Testimonials
“The more you have, the more occupied you are. The less you have, the more free you are.”
Mother Teresa
“I have now completed two of the most incredible international adventures of my life with Belay. I have hiked to the top of Kilimanjaro in Tanzania (included a safari) and this year hiked and visited the most beautiful trekking capital of the world in Patagonia, Argentina. Traveling with her groups has given me experiences and challenges and friendships that I will never forget. It was not just a journey, it was an experience of living life to the fullest and enjoying amazing adventures in the process.”
InspiRAYtion - California
“Megan is one of the most supportive and inspiring people I have ever met. Her ability to meet everyone where they are at and guide a group of people simultaneously through individual journeys is an amazing skill that she has cultivated with great finesse.”
K. Clouthier - California
“It was so cool to have a knowledgeable and fun guide show us some gems at Capitol Reef! We experienced adventures that were beautiful, invigorating, and so awesome! I am definitely looking into other trips with Belay. She is the type of person I want to hang out with often!”
Lisel - Alaksa
“Once again, BE provided an amazing experience. The sunrise view of the Fitz Roys illuminating the sky as we prepped for our day’s hiking deep into the hidden meadows and lakes at the base of range was stunning in itself. We had plenty of time as we hiked to chat about the history, the ecosystem, and the culture that shaped the little town of El Chalten and its surroundings. We also had time to experience more than hiking during some planned open time. We found the Via Ferrata, horseback riding, shopping of artisan crafts, eating and drinking all in good time throughout our stay. Pili and Belay worked together to accommodate everyone’s wishes in a cohesive flow that made each of the journeyers feel like the trip was a personalized experience, yet the group dynamics were as magical as the backdrop! I look forward to my next opportunity with BE!”
Five Guys
“Belay is such a wonderful and inspirational guide. Her love of the mountains, canyons, and outdoors is contagious and inspiring! She is so encouraging and takes the group’s overall ability into account when planning hikes and pacing the group. Her added touches are unexpected and fun. Belay is such an open, warm-hearted person that will inspire you to come back over and over to the wonder of the beautiful outdoors. I cannot wait to go on another adventure with Belay!”
Melissa Colvin - Kennesaw, GA
“I always walk away remembering who I get to be!”
S. Stasiv
“Belay was so knowledgeable, experienced, and patient as a guide. Her choices in activities challenged me but in an empowering way that I am grateful for. I’m very glad I was able to have these experiences. My spirit feels more cleansed.”
J. Funderburg
“BE’s love for the outdoors and each of her hiker’s experience is so apparent and appreciated. She really let us own our own hike while giving little friendly nudges when needed. She was prepared every step of the way! From food to equipment, all we had to do was show up! You know you’re with an expert when you book with BE!”
R. Allison
“Well done.”
J. Stoltzfus
“BE was AMAZING to adventure with. As someone who usually plans and does adventures without guides, I was surprised how nice it was to have everything planned out, prepped, and seamless. Megan & Deb were fantastic guides and helped me push through when I thought I couldn’t go any further. Their experience allowed me to feel safe and “comfortable” going beyond my limits (to the peak!!)…something I wouldn’t have done on my own or without experienced guides for this type of adventure.”
G. Phillips
“This was my first backpacking, mountain climbing, and solo trip. Logistics were A1!! Any questions and concerns were answered quite quickly. Itinerary well planned, even to the the breaks on the mountain. Having our own cookware was awesome! Giving experience amidst the adventure. Belay is very knowledgeable about what she does and then some!! Any who would hesitate, this is a great guided discovery and adventure!”
P. Lauzon
“This was my first 14r and I couldn’t have been happier that it was in the American Basin. The journey helped me see how simple and all encompassing things must be. I enjoyed finding a deeper sense of adventure to better take care of my life with the YOU vs YOU retreat. The combo of inner and outer wellness was unmatched as I gazed amongst the peaks of Handies.”
S. Stasiv
“Our climb on Mount Kilimanjaro was the journey of a lifetime. It was made possible through the careful planning and execution of BE, without which we would not have made it to the top. Combining the climb with a safari through three wildlife parks was a beautiful way to recover and enjoy what Tanzania has to offer. 19,341’? Check. Big Five? Check. Passionate Expedition Leader/Megan aka Belay? Check.”
Pizza Man Dan
“The best views come after the hardest climbs.”
J. Brenzikofer
“My BE journey was AMAZING and I am ready to book another! Being able to unplug from a busy life and enjoy the beauty of nature was just what I needed! I had moments of peace, felt challenged, and had a ton of fun!”
L. Kapser
“I highly recommend Belay Expeditions. Megan was both knowledgeable and attentive, and her equipment is top notch.”
