This guided trip was much more educational than going without a guide would have been. Because they knew where to take you, it wasn't as crowded but you got to see the same sites. Wes was fabulous--funny and nice. We went very early in the season (mid-March) and they were willing to take us (just 2) even though no one else signed up!

In January 2010, Wes Neal took me on an overnight hike down the South Kaibab and up the Bright Angel Trail, camping at the Bright Angel Campground next to Phantom Ranch. I've been lucky enough to travel lots of places and do lots of hiking, especially at home in Australia but this was an absolute standout. Wes went completely above and beyond all my expectations. When I booked it felt like a lot of money but pretty soon after I arrived it became apparent I had got a bargain. Wes was a lovely bloke and as a single gal travelling alone I couldn't have asked for a more perfect gentleman. He was very focused on safety without making me anxious and was constantly encouraging when I was finding the terrain incredibly tough without ever being condescending or annoying. As we hiked Wes shared lots of great stories about the geology, history and folklore of the Canyon which really added to my experience of the place in a way that wouldn't have been possible without this true local knowledge. The Grand Canyon is a majestic place, and whilst it's breathtaking from the top, I didn't really get its true appeal until I was inside it. If you are in good enough health to take one of the hikes down I very highly recommend it; if you're not sure what you can handle send Wes an email, I exchanged about 15 with him when I was planning my trip! This was truly one of the best cusotmer service experiences I have ever had and I hope to save up and come back to beautiful Arizona to take a river trip with Around the Bend to spend longer than 2 days in the Canyon one day in the future. Other tips - pack light, clip your toenails and take a camelback instead of a water bottle.

We had a great day with Wes. He's knowledgeable, personable, and you can tell he enjoys his work. We did a day hike on the South Kaibab trail and I was nervous about it because I'm 50 and not in great shape. Of course I was the slowest headed back up. Wes hung with me and kept me encouraged. He's a great guide. I don't hesitate to recommend him and if the chance arises we'll certainly use him again.

My husband and I wanted to stop at the Grand Canyon for a day while driving back from California to our home in Indiana. I found Around the Bend Adventures on the Internet and we decided to try the tour to the Grand Canyon. Wes picked us up at our hotel on time and drove us in a very comfortable van to our destination. Wes told us interesting facts of the people and the land in the area. He was very knowledgeable and we learned many things we did not know about the geology in and around the Canyon. Wes prepared a very tasty fresh lunch and we had a picnic inside the park. We were the only ones on the tour that day and Wes let us take our 2-year-old Chihuahua, Nina, with us. Nina enjoyed it as much as we did and took a nap on the way back. Wes showed us different areas that you might not otherwise see on your own or with bigger tours and he also gave us time to sightsee and shop. We will be going back in the next year or two and stay longer and you can bet we will be seeing Wes again and taking one of his other tours! Thank You Wes!

Bob & Diane Gorman
Attica, Indiana