Press Releases

Half Dome, Merced Lake, Tuolumne Meadows Among Spectacular Itineraries

Chandler, Ariz. [Feb. 24, 2009] – Just Roughin’ It Adventure Company (www.justroughinit.com), an Arizona-based hiking tour company, announced today it has received consent to begin offering extended trips to California’s Yosemite National Park. With an average of 3.5 million visitors per year, Yosemite is one of the most popular national parks in the country.

Home to famed peaks such as Half Dome and El Capitan, Yosemite is popular among tourists and hardcore adventure travelers in part because of its more than 800 miles of trails, 90 species of mammals, 150 species of birds and spectacular waterfalls including Yosemite Falls, the tallest waterfall in North America.

“We’ve always had requests to lead tours into Yosemite so we were thrilled to finally receive authorization,” says Debbie Hendricks, co-owner of Just Roughin’ It Adventure Company. “The park has so many amazing things to see and the weather is great for hiking and camping during the summer months.”

Just Roughin It, which has been leading outdoor adventure trips to The Grand Canyon and other national parks throughout Arizona and Utah for three years, has already begun booking trips to Yosemite. The company has put together a wide range of trips for hikers of all skill levels, including:

Half Dome/Little Yosemite: This four-day backpacking trip, ideal trip for a first-time backpacker, will have visitors hiking to the famous and most popular location within Yosemite National Park – Little Yosemite Valley, where visitors can enjoy the scenery and views of Nevada and Vernal Falls while trekking through the valley along the Merced River.

“This itinerary allows us the opportunity to hike up Half Dome as a day hike on our third day, take a swim in the Merced River, then relax by the campfire after a rewarding day spent in Yosemite,” says Hendricks.

Half Dome/Little Yosemite to Merced Lake: A five-day backpacking trip, guests will hike to Little Yosemite Valley, Merced Lake and will camp at a different location each night. This itinerary also allows for a hike up Half Dome, a visit to Moraine Dome, plus a swim in the Merced River.

Tuolumne Meadows to Merced Lake: Also a five-day backpacking trip, this itinerary will give guests the opportunity to hike to Merced Lake via Rafferty Creek Trail to the lakes around the 10,000-foot Vogelsang Camp.

“This loop will then take you to Merced Lake and then to the wildflower-strewn Sunrise Camp along the famous John Muir Trail,” Hendricks explains. “You will hike through meadows that grant you views of several towering peaks such as Fletcher and Vogelsang, plus take a swim in any of the surrounding lakes and creeks.

The company’s Yosemite trips are available for as low as $719 per person and include permits and fees, all necessary gear, medically-trained guides, all meals and snacks while on the trail. Additional amenities including a private chef, chartered flight or personal shopper can be added to select trips for additional fees.

About Just Roughin’ It

Just Roughin' It Adventure Company is an Arizona-based hiking tour company that specializes in Grand Canyon hiking tours and backcountry hikes to other destinations including Havasu Falls, Superstition Mountains, Mogollon Rim, southern Arizona and southern Utah. The company was founded in 2007 by husband and wife Ray & Debbie Hendricks. Just Roughin’ It offers customized small group tours for adults and children 12 and older of any experience level. For tips and reviews visit the company’s blog at www.trekkingpoleenvy.com. For more information or to book a tour, call (877) 399-2477 or visit www.justroughinit.com.

Paria Canyon, Reavis Ranch Top ‘Arizona Hidden Gems’ Tours

Chandler, Ariz. [Jan. 28, 2009] – As one of the natural wonders of the world the Grand Canyon tends to grab all the travel headlines, but Arizona is also home to some of the most uncommon and extraordinary outdoor destinations in the world. Adventure travelers in search of ancient ruins, mysterious Jurassic-period sandstone canyons or magnificent mountain lakes and streams should consider a trip to one of Arizona’s off-the-beaten-path treasures.

Arizona-based Just Roughin’ It Adventure Company ( www.justroughinit.com ) is one of only a handful of authorized tour operators to some of the most elite hiking and backpacking locations in the southwest. Some of the destinations are so exclusive it can be difficult to get permits, including the North Coyote Buttes Wilderness Area (better known as “The Wave”) of Paria Canyon which has a limit of just 20 permits per day.