G. McCleary
“Belay is so personable and knowledgeable! I felt like I was adventuring with a friend the entire time. Even though I have gone on many backpacking trips and live in Colorado, I still learned so much and feel more prepared for future solo adventures.”
A. Harkey
“It took me a bit of time to reflect on my recent adventure up to the top of Mt. Antero with an amazing group of guys from Gobundance, led by our incredible guides at Belay Expeditions. First off, one of my core values is adventure. I believe that adventure is the antidote to fear, and when you were able to safely expose yourself to higher levels of adventure, you rise above fear. I want to thank our guides, Megan and Deb, for giving us the experience of a lifetime. For facilitating a safe and exciting adventure into the wilderness. For helping me and these other gentlemen to experience growth, challenge, and renewal. It is an experience I will remember for the rest of my life. For anyone wanting to experience an amazing adventure, reach out to Belay Expeditions. You will be glad you did!”
A. Hill
“My 6-day hike with BE was an adventure of a lifetime. I learned so many invaluable lessons from setting up camp to realizing and conquering personal limitations and pursuits. Belay is changing lives one journey at a time. She
is extremely knowledgeable about her craft and wouldn’t have trusted anyone else with my life in the wild for 6 days; she even kept all food in her tent when bear boxes weren’t available! If that’s not leadership and support I don’t know what is..
She had everything planned to the smallest detail so we could “relax” and enjoy the journey while also engaging on a personal level throughout the trip. This was my first time completing a 45 mile thru-hike and I’m beyond proud that it was with Belay Expeditions. I can’t wait for my next one!'“
S. Davenport
“BE made the preparation for the trip so easy and seamless. I could enjoy the hike knowing that I had what I needed and that there was plenty of food and drinks at camp.”
J. Lau
“My 7-day journey with Belay was incredible. Our plan didn’t go exactly as scheduled but Belay found ways to make sure we soaked up all we could. I got AMS and Belay was so kind and quick to help me down the mountain, even though we would have to hike mostly at night. But with bad comes good and I saw the most amazing stars that night and even saw the Milky Way for the first time. Belay is an amazing camp cook! The food was fantastic and we didn’t even eat it all! I have type 1 diabetes and Belay was eager to learn how I keep it under control and was very interested in how to help me if needed. Belay is like no other and just an amazing person. I can’t wait for my next adventure with BE!”
M. Perone
“Megan was just awesome! She has a way of making you feel like you’ve known each other forever in the first few minutes. She welcomes you as you are and respects your stage on your journey. Her passion for the outdoors and nature is contagious! I’m already looking forward to my next adventure with Belay Expeditions!”
J. Brenzikofer
“WOW! What an incredible experience with Belay hiking my first 14er. It would have been over the top spectacular had we actually been able to summit, but as Colorado weather would have it, we found ourselves in a winter snowstorm that lasted all three days of our journey and felt safest heading back down the mountain on day 2. Nevertheless, Belay made every minute of the experience educational, joyful, and inspirational. Her wealth of outdoor experience and knowledge came across with every move we made. She is beautifully understated but encouraging in her demeanor and style, allowing anyone to feel completely at ease with their abilities and skill level. And oh, the food! Her meticulous meal planning always includes fresh, healthy meals. I feel like I have made a true friend and look forward to more adventures with Belay Expeditions!”
5 Guys
“Belay knows her stuff! The gear I rented was easy to use, fit well, and worked great! I was warm and comfortable in my tent. Loved the hiking poles, so important in my opinion. They really helped me steady myself on the climb. Clothing suggested was very functional as we layered and shed clothing during the day. Belay was very intuitive regarding timing on breaks during the climb (I’m sure she could hear me breathing hard!). She is very knowledgeable about her surroundings and put me at ease. I’m so proud that I earned my trail name - Taco. There is a good story behind that.”
Taco
I have known Megan since 2012 and have always enjoyed learning, playing, conversing, and adventuring with her. Megan has impacted me in ways I never thought possible. She not only climbs mountains, she moves them, and always with a smile while doing it! She is an inspiration to me and makes many things in life feel possible. She gives you the courage and perspective to believe in your dreams and goals. Whether you’re new to outdoor adventure or a seasoned adventurer, Megan is adaptable, caring, and an understanding guide.
My most recent adventure with Megan was on the Natchez Trace in October 2020. It was my first bikepacking trip and it was an incredible experience. I did the one week option because that’s all that my boyfriend and I had time for. She was extremely accommodating, did all the food prep, campsite and lodging reservations, and daily mile counts. For me, this made it so much more enjoyable. We had some awesome stops along the route, great snacks, and a few long days that helped put into perspective how much we take for granted the use of motorized vehicles. We had a lot of good laughs, poker nights with Skittles and consecutive straights, bike singing, racoons eating our food, and many others. This trip inspired me to continue planning my trip from coast to coast via running, biking, etc. Thanks for everything Megan! Can’t wait for our next adventure!
