Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of going on a hiking tour with Georgetown Outdoor Discovery?
By sharing my local experiences and knowledge, I can make it fun and safe for folks to build their outdoor skills and have their own successful adventures.
Each tour combines local history, outdoor education, and encourages the use of your senses. All tours are able to be customized.
How fit and in shape do I need to be for these tours?
There is a fitness saying “you have to start somewhere”. I am accustomed to adjusting to the needs of the group. If you have a special need or other concerns you can call me to discuss.
How does the booking process work?
As soon as you know your dates you can select the dates on the booking calendar and pay with your credit card. Then you will receive an email confirmation. You will also receive a phone call from me 2 days prior to your tour. We will arrange a meeting place, generally the Georgetown Visitors Center. You will follow me up to the trailhead in your own car.
What if the weather is bad?
Changing weather, trail conditions, and your healthiness are always taken into consideration so that we may have a fun and safe trip. I may change the time, day, and/or the itinerary of the tour. If I need to cancel due to weather I will do my best to rebook you. In general mornings have the most stable weather and this is particularly true for late spring and early summer.
Can we go into mine caves and cabins?
For your safety and preservation of the site, so that others may in the future learn and enjoy them we will be exploring with our eyes, and imaginations. Old mine buildings, debris, tunnels, and the soils around them can be unstable and unsafe. We leave artifacts where we find them and take only photographs.
Will we be able to hike off trail?
We will stay on the trails that we have permission to use. This is because there are many mine claims owned privately. Also, the hillsides have hundreds of uncovered holes, air vents, shafts and tunnels that are not grated and closed off.
What is your snack and how big is it?
The snack will be some prepackaged bar and a piece of fresh fruit such as an apple or orange. If you need non gluten or have a tree nut allergy please let me know ahead of time. You should have a meal before your tour and be well rested and hydrated.
Is there cell service on the trails?
Yes and I will always carry an Iphone and first aid kit and procedure card with a list of emergency phone numbers. I encourage you to use your phone for photos but not take calls so that you can enjoy your time in nature.
Will there be restrooms available to use?
We meet for our tours at the Georgetown Gateway Visitor Center where restrooms are available at the start of our trip. Some trailheads have a porta pottie. I also carry WAG bags on the trail. If nature calls while we are out on the trail, you let me know, and I can educate you how to properly go outside. And, don't be embarrassed to ask as it's normal and everyone has to go sometime.
Can I bring my dog on the tour?
No. We have wildlife and other people to consider on the trail so for everyones safety our tours are Fido free.