Laurel Darren, a.k.a. “Ol’ Sparkly Eyes,” lives in a world filled with colorful, shimmering glitter, eccentric knee socks, and fun costumes. A high-energy force field around her has created many safe, fun, and amazing hiking and mountain biking experiences as the founding owner and operator of one of the best adventure travel tour companies in the beautiful Sonoran Desert of Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona.
Arriving in the legendary “Valley of the Sun” in 2012 — from the home of John Deere in the Quad Cities of Eastern Iowa/Western Illinois — this corn-fed Midwest girl brought 30 years of athletic chops under her chaps. A 3-sport high school standout and former college softball player – who won her conference’s Athlete of the Year award as a prep — “Ol’ Sparkly Eyes” has graduated to competing in many races as an adult, from road running to road cycling, cyclo-cross to Mountain Bikes, and even Duathlon and Triathlon “Ironman” competitions. In 2017, Laurel completed a R2R2R Grand Canyon with a pal in 22 hours.
Her other racing accomplishments include:
- 30 marathon finishes, including the 2009 Boston Marathon, and 5 Ultra trail run finishes;
- Ironman Louisville finisher in 2009, Leadville 100 Mountain Bike race buckle finisher in 2016;
- Current record holder Single Speed 104 Barn Burner (2016);
- Several other podium finishes in Single Speed mountain bike category and geared category;
- 6 years of crewing Race Across America (RAAM) with 2016 crew for a SOLO champion;
- 2-time Bisbee 1000 Great Stair Climb finisher.
When not spreading glitter on the hiking and mountain biking trails or insisting guests hug a cactus for a photo, Laurel loves to ride her mountain bike with different groups, especially the single speeders. Another favorite is hiking with her Plott hounds, Daisy Mae, and Waylon. “Ol’ Sparkly Eyes” also is involved with many local mountain biking groups including DFMBA and AZ Gravel Rides.
Laurel’s experience as a senior mountain bike guide for four years at Arizona Outback Adventures presented her with opportunities on her journey to create relationships as well as perfect a skill set that includes attention to safety and knowledge of proper trail etiquette. “Ol’ Sparkly Eyes” was known for the most positive Tripadvisor reviews and was THE MOST REQUESTED GUIDE for private day tours.
Upon leaving AOA, the super-fun certified guide went into business herself, founding one of the best adventure tour companies in Phoenix and Scottsdale in Arizona. At Wild Bunch Desert Guides, Laurel gets to live a daily dream of helping provide the adventure of a lifetime for each guest.