Trip Guides

Routes & Maps for Real Adventures

What’s a Trip Guide?

Trip guides differ from trip reports because they include map sets, text description/instructions for the route, travel logistics, and other information to enable the reader to plan and execute the trip on their own. Most of these routes fall into a loose category of Adventure Trips. They usually have interesting portions of off-trail travel and other entertaining navigation, and terrain challenges.

Adventure Alan’s Trip Guides

Bikepacking GAP Trail & C&O Canal Trail

September 29, 2019

Bikepacking the GAP Trail and C&O Trail from Pittsburgh to Washington DC is a superb mix of natural beauty, wooded trails, quaint towns, & American history. It’s the perfect introductory trip for those new to bikepacking. But it’s just as suitable and rewarding trip for accomplished riders. Virtually all of the trail is away from traffic on flat, wide, non-technical dirt trails (double track) that do not require great riding skills.

Finger Lakes Gorges Grand Slam Hike

September 3, 2019

The Finger Lakes Gorges should not be missed. And don’t let their popularity dissuade you from hiking and exploring these gems. Like Yosemite or the slot canyons of Utah, these gorges are held in high regard for a reason so hike them!

Patagonia National Park Trek - Guide to a New World Class Trek

93 Comments

August 22, 2018

Chile's new Patagonia National Park has it all — the high glaciated peaks of the Andes, wide valleys with ice cold glacial rivers, forests of southern beech hanging with moss, & startlingly green glacial lakes. It may soon be the "Yellowstone of South America"

2018/19 Torres del Paine W Trek and O Trek - Quick and Easy Guide to Essential Trip Planning

403 Comments

May 15, 2018

We believe this is the best guide to the Torres del Paine W Trek and Circuit Treks, in-print or online. This guide was inspired by Alison and I finding a scarcity of accurate and up-to-date information anywhere...

Low Carbon AT Section Hike - Shenandoah to Harpers Ferry - No Car Needed

21 Comments

May 9, 2018

This Guide to the AT Section Hike - Shenandoah to Harpers Ferry,…

World's Newest Long Trail: Cuba's Ruta de la Revolución

24 Comments

April 11, 2017

See a Cuba tourists never see. Hike la Ruta de la Revolución…

A Very Different High Route - Escalante Overland Route

20 Comments

March 24, 2017

The Escalante Overland Route is arguably the most exciting high route in the lower-48! It is certainly the most beautiful and challenging trip we’ve done. The beauty of its desert canyons and mesas are equal to the best the planet has to offer, Grand Canyon included. Breathtaking...

Guide to Colombia's La Ciudad Perdida Trek (Lost City)

17 Comments

January 11, 2017

It's like Machu Picchu, but remote and not overrun by tourists.…

Southern Sierra High Route - an alternative to the JMT

October 25, 2016

The Southern Sierra High Route (SoSHR) is a superb alternative to the JMT for the adventurous traveler. Compared to the John Muir Trail (JMT), the SoSHR is higher and more remote. It avoids the JMT crowds, the landscape is more spectacular, and the travel more challenging. The increased solitude of the SoSHR intensifies your high-country experience.

Low Carbon Appalachian Trail Section Hike via Train - Harpers Ferry WV to Harrisburg PA

21 Comments

September 19, 2016

Take the train to the AT—low carbon, low stress. No car, no…

Torres del Paine Circuit Trek Guide 5 to 6 days

160 Comments

February 23, 2016

We believe this is the best guide to the Torres del Paine Circuit…

Torres del Paine W Trek Itinerary for 3-4 Days

108 Comments

February 7, 2016

We believe this is the best Itinerary/guide in-print or online to do the Torres del Paine W Trek in 3-4 Days. This was inspired by Alison and I finding a scarcity of accurate and up-to-date information on how to plan for hiking Torres del Paine. In fact mainstream, supposedly reputable materials about the trek were missing essential information, were out-of-date, or were just plain wrong. Here is the the information you need to plan a great W Trek in Torres Del Paine

Wind River High Route - A Guide

January 27, 2016

The Wind River High Route is mile for mile, the finest non-technical Alpine route in North America. It stays close to the crest of the Continental Divide in one of the most rugged and glaciated mountain ranges in the lower 48. The route is thrilling and the scenery spectacular. [Revised Jan 2016]

Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Brief excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Alan Dixon and AdventureAlan.com with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Disclaimer: Posts on this site contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking on these links, a portion of the sale helps support this site at no additional cost to you. I do not receive compensation from the companies whose products I review. Unless otherwise noted, products are purchased with my own funds. I am never under an obligation to write a review about any product. Finally, reviews express my own independent opinion.

Trip Guides

What’s a Trip Guide?

Adventure Alan’s Trip Guides

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