I have been enjoying high-altitude trekking for five years. Early on, I made the mistake of booking…read morea solo trek (with a guide and porter but without a group) through a company in Kathmandu. It was not a good experience. Fortunately, that setback didn't stop me from pursuing my dream adventures--Everest Base Camp, Kilimanjaro, and the Inca Trail. That's when I discovered Ian Taylor Trekking (ITT), and everything changed. By chance, I learned that Ian lives near me. I picked up the phone, and to my surprise, Ian himself answered. We soon met for drinks, and after meeting Ian and Laura, I knew right away that these were people I could trust with something as important as a trek to Everest Base Camp. Everest Base Camp turned out to be unforgettable--the magic of the Sherpa culture, the breathtaking scenery, the friendships formed, and of course, Ian's presence on the trip. While ITT's guides, porters, and support staff are absolute professionals, what stood out most was Ian himself. His deep knowledge of the Khumbu (everyone seems to know him!), professionalism, and sense of humor made the journey even more special. From that first trek onward, ITT has continually exceeded my expectations. After Everest Base Camp, I thought nothing could top the experience. But then came Kilimanjaro--and later, the Classic Inca Trail. Each adventure with ITT only got better. One of the most important lessons I've learned in the mountains is that success is never guaranteed. Illness, weather, and other factors can change everything. On one trek with a different company, I fell acutely ill after five days of exhausting effort. My guide made the right call to turn us back, even though I was devastated at the time. That experience underscored the importance of choosing the right guide--and how grateful I am to have found Ian Taylor Trekking for my next expeditions. I've witnessed Ian and his team handle every type of situation with compassion, professionalism, and encouragement. Some clients arrive underprepared. Others, like me on Kilimanjaro, may doubt themselves at critical moments. At less than 100 meters from the summit, I was struggling silently. Ian didn't need me to say it--he noticed. Without turning around, he calmly reminded me of proper breathing technique. That simple guidance carried me to the summit at age 65. That moment changed my life, and I know it wouldn't have happened without such talented, capable, and caring guides. What makes ITT so exceptional is their philosophy of safety first, modest pacing, and proper acclimatization. This approach not only reduces risks but also increases the likelihood of success. And yet, ITT also understands that trekking isn't just about the summit--it's about the experience along the way. From carefully chosen campsites to passionate, knowledgeable guides (like Miguel on the Inca Trail, who brought history to life with every story), every detail reflects thoughtfulness and care. The ultimate compliment to any business is when clients return--and bring others with them. I'm about to embark on my next adventure with ITT: climbing Mera Peak. Five members from my Everest Base Camp trek are joining me. That says it all. As a former business owner, I can say with certainty: Ian Taylor Trekking is doing something truly special, and they're doing it right.

He and Taylor tracking is undoubtedly a superstar among a field of "OK" competitors. We did the…read morefive day Inca Trail Trek, and it so enormously, so vastly exceeded expectations that I really struggle for adjectives. The people, the warmth, the caring, the organization, the food, the experience... The efforts that the crew went to to make the best possible experience for an unbelievably diverse group was absolutely magical. 10 out of 10 not just would, but will, trek with again!! Nobody else comes close.

Had an awesome trip down the Colorado river with this company! Quick, but scenic one hour drive…read morefrom steamboat. Bill was our guide and he was friendly, personable, and reassuring throughout the entire trip. They had these inflatable kayaks that they called duckies that can fit 1-2 people, and you paddle along after the raft. We switched off between all of us and our two kids ages 8 and 12 even had a go of things in the duckie, and I felt they were safe even though they were definitely not the best paddlers, given Bill's watchful eye and directions on paddling! Bill also pointed out wildlife, good spots to jump in the river and swim, and places were could float in our life vests in the current downstream. Had such a great time, even though the rapids had downgraded to only class 1-2 by the time we went in late July. The rapids still provided plenty of excitement for us all, especially in those duckies! Definitely go with this group--they were great!

Spent a beautiful morning rafting on the Colorado River with guides Jason, Jake and Boyd. They were…read moreexcellent! They were knowledgeable, helpful, friendly, even funny. We were a group of older adults and throughly enjoyed or trip down the river.

I am going to be as bottom line and objective as possible in hopes that this helps steer any…read moreconscientious consumers from a "fair market value abyss". This company set my wife and I up with an overnight float experience - I have nothing to complain about the experience itself. We had a great time. Great guide, smooth process. The price we were quoted was extremely high but it was our anniversary and we assumed the price would reflect the value of services rendered. In hindsight, bottom line: All things considered, in my opinion, you pay for a Ferrari and get a BMW. The price for what you get is egregiously overpriced even when accounting for how expensive the Vail Valley is these days. I recommend this experience if you are ultra wealthy to the point where cost/value ratio means nothing to you. I don't recommend this trip of you appreciate the concept of value in any way. There is a way to get the same experience with better accommodations for MUCH less: 1. For almost 50% less, stay at the 4 Eagle Ranch down the road for meals and lodging: VERY unique remote glamping experience with classy yet low key tent bar/restaurant on the hillside. Objectively better/more unique food/lodging experience and it's actually massively cheaper! 2. Turn to Co. Angling Company only for guided fishing - their price rocket ships if you tack on anything else.

