Vacationers Are Flocking Open air, however Trekking Guides Are Nonetheless Struggling

For Gary Elbert a guide with REI adventureThe group dynamic, which plans to gradually reintroduce domestic travel in the spring and summer, has been one of the biggest changes. He noticed it immediately on his first return trip, a multi-day trip to Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness in Arizona in October, after months on vacation.

“Before COVID-19, the guests were much more self-sufficient and more practical and enjoyed helping out in all aspects of a trip, such as cooking, which evoked a great sense of camaraderie,” says Elbert. “Guides now do most of these things for guests. This presents some barrier to community spirit which can be a challenge to overcome. “Nevertheless, Elbert says that nature tends to work its magic, even if the group cohesion can no longer be what it used to be.

The feeling of peace in the wilderness – what attracts people primarily to guided hikes – has not changed in the face of many other changes. “People don’t just need to flee, because that’s fleeting, but hope,” says Elbert. “I hope that when we return to the purity of nature, we can take a deep breath and remember that we are together and that as one of us affects us all.”

As outdoor activities of all kinds – hiking, camping, To go biking– The trekking guides I spoke to see increased interest as the pandemic progresses. They believe it is their job to make these experiences safer. Staying at home is still the only way to reduce all COVID-19 risks. However, the guides can show you how to be as safe as possible if you choose to venture into the wilderness. This role as a guard will not change due to COVID-19. It’s more important than ever.

“The guests look in their guides for tried and tested methods for dealing with their surroundings, leave no traces, etc. Now the guests are looking in their guides for tried and tested methods for backpacking during a pandemic,” says Singleton. “We model the behavior that we want to see and most of the guests learn from it.” The rules on the way and in the camp may be different, but this value of setting a good example – and looking at the back – has not changed.

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