Women's Introduction to Backpacking

$250.00
sold out

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 February, give yourself the gift of adventure.

Women’s Intro to Backpacking Overview

Whether you're brand new to backpacking or looking to brush up on the basics, this single night trip is designed to build skills, confidence, and community. The trip also includes a virtual pre-trip meeting to introduce/review key concepts and skills. You’ll learn the basics of essential gear knowledge, how to keep your feet happy on the trail, and core safety skills—all in a supportive, judgment-free environment.

Then, put your new skills into action during a guided two- night 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

Pre-trip Meeting: Essentials, Basic Footwear & Care, Safety 101, and Leave No Trace Principals – February 19th 5:30-7:30 p.m.- Zoom
Learn the foundational basics: gear, food, water, packing strategy, and how to stay safe and comfortable on the trail. Receive guidance on choosing the right footwear, caring for your feet, and preventing discomfort on longer hikes. Build confidence with safety best practices and learn ways to minimize your impact when recreating outdoors through Leave No Trace Principles.

New to backpacking gear? Rental options are available!

Backpacking Trip – February 28-March 1st (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

  • Pre-Trip Meeting + Trip: $250

  • 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 February, give yourself the gift of adventure.

Women’s Intro to Backpacking Overview

Whether you're brand new to backpacking or looking to brush up on the basics, this single night trip is designed to build skills, confidence, and community. The trip also includes a virtual pre-trip meeting to introduce/review key concepts and skills. You’ll learn the basics of essential gear knowledge, how to keep your feet happy on the trail, and core safety skills—all in a supportive, judgment-free environment.

Then, put your new skills into action during a guided two- night 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

Pre-trip Meeting: Essentials, Basic Footwear & Care, Safety 101, and Leave No Trace Principals – February 19th 5:30-7:30 p.m.- Zoom
Learn the foundational basics: gear, food, water, packing strategy, and how to stay safe and comfortable on the trail. Receive guidance on choosing the right footwear, caring for your feet, and preventing discomfort on longer hikes. Build confidence with safety best practices and learn ways to minimize your impact when recreating outdoors through Leave No Trace Principles.

New to backpacking gear? Rental options are available!

Backpacking Trip – February 28-March 1st (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

  • Pre-Trip Meeting + Trip: $250

  • 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 February 28th-Sunday March 1st

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 * (Beginner + is considered day hiking experience on moderate to strenuous trails with no/limited previous backpacking 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

8:30 AM Camp Breakdown

  • Leave No Trace demonstration and pack-up tips

9:00 AM – Begin Hike Back to Trailhead

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

1:30 – 2:30 PM – Arrive Back at Gordon Hirabayashi Trailhead

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