MT Sobek & OARS: Legacy Collection
Shared Roots. Unrivaled Trails
In the early 1970s, OARS and MT Sobek operated out of a shared office in Angels Camp, California—an unassuming headquarters for two companies with a big vision for what adventure travel could be.
From that single base, our founders swapped ideas, launched first descents around the world, printed some of the earliest adventure travel catalogs, and pioneered a new era of wilderness exploration.
While OARS went on to define river running across the American West, MT Sobek carried that same expedition spirit to wild rivers and iconic peaks across six continents. Today, that enduring partnership brings us back together on the trail. We are proud to showcase a premier collection of world-class international trekking expeditions guided by our legacy partner, MT Sobek.
From the Great Walks of New Zealand and the ancient paths of Bhutan to mountain-hut circuits across the Alps, these journeys take you far beyond the pavement. Guided every step of the way by world-class experts, you’ll discover rich heritage, dramatic geology, and sweeping vistas. Step onto legendary trails with the legends of adventure travel.
Learn more about our shared legacy >
About MT Sobek
Founded in 1969, MT Sobek traces its roots to the pioneers who helped shape modern adventure travel. Mountain Travel introduced travelers to remote wilderness destinations, including the Himalayas, while Sobek Expeditions, founded in 1973, made its mark with first descents of some of the world’s great rivers. The two companies joined forces in 1991, creating a legacy of exploration that continues today through expertly guided adventures across the globe.
Find Your Perfect Trip
2027 Hiking Adventures with MT Sobek
Grand Canyon Phantom Ranch Hiker
Location:
Grand Canyon, Arizona
Adventure Level:
Challenging
Minimum Age:
18
Bhutan Trek & Cultural Explorer
Location:
Bhutan, International
Adventure Level:
Moderately Challenging
Minimum Age:
15
New Zealand South Island Hiker
Location:
New Zealand, International
Adventure Level:
Moderate
Minimum Age:
18
Alps Tour du Mont Blanc Express
Location:
Alps – Mont Blanc, International
Adventure Level:
Challenging
Minimum Age:
18
Italy Dolomites Hut-to-Hut Trek
Location:
Italy – Dolomites, International
Adventure Level:
Moderately Challenging
Minimum Age:
18
OARS & MT Sobek: An Alliance Forged by Legends
Long before adventure travel became a global industry, it was just a handful of passionate explorers driven by a shared obsession with wild places. Born out of a legendary partnership in 1973, OARS and Sobek Expeditions joined forces to pioneer international river running and build the blueprint for modern wilderness travel. Here is the story of how a single letter, a shared basement, and a passion for exploration launched a shared legacy.
A Letter to 21 Outfitters
In 1973, 22-year-old Grand Canyon river guide Richard Bangs returned from pulling off a historic first descent of Ethiopia’s Omo River determined to start an international expedition company. Dead broke and in need of gear, he sent a letter to 21 Grand Canyon outfitters pitching his idea for Sobek Expeditions. Only OARS founder George Wendt responded. George agreed to supply boats, guides, and equipment in exchange for a stake in the company—and just like that, a partnership was born.
A Shared Home in Angels Camp
What began at two card tables in George’s basement grew into a joint headquarters known as “One Sobek Tower.” For nearly two decades, OARS and Sobek worked side by side, sending guides around the world on pioneering river expeditions and producing colorful joint catalogs that introduced thousands of travelers to far-flung adventures.
Pushing the Boundaries of Adventure
Together, OARS and Sobek helped pioneer commercial descents of rivers around the globe, from the Blue Nile in Ethiopia and the Zambezi in Africa to the Bio Bio in Chile and the Yangtze in China. Their shared spirit of exploration helped shape the adventure travel industry and inspired travelers to discover the world’s wild places.
A New Chapter: The Birth of MT Sobek
In 1991, Sobek Expeditions merged with Mountain Travel, a pioneering trekking company known for its Himalayan expeditions, to become Mountain Travel Sobek, now known as MT Sobek. Though the companies went their separate ways, their shared roots in pioneering exploration continued.
A Legacy Reunited
Today, OARS is proud to come full circle and, once again, partner with MT Sobek to showcase a premier collection of world-class trekking expeditions alongside our own signature hiking adventures. Together, we continue to define modern adventure travel and cater to the enduring human desire for wilderness, connection, and the transformative power of the journey.
Discover your next OARS Adventure
