What makes Windwalker Expeditions unique?

Here are the top 10 reason why Windwalker Expeditions is truly a unique company:

1. We are a "private only" company. That means it will be you and your family and friends only plus our guide. You won't have to share your adventure experience with strangers!


2. We will tailor the experience to meet your desires. If you want to mix and match hiking with an off-road adventure and photography lesson, followed by a cookout in the desert, we are happy to accommodate you!


3. We have worked hard to earn the trust of the Forestry Service and Bureau of Land Management and are proud of our record as good stewards of the land. Consequently, we have thousands of miles of trails we can select from. When you call, we will ask plenty of questions so we can select the trail or location that is perfect for you. That means you won't see the typical tourist sites, but will truly be immersed in a Sonoran Desert wilderness experience when you adventure with us!


4. Our horseback riding guides own and train the horses you will be riding. The guides are not hired hands, nor are these stable horses ... these are some of the best trained and conditioned horses, ridden by some of the finest riders in the United States.


5. Our horseback riding guides will ride to your level of expertise! That means if you need some instruction on the trail, they are happy to provide it ... or if you are an expert rider, you can trot or canter whenever the terrain allows.


6. Our horseback riding equipment is top-notch. Guests frequently ask us where we purchase our equipment because they fall in love with the saddle, pad, bridle, etc., while on one of our rides!


7. You will find no keener eyes in the country than those of our professional photography guides. Each has more than 25 years experience behind the lens as a professional photographer.


8. Our off-road vehicles are brand new and air-conditioned ... a big plus in this hot desert climate!


9. Our hiking guide has taken multiple classes from the arboretum in Phoenix to learn all there is to know about desert plants and animals.


10. We care! We want you to have an adventure you will never forget, so tell us what we can do to make your day and we will do our best to arrange it!

Do you have weight or age limit for your horseback rides?

Yes. For English riders, the weight limit is 210 pounds. For Western riders, the weight limit is 235 pounds. The age limit for both is age 8 and above (some 7-year-olds with one year of lessons).

Do I have to have a lot of experience to ride with you?

No, although we do request that you have a least a little experience to go on our trail rides. Our professional guides are happy to provide instructions on the trail if you are a beginner. In addition, our guides are also riding instructors so you can arrange to take private riding lessons with Windwalker as well. Regardless of what level, you will receive instructions from your guides to help you ride each animal.

What should I wear?

If you are riding with us, please wear pants and stout shoes. During the winter, you may want to dress in layers to add or reduce clothing depending on the time of day. The mornings and evening can get quite chilly. Half chaps are not necessary but nice and are the easiest to pack in a suitcase.

For any adventure in the desert, it is a good idea to wear hiking boots or stout shoes and pants to protect from thorns - and everything in the desert either sticks you or pricks you! One of our guides is authoring a photography book titled "Pricks of the desert." If you would like more information.

Do I need to bring food or water?

Windwalker will provide snacks and water for your adventure. If you've chosen a full-day excursion with us, drinks and snacks will be provided and you will enjoy a gourmet meal catered by AJs Fine Foods. Or, with two weeks notice, we can arrange for a romantic dinner under the stars or a campfire cookout in the desert.

Will you pick me up at my resort or accommodation?

If you have chosen a hiking, photography workshop or off-road adventure, we are happy to pick you up wherever you are staying in the Phoenix area.

If you have selected a horseback riding adventure, you are required to meet us at El Pedregal Shopping Mall (owned by the Boulders Resort and located at the corner of Scottsdale Road and Carefree Highway). Here is why: Unlike a dude ranch or stable, we transport both the horses and guests to amazing locations far off the beaten path. For the safety and sanity of the horses and our guides, it is impossible to bring the horses and trailor to your location through busy city streets to pick you up.

How far in advance do I have to book an expedition?

We can get quite busy during the height of the season (October - March) so it's best to call as far in advance as you can. However, we can and do often accommodate last minute requests if we can.

Will you put my name on a waiting list if you are booked?

Yes we do put guest names on a waiting list should we have a cancellation.

Can I go out as a single rider (just me and a guide)?

We do take out single riders, although the cost will be slightly increased for this private excursion.

Can you pair me up with another rider?

We can try. We will do our best to pair you up with another rider close to the same level of riding experience. Our prices are based on two or more riders, so this will save you the extra charge you would incur as a single rider.

What type of saddles do you use on your horses?

Some of the English trained horses use endurance saddles, but all of our saddles are of good quality, whether Western or English. And we use high quality bridle and tack as well.

Where can I get pricing for your expeditions?

Please call us at 1-888-785-3382 or 480-585-3382 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. 7 days a week for pricing?

Will I see wildlife on a Windwalker Expedition?

Many of our guests see wildlife such as hawks, javelina, donkeys, coyotes, rattlesnakes and even mountain lions on occasion, however, even though it is most likely you will see some native wildlife it is not guaranteed.{/slide}