A. Kukowski
“The mountains are an escape from the yoke of modernity and Belay is the perfect escape artist. With her skills she’ll help you etch memories in your mind that will stand the test of time much like the mountains upon which they were born. Cheers to a great adventure, a new and exciting friendship, and the promise of future adventures upon distant peaks.”
J. Kinser
“From the moment I decided I wanted to book with BE, I felt this experience was going to be a once in a lifetime. I wanted to have the best hiking guide for my first mountain. As a woman, I felt more comfortable traveling with a female guide. She would understand where I was coming from. She did a great job at answering all my questions before the trip, offered gear rentals, explained route options, and what to expect. Her outdoor experience is amazing. This trip was all I wanted it to be. I did suffer a lot - my feet hurt - but nature, the views, and the fresh air makes you forget it all. I can't wait to do my next!”
P. Bello
“I have traveled with Megan several times... hikes, hills, kayaking and whitewater rafting and each experience was absolutely amazing. Boil it all down to one sentence... ‘You’ll never meet a better guide than Megan!’ Put a trek with her on your list right now! I’m not kidding. Go and pick an adventure and don’t look back. It’ll change your outlook on so many things as you learn and grow with her. 💯!”
D. Orr
“A few months ago I drove to the top of Zion NP to check out a trail (West Rim) I had spent the entire pandemic back east dreaming about. By complete accident, and extreme good fortune, I parked right next to Belay, who was getting ready to hike the same trail. We started chatting and began to plan a future trip. A few weeks later we connected and had an amazing adventure combining hiking, biking, and camping. I haven’t camped since I was a kid but Belay made it seem easy. When you get to know Belay you will find that she marches to the beat of her own drummer, but she also takes extraordinary effort to help others discover their own beat. I can think of no one better to help you discover, or rediscover, your own need for adventure and the wilderness.”
L. Husten
“There was an expectation of ill prepared camp food and freeze-dried meals in my mind prior to the journey based upon my own lengthy military career and previous expeditions, but let me tell you one thing, Belay, shattered my expectations. We all know food can lift the mind and soothe the soul after a long day, but It is obvious that Belay’s deep and profound experience in her lifelong nomadic journey equates to amazing food in the most austere environments. I did not have one single disappointment for our daily consumption of awesomeness. She can make the mundane amazing, and I will surely apply all the knowledge she provided into my future hike of the Appalachian Trail. Don’t get me wrong we had some great meals in town during the adventure, but honestly, I’ll take what we ate trailside every SINGLE time. You will not be disappointed in the facets of sleep, shelter and sustenance. You don’t need to ask, Belay simply provides…”
Trooper D
“I have watched Belay’s journeys from afar with admiration, wonder, & a healthy amount of jealousy. I always felt the pull to do something similar, but never believed it would ever work for me. How would I find the time? I didn’t have the gear, nor the knowledge. I would certainly get lost, or eaten by a bear, or something else equally unlikely & dramatic.
Cue: Belay Expeditions. When I saw the trips & retreats start popping up I started dreaming. I talked about it, dreamed about it, & then there was a sale. A discount always makes me more likely to buy something, & since I had an extra excuse, I went for it. I bought the trip, the plane ticket, & then everything Belay told me to.
When my flight left, I was nervous but so excited. Once we reached the trail head, I knew I had made the best decision. We had our bear bag mishaps, plenty of sore body parts, some entertaining falls, & at one point, no dry clothes. We also had the most spectacular views & smells of the forest, which I can’t explain. You’ll just have to book your own trip. Belay was an amazing guide, friend, & the most skillful stealth camping spot spotter in a thunderstorm ever. Seriously. If there is enough room for a one man tent, she will find it… x 2, of course.
When the days on trail started dwindling & Belay started pointing out “your last…” I knew I was not ready to leave. Being in nature, disconnected from technology & free to sleep when the sun sleeps was medicine for the soul. I can’t express my gratitude enough for the experience. It was worth every penny & more.”
FTM
“One of my favorite hikes ever was with Meg. I did my first fourteener, and I was a little nervous to take it on. I’m in pretty good shape, and I still needed to take breaks along the way because 14ers are just beastly mountains. But that’s one of the best things about adventuring with Meg - she will match your speed and ability level without ever making you feel like you’re slowing her down. She takes the time to enjoy the hike, and with it, the nature around her. And she helps you do the same. But the best part of the entire hike was the summit. When you finally get there, you literally feel like you’re on top of the world. I legit cried…partially from exhaustion but mostly from the feeling of accomplishment. Tackling something like that, there’s really no way to describe it. It’s exhilarating and worth every second. Do it - you won’t regret it.”
