Terms and Conditions
Introduction
Welcome to Wild Bunch Trekking. We are thrilled to have you join us for an adventurous and memorable experience in the great outdoors. By accessing our website or booking a tour with us, you agree to be bound by the following terms and conditions. These terms prioritize the safety of both our guides and clients and aim to protect the natural environments we will be visiting. Our commitment is also reflected in our dedication to providing a high-quality, enjoyable, and educational experience for all participants. We strongly encourage you to read these terms carefully before embarking on any activities with us, as they are crucial for the safety and preservation of all involved.
Assumption of Risk
By participating in the activities offered by Wild Bunch Trekking, you acknowledge and understand that engaging in outdoor activities involves certain inherent and unpredictable risks. These risks may result in, but are not limited to, physical injury, illness, mental distress, permanent disability, and even death. Natural hazards such as weather changes, wildlife encounters, and varying trail conditions can pose additional challenges and dangers. By voluntarily participating, you fully accept and assume all such risks, both known and unknown, and accept full responsibility for your participation. You agree that Wild Bunch Trekking, its owners, employees, and affiliates will not be held liable for any injury, loss, or damage to person or property in connection with these activities. We strongly recommend that all participants have adequate personal insurance in place for protection against these risks.
Limitation of Liability
Wild Bunch Trekking strives to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants. However, to the maximum extent permitted by law, Wild Bunch Trekking, its owners, employees, and affiliates will not be held liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising from your participation in our activities, use of equipment, or from any actions of other participants. This includes any claims arising from negligence and encompasses both on-site and off-site activities, including transportation to and from activity locations. We strongly recommend that all participants have adequate personal insurance to cover any unforeseen incidents or risks associated with outdoor activities. By agreeing to these terms, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this limitation of liability, and you agree to hold Wild Bunch Trekking harmless from any and all claims, demands, or causes of action. This agreement is governed by the laws of Salt Lake City, Utah.
Safety First
At Wild Bunch Trekking, the safety of our clients and guides is our highest priority. We are dedicated to providing a safe environment for all participants, which includes thorough pre-trip briefings, well-maintained equipment, and knowledgeable guides. All of our owners and guides are trained as Wilderness First Responders (WFR) and have formal training in canyoneering, as well as extensive experience in backpacking and hiking. They possess an in-depth familiarity with the areas and landscapes being guided, allowing them to effectively assess conditions and make informed decisions to enhance safety.
To ensure your safety, it is essential that all participants are honest about their medical history, fitness level, and previous outdoor experience. Our guides must be informed of any medications, health concerns, or pertinent medical history ahead of time. This information helps our guides tailor the activities to suit your ability and ensures that everyone is adequately prepared for the challenges of the journey.
We have established emergency procedures in place, including travel with a satellite device that enables contact with search and rescue at any point from any location. Our guides run each trip multiple times to identify quick escape routes, potential life-threatening obstacles, areas suitable for emergency helicopter landings, water sources, and water stashing locations if needed. All guides carry appropriately stocked first aid kits that are customized for each trip, taking into consideration the group size and potential illnesses and injuries.
Prior to your trip, our guides run the trail several times and take extensive photos and notes to optimize client comfort and experience. We will have thorough communication with clients leading up to the events to ensure everyone is on the same page, as well as provide detailed itineraries. It is important to remember that while safety measures are in place, participants share the responsibility for their safety by ensuring they are fit for the activities and following the guides' instructions. If at any time a participant feels unsafe or unable to continue, we encourage them to communicate this to their guide immediately.
Weather and Route Changes
Tours and activities offered by Wild Bunch Trekking are highly dependent on weather conditions, permit availability, and other environmental factors. We strive to provide a remarkable experience, but safety is our primary concern. Therefore, we reserve the right to alter, postpone, or cancel any trip or route based on current weather conditions, safety concerns, changes in permit availability, or any unforeseen events that may compromise participant safety. Our guides are trained to make these decisions in the best interest of all involved. Clients will be notified of any significant changes as soon as possible, and we appreciate your understanding and flexibility in these situations.
Age and Health Requirements
Wild Bunch Trekking is committed to ensuring the safety and enjoyment of all participants. Age, health, and skill level restrictions will be listed on individual trip descriptions, and participants are required to reference this information for specific details related to each trip they are considering.
