North America Active

Exploring Utah, Sedona, and the Grand Canyon: What to Know Before Your Self-Guided Adventure

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 22:07:00 GMT

Independence, With Support If You Need It

While some our trips have a few set departure dates, that does not mean you will be hiking or riding in a big group. Also, if you do not see a set date that suits you, give us a call and we'll see what we can do. You will still enjoy the independence and flexibility of traveling on your own, with luggage transfers, detailed route notes, and an emergency number to call if something beyond your control comes up. Our main goal is to keep you safe and offer the best miles of the trip.

Understanding Elevation Differences

One of the most important things to prepare for in the Southwest is elevation. Many of the region's highlights sit thousands of feet above sea level, which can make even moderate rides and hikes more challenging than expected. For example:

Bryce Canyon: ~8,000 - 9,000 ft (2,400 - 2,700 m)

Capitol Reef: ~5,400 ft (1,650 m)

Grand Canyon (South Rim): ~7,000 ft (2,130 m)

Sedona:~ 4,300 ft (1,310)

Even if you are a seasoned cyclist or hiker, it is important to pace yourself, stay hydrated, and give your body time to adjust.

Temperature Swings in the Desert

Desert weather can be unpredictable. Warm, sunny afternoons can quickly give way to chilly evenings, especially at higher elevations. Packing layers is essential so you are comfortable whether you are starting early in the morning, cresting a high pass, or enjoying dinner outdoors after sunset.

Other Tips for a Smooth Adventure:

Hydration: Carry more water than you think you will need. It's better to have it than wish you did.

Nutrition: Pack energy snacks to help you stay fueled during your big days of adventure.

Pacing: Do not feel rushed. The landscapes are as much about pausing to take it all in as they are about miles covered.

The Reward:

Yes, the Southwest can be demanding, but that is part of what makes it so unforgettable. Standing among Bryce's hoodoos, cycling past Capitol Reef's Cliffs, winding along Sedona's Red Rock trails, looking into the Grand Canyon's vastness, each moment feels hard-earned and deeply rewarding. With preparation and the right mindset, your self-guided adventure will be the trip of a lifetime.

Self‑Guided Cycling: What to Expect & How to Prepare

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 21:46:00 GMT

Included Support & Logistics
Routes arrive fully pre‑loaded into the Mhikes app, offering turn‑by‑turn instructions, daily options, and local tips. Emergency contact and a boost as indicated in the itinerary are included

Luggage & Accommodations
Daily luggage transport is included, allowing you to ride with minimal gear. Accommodations are hand‑picked for proximity to trailheads, roads, and amenities.

What You’ll Manage
You'll manage your own meals & breaks.
Daily breakfast is included. Lunch, dinner, and snacks are up to you, with helpful recommendations from your welcome pack.

Flat Repair Know‑How
You should feel comfortable changing a flat tire and performing basic minor fixes using the provided tools and spares.

Self‑Paced Riding
Your pace is up to you.

Activity Level & Terrain
Great American Trail’s self‑guided rides are rated by difficulty. Most point‑to‑point trips fall into:
Level 3 – Active: Road rides of ~25–55 mi (40–85 km) per day, with up to ~4,500 ft (1,500 m) climbing.
Expect mixed terrain: quiet rural roads, some steep climbs, and descents. Urban or busier segments are unavoidable in some areas.

Preparation Tips
Train Consistently – Build up to 3–5hr rides, 25–55 mi with similar elevation profiles.
Practice Repairs – Know how to fix flats, adjust gears, and do simple mechanicals using CO₂/pumps.
Pack Smart – Bring essentials like sunscreen, chamois, gloves, light rain gear, and small tools.
Fuel Right – Stay hydrated and carry food to meet energy needs during longer, remote rides.
Navigation Confidence – Familiarize yourself with the Mhikes app before you go.

What to Bring
On-The-Bike: Layered clothing, waterproof jacket, helmet, gloves, glasses, pump/CO₂, flats kit, phone + mount + charger.
Off-Bike: Casual wear, toiletries, weather-appropriate gear (sunhat, warm layers, etc.)

