Take a Hike

After leading tours throughout the U.S. and parts of Canada for a number of years, there were good reasons why we chose to base our tour company in San Francisco. Although the fascinating and colorful city routinely makes the list of the most expensive U.S. cities in which to live, you can’t beat the location. It’s an ideal starting point for different types of tours of the city itself, or for memorable treks down the California coast or to the world-famous Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.

And best of all, San Francisco is within driving distance of one of the most popular and unique national parks in the country—Yosemite. Truthfully, that was the biggest draw to founding our travel businesses in San Francisco. It was never about making the most money we could; it was always about taking what we learned about touring and stripping it to its basic purpose: to show people the best possible experience and give them the knowledge and insight to tour without us the next time if they so desired.

What’s better than hiking in your neighborhood? Hiking in the local woods. What’s better than that? Hiking in any national park. And what’s even better than that? Walking through the piney woods of Yosemite National Park, where you might see giant sequoia trees hundreds, if not thousands, of years older than the country; majestic mountains; sparkling waterfalls; green, green valleys; and a variety of wildlife and plants.

And it’s not just about what you’ll see; it’s about what you’ll feel. Hiking can improve your blood pressure, balance and muscle and bone strength. It can lead to weight loss and help alleviate breathing problems. But more than that, hiking and being out in nature in general, can calm anxiety and reduce stress. Stanford University research even found hiking lowered the risk of depression.

We believe there’s not a better place to participate in a corporate retreat than Yosemite. Interestingly, walking in the wilderness tends to unclutter minds and opens senses, improving perception, which often strengthens bonds with companions, whether they’re co-workers, family members, friends or former strangers. So take a hike or send your people on one!