S. Myers
“Belay is such a confident and dynamic guide, she is able to adapt to whatever adventuring mood that you’re in. Want to crush a 30-mile mountain day over thousands of feet of elevation gain/loss? She will motivate you and be a pillar of strength to guide you. Do you want to stroll through the desert and learn about natural history, have her show you her secret spots, and then crack a beer at the top marveling at the beauty and sharing wonderful conversation? She will not disappoint you in her knowledge or experiences from her personal expeditions and 12+ years of being a professional guide. Whatever adventuring mood you’re in, you’ll leave inspired to live a simpler life, have a wonderful feeling of accomplishment, and a newfound respect for hazelnut creamer.”
C. Conway
“I have gone on several hikes with Belay and I can say that there is no one I trust more than her! She is knowledgeable in all areas, especially in wildlife and foliage. Most recently, I hiked Mt. Evans with her and a few other friends and she made sure we had appropriate shoes, equipment, and water. One of the hikers did struggle with the change in altitude and I watched her care for him and help him the entire trail. BONUS, she has great trivia knowledge and makes any hike fun! BEST IN THE BUSINESS!”
N. McInelly
“I only needed to spend a few hours with Belay to see how passionate she is about her lifestyle. Her philosophy and drive to live is addicting. Hiking with her helped inspire me to live a more adventure-filled life.”
Cheeky
“Belay is the sage-like kind of person you hope to meet. Vast experience, abundant amount of knowledge and a rare appreciation of the small things and pleasures of living. A truly inspiring take on life and a beautiful soul to match. Would do another hike any day.”
L. Jorgensen
“Super fun times cycling across the US with Megan. Hardcore attitude and great riding partner. Made me a few good coffees too on her stove. Great memories.”
A. Greely
“Hiking with Megan was an experience I will never forget. Her stories about completing the Appalachian Trail and Pacific Crest Trail provided the inspiration to truly push ourselves and surpass our goals. Her big thing was making sure we developed our own skills and leadership styles. Overall, morale and camaraderie were higher than any other adventure I’ve been on. If you have the chance to join Megan on a journey, do it. You would be doing yourself a disservice by not.”
“I was a first time hiker when I hiked with Belay on the Appalachian Trail and I was so impressed with her hiker knowledge! Before I even got out on the trail, she was teaching me tricks of the trade and as our journey began she continued to! What to pack, what not to pack, how to be more comfortable while walking all day on rough terrain, where to go off trail to grab some scheduled mail drops, or to find a corky little coffee shop. She was so at ease out on the trail. It helped my small anxieties of trying something new and not knowing what to expect.”
J. Cook
“I spent a week on the road with Belay during a 3 month, cross-country tour at the end of 2019. We randomly ran across each other at a gas station in Utah and realized we were traveling the same direction, and it was the luckiest thing that happened my whole trip. Having already spent about a month on the road, I was feeling pretty confident in my abilities, but my week on the road with Belay was like going to school (the most enjoyable schooling I’ve ever done!). I had so much fun riding with her and learned so much. I would highly recommend her as a travel guide and a travel companion!!”
“Megan is a minimalist with a crowded brain who makes excellent pancakes!”
Fancy Pants
“Megan was awesome to have as a leader on our Wildwood Highpoints Trek. Throughout the trip I could tell she was very knowledgeable in the field of hiking and backpacking. Despite the longer days she’s used to, she was always willing to hang back and have a conversation with a slower hiker, making the miles go by quicker.”
“Belay’s a thinker, with a soul as deep as the universe. She’s thoughtful, without being judgmental. She’s different, in the best of all possible ways. She’s driven, to live a passionate life without any trade-offs. She’s wild! Find her, in the depths of the woods. The place she calls home.”
Raider
“A philosopher, teacher, and experienced adventurer. Belay has summited the highest peaks in North America, crisscrossed the continental United States on bicycle multiple times over, and SoBo’d and NoBo’d the longest and most challenging hiking trails in the world. Her inspiring story topped with over a decade of knowledge and insight makes her a qualified guide in any scenario.”
Mister Giggles
“Megan helped me learn to love the outdoors. My biggest take away from adventuring with Megan is to slow down; take your time and enjoy your surroundings as you experience your journey. She added a lot of color to the experience which allowed me to learn while outdoors. I have always wanted to go rappelling, but was afraid to do so. While on our hike, we found a cliff and she thought it would be a perfect spot for my first time. I honestly do not think I could have accomplished it without her. She is very knowledgeable which lends great confidence. Rappelling off that cliff with her smiling at me as I headed down is something I will never forget. Don’t think twice about experiencing a journey with Megan. Sign up today!”