Support & Safety
A local emergency contact is provided in your app and welcome materials.
Mechanical and logistical support is available if an issue is beyond your control.
No group rides, you ride independently, so confidence in managing pace, timing, and navigation is helpful.

How to Prevent & Treat Blisters on Your Hike

Thu, 29 Jul 2021 23:26:00 GMT

They can ruin a trip.

All is well on your hiking tour and then suddenly you feel an irritation on your foot. You ignore it. It gets worse. Soon, it becomes the only thing you can think about as you hike through a glorious landscape, which you have paid good money to experience.

Yes, blisters can stop you in your tracks while hiking and so it is important that you take some basic precautions to ensure you prevent them. This doesn't just mean to pack the appropriate medical supplies. Your preparation should start even before you leave how.

How do blisters occur?

Blisters form when there is too much friction between your foot and your hiking boots.

Blisters most commonly appear on your heels or around your toes, but they can appear anywhere on your body if the activity is repetitive enough and creates friction against your skin.

On multi-day treks and walks, blisters can make or break your experience, so to ensure your feet are healthy, comfortable and blister free, we recommend using the following techniques to prevent and treat forming hot spots.

Preventing blisters before you start your hike

Prevent blisters with well fitted boots - and break them in

Your hiking boots are the most important tool in preventing blisters.

Firstly, make sure your boots are the right size and fit you well – sounds simple but if you feel your boots pinch your toes together uncomfortably, they may be too small for you and your likelihood of blisters is almost guaranteed.

At the same time, a pair of hiking boots that are too big for you will make your feet move around loosely in the boots, creating unnecessary friction and consequently, increase the likelihood of blisters. A well-fitting pair of hiking boots will leave enough space for your toes, even when descending a steep hill. They will, however, hold your heels securely in place, which will prevent any heel blisters from forming.

Once you have a pair of well-fitting boots, you need to ensure your boots have been broken in before you start your hike. If not, the stiffness of a new set of boots can create unnecessary pressure on certain parts of your feet and cause blisters.

Breaking your hiking boots in slowly will make their sole more flexible and mould the inside of the shoes to your feet, helping create the perfect fit for your foot.

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Prevent blisters by choosing your hiking socks wisely

Now you’ve got your boots sorted, the next thing to look at to help prevent blisters are your socks.

Hiking socks are usually thicker in certain areas, such as the heel and the ball of the foot, to reduce friction against your skin and provide padding between your trekking boots and your feet. Avoid cotton socks, as they tend to absorb your sweat and hold the moisture, while the bunched-up fabric will rub against your skin and create blisters.

Hiking socks are designed to transport moisture from your foot, through the socks and into the material of your hiking boots. If you have a breathable pair of hiking boots, these will then transport the moisture out of the boot and leave your feet dry and comfortable, helping you to prevent blisters.

Wearing two pairs of socks is another way to reduce friction and minimize the likelihood of blisters forming. Very thin synthetic socks closest to your skin with regular hiking socks worn on top. The theory is that the socks will absorb any friction. There are socks specifically designed for this purpose and, if you are susceptible to blisters, it’s worth trying this method.

Preventing Blisters On your Hike

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There are a few things you can do to prevent blisters before you start your hike. If you already know of any problem areas that are likely to form blisters, tape them before you start to reduce friction.

If you start feeling any of these hotspots getting uncomfortable, tend to them immediately to prevent blisters from forming. You can do this by taping them with moleskin, bandages, medical leukotape, or even duct tape.

Alternatively, if none of these methods are available to you, simply take a break and take your shoes and socks off for a while to let your feet air out and give your feet a well-earned rest.

If your feet get wet or sweaty enough to soak your socks, this is a good time to air them out. Moisture creates more friction and favourable conditions for blisters to form. When putting your shoes back on, make sure you tie them properly in a way that relieves the hotspots from pressure or friction. Another way of avoiding wet feet is changing your socks regularly throughout the day; your dry, blister free feet will thank you later.

