NEW! Backpacking + Rock Climbing Adventure

We’ve reimagined our classic Expedition High Peaks Backpack to bring even more challenge, skill-building, and adventure—now featuring a shorter backpacking section plus an entire day of outdoor rock climbing!

High Peaks Backpack & Climb takes rising 10th–12th grade girls and gender-expansive youth deep into the Medicine Bow National Forest for four days of backpacking in the Snowy Range, followed by two nights of camping and one day of rock climbing in Vedauwoo, Wyoming. This high-school–level experience is designed to build confidence, strengthen outdoor leadership, and create powerful community in stunning alpine environments.

This multi-day expedition blends backcountry travel, outdoor technical skill development, and shared challenge. Participants will hike to new destinations each day, set up camp in different areas, practice advanced wilderness skills, and support one another as a team. By the end of the week, they’ll return with new strengths, new friends, and a deeper sense of belonging in the outdoors.

Day 1 (Monday): Kickoff at Women’s Wilderness–Gear Up & Go – We’ll begin the adventure in Boulder with team-building, gear preparation, and backpack-packing basics. Once everyone is equipped and ready, the group will head to Wyoming to begin the journey. We’ll hike in 1.5 miles to our first campsite.

Days 1-4 (Mon-Thur): Backpack in the Snowy Range – The expedition begins with a 12-mile backpacking route on Brown’s Peak Loop, a breathtaking trail featuring alpine lakes, rugged peaks, and wide-open high-country panoramas. Each night we will camp in a new locations.

Days 4-6 (Thu-Sat): Camping & Rock Climbing in Vedauwoo
After hiking out of the Snowy Range, we will travel to Vadauwoo, famous for its dramatic granite formations and world-class climbing. We will meet up with our rock climbing instructors in Vedauwoo, and set up camp in a comfortable car-camp base where we will spend two nights relaxing by a campfire. Friday features a full day of outdoor rock climbing. Saturday we will pack up camp and make our way home to Boulder, where we’ll return gear, reflect on the week’s adventures, celebrate our accomplishments, and share heartfelt “see you next time!” moments.

This course is led by professional and experienced outdoor and rock climbing instructors with extensive experience in youth outdoor education. Each guide is a certified Wilderness First Responder and is fully trained in Women’s Wilderness curriculum and risk management protocols, ensuring a safe, enriching, and enjoyable experience for every participant.

Expedition High Peaks Backpacking Details:

Who: high school girls and non-binary youth entering grades 10-12 in Fall 2026

Date: Monday, July 27 – Saturday August, 1, 2026
- Drop Off – 7:00AM on July 27
- Pick Up – 3:00PM on August 1

Location: Snowy Range and Vedauwoo, Wyoming (Drop-off and pick-up at Women’s Wilderness – 1206 Euclid Ave, Boulder, 80302)

Activity level: Moderate. Some prior experience hiking and camping recommended but not required; ability to hike up to 3 miles/day recommended.

Price

Our pricing model for Girls+ Wilderness courses is tiered to allow families to participate at a rate that works for them. Tier 1 (Supporter) is a pay-it–forward option for those able to help expand access for another participant. Tier 2 (Base) is the standard course fee on which all other tiers are anchored. Tier 3 (Early Bird) is a discounted Based Rate, available only during January. Finally, Tier 4 (Financial Aid) is a reduced rate based on the Base Rate for those who need financial support to participate.

Payment plans are available for all rates.

Tier 1 – Supporter Rate: $1800

Tier 2 – Base Rate: $1500

Tier 3- Early Bird: $1350 (expired February 28, 2026)

Tier 4 – Financial Aid: this is core to our mission to make the outdoors accessible to all people. To learn more about Financial Aid options and apply, please click here. Please do not register for camp before receiving an award notice because we are unable to retroactively apply financial aid awards.

Included in the Program:

Expert instructors: All instructors are trained in social and emotional learning, trauma-informed practices, conscious choice, wilderness guiding, and hold Wilderness First Responder certifications. All rock climbing instructors have a minimum of a Single Pitch Instructor certification.

Camping sites and gear: We will reserve all campsites and permits, and provide all gear, including tents, sleeping bags, and group camping and cooking equipment.

All meals and snacks: Nutritious meals and snacks will be prepared and provided; participants will share in carrying group meals and kitchen gear. All dietary restrictions and allergies will be accommodated.

Outdoor gear: Access to essential items, including backpacks, clothing, weather-proof gear, boots, and hiking poles.

Transportation: We handle all travel to/from Women’s Wilderness and Wyoming.

Everything is taken care of so participants can focus on having an unforgettable outdoor adventure!

A detailed list of items to bring for this course will be sent to families upon registration, as well as a preparation video to prepare you for camp. Women’s Wilderness has most items in our gear library for participants to borrow and use (a gear reservation link will be sent to each family closer to the trip date).

Accessibility & Accommodations:

All physical, psychological, cultural, and religious accommodations of participants will be discussed and considered with families prior to camp.

Physical: This course includes hiking up to 2 miles per day, as well as an opportunity to climb a large boulder (while safely belayed by staff). Participants should feel comfortable sleeping outdoors, in a tent