Our Team
Alicia
Alicia comes from a river family, and has been on the river most of her life. She was born and raised in Steamboat Springs, Colorado where the Yampa and Green Rivers were in her back yard.
In 2013 Alicia moved to Moab, Utah, to start anew as a business owner, desert explorer, truth seeker and paddle board guide on the Colorado River.
In 2015 she launched Sol Journeys: a guided retreat experience in tandem with her manual. She is passionate about her service of liberation through awareness and facilitates empowerment through tools of introspection and connection.
Tara Shackelford
Tara’s love for adventure and family roots in the desert of West Texas prompted her to share her passion for community, adventure and conservation with the world through her company, Hidden Dagger Adventures.
She has worked for various companies in the outdoor field, including Outward Bound California, and is thrilled to be back in her home state of Texas to deliver top notch trips.
Amanda Hartley
Amanda is a Team Medic & Nationally Registered provider of pre-hospital Emergency Medical Care at the Advanced Life Support Level for pediatric and adult patients. She is based in the South East and has a deep love for the Four Corners Region.
She leads river trips, hiking expeditions, and medical rescue missions. She has been on National FEMA crews to help assist in disaster relief , nominated in 2022 as the Firefighter of the year with Cowee Fire & Rescue, and a lead guide on class V white water rivers in North Carolina. She was also the first woman to lead an all women crew down the Upper Box on the Piedra River in Colorado.
Amanda is dedicated to the well-being of everyone around her, she steps up to save lives on a daily basis, and loves having a good time cracking jokes while she is at it. She is living her best life! We are so lucky to have Amanda’s diligent focus, lightheartedness, and skillset on our team!
We are Wilderness First Responders and make safety our top priority. We have first aid kits, satellite+ phones, exit plans and safety protocols for all tours. An Assumption of Risk form is required. We are licensed and insured.
Safety
We are professional guides providing a professional service including providing support for your well-being. Hiking can be challenging at times, the elements relentless, and anything can happen on the trail. We are not paranoid; we are prepared. Slow is smooth, smooth is fast. If we take time with our steps and prioritize self-care, we will return enriched, and in one piece—our ultimate goal.
LEVEL OF FITNESS
This helps determine the best tour for your safety and comfort.
0 – Cannot walk
1 – 1 mile (walk)
2 – 3 miles (hike)
3 – 5 miles (hike)
4 – 10 miles+ (hike)
5 – 20 miles (backpack)
MEDICAL FORMS
In the backcountry it is important to know all current health challenges, past injuries, and medications in case there is an emergency. Please let us know if you have any food/environmental allergies. I recommend printing this out, giving us a copy, and keep one with you.
HEAT SENSITIVITY
The sun's intensity, effects of dehydration and altitude can cause the perfect storm for an unplanned scenario in the field. Drinking plenty of water, consuming electrolytes or salty snacks, wearing sun protective clothing (including a wet sarong in a baggie), and being vocal about the onset of discomfort can help mitigate a potential disaster. As guides, we are trained to recognize heat sensitivity signs and may suggest turning back before a set destination. We reserve the right to make this decision for the safety of the group. It is important to be flexible with the elements.
WEATHER
The desert is extreme. It can be hot, cold, wet, windy, or all of the above at the same time. Flash floods are a real threat in canyon country and many areas are inaccessible when wet. We will be watching the weather closely and may have to reschedule or reroute our tour for safety/logistical purposes. We reserve the right to make the best decision for the benefit of the group.