How to Treat Blisters On Your Hike

Notify your guides

On our guided hikes, your guides are trained on how to best treat blisters to reduce physical discomfort while on the hike. If you feel a blister forming be sure to notify your guides the moment you notice it. Early treatment is best making for a more enjoyable hike.

Treating your blisters yourself

Try to avoid creating any more friction on the affected spot by covering the area with an extra layer between your skin and your boots. You can use normal plasters, gauze, or special blister plasters.

If your blister has popped, it's important to protect the blister from infection, so apply a disinfectant cream to the area and cover it with a plaster to prevent dirt and sweat from touching the sore.

Should you Pop a Blister?

Popping a blister is a controversial topic. Small blisters, which are not painful, should usually not be drained. The intact skin on them protects them best from infection. Draining a blister that is larger and painful can reduce the pain but increase the risk of an infection.

If you decide to drain a blister, wash the blister and surrounding area thoroughly first. Sterilize your needle with heat or alcohol. Insert the needle near the base of the blister. Dress the blister like any other wound to keep it clean.

As the saying goes, prevention is better than the cure. Following these blister prevention tips will hopefully help you avoid blisters and allow you to make the most of your hike.

Have you got a blister prevention tip? Leave it in the comments below.

An ode to self guided hiking: why I'd do it again

Wed, 10 Mar 2021 02:16:00 GMT

Ideal for the confident and independent traveler, with support in the background, self-guided hikes are fun and flexible.

Nothing feels better than that first day out on the trail. You’ve left the city behind and all that comes with it; the crowds, the lights, the noises, and the hustle and bustle. You are free to forget about work; the deadlines, the emails and your 9 to 5 routine.

There’s no room for any of that in the woods. You are too distracted by the beauty of where you are and the need to keep putting one foot in front of the other. It's truly an amazing feeling to know that for the next few days you don’t need an alarm clock, you don’t need a schedule. All you need to think about is getting from one campsite to the next. That is the beauty of a self-guided hike, it opens you up to live life completely on your own terms.

The other upside is that all the nitty-gritty details of organizing transport, food, accommodation, route logistics and mapping were all taken care of beforehand by the organisation that you travel with. Meaning that you can simply focus on your experience ahead.

Something I love to do when I go hiking on my own is to take my watch off – leave it behind completely. Why do I need a clock anyway? I can eat when I’m hungry, sleep when I’m tired and wake up to the sun. I take pleasure in the fact that I don’t need to set an alarm. Instead, I always try to position my tent so that I am facing the sunrise; there’s no better way to wake up than to the sunrise.

A self-guided hike gives you freedom. The freedom to hike at your own pace, stop when you want or keep walking as long as you want.

You can spend 15 minutes getting that perfect photo of a beautiful wildflower, or just sit and look out and contemplate. There will be no one telling you that it’s time to leave or to hurry up because you are running late. No one telling you to stop and rest when you don’t need to.

Though you shouldn't worry about being completely isolated as you won’t be the only one out there doing it on your own. You will meet other people who are also enjoying the perks of a self-guided hike. While you may not walk with them during the day, they will all be waiting for everyone to arrive safely at camp. It becomes a lovely little community with everyone looking out for each other, sharing some coffee or some chocolate and lending a hand if something breaks.

By the end of the week, you will have formed friendships with other hikers – who knows, you may have found a new hiking buddy for future adventures!

There may be moments where you second-guess yourself on the trail, where you think, 'Maybe I can’t do this? Maybe I should have bought that other pair of boots or an extra layer of warmth or that flask of port?' By the end of the hike though, you will have had to motivate yourself, talk yourself through situations, saying, 'Hang on, I can do this!'

Knowing that you made it all this way, relying on no one other than yourself, awards you with such a great sense of achievement you will be planning your next self-guided adventure on the way back home.

Words by Holly Van De Beek.

6 benefits of using an electric bike

Wed, 10 Mar 2021 01:58:00 GMT

It’s fun to get to know a destination at handle-bar level, to explore the nooks and crannies along the way, to stop places you wouldn’t have stopped in a car, to get your heart racing, and experience the kick of adrenaline that comes with being active. Electric bikes – or ebikes – literally kick it up a notch, making those climbs less of a chore and more of a thrill and allowing you to go farther and faster than you may have with your own pedal power.

