Nankoweap Trail, Grand Canyon FOLLOW THE LEADER With its rugged terrain and variable con-ditions, the outdoors can be intimidating. Thankfully, adventure guide companies can help bridge that gap, bringing everyone from nature newcomers to those with varying ability levels into the pristine beauty and serene solitude of the wilderness—all while providing a safer and more enjoyable experience. Working as an adventure guide for more than 14 years, Josh Kloepping—now in business development for REI Co-Op—has led people from all walks of life, ages and experience levels into Arizona’s rugged landscapes for unforgettable adventures. Perhaps his most memorable, however, have been the Operation Canyon Rising excursions, leading wounded veterans, many with one or even two amputations, and Gold Star widows on five-day hikes into the Grand Canyon on the anniversary of 9/11. “To get up and out of the canyon is no easy feat,” says Kloepping. “You just have to take it in small steps. You’ve got to set a goal and work toward achieving that goal. Once you do that, you build this confidence, and you learn to overcome your limitations.” Those hikes begin on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, continue 14 miles down into the canyon to Phantom Ranch, and then up and out to the South Rim, with family and supporters cheering on hikers at the end point. For those not quite ready to commit to multiday expeditions, Kloepping emphasizes the importance of just being outdoors, even closer to home. “Nature reminds you to just slow down and notice the small things, the little details,” he says. “It grounds us—it gets us connected to what’s truly important: Being in the now.” CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: JOEL HAZELTON FOR EXPERIENCE SCOTTSDALE; AOT; ARIZONA STATE PARKS AND TRAILS; ARIZONA SNOWBOWL Dead Horse Ranch State Park, Cottonwood 39
Arizona Official State Travel Guide Arizona 2021-22: Page 39
