Let the Richardson Ranch handle all of your experiences while in the Verde Valley.
If you are looking to experience the Verde Valley to the fullest, let us help put your itinerary together. We can assist with adding fun experiences like ghost tours, private chefs, cooking classes, kayaking, backpacking, and so much more. With over 25 years of planning events in Arizona we know the right vendors to ensure the best experience for you and your guests.
Rates
Reach out so we can provide pricing based on your schedule and guest count.
*Maximum 12 Guests
If you are interested in an EXPERIENCE at the Richardson Ranch, please email us at richardsonranchhouse@gmail.com or click here to complete the brief inquiry form.
Sample Experience
Canyon Adventure Backpacking for Beginners
Backpacking Experience
Join us for a beginner’s backpacking workshop at the Richardson Ranch. This workshop will give you the opportunity to learn the basic skills of backpacking while creating an unforgettable experience. We can customize this experience to fit your schedule and groups skill level.
Sample of what to expect
Guests will enjoy their first night at The Richardson Ranch with dinner, skills discussion and backpack inspection before heading to bed. The next morning, we will enjoy breakfast before heading out to hike into beautiful West Clear Creek Canyon, which is basically flat, easy for hikers. We will cross the creek (up to waist deep) several times as we hike about 3 miles to our campsite. During the hike in we will enjoy lunch on the trail and will have opportunities to swim in swimming holes in the canyon.
That afternoon we will arrive at camp and learn how to setup camp and learn basic orienteering/map reading skills. In the evening we will learn how to use a gas stove to create your own dinner under the stars. The next morning, we will enjoy cooking breakfast together and then will head out to explore the canyon and swimming holes before heading back to the Richardson Ranch. Your final night you will enjoy a gourmet dinner under the stars and campfire slideshow of your adventures.
SAMPLE ITINERARY
Thursday:
Guests arrive
Dinner
Skills discussion and backpack inspection
Campfire
Friday:
Breakfast before departure
Shuttle to hike start (about 1 hour from the ranch).
Hike into the canyon
Lunch along the trail (snacks provided)
Arrive at camp and set up camp
Orienteering/map reading training
Dinner: We will cook together
Campfire
Saturday:
Breakfast: We will cook together.
Optional day hike to explore the canyon more.
Visit swimming holes for some swimming fun.
Return back to the shuttle vehicle at the trailhead in the afternoon.
Return back to the ranch.
Dinner
Debrief/slideshow of the adventure
Sunday:
Breakfast
Check out (or stay longer by arrangement)
Sample of what is included
- Private Accommodations for 2 nights (master suites with private bathrooms available at additional cost)
- Meals
- 3 Dinners
- 3 Breakfasts
- 2 Lunches
- Snacks
- Beverages
- Guided Overnight Backpacking Trip
- Activities
- Amenities
- Taxes
PLEASE NOTE: Guests should bring their own backpack and sleeping bag. For those who don’t have these items, we can provide rentals. We will provide a list of essential items to bring so you can prepare ahead of time.
Ray Richardson is an avid backpacker who has explored many of the great places around the Western United States and around the world. His favorite achievement: backpacking the John Muir Trail (213 miles) from Yosemite to Mt. Whitney (high point of continental United States) in 13 days. He is one of the only people who have backpacked to the top of Mt. Fuji (high point of Japan), completed the Overland Track (50 miles) in Tasmania, backpacked solo for four weeks in New Zealand, visited the high point of Utah (Kings Peak), and completed 5-day treks on the Pacific Crest Trail (Washington), Glacier National Park (Montana), and Grand Canyon (Arizona). He enjoys sharing his skills with others and has helped many friends to try out backpacking for the first time.
West Clear Creek Canyon Backpacking Experience Photos