But how do electric bikes work and what are its advantages? Read on to find out if its worth upgrading to an ebike on your next cycling holiday.

Jump to a section:
How does an electric bike work?
What is the difference between an electric bike and a regular bike?
What are the advantages of using an ebike?
Who would most benefit from using an electric bike?
Why are ebikes more expensive than a regular bike?
Should I still train for my cycling trip even though I will have an ebike?

How does an electric bike work?

First off though, when we're talking about ebikes we are not referring to electric motorcycles or mopeds, but bicycles that must be pedalled to activate the integrated electric motor. They are simply used to assist the rider’s pedal-power and give them an extra ‘boost’ when needed. Terms commonly used for this type of ebike are ‘electric assist’, ‘pedal assist’, ‘pedalec’ or ‘step-through electric assist’ bicycles.

Electric bikes enable people of all different fitness levels to cycle together and tackle routes that previously would have been too difficult, such as pedalling up that steep incline or taking on a more lengthy cycling distance. It won't leave you exhausted halfway with that extra push from the battery and motor built into the bicycle.

When riding an ebike, the display will show you how fast you are going and the distance you've ridden. Depending on the model, ebikes can provide up to 80 kilometres of pedal assistance before requiring recharging. Simple charge the battery, attach it to your ebike, turn on the power and adjust the pedal assist level to how much or how little 'boost' you would like on your journey.

Each e-bike has a range of pedal-assist levels (eco, normal and high) and can be easily charged up at night by your guide. Our guides will also demonstrate how to operate the bike so you're set to go. Easy!

What's the difference between an electric bike and a regular bike?

An electric bike has all the features of a regular bicycle with the addition of an electrical drive system.

They are slightly bigger and heavier than the ordinary bike due to its motor, however, don't get them confused a scooter or electric motorcycle; they are quite different. Ebikes still need to be pedalled, shifted, and steered like you would any other bike, only with the added benefit of having a small engine to assist with your pedalling. So having reasonable handling to hold up an ebike and the ability to balance on a bicycle is a basic requirement.

What are the advantages of using an ebike?

1. They are eco-friendly and efficient. Just like touring by conventional bicycle, environmental benefits can be realized by substituting vehicle-based tours with touring by ebike. Since they run on rechargeable batteries and don’t burn any fuel, electric bicycles don’t release any harmful gases into the atmosphere.

2. Easy to use. Ebikes are quick to master and make active holidays physically easier without taking away from the adventurous spirit of the trip.

3. Make a great equaliser when different members of the family or friends have different strength and stamina levels. With a little extra power, rough terrain is no longer an issue, and daunting headwinds won’t slow you down. Simply put, ebikes make cycle touring possible – and more appealing – for more people. Not everyone has the stamina or strength for multiple days of cycling; however, plenty of people are interested in being active and experiencing the sights and landscapes that are accessible during a bicycle tour. And, for those with physical limitations such as joint or back pain, the boost that comes from the pedal-assist motor reduces strain and makes riding more comfortable.

4. Can mean a more fun ride. For many, choosing an ebike can mean a more relaxed journey where you can spend more time enjoying your surroundings than huffing and puffing. You can better enjoy your surrounds with electric assistance to minimise the physical challenges, so you focus more on taking in new places and welcoming new experiences. It just adds that extra comfort and ease on the trail.

5. Are an added safety net. With less impact on your joints and reducing much of the cycling strain on your legs than a regular bike, if you have injuries or physical conditions, an electric bike allows you to still have a fun and active time. It also won't make you feel like the odd one out.

6. Allow you to achieve bigger goals! Tougher cycling routes seem more achievable and if you're a newcomer to cycling trips, you can enjoy the benefits of an ebike at handlebar level.

Who would most benefit from using an electric bike?

Built with comfort and simple operation in mind, and with unisex frames available, an ebike makes it easy for anyone looking to enjoy the ride without the physical strain. This makes cycling trips around the world a viable option, regardless of one's fitness level.

