The riding, back country camping, and scenery were all surreal. The riding pace was demanding - don't show up to this out of shape. Lasting impressions will be the epic descents upon arrival and down Murphy's on day two, as well as knowledgeable, accommodating trail guides who go out of their way to make it a great experience. The Holiday River packing list is fined tuned - follow it to the letter.
Other riders are entitled to their opinions, but in response to a negative reviewer in my group:
- The food prepared by our guides was REALLY good. Fresh veggies, omelets, pork tenderloin !! And they were perfect portion sizes in my opinion. You don't want to stuff yourself out there.
- There were short diversions for hiking, which held amazing views. But with the emphasis on biking, it was good to keep moving and have more time for camp setup. I did not feel let down because of a lack of hiking.
- Two guides felt like plenty for a dozen riders. They showed us the park and served as bike mechanics, chefs, and dishwashers. I'm not sure how additional guides could have added to the experience.
Overall, everything seemed professional and dialed in. I had an awesome time and hope to return with my kids when they're a little older. But I'll have some great memories and photos to hold me over til then!