What we’re about
Welcome to the Great Outdoors Adventures Travel Group! This group was created in 2016 for like-minded people and active adults who enjoy the beauty and wonder of nature and adventure travel in the great outdoors. Check out our calendar of events page to see what new adventure travel and special events we have coming up here in 2025 & 2026. Our group adventure travels include single and multi-day trips, here in the U.S. and internationally. Our outdoors activities and events include hiking, rafting/kayaking, diving & snorkeling as well as other special events including an online “Discover & Explore” virtual travel series with expert guest speakers.
I hope you will come out and join us on one of our amazing adventure travels and special events, and enjoy a whole lot of fun, friendship and camaraderie through the exciting discovery and exploration of the beauty, majesty and wonder of the great outdoors! Cheers! 😎 Laura Halik, Administrator, Group Organizer
Follow us on our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/thegreatoutdoorsadventures
Or join us in our group on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1638129706438217/
Follow our You Tube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXSmDumi9zPdwG_PWBZHPGQ
Stay in touch with us and receive news updates and announcements of new and upcoming travel and events, as well as information on new travel destinations and adventures. Join our email list at https://mailchi.mp/7cb28f797c63/great-outdoors-adventures-travel-email-list
GROUP TRAVEL & EVENTS POLICIES & GUIDELINES:
· Please be courteous and treat organizer(s) and all members with kindness, courtesy, and respect at all times. Come to participate positively and responsibly. Contribute constructively to all trips and events and respect the laws & customs of the host country on international travel. No soliciting, criticisms, gossip, or discussions of politics.
· Members are welcome to post within the group’s discussion area online to share travel and adventure related information.
· There is zero tolerance for harassment, bullying, offensive, confrontational and/or otherwise unacceptable conduct or behavior towards the group organizer or any member during any trips or events. Non-compliance will result in the member’s removal from the group and all future trips and events. Should you have a conflict with another group member, please take it privately to resolve it in a constructive manner. If you are unable to resolve it privately, please let your organizer(s) or event host(s) know.
· You must be a member of the group to attend any trip or event. Guests of group members are always welcome. All guests must comply with the policies and standards of conduct of the group. Group members are responsible for their guests.
· All attendees must be RSVP’d in advance for a trip or event and plan to participate in the trip’s primary activity or activities with the group. No exceptions.
· Please be sure to read through the trip and event descriptions, which include all the details and logistics to attend. If you have any questions about the trip or event, please contact the organizer.
· Please follow the advisement and direction of the group organizer. There are many hours of time and work in the research and planning to ensure that all trips and events are well-planned and organized and are a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Multi-Day Domestic & International Travel Events:
-All deposits, payments, cancellations, and refunds will be subject to the policies of the outfitter, dive operator, resort, or cruise line.
-A valid passport or passport card good for at least 6 months is required for international travel.
-All international travel events will abide by the host country’s laws, customs and regulations.
-“Partying”, or otherwise excessive alcohol drinking & disorderly conduct and behavior is not acceptable on any trips whether foreign or domestic.
Single Day Hiking Events:
-Please be sure to read the event description and if you have any questions about the difficulty and experience level advised for a particular hike, please contact the organizer. You are responsible for yourself so please ask questions regarding any concerns you might have, prior to attending the hike.
-Group Pace: On the hiking adventures, we do not trail run. So, if you average 3+ mph, you may be ahead of the group. If you hike 2 mph or slower, you may be behind the group. Hike at the pace which is most comfortable for you but please note you are responsible for yourself should you lose the group and are not familiar with the route. Highly advise to research the hike before you come by reviewing the websites and logistics information that’s provided and come prepared.
-If you are RSVP’d for a single day trip or event, we are looking forward to your coming. If you are running late to the meet up location, just let us know and we will wait for you. However, if you cannot make it, please let us know by updating your status to NOT GOING. “No Shows” will be flagged and may be removed from future day hikes and events.
-Please be sure to help minimize your impact on the environment by packing it in and packing it out and reducing plastics in our oceans & seas by using refillable water bottles and ocean reef-safe sun protection while on trips and events.
