Find An Adventure

Join the Adventure in Iowa’s Secret Wilderness.

Guided day trips & multi-day adventures bringing you together with other outdoor enthusiasts for amazing experiences in the wild!

  • Unique "off-the-beaten-path approach" makes Iowa fun & exciting!
  • Meet other professionals, entrepreneurs & educators like yourself who lead active lives
  • No experience required
I want to be part of an adventure
Iowa cornfield

Wilderness & Adventure in Iowa?

Cornfields, dirty rivers, and a lack of natural skylines… Nobody associates Iowa with wilderness or adventure…

No wonder so many people take expensive trips elsewhere or move away.

You shouldn’t need to go without wilderness, adventure and people who share your interests, just because you live in Iowa.

Iowa Explorers founder walking through crystal clear spring fed water at a beautiful secret waterfall in Iowa

I'm Chris and I can take you on adventures in Iowa...

Happy hikers excited to be exploring a slot canyon in Iowa

For years I didn't think I'd ever have an adventure here.

I tried my best, visiting parks and hiking the trails everybody else did, but came up disappointed.  It just wasn’t the same as my native California or all the incredible places I’d visited around the world.

But with a lifetime of wilderness experience, I decided to take a chance… and really explore; leaving even the trails behind in my pursuit of the impossible, following creek beds & deer paths. 

And over the past 12 years I’ve discovered something truly unique & special, and began showing others, like you,  how beautiful & inspiring Iowa really is on hundreds of exciting group adventures… with lots of great friendships made along the way!

I can do the same for you!

How to join us...

Day Adventures (start here)

On & off-trail adventures to cool locations, hidden gems, and secret wonders. Must experience to believe!

Weekend Adventures

A weekend of Day Adventures, staying in campgrounds with bathrooms, showers & more!.

Backpacking

Escape to the wilderness on the ultimate overnight backcountry experience in Iowa.

River Trips

Kayaking, canoeing & tubing. 1-3 day trips.

Weekend Destination Getaways

From a comfortable hotel, we'll enjoy both nature & civilized comforts... easier hiking, biking, wine tours, historic tours, restaurant stops & live music.

Custom Trips / Private Hire

What you can expect...

Happy hikers along craggy lakeshore in Iowa with cliffs, natural arches

Much Better Than Just A Walk In The Park

You'll need to experience it to believe it as we leave the trails behind, elevating the Iowa outdoor experience to a whole new level. My "off-the-beaten-path approach" unlocks inspiring wilderness experiences in hidden locations that may have you questioning whether or not you're still in Iowa.

No experience necessary (and no planning involved!)

With a guide, you’ll have the help you need, when you need it… free to enjoy the experience, knowing you are being led on a custom, premium route, developed over many years, visiting the best locations I've discovered over many years of exploration.

Become An Irreplaceable Part Of A Grand Adventure

Revel in beauty, discover hidden gems & overcome natural obstacles together with other outdoor enthusiasts, like yourself. Engage in conversation or quietly enjoy nature’s magic! You be you!

The Trail to Adventure Plan

Step 1: Schedule

Schedule an adventure online or message me so I can answer your questions and help you get started.

Step 2: Prepare

I’ll provide everything you’ll need to know and what to bring, beforehand–giving you the peace of mind & confidence of being supported & ready to go.

Step 3: Adventure

Have a blast on a professionally guided adventure... exploring nature with others, overcoming challenges in the spirit of cooperation, & enjoying the wonder of discovery while learning new skills & overcoming personal limitations.

Don't take my word for it - Here's what others are saying

 “The people are so
friendly and welcoming, and Chris is a fantastic leader. I realized quickly that I could trust him as we ventured off trail and loved how encouraging he is!

Rated 5 out of 5

Stacy H.

Former Strategic Product Manager

“Chris is the BEST guide and I always have a great time on his trips!”

Rated 5 out of 5

Katie P.

Administration

“Chris and the others are always welcoming and I enjoy not having to do the heavy lifting of planning trips!  Chris has shown me trails (or found his own) to places I never would have found.  Iowa Explorers has lived up to its name!

Rated 5 out of 5

Michael P

Actuary

 “Chris makes every event fun and interesting, and we’ve seen parts of Iowa we never would have found on our own! My husband and I have met new outdoor-loving people and are so happy to be part of this! We look forward to many more years of adventures with Chris!“

Rated 5 out of 5

Terry D.

Retired Nurse

People sharing their time, talents, and resources while adventuring together is such a treat, and having it facilitated by a talented and caring guide like Chris is an incredible privilege.

