Discussion: To be guided or not?

Are your wilderness adventures something you plan on your own or with your group of fellow explorers?  What about when it comes to guided adventures in the wilderness?  What do you think about those kinds of trips?

We here at Adventures in the Outdoors tend to go out on our own, but we have on occasion used a guide service, generally in an area we are new to.  I always tend to think it opens your eyes to the possibilities and then lets you come back on your own and plan an even better adventure.

The New York Times published their list of guided adventures.  Have you been on any of them?

Seeking Solitude (With a Guide)