$155 per person - 6 total spots
Ready to take your first steps into the world of backpacking?
Join Backpack Arizona for a day hike and educational seminar designed specifically for beginners who want to feel more confident exploring and sleeping in the backcountry. Whether you've always dreamed of backpacking but felt overwhelmed by the gear, planning, or logistics, we’ll break it all down in a supportive and approachable environment.
Date & Meeting Location
Saturday, September 19, 2026
8am - 6pm
Payson, AZ in the Bashas’ parking: 142 AZ-260, Payson, AZ 85541
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This collaborative class and day adventure will be led by backcountry guides Kendal Klein and Christian O’Connor. Together, they’ll walk you through the foundational skills and knowledge you need to start your backpacking journey with confidence.
Topics will include:
Gear review & demo
Pack fit & weight distribution
Food planning & water filtration basics
Shelter building & staying warm
Rest & Recovery
Research, preparation, & safety
Leave No Trace principles
Common beginner mistakes and how to avoid them
Q&A
This is a judgment-free, beginner-friendly class where questions are encouraged and community is prioritized. Whether your goal is your first overnight trip, a future backpacking adventure with friends, or simply learning a new outdoor skill, this class is for you.
Each attendee will leave with:
A beginner backpacking packing list
Helpful gear recommendations
Increased confidence to plan your own adventure
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We will meet as a group at the southern end of the Bashas’ parking lot in Payson, AZ (142 AZ-260, Payson, AZ 85541 - be on the lookout for a dark grey Toyota 4Runner and light grey Tacoma).
From Payson, it takes just over an hour to arrive at the trailhead on the Mogollon Rim near Forest Lakes, AZ.
Guests may ride with one of the guides in their vehicles or drive themselves, but please note that the last few miles require high clearance 4×4. You may also drive yourself and park/ride with one of the guides for these last few miles to the trailhead.
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Transportation to the trailhead from Payson, AZ
Water filter and filling station
Snacks (guides will have energy bars, trail-mix, and/or fruit salad. Guests are also encouraged to bring their own food.)
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Water bottle
Day pack
Snacks & lunch
Rain gear
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Once at the trail, we'll begin the 1-mile hike (and 800ft decent) to the stream at the canyon bottom where we’ll break next to the water. After we’re feeling rested and have enjoyed our surroundings for a bit, the first part of the seminar will begin.
After spending a couple hours at our first location, we'll take a leisurely streamside walk among towering canyon walls and Ponderosa pine forest, stopping along the way to enjoy the sights. We'll break at a second location for another 2-3 hours before making the trek back to the trailhead where our seminar and guided trek concludes.
Come meet other adventure-loving humans, learn from experienced backpacking guides, and start building the skills to confidently explore the outdoors one step at a time!
*To best protect our operating locations, specific trail information isn’t shared with guests until 1-week (7-days) before trip departure.
*Full refunds are available up until 1-week (7-days) before trip departure.
Please contact us for more information and/or questions: (602) 676-0420 or email christian@backpackarizona.org