Aren't an avid cyclist, new to road cycling and cycling holidays or nervous about your endurance on the trail? Upgrading to an electric bike can help you feel more confident.

Want to tackle tougher climbs? An ebike allows for that extra boost.

Have joint issues or recovering from an injury and not quite back to full physical capacity? The added support from an ebike takes it easy on your legs and knees than when riding a traditional bike.

Choosing an electric bike is a great solution for those who are concerned about their fitness or physical capabilities, allowing people with varying levels of cycling experience, health and fitness levels the opportunity to cycle together.

Why are ebikes more expensive than a regular bike?

The added motor and the fact that an ebike will require more maintenance means hiring an electric bike will cost more than an ordinary bike. So if the support and added ease of an electric pedal assist on your travels appeals to you, it may well be worth the investment.

Should I still train for my cycling trip even though I will have an ebike?

Yes. If you're looking to complete a multi-day ebike ride, we still recommend riding practice on a variety of terrains and cycling regularly to make your trip more enjoyable. So perhaps you can do that cycling trip across Prince Edward Island your friends want to do?

Renting an ebike on your active holiday still means you can and will put in the effort during your journey; you’ll just get a little ‘boost’ when you need it.

If you’re curious about being able to ride through stunning landscapes that you may otherwise steer clear of, we have a number of cycle tours with ebike options available.

Self-Guided Active Trips vs the DIY experience

Mon, 08 Mar 2021 05:42:00 GMT

Why choose an active Self-Guided trip over doing it yourself?

So, you’re an independent traveler? What exactly does that mean?

A quick search for the definition of the term ‘independent traveller’ on the online Macmillan Dictionary defines it as “travel in which you organize things yourself, rather than using a company who will arrange flights, hotels etc’.

For certain trips, like a quick visit to see family or friends, that maybe well justified. But, if you’re seeking out a more active and unique experience to cherish and share around the dinner table with friends or family, will you end up talking about what went right, or what went wrong?

Thanks to the internet the boom in DIY in just about anything has become the rage. Fixing holes in the gyprock, growing your own tomatoes, learning to play the guitar.

But is the overall saving worth sacrificing the overall experience, not to mention the time taken to co-ordinate a 1-2 week walking holiday? And, do you actually save any money at all?

Travel styles are constantly changing and we find more people seeking out value for experience rather than value for money. The boom of self-guided hiking and cycling trips makes a lot of sense for those that like the feel of independent travel but the benefits of an organized trip.

Whether you are a first timer or an experienced active traveller, self-guided walking or cycling trips offer a multitude of advantages. Apart from the obvious reasons, like moving at your own pace and being the masters of your own travel destiny, there is also:|

Convenience – you save A LOT of screen time not scouring the internet researching ideas and reading reviews.
Competitive pricing – travel organizations can get a better price than an online aggregator ever will thanks to their volume. Full stop.
Luggage transfers – having your luggage transferred for you each day, rather than lugging it yourself, is a major plus!
Booking accommodations - Ever tried to book a B&B in a small town on the internet? This can be quite a hassle if English is not the hotel manager’s first language (many people have French as a first language in Canada) and you need to search for alternatives
Up-to-date and well thought out route notes and maps - these get updated more often than a guide book does and they always benefit from local insights and knowledge.

Then, there’s the overall quality of experience.

If something goes wrong on your trip when traveling by yourself, who are you going to call? Self-guided trips offer 24 hour local emergency contacts, which can be the difference between you getting back on the trail in a matter of hours, or aborting the trip completely. Then there’s that ‘survival mode’ feeling that hangs over your head when you’re going solo.

Rather than thinking and worrying about trip logistics all day, isn’t it worth treating yourself to a vacation where someone else takes on this thankless task, so you can focus on all the amazing reasons you came to the destination in the first place?

We don’t doubt that independent travel doesn’t have its place. But when seeking out the paths less traveled in more popular parts of the world an active self-guided vacation offers the flexibility and freedom of independent travel and benefits of an organized tour.