SAFETY & RESPONSIBILITIES

Because our trips can take place in remote & wild environments, there are inherent risk factors that can’t be entirely avoided without compromising the unique character of the activities associated with adventure travel.  Obviously, it’s not our intention to reduce your enthusiasm for outdoor adventure activities, but we believe it is important for everyone to know in advance that real adventure involves real risk, much of which simply cannot be controlled by ESC Outside or ESC Outsides’ employees.  By joining one of our trips you are representing that you understand, and are accepting of, the risks described in the acknowledgment/release document that all participants are required to sign.

You are also representing that you will accept the degree of personal responsibility necessary to participate in adventure travel activities.  Keep in mind if you show up unprepared, then we reserve the right to kick you off the trip, at your expense!!!  

Guide Qualifications

It takes a talented individual to be able to lead an ESC Outside trip, and our guides are true outdoor professionals.  We hand-select each guide based on their ability to deliver an unparalleled level of customer service, a strong wilderness skill set and background, and an insatiable passion for wild spaces.  Each guide is medically certified as a Wilderness First Responder and carries the necessary qualifications to competently backpack and hike throughout Arizona and the vast wilderness of the western US.  When you choose to travel with us, you can rest assured that your trip has been meticulously planned and executed by qualified guides with know-how, skill, and ability.

Gear & Equipment

Given the often remote nature of some of our trips, we, as guides, take our equipment very seriously and all our gear is of superior quality and is expedition ready.  All travel with a well-stocked first aid kit and a plan for initiating an evacuation if necessary.  All our guides carry a Garmin InReach for use during an emergency and to relay critical information with the office, Search & Rescue and emergency services. 

Injury or Illness

While we do our best to mitigate the risks associated with adventure travel, incidents and injuries that require evacuation do occur from time to time.  Since most ESC Outside trips take place in wilderness locations, evacuations can be prolonged, difficult and expensive.  As such, emergency medical personnel and hospital facilities may be distant or not available.  It is your responsibility to carry insurance, or be prepared to cover the cost yourself, for expenses related to emergency medical evacuation.