Children under 18 must be accompanied at all times by a parent or guardian, who should ensure that their child is physically and mentally prepared for the trip. Additionally, children under the age of 4 are not permitted to participate in any of our trips under any circumstances.
It is essential that all participants disclose any medical conditions, injuries, or relevant health concerns that may affect their ability to safely engage in the planned activities. Our guides will assess whether participants are fit for their selected activities to maintain a safe and enjoyable experience for all. Wild Bunch Trekking reserves the right to refuse participation to anyone who does not meet these requirements or who may pose a risk to themselves or others based on the assessment of our guides.
Booking and Cancellation Policy
Wild Bunch Trekking values your time and commitment to our adventures. A non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking to secure your spot on any trip. The remaining balance is due one week before the trip start date.
If you need to cancel your reservation, please notify us as soon as possible. Cancellations made within the same week of booking will receive a full refund, minus a $25 per-person application fee. Cancellations made 30 days before the start date may receive a 50% refund of the balance paid, while cancellations made less than 30 days from the trip start date will receive a 25% refund. We recommend considering travel insurance to cover unforeseen circumstances that may affect your plans.
Wild Bunch Trekking prioritizes the safety and well-being of all participants. Therefore, we reserve the right to terminate the trip of any participant who arrives intoxicated, displays unruly or unsafe behavior, or fails to listen to the guides' instructions at any point during the trip. This decision is made at the discretion of our guides. This includes, but is not limited to, excessive alcohol consumption, aggressive conduct, or actions that may endanger themselves or others. In such cases, no refund will be provided, and the participant will be sent home, potentially at their own expense, for the safety of the group. Clients agree that they cannot hold Wild Bunch Trekking liable for any costs or damages incurred as a result of such trip termination.
In the event that Wild Bunch Trekking must cancel a trip due to safety concerns, weather, or other unforeseen circumstances, participants will be offered rescheduling options or a full refund of the amount paid.
Preservation and Respect for Nature
Wild Bunch Trekking is committed to preserving the natural beauty and ecological integrity of the areas we explore. Participants are expected to engage in responsible and respectful behavior towards all aspects of the environment, including plants, animals, and protected cryptobiotic soil.
To help preserve these vital ecosystems and sites of cultural significance, we ask that clients adhere to the following principles:
Stay on Designated Trails: Always stick to established paths to minimize soil compaction and protect native vegetation. Wandering off designated trails can harm fragile ecosystems and disrupt wildlife habitats.
Avoid Disturbing Wildlife: Observe animals from a distance and do not attempt to feed or approach them. Disturbing wildlife can lead to stress for animals and may interfere with their natural behaviors and habitats.
Leave No Trace: Participants must practice Leave No Trace principles, which include packing out all trash and personal items, minimizing campfire impact, and avoiding the collection of plants, rocks, or other natural items. Ensuring we leave the environment as we found it protects the ecosystem and its inhabitants.
Respect Cultural Sites: Please be mindful of Native American ruins and artifacts. Do not touch, remove, or disturb any cultural or historical features. These sites hold significant cultural value and their preservation is essential for future generations to learn about and appreciate the rich history of the area.
Respect Protected Areas: Be aware of and respect any signs indicating protected areas, including cryptobiotic soil, which is vital for the health of desert ecosystems. Understanding and following these guidelines contributes positively to wildlife management efforts and helps maintain the natural balance.
Acceptance of Terms
By booking a trip with Wild Bunch Trekking or by engaging with our website, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to abide by these terms and conditions. You affirm that you are of the legal age to enter this agreement or are doing so with the consent of a parent or guardian.
Participants will be required to download and sign this document before check-out, as well as sign another document upon arrival on the first day of the trip to confirm acceptance of these terms and conditions. You understand that by agreeing to these terms, you may be giving up substantial rights.
If any provision of these terms is found to be unenforceable or invalid, the remaining provisions shall remain in effect, and the unenforceable provision shall be interpreted to reflect the original intent of the parties. Additionally, the laws of Salt Lake City, Utah will govern these terms and conditions.
These terms may be updated or modified at any time, and we encourage you to review them periodically. Continued use of our services constitutes acceptance of any changes to these terms. Should you have any questions regarding these terms, please do not hesitate to contact us.