“The diverse geography and ancient history of Arizona make the state one of the most interesting places to hike in the world,” says Ray Hendricks, owner of Just Roughin’ It Adventure Company. “The Grand Canyon is only the beginning of what Arizona has to offer. Whether you’re interested in lush forests, majestic mountains, colorful deserts or weird and wonderful rock formations, Arizona has something for everyone.”

Among Arizona’s most unique hiking destinations, Just Roughin’ It recommends visitors consider exploring The Wave in northern Arizona’s Paria Canyon, Reavis Ranch in the Superstition Mountains near Phoenix, southern Arizona’s Sky Islands, and the Apache-Sitgreaves in the eastern portion of the state.

The Wave is a sandstone formation on the slopes of the Coyote Buttes in the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness just south of the Arizona-Utah border. The eroded and delicate sandstone domes are notable for their swirling patterns and can only be reached by navigation using landmarks or GPS coordinates.

Located in the Superstition Wilderness less than 50 miles southeast of Phoenix, Reavis Ranch is a remote, secluded valley where hikers can get an up close look at waterfalls, ancient cliff dwellings, petroglyphs and the puzzling Circlestone Ruin, a man-made rock formation that may be an ancient calendar not unlike Stonehenge in England.

Just north of Tucson, the “Sky Islands” rise dramatically from the desert floor up to the 9,157-foot peak of Mt. Lemmon and the 10,720-foot Pinaleño Mountains, an area known for being one of the most biologically diverse locations in the world. The area is home to the greatest number of mammals in the U.S., including javelina, coati, bighorn sheep, black bear, and black-tailed prairie dogs, and additionally hosts more than half of all the bird species found in the United States.

The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest encompasses more than 2 million acres in remote eastern Arizona and is known for its 34 lakes and reservoirs and more than 680 miles of rivers and streams. Throughout the area hikers can find prehistoric ruins, pictographs and petroglyphs, and even what is left of 19th and 20th century mining operations.

“From the far northern part of Arizona to the southernmost parts of the state, hiking and backpacking in Arizona offers a tremendous variety of natural and man-made wonders,” says Hendricks. “And when you take one of our custom tours, everything you need from gear to food is provided. All you have to do is take in the scenery and enjoy everything the outdoors has to offer.”

About Just Roughin’ It

Just Roughin' It Adventure Company is an Arizona-based hiking tour company that specializes in Grand Canyon hiking tours and backcountry hikes to other destinations including Havasu Falls, Superstition Mountains, Mogollon Rim, southern Arizona and southern Utah. The company was founded in 2007 by husband and wife Ray & Debbie Hendricks. Just Roughin’ It offers customized small group tours for adults and children 12 and older of any experience level. For tips and reviews visit the company’s blog at www.trekkingpoleenvy.com. For more information or to book a tour, call (877) 399-2477 or visit www.justroughinit.com.

01/26/2009, Chandler, Ariz.

Early Winter Rains Foretell Dazzling Spring Colors for Desert Areas

Plentiful rainfall this winter means the Sonoran Desert will likely put on an impressive display of wildflowers over the next few months, and Arizona-based Just Roughin' It Adventure Company is offering locals and visitors to the valley customized guided hikes to many nearby areas to witness the exhibit firsthand.

Just Roughin' It is a full-service tour company and offers hikes that include all necessary gear, certified guides and snacks while on the trail. The company offers both a half-day wildflower hike for as low as $79 per person or a full-day hike for as low as $99 (both trips require a 2 person minimum).

"There is no better way to see Arizona's wildflowers than to walk amongst them with a tour guide who can identify the flora for you," says Ray Hendricks, owner of Just Roughin' It. "The best part is we have some of the most beautiful displays only a short drive from Phoenix."

