Women's Introduction to Backpacking: Class Series and Overnight Trip!

$400.00

New Year, New Adventurous You!

Start your year with intention, empowerment, and a whole lot of fresh air. If you’ve been craving new challenges, deeper self-growth, and the confidence to explore the outdoors, learning how to backpack is one of the most transformative ways to step outside your comfort zone. This January, give yourself the gift of adventure.

Women’s Intro to Backpacking Class Series + Overnight Trip

Whether you're brand new to backpacking or looking to brush up on the basics, this three-part class series is designed to build skills, confidence, and community. Over the course of three virtual sessions, you’ll learn essential gear knowledge, how to keep your feet happy on the trail, and core navigation and safety skills—all in a supportive, judgment-free environment.

Then, put your new skills into action during a guided overnight backpacking trip in the stunning Pusch Ridge Wilderness. You’ll hike, camp, connect, and experience the magic of exploring the outdoors with a knowledgeable guide and a group of like-minded women.

What’s Included

Session One: Essentials – January 4 (Zoom, 5–6 p.m.)
Learn the foundational basics: gear, food, water, packing strategy, and how to stay safe and comfortable on the trail. New to backpacking gear? Rental options are available!

Session Two: Footwear & Care – January 11 (Zoom, 5–6 p.m.)
Happy feet = happy hiker. Get expert guidance on choosing the right footwear, caring for your feet, and preventing discomfort on longer hikes.

Session Three: Navigation, Safety, & Leave No Trace – January 18 (Zoom, 5–6 p.m.)
Build confidence with navigation techniques, safety best practices, and ways to minimize your impact through Leave No Trace principles.

Backpacking Trip – January 24–25 (Pusch Ridge Wilderness, AZ)
The adventure begins! Spend Saturday morning through Sunday afternoon applying your new skills, meeting new pals, and immersing yourself in a beautiful and inspiring outdoor setting.

Pricing

  • Full Series + Trip: $400

  • Optional Gear Rental: $30

Start the Year With Adventure

If you’re ready to try something new, challenge yourself, and step into the new year with courage and excitement, this experience was created for you. Let’s get outside, learn together, and discover just how adventurous you can be.

New Year, New Adventurous You!

Start your year with intention, empowerment, and a whole lot of fresh air. If you’ve been craving new challenges, deeper self-growth, and the confidence to explore the outdoors, learning how to backpack is one of the most transformative ways to step outside your comfort zone. This January, give yourself the gift of adventure.

Women’s Intro to Backpacking Class Series + Overnight Trip

Whether you're brand new to backpacking or looking to brush up on the basics, this three-part class series is designed to build skills, confidence, and community. Over the course of three virtual sessions, you’ll learn essential gear knowledge, how to keep your feet happy on the trail, and core navigation and safety skills—all in a supportive, judgment-free environment.

Then, put your new skills into action during a guided overnight backpacking trip in the stunning Pusch Ridge Wilderness. You’ll hike, camp, connect, and experience the magic of exploring the outdoors with a knowledgeable guide and a group of like-minded women.

What’s Included

Session One: Essentials – January 4 (Zoom, 5–6 p.m.)
Learn the foundational basics: gear, food, water, packing strategy, and how to stay safe and comfortable on the trail. New to backpacking gear? Rental options are available!

Session Two: Footwear & Care – January 11 (Zoom, 5–6 p.m.)
Happy feet = happy hiker. Get expert guidance on choosing the right footwear, caring for your feet, and preventing discomfort on longer hikes.

Session Three: Navigation, Safety, & Leave No Trace – January 18 (Zoom, 5–6 p.m.)
Build confidence with navigation techniques, safety best practices, and ways to minimize your impact through Leave No Trace principles.

Backpacking Trip – January 24–25 (Pusch Ridge Wilderness, AZ)
The adventure begins! Spend Saturday morning through Sunday afternoon applying your new skills, meeting new pals, and immersing yourself in a beautiful and inspiring outdoor setting.

Pricing

  • Full Series + Trip: $400

  • Optional Gear Rental: $30

Start the Year With Adventure

If you’re ready to try something new, challenge yourself, and step into the new year with courage and excitement, this experience was created for you. Let’s get outside, learn together, and discover just how adventurous you can be.

🏕️ Women’s Introduction to Backpacking Retreat Itinerary: Saturday January 24th-Sunday January 25th

Route: Gordon Hirabayashi Trailhead ➡ Hutch's Pool (via West Fork Trail / Sabino Canyon)

Distance (One-Way): ~8 miles

Elevation Gain: Moderate (~1,000+ ft)

Trip Type: Out-and-back

Level: Beginner-friendly with some trail experience

📅 Day 1: Saturday

7:00 AM – Arrival at Gordon Hirabayashi Trailhead

  • Group check-in 

  •  Gear check and trail overview

  • Stretch + introductions

8:00 AM – Hit the Trail!

  • Hike along the Arizona Trail / Sycamore Reservoir Trail, connecting to the West Fork Trail

  • Regular breaks to hydrate, snack, and learn basic backpacking skills (packing, pacing, Leave No Trace principles)

  • Scenic views of canyons and high desert flora

11:00 – 11:30  AM – Lunch Break on Trail

1:00-2:00- Set Up Camp

2:00-4:00 – Hike to Hutch’s Pool

  • Set up camp away from water and day hike without pack to the pools

  • Time for relaxing by the water

5:00 PM – Camp Cooking Workshop + Dinner

  • Learn how to use backpacking stoves, water filtration, and store food safely

6:00-7:00 PM – Evening Circle

  • Reflections, group sharing, and beginner-friendly Q&A on backpacking

  • Optional journaling or games

7:00 PM – Lights Out / Stargazing

  • Sleep under the stars

📅 Day 2: Sunday

6:30 AM – Wake Up
7:00 AM – Breakfast 

7:30 AM Optional yoga/wake-up gentle stretching

8:00 AM Camp Breakdown

  • Leave No Trace demonstration and pack-up tips

8:30 AM – Begin Hike Back to Trailhead

  • Slow to moderate pace, stopping for photos or nature observations

1:00 – 2:00 PM – Arrive Back at Gordon Hirabayashi Trailhead

  • Final circle, feedback, and next steps for future backpacking adventures