Who we are

Who we are

Discover the Southwest you cannot find on your own.

Our Mission: To provide clients with a safe, enjoyable and educational Southwestern outdoor experience with an emphasis on native cultures and resource preservation.

At Southwest Outside we pride ourselves in our intimate knowledge of Sedona and our ability to get you off the beaten path. Our aim is to show you the Sedona you cannot find on your own. We are a local family owned business, and as such, we are extremely passionate about Red Rock Country. During your private and custom tour we will get you away from the crowds and educate you about Sedona’s history, geology, and indigenous peoples. From driving tours and light walks, to challenging hikes into remote red-walled canyons, we happily customize your tour to fit your needs. We are certified Wilderness First Responders, practice Leave No Trace philosophy, and are proudly permitted by the USFS. Book your tour with Southwest Outside today!

Based in Sedona, Arizona, we specialize in personalized outdoor education and adventures for families, schools, small groups and individuals. Our experience and training set us apart. We have years of experience in leading hikes, expeditions and Southwest tours, providing information on natural history, geology and Native American cultures. Our custom, personally designed adventures show you the beauty of the Southwest.

Meet Our Guides

After many years living in the Rocky Mountains, Max has returned home to Sedona. He was born and raised in Red Rock Country and received his BA from the University of Arizona. He is an avid photographer of the Southwest and the mountains of Colorado. He is also a certified sommelier with a focus on Italian wine. While not in his hiking boots, he will most likely be found on his mountain bike pedaling Sedona’s famous slickrock trails. Max is a certified Wilderness First Responder (WFR) from the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) and practices Leave No Trace (LNT) ethics.

As a Sedona native, his childhood was spent exploring Sedona’s backcountry. After relocating to Colorado, he spent time summiting 14,000′ peaks and snowboarding in the Rockies. His travels led him to the red rock canyons of Southern Utah and the Sonoran Desert. He is now on track to walk all of the trails “below the rim” in Grand Canyon.

He has guided multi-day trips for Southwest Outside since 2005 and in 2018 he returned home to Sedona.

Mike was born and raised near Lake Michigan and moved to the Southwest in 1981 to explore the canyons of the Colorado Plateau. He has a bachelors degree in Business and has been guiding since 1990. He played 4 years of college basketball and is a former high school head coach. Mike is a certified Wilderness First Responder (WFR) from the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) and practices Leave No Trace (LNT) ethics.

Mike has been exploring Sedona’s trails and cross-country routes for over 30 years, moving to Red Rock Country in 1985. He is an avid canyoneer and has led trips to dozens of remote Southwestern Canyons.

Mike has written for Jet Settin’ the West Magazine and has been featured in Sunset Magazine. He has extensive experience guiding in Southern Utah and has guided adventure trips for National Geographic and Off the Beaten Path. He worked for 13 years in Southwestern Native American Art and shares his knowledge of Native People on many of his adventures. In his spare time, you can find him atop one of Colorados 14ers or in the bottom of Grand Canyon.

As a daughter of the Southwest, Bryce has spent significant time exploring Grand Canyon, the red rock country of Sedona, and the Colorado Plateau. In addition to her skills in the backcountry, Bryce is a very talented artist, brewer, and kitchen chemist. “Growing up in the Southwest, I’ve always been fascinated by the natural beauty of this region. From hiking in the mountains to exploring hidden canyons, I love to seek out new adventures and soak in the landscape around me”.

Wilderness Medicine Institute (WMI) of NOLS

The Wilderness Medicine Institute’s goal is to provide the highest quality education and information for the recognition, treatment, and prevention of wilderness emergencies. When 9-1-1 is not an option, the rules change… plain and simple! For over a decade the Wilderness Medicine Institute has defined the standards in wilderness medicine training. They offer a wide range of course and certification opportunities. The National Outdoor Leadership School in Lander, WY (NOLS) is recognized around the world as the leader in wilderness training.

Wilderness First Responder (WFR)

This is a nationally recognized program that trains participants to respond to emergencies in remote settings. The 80-hour curriculum includes standards for urban and extended care situations. Special topics include but are not limited to: wound management and infection, realigning fractures and dislocations, improvised splinting techniques, patient monitoring and long term management problems, up-to-date information on all environmental emergencies, plus advice on drug therapies. Emphasis is placed on prevention and decision making

Come Explore With Us!