Colorado Angling has the best guides, the best water permits, and a great safety record. They know…read morethe water and get you to the fish! They can take "never evers" or the most experienced angler and provide a more than satisfying experience!

My family was staying in Beaver Creek and I had an afternoon to get away and do some fishing. It…read morewas surprisingly hard to find a tackle shop who would rent equipment. I wasn't looking for a guided trip, I just needed a rod/reel and some waders. Minturn Anglers was the place for me. I basically told them I was completely new to mountain fly fishing and to set me up as if they were going out that day. And for around $100 I had everything I needed for a day of fishing. They had all sorts of equipment and thousands of flies to choose from as well as a knowledgeable staff who knew what was working at any given time. If you're staying anywhere in the Vail Valley and you want to go fishing, you'll want to go to Minturn Anglers.

A mostly fantastic experience. Nice little fly shop. Guides will take you where you want but…read moreremember to pay accordingly. The Eagle and Colorado Rivers are optimum choices for this part of the state. If you're feeling a little more adventurous, opt for something toward Flat Tops Wilderness. Closer to Vail, you might try for brookies on the little creeks of the west slope of the Gores. Good service, plenty of quality flies (I don't understand the supposed art of making your own), experienced and knowledgeable staff. Remember to tip well when your adventure ends.

We came up from Cedar Park, TX (outside Austin) and had a place in Vail. We were looking to get…read moreout on the river, and found Colorado River Center at Rancho Del Rio. This place is absolutely amazing. It's really cool the somewhat new owners Jim and Lauren....about as cool and easy going as it gets. I brought my family of 5, my wife, my 15 year old daughter and my sons 18 and 20....before my new grad heads off to West Point. We looked at some of the cabins, and you can see all the work the new owners have put into them, they look amazing, and a lot have been re-decorated. It's a very cool rustic. My wife and daughter loved the gift shop and the cool shirts. The guide Jeremy took us out, and my wife does not like the water, and he kept her pretty happy in the middle with the gear. We got out and saw some historical 1840's old cabin and other stuff, was completely awesome! We will be getting back there as soon as we can, the views driving in and out of there are almost worth the drive. They had a great little adult beverage store, pretty awesome to have out in the middle of nowhere...with no cell coverage which I loved....no work calls ,ha. Pretty family friendly, and the little wedding event setup looked cool.

Had a great time. Tanner was our guide. He was very knowledgeable about the area. Very safe outfit!read more

We went on a float trip with Brian and I couldn't have had a better time. He took the time to…read morerefine some of my skills, like mending and how to cast with accuracy in when facing strong wind. I caught the three largest rainbow trouts of my life, but will carry his lessons with me forever. Brian was hands down the hardest working guide I've ever fished with and I firmly believe everyone from a beginner to a seasoned angler would have a great time and leave better off after a day with him!

If you want a real Colorado fly fishing experience, CRO is the top outfitter. The owners prioritize…read morea safe and fun experience for anglers of any experience level. I've fished with them for over 8 years during all 4 seasons. There is a reason they catch more fish than the next boat floating by!

We had a fabulous morning with Adam as our guide. He met us at his special spot. Shhhhh! 5 minutes…read moreinto our river hike path my brother and guide walked up on a Momma and two baby black bears. Surprise!!! Momma made some sounds gathered her cubs and ran up a tree. So we reversed our hike in, and gave her space. So we walk the other way and went to another location. Absolutely breathtaking! We were instructed one at a time on Fly fishing 101. We enjoyed our 2 hr charter. Caught a few fish and enjoyed outdoor beauty. Adam was very knowledgeable and well equipped with the tackle we needed. All in all it was a fantastic morning, making memories with family. Highly recommended!

Fly fishing, good talks, and great outdoors experience with Chris our amazing guide. Caught some…read morebrown trout!! Coolest outdoor experience for teens, young adults, and office workers to get out of office in Vail and Eagle area. All equipment, knowledge, and teaching experience comes with fishing day outing. Highly recommend to get outside with local expert and unforgettable trip. You rock again Chris!

This was my Sawatch range finisher and it was a grueling, but rewarding hike. I clocked about 12…read moremiles round trip with over 5K of elevation. The downhill was the hardest! Definitely tough on the joints. Much of the hike was in the dark to begin, so it felt like it took forever to get back since nothing looked familiar. It's a beautiful mountain with no technical skills required despite the elevation and length. I thought the scramble was great fun-harder class 2 but still easy with little exposure. Going through half moon pass is beautiful and offers stunning views of the mountain, but I definitely had an "oh sh*t" moment when I saw how far away it was. I brought my friend with me who did this as her first 14er which is pretty bad ass! I think if you choose this as your first, you could easily do all of the class 1 and 2s without a problem. There is one river crossing and so many pretty flowers when I went. A great challenging hike with beautiful scenery! I'd recommend camping at half moon campground the night before so it's easy to get an early start.

Obviously you can't summit now. It's covered in snow! This is a favorite among Colorado Fourteeners…read morethough. Just had to review. Expect at least 12 miles roundtrip from the closest trailhead. If you start closer to Minturn, it could be a 20. Truly enjoyable with lots of variation and a tight drop off bend as you approach the pinnacle. It has the visuals of where a sherpa would live with their goat. Truly awesome.