convention ceter that morning. All I can say is thank you! I don’t know how I would have ever made that happen! – Angela F., Event Planner