Through the Great Outdoors Adventures Travel Group, it is my hope that you will find a whole lot of fun, friendships, and camaraderie, and the inspiration to get out and travel, and live life now to its fullest through the amazing discovery and exploration of the beauty and wonder of nature and adventure travel in the great outdoors! 😊
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- SOUTHERN SAFARI DIVING & SNORKELING EXPEDITION ADVENTURELa Marina Inn, La Playa
Dive, Snorkel, Discover & Explore….The Pristine & Remote Natural Beauty and Marine Life Wonders of the Sea of Cortez….on a Liveaboard Safari Adventure to the Islands off Southern Baja including the famous “Jacque Cousteau Island” aboard the New Quino Del Mar Liveaboard, Baja California Sur, Mexico!
Located across the California state border, the 760-mile Baja California peninsula, also the world’s 2nd longest peninsula, is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean on its western coast and the Sea of Cortez on its eastern coast. The Sea of Cortez is long known as “where the desert meets the sea” and is a top destination for diving and snorkeling offering numerous dive sites and remote islands with hidden coves for marine enthusiasts to discover and explore. The world’s most famous oceanographer and researcher, Jacque Cousteau named the Sea of Cortez, the “World’s Aquarium” due to the rich and abundant biodiversity he found there which includes many species of colorful fish, sea lions, eels, octopus, rays, including the famous flying Mobula Rays, and huge mega pods of dolphins, several species of large and small whales, orcas, sharks and much more!
On this Southern Safari liveaboard adventure, we will journey to some of the pristine and remote islands located off the coast of La Paz of Southern Baja, including one of Cousteau’s favorite places Isla Cerralvo, also named “Jacque Cousteau Island” in his honor for his work in marine life conservation there. These remote islands and their marine reserves are a divers & snorkelers wild life paradise with clear, warm waters teaming with all types of marine life large and small. Whether you have prior diving experience or are a beginner diver or a snorkeler, a journey aboard the Quino Del Mar Liveaboard is an epic adventure and an exciting opportunity to get out and discover the pristine beauty and natural wonders of the Sea of Cortez!
Join us for this very special event and also a special opportunity too which is sure to be an epic and unforgettable week of ocean fun and marine life adventure aboard the new Quino Del Mar Liveaboard including scuba diving and snorkeling on a Southern Safari in the Sea of Cortez, Baja California, Mexico!
Diving the Southern Sea of Cortez, off La Paz, Baja Mexico: https://youtu.be/PgvbMzr36IU?si=-65KgkO-FjvKkG_h
For this adventure, we will be working with our friends at Mexico Liveaboards, who are an excellent and highly reputable company with years of experience providing epic diving in the Sea of Cortez and also the world famous, Socorro Islands, aka “Mexico’s Galapagos”.
For more information about Mexico Liveaboards, visit their website at Mexico Liveaboards - Rocio del Mar & Quino el Guardian
SOUTHERN SAFARI LIVEABOARD ADVENTURE:
This all-inclusive diving & snorkeling Southern Safari adventure includes the following:
-8 days and 7 nights, aboard Quino Del Mar Liveaboard
-6 days of 3-4 daily dives including night dives
-Tanks and weights
-Three full course gourmet meals served daily plus dessert
-Alcoholic beverages (beer & wine), sodas, juices, coffee, water
-Taxes, port fees
-Unlimited Snorkeling
-Plus, tons of fun, fun, fun!This Southern Safari liveaboard adventure does NOT include the following:
-Airfare to/from San Jose Del Cabo, Mexico
-Airport transfers to/from
-National Park fee
-Rental Gear-BC & Regulator, Computer
-Wet Suits, Gloves, Hoods or Booties
-Mask, Fins, Snorkels
-Nitrox
-Crew gratuities (10%-15% of the fare)TRAVEL PLAN & ITINERARY:
Day One-Arrive San Jose Del Cabo, Mexico. Airport transfer to the marina by afternoon to board the Quino Del Mar. PM-Dinner and receive a briefing on the week’s activities and watch the sunset over the Sea of Cortez.Day Two-Arrive at Isla Espiritu Santo. 3-4 dives. Snorkeling. Mobula Ray night dive.
Day Three-Isla Las Animas. 3-4 dives. Snorkeling.
Day Four-Isla Danzante and Isla San Francisquito. 3-4 dives. Snorkeling.
