In the close-knit world of outdoor adventure, news travels fast. It is with a heavy heart that we reflect on the recent announcement that REI Adventure Center has made the difficult decision to close its adventure tour operations across the United States. For those of us in the Scottsdale and Phoenix community, this is more than just the loss of a competitor—it feels like the loss of a cherished friend.
As the owner of Wild Bunch Desert Guides, I have always admired the REI Adventure Center team for their professionalism, passion, and dedication to providing top-tier experiences in mountain biking and hiking. Have I had me share of moments where I was Uber competitive and trying to compete with a major world wide entity – of course.
Their presence elevated the outdoor industry in Arizona and beyond, setting a standard for quality and adventure. For years, we’ve been friendly competitors, sharing a mutual respect and a shared goal of delivering unforgettable moments in the stunning landscapes we call home.
On a deeply personal note, the news hits even harder knowing the incredible leader behind REI Adventure Center, Jon Colby. My former boss from my AOA days -a true legend in our industry, has always been a source of inspiration and support. Making the decision to close these operations and let go of his staff here in Scottsdale was undoubtedly one of the toughest moments of his career. He has dedicated countless years to building a team and fostering a community, and his impact has been felt by all who have had the privilege of working with him or experiencing an REI tour.
To say he is respected is an understatement. Despite holding a high-ranking position within the REI family, he has always been humble, approachable, and willing to lend a hand—even joking with me about being a “janitor who cleans toilets” when, in reality, he was steering the ship of a monumental operation. He has always taken my calls, shared laughs, and embodied the spirit of camaraderie that makes this industry so special. And when we have dinner it's personal and he is just as amazing as a person. I can only imagine the emotional toll of this decision, and my heart goes out to him and the incredible guides and staff who have been affected.
At Wild Bunch Desert Guides, we deeply mourn this loss for our community. We know the void it creates for adventurers seeking the kind of transformative experiences that REI Adventure Center was known for. While we cannot replace them, we are committed to doing everything we can to support guests impacted by this closure. We specialize in private hiking and mountain biking tours, and while our fleet of hardtail mountain bikes is small, we will do our best to accommodate those in need. Additionally, if there are unique or specialized tours guests were hoping for, we encourage them to reach out—our team is ready to help craft memorable adventures.
To the guides who find themselves at a crossroads, know that opportunities may exist within our team in the future. Your expertise and passion for adventure are invaluable, and we would be honored to discuss potential roles when the time is right.
This is a loss for all of us, not just as business owners but as a community of adventurers who believe in the power of the outdoors to change lives. To our friends at REI Adventure Center, thank you for the years of inspiration, collaboration and jokes on trail. Thank you for pedal wrenches in a pinch and for always be welcoming at the trailhead. You will be sorely missed, but your legacy will live on in every trail, every vista, and every guest who experienced the magic you created.