Rated 5 out of 5

Brian Gumm

Entrepreneur

 “I was hesitant attending my first outing, but found warm and open people who love and respect nature! Chris is in his element, sharing his love of nature and is organized, inviting and extremely well planned… always. I’ve developed many wonderful relationships on numerous events and feel fortunate to
be involved with Iowa Explorers!”

Rated 5 out of 5

Kymberley S.

Lead Tech Sourcing Consultant

Are We a Good Fit?

If you can say yes to the following statements, then I can help you!

  • I bring a positive attitude and don't mind getting wet or dirty in the thrill of an adventure.
  • I'm at least moderately fit, but understand I don't need to be an athlete
  • I'm able to hike on rocky or uneven terrain, up/down steep hills, can cross streams on rocks.
  • I am able to use my hands to navigate natural obstacles when necessary.
  • I am age 18+ (or 13+ with parent or legal guardian)

However, you’re probably not ready yet if…

  • I don't enjoy nature.
  • I prefer comfort to adventure
  • I will only hike on trails
  • I don't have a positive attitude and/or don't like getting wet or dirty in the thrill of an adventure
  • I am not physically active, or do very little physical activity
  • I unable or unwilling to navigate natural obstacles sometimes requiring the use of my hands
  • I am not respectful to others
  • I am under age 18 (age 13+ welcome if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian)

Ready to Get Started? Click Below!

I want to be part of an adventure

All the bells & whistles...

  • Professionally Guided: With my knowledge and assistance, you are free to wander with confidence. You won’t need wilderness or route-finding skills, or to research places to go (my knowledge of the best places in Iowa, from hidden wonders even the locals have missed, to fun twists at popular spots, goes way beyond what you'll find online), which allows you to relax and enjoy the adventure!
  • For All Ages & Skill Levels: As long as you lead an active life, are at least moderately fit, can navigate natural obstacles, and are fine with possibly getting wet or dirty, you are good to go. I have many repeat customers who are not athletes! It’s more about fitness and mindset than age or outdoor experience!
  • Assistance provided: Rest assured you won't be left behind
  • Hidden Wilderness Locations: A breath of fresh air for those turned off by Iowa. Go where few have gone before in discovery & wonder, impressing your friends & family.
  • Lots of Wildlife-None That Eats you! Experience the awesomeness of wild Iowa, seeing, hearing or finding signs of animals like deer, coyote, beaver, eagle, possum, bobcat, owl & more!
  • My "Off-the-beaten-path approach": Experience nature in a safe, unique and exciting way the way hunters, mushroom gatherers & creek stompers have for generations. Discover a superior and far more intimate & enriching experience, the way native peoples knew it using deer trails, creek beds & other ways to travel. Avoid common pitfalls with my experience & knowledge of the land.
  • Basic gear included: No need to buy special gear for many events which save you time and money.
  • Post Event Restaurant Meals: Enjoy an optional farewell meal with your fellow adventurers, ensuring lasting memories and good times to come. Self-pay.
  • The Power of Tribe: Overcome natural obstacles & revel in the thrill of discovery, together with other welcoming & respectful people like yourself.
  • Variety of Events: Be in control of your level of comfort on trips ranging from day trips to overnights like backpacking, weekend campouts, hotel destination weekends and river trips.

To get all this and more…

I want to be part of an adventure

Think leaving the trails is too difficult, scary or impactful? Did you know...

My fear of spiders, snakes and poison ivy stopped me from exploring a long time… until I finally took a chance and discovered I had nothing to worry about!

  • Hunters & mushroom gatherers have been roaming off-trail for generations in Iowa
  • Creek stomping is an Iowa family tradition at some of our iconic state parks and beyond.
  • The Iowa backcountry can be much more open than you think (if you have the experience & know where and when to go)
  • During the summer growing season we prefer creek beds, deer trails & areas of light foliage to minimize impact and maximize enjoyment.
  • We avoid common off-trail pitfalls on custom routes perfected over many years, utilizing hard won experience born out of learning from mistakes.
  • Little to no foliage 7+ months out of the year! I do events all year round.
  • The creeks we hike in summers are usually clear-water with mostly sand & rock bottoms.
  • Navigating areas of denser foliage are kept at a minimum.
  • Poison ivy is less of an issue off-trail than along human impacted areas like human trails, roads and fields. Fun fact: 30-50% of people are immune! And special wipes are available that remove poison ivy oils.
  • We rarely visit an area more than once a year, and frequently change routes, minimizing environmental impact

What does that mean?

You get to experience a whole new level of unexpected adventure in Iowa–lots of fun with just the right amount of challenge.

Check out some of my past adventures!