Day Five- El Bajo Seco and Isla San Francisquito. 3-4 dives. Snorkeling.
Day Six-Isla Los Islotes and the Salvaterrra & Fang wrecks. 3-4 dives. Snorkeling.
Day Seven-Isla Cerralvo, aka “Jacque Cousteau Island”. 3-4 dives. Snorkeling.
Day Eight-Arrive in San Jose Del Cabo and disembark to return to airport to return home.
PAYMENTS & DEPOSITS:
The total cost for this Southern Safari diving & snorkeling adventure is $3095 per person, double occupancy. All forms of payment are accepted including PayPal. A $200 deposit per person confirms your reservation and is due in 2 weeks after you RSVP. The final balance is due 90 days before departure. All payments are subject to the cancellation and refund policy of the Mexico Liveaboards company.***ONE SPOT AVAILABLE FOR FEMALE ROOMSHARE***
SIGN UP & REGISTER:
To sign up and register for this adventure, first RSVP, then contact Laura Halik, event organizer at 602-689-9763 or email info@thegreatoutdoorsadventures.com and provide your email address and a good contact telephone number.Once your payment has been received, you will receive a confirmation email of your reservation as well as required registration and liability forms for you to fill out, sign and return. So, if you are interested in joining us on this trip, and I hope you are, please be sure to RSVP right away, then contact Laura Halik, ASAP to confirm your spot!
If you have any further questions regarding this adventure, please let me know. I am so excited. It is going to be an epic and amazing adventure to the Southern Sea of Cortez, aboard the NEW Quino Del Mar Liveaboard, Baja California Sur, Mexico! 😊
- SEDONA WEEKEND RETREAT-KEYHOLE CAVE-SUGARLOAF MOUNTAIN HIKE ADVENTUREMeet at Bell rock Inn , Sedona, AZ
“A Thrilling, Off-The-Beaten Path, Pristine and Remote Journey To the Hidden Keyhole Cave With Gorgeous Red Rock Canyon Scenery…..and a Summit Adventure to the Top of Sugarloaf Mountain, With Spectacular Panoramic Sedona Views…..On an Amazing Weekend Retreat with Great Hiking, Entertainment, Celebration and More in Beautiful Sedona, Arizona!”
OVERVIEW:
The Red-Rock Secret Mountain Wilderness, reaching to the northwest of Sedona, comprises approximately 43,950 acres containing some of Sedona’s most widely visited and lesser traveled spectacular red rock scenery and hidden caves. This special event will be a weekend Sedona retreat adventure at the beautiful Bell Rock Inn where on the first day, our hiking journey will take us into the beautiful Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness Canyon Wilderness and off-the-beaten path, for a steep, challenging, scramble and climb up to one of Sedona’s best hidden caves…..the Keyhole Cave, rewarding hiker’s and adventurer’s with some of the most jaw dropping, gorgeous and spectacular panoramic red rock canyon views of the Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness! We will then return back down from the cave and follow the trail to venture to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain where once again, hiker’s and adventurer’s will be highly rewarded with gorgeous, panoramic 360-degree red rock views to take your breath away! Following day two before we depart, we can do another Sedona hike locally and, on our way, out before returning again back to Phoenix.Total Estimated Hiking Distance: 5 miles RT
Total Estimated Hiking Time: Average 3-4 hours
Total Estimated Elevation Gain: Approximately 900 feet
Difficulty: Moderate/Difficult with Class III Climbing/Scrambling, Route Finding, Loop/Out-and-Back.***IMPORTANT PLEASE NOTE: TO REACH THE KEYHOLE CAVE, CLASS III CLIMBING & SCRAMBLING WILL BE REQUIRED***
***PRIOR EXPERIENCE HIKING/CLIMBING IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED FOR THIS PORTION OF THE HIKE ONLY***
***YOU DO NOT HAVE TO CLIMB UP TO THE CAVE TO COME ON THE HIKE***
***PLEASE NOTE***A DAILY RED ROCK DAY VISITOR OR AN AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL PASS IS REQUIRED FOR PARKING AT THE TRAILHEAD***
***YOU DO NOT HAVE TO STAY IN SEDONA FOR THE WEEKEND RETREAT***YOU CAN OPT TO JUST COME FOR THE DAY HIKE ONLY***CONTACT THE GROUP ORGANIZERSEDONA WEEKEND RETREAT ACCOMODATIONS:
For this Sedona Weekend Retreat will be driving up on Friday and staying at Bell Rock Inn by Diamond Resorts, nestled in the foothills of Sedona’s Oak Creek, with gorgeous red rock views and adjacent to nearby hiking trails with onsite amenities such as:
-Studio suite rooms with King bed and sleeper sofa
-Kitchenette with refrigerator, microwave & coffee maker
-Fireplace
-Patio/balcony
-Pool/Jacuzzi tub
-Outdoor barbeque grill
-Free parking
-Free WiFi
-Free newspapers in lobby
-Gym/fitness center
-Laundry facilities
-Conveniently located to south of city center, near hiking trailsThe Bell Rock Inn currently has studio suite rooms available with one King bed, one sofa sleeper with kitchenettes for $136.58 a night. Total for two nights per person is $162.23 including taxes and resort fees. Contact Laura Halik, group organizer, to book and confirm a room reservation. ***PLEASE NOTE***All room reservations must be booked through Laura Halik with the group*****
HAPPY HOUR-DINNER CELEBRATION & OPTIONAL SPECIAL CONCERT EVENT:
After the day’s hiking adventure, we will plan on getting together later for happy hour & dinner to toast & celebrate at a local restaurant in Sedona. Location is TBD.You are cordially invited to join me for a wonderful evening enjoying a special concert event by legendary Spanish Guitarist & Flamenco Artist, one of Arizona’s own famous local artists, “Esteban” playing together with his daughter, Classic Violinist, Teresa Joy!
DATE: SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15TH
LOCATION: Mary D. Fisher Theatre, 2030 W State Rte 89A, Sedona, AZ 86339
TIME: 7 PM – 9 PM
COST: $59 per person, General AdmissionFor more information and to RSVP and to purchase your ticket, go to Esteban in Sedona: Intimate Concert Series at Mary D. Fisher Theatre
OTHER IMPORTANT DETAILS:
· We will drive up on Friday and check in at the Bell Rock Inn and plan to have dinner at a restaurant nearby that evening.
· In the AM on Saturday, we will meet in the parking lot of the Bell Rock Inn then carpool together to the Sugarloaf trail head parking lot.
· Parking is VERY LIMITED and fills up quickly at the trailhead so we will plan to get an early start and consolidate vehicles to carpool together.
· For those who would like come only for the Saturday hike. That is fine. Please plan to meet the group in the Bell Rock Inn parking lot that morning. Time is TBD. You can carpool with other group members from there to the trailhead. Car-pooling with group members can be arranged on the morning of.
· Please come prepared for the day’s journey and a rigorous climb with plenty of water, carbs, energy snacks and electrolytes are highly recommended.
· Protective outdoors clothing, hats and climbing or athletic gloves for your hands and sunscreen also highly recommended.
· We will take a short break for snacks and picture taking and regroup up at the cave and at the top of Sugarloaf Summit.
· Pictures are always highly encouraged, however; we are going to try to take in both caves on this hike, so we will need to remain cognizant of the time to ensure a group return within a reasonable round-trip hiking time.SEDONA TOURISM & HIKING INFORMATION:
For more information about visiting Sedona and hiking the Keyhole Cave-Sugarloaf Mountain Loop Hike, check out the following websites:
Sedona Tourism:Visit Sedona | The official site of the Sedona Tourism Bureau
Sedona, Arizona Travel & Vacation GuideKey Hole Cave & Sugarloaf Mountain Hikes:
Keyhole Cave via Teacup Trail, Arizona - 1,827 Reviews, Map | AllTrails
Sugarloaf Loop Summit and Tea Cup Loop, Arizona - 5,848 Reviews, Map | AllTrailsSo, if you’re up for a thrilling, off-the-beaten path, pristine and remote journey to one of Sedona’s famous secret caves…the Keyhole Cave with gorgeous and spectacular off-the-beaten-path red rock canyon scenery with a summit adventure to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain, with panoramic Sedona views, then please come out and join us for and an amazing and fun weekend retreat with great red rock hiking, local artist music, celebration and more in beautiful Sedona, Arizona! Cheers,
Laura Halik
