Conquer The Canyon &
A Grand Adventure

Our History

Since 1989 The Walking Connection has been at the forefront of motivating and teaching individuals, companies and communities how to utilize walking and hiking to maximize their health and enrich their lives.

The company was founded by Jo Ann Taylor. While working as a program director for Nike, Jo Ann was charged with conducting research to learn how feet change as individuals age and what activities interest them so Nike could begin designing athletic shoes to meet this growing demand.

The Walking Connection began promoting and managing local walks, and the program took on energy of its own as more and more walkers began to join. Local media attention grew and local companies and corporate sponsors wanted to support active and healthy lifestyles. Thousands have participated in our programs through companies including Honeywell, IBM, Safeway to name several, community associations such as the Desert Botanical Garden and Phoenix's Library and Zoo; and through government agencies such as the State of Arizona, and cites of Mesa, Phoenix and Peoria. Worldwide, WalkingConnection.com is one of the leading walking, hiking and adventure travel web sites on the internet.

Today The Walking Connection offers luxury vacations around the world that include a walking component, allowing travelers to visit remote villages and experience the world in a unique and personal way. The Walking Connection sets itself apart in the world of travel by providing outstanding personal service. A Walking Connection specialist accompanies guests on every adventure, making this standard of personal service the highest in the industry.

Conquer The Canyon and A Grand Adventure are both divisions of The Walking Connection. They are the culmination of the creativity, knowledge and experience acquired during the past 18 years by the company owners and staff. The Dedication and passion for its mission to provide programs, products and services that enhance healthy lifestyles, and to have a positive impact on the lives of others, led to the development of both programs.

Conquer the Canyon provides a unique opportunity for non-profit organizations to raise funds in support of their mission while offering fundraiser's an enriching and unique experience at Grand Canyon. The program has successfully taken thousands of participants into and out of the Grand Canyon safely, and has raised over $20.000,000 USD dollars for nonprofit organizations in just three years.

A Grand Adventure is a part of The Walking Connection's Luxury Adventure Travel program. Since 1992 they have lead adventure vacations to more than 30 countries and some of the most exciting destinations in the world. This program takes you into and around The Grand Canyon and features rim-side lodges inside Grand Canyon National Park and the worlds greatest hiking, guided and unguided, and views right at your door.

As we continue to grow, we extend this invitation to Come Hike The Grand Canyon With Us! With The Walking Connection, there is a difference.