Just Roughin' It offers a variety of wildflower trips that range from easy to difficult to nearby locations including South Mountain, Cave Creek, Bartlett Reservoir, the Santa Catalina Mountains and the Superstition Mountains. There are even hikes in the Goldfield Mountains near Mesa and the Mazatzal Mountains along the drive to Payson. The company can arrange to pick guests up from their hotel, home, or meet them at the trip location.

The company's two featured trips are the Peralta Trail to Fremont Saddle and the Massacre Grounds Trail.

"The Peralta Trail is a moderate hike on a popular trail that leads you to an outstanding view of Weaver's Needle, the rock formation that legends say landmarks where the Dutchman's lost goldmine lies," says Hendricks. "After a wet winter, this trail is best known for its lush desert vegetation and color."

A bit more off the beaten path, Massacre Grounds is a trail that takes hikers back to remote rock walls where Apache Indians and Mexican miners battled in 1849, ending at the weathered rock wall where the Apaches killed numerous Mexicans. While signs of its gruesome history no longer exist, the area is home to several dozen species of colorful wildflowers.

Along with local day hikes, Just Roughin' It leads hikes and backpacking trips throughout Arizona and Southern Utah. All overnight trips include: roundtrip transportation from designated areas; experienced guides; all meals; all required permits; equipment including tents, stoves, sleeping bags, air mattress, backpacks and utensils.

The company is authorized to lead tours into some of the West's most breathtaking and secluded locations including the Grand Canyon, Utah's Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Paria Canyon, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, the Arizona rim country and other destinations across Arizona. For more information, visit www.justroughinit.com

About Just Roughin' It

Just Roughin' It Adventure Company is an Arizona-based hiking tour company that specializes in Grand Canyon hiking tours and backcountry hikes to other destinations including Havasu Falls, Superstition Mountains, Mogollon Rim, southern Arizona and southern Utah. The company was founded in 2007 by husband and wife Ray & Debbie Hendricks. Just Roughin' It offers customized small group tours for adults and children 12 and older of any experience level. For tips and reviews visit the company's blog at www.trekkingpoleenvy.com. For more information or to book a tour, call (877) 399-2477vor visit www.justroughinit.com

11/11/2008, Chandler, Ariz.

Knowledgeable Guides Teach "Tenderfoots" Backpacking, Hiking Essentials

Adventure vacations are more popular than ever as traditional travel costs continue to rise and vacationers are increasingly looking for active escapes. This growing trend has created a demand among newcomers to the adventure travel set, and as a result Arizona-based Just Roughin' It Adventure Company has developed customized hiking and backpacking tours specifically designed for newcomers.

Just Roughin' It is a full-service tour company that offers multi-day trips and day hikes that include all necessary gear, certified guides and all meals and snacks while on the trail. Each trip is tailored to the skill level of the guests and while on the trail beginners will learn all the fundamentals of hiking and backpacking.

"Backpacking trips are a consistently low-cost vacation and once you learn the basics and invest in some gear you'll be ready for great future vacations or even quick weekend getaways," says Ray Hendricks, owner of Just Roughin' It.

Just Roughin' it is fully licensed and has the proper permits and authorization for each tour location as required by the National Park and Forest Services and the Bureau of Land Management. The company's guides are experienced hikers who know the terrain, the gear and are trained to respond in an emergency. Each hiker is outfitted with more than $1,000 worth of top-quality gear, giving them the chance to "test drive" the equipment before buying. The company also offers advice on the best gear to buy.

"For beginning hikers and backpackers, and even for experienced outdoor adventurers, its best to travel with someone who knows the area," says Hendricks. "We know every inch of the trails where we bring our guests, from the flora and fauna to the local wildlife. Our guides also know how to maintain the proper pace, where the best places to camp are, and most importantly what to do in an emergency."

Just Roughin' It trips range from one-day hikes to week-long backpacking tours. All trips include: Roundtrip transportation from designated areas; experienced guides; all meals; all required permits; equipment including tents, stoves, sleeping bags, air mattress, backpacks and utensils. A private chef, chartered flight or personal shopper can be added to select trips for additional fees.

Just Roughin' It maintains a blog that offers hiking and backpacking tips, destination reviews and more at www.trekkingpoleenvy.com.

The company is authorized to lead tours into some of the West's most breathtaking and secluded locations including the Grand Canyon, Utah's Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Paria Canyon, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, the Arizona rim country and other destinations across Arizona. For more information, visit www.justroughinit.com.

About Just Roughin' It

Just Roughin' It Adventure Company is an Arizona-based hiking tour company that specializes in Grand Canyon hiking tours and backcountry hikes to other destinations including Havasu Falls, Superstition Mountains, Mogollon Rim, southern Arizona and southern Utah. The company was founded in 2007 by husband and wife Ray & Debbie Hendricks. Just Roughin It offers customized small group tours for adults and children 12 and older of any experience level. For more information or to book a tour, call (877) 399-2477 or visit www.justroughinit.com

3/28/2008, Chandler, Ariz.

Just Roughin' It to Provide Secluded Tours of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

Just Roughin' It Adventure Company, an Arizona-based provider of customized hiking and backpacking tours, announced today that it's received commercial authorization to provide guided tours of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in Southern Utah.

"We are one of the few professional guide services with access to these secluded areas," said Debbie Hendricks, co-owner of Just Roughin' It. "It's an amazing opportunity for outdoor lovers to explore relatively untouched territories in one of the most picturesque regions of the country."

Just Roughin' It will guide groups of one to seven people in the Southern Utah wilderness. Trips can commence from Phoenix or Las Vegas. Previous outdoors and hiking experience is recommended for those interested in tackling this terrain.

"Guides are essential in much of the Utah back country because trails aren't clearly marked or explored," said Hendricks. "Our guides will help you find jewels in the rough like petroglyphs, slot canyons, rock arches, Indian ruins and more."

The Grand Staircase gets its name from rugged terraces that surround the Kaiparowits Plateau. The protected land is carved with remote river canyons and multi-colored cliffs. Similarly, the Glen Canyon offers outdoor enthusiasts backpacking opportunities off the beaten path, surrounded by pristine waters and rare rock formations.

For more details on Southern Utah trips or to book a tour, visit www.justroughinit.com or call (877) 399-2477.

In addition to Southern Utah tours, Just Roughin' It offers guided hikes and backpacking tours throughout Arizona including the Grand Canyon, Sedona, the White Mountains and the Mogollon Rim.

Just Roughin' It trips range from one-day hikes to week-long backpacking tours. All trips include:

• Roundtrip transportation from designated areas
• Experienced guides
• All meals
• All required permits
• Equipment including tents, stoves, sleeping bags, air mattress, backpacks and utensils

A private chef, chartered flight or personal shopper can be added to select trips for additional fees.

3/24/2008, Chandler, Ariz.

After one glimpse of the Grand Canyon landscape, there's no question as to why the park earned the title as one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Not surprisingly, hiking trips and adventure tours in the area fill up fast during the summer months.

Ray Hendricks, owner of Just Roughin' It Adventure Company, an Arizona-based provider of customized hiking and backpacking tours, advises vacationers to book as early as possible in order to secure desired dates and guides.

"Hiking the Grand Canyon is one of the most wonderful ways to experience the grandeur of this region - often majestic, inspiring and loads of fun," said Hendricks. "It's undoubtedly a trip that you'll remember for the rest of your life."

Just Roughin' It tours are customized and cater to outdoor lovers of all experience levels, from all-inclusive adventures to guide-only hikes throughout Arizona and southern Utah.

"We take care of all the planning and preparation, offering beginners everything they need from sleeping bags and tents to packs and utensils," said Hendricks. "If you are more advanced and have your own supplies, we can provide you with a professional guide to just show you a particular trail."

Just Roughin' It Grand Canyon trips range from one-day hikes to week-long backpacking tours and span many sections of the region, including Havasupai and both rims. All trips include:

• Roundtrip transportation
• Experienced guides
• All meals
• All required permits
• Equipment including tents, stoves, sleeping bags, air mattress, backpack and utensils

Riding horses and helicopters are available for additional fees. Children as a young as seven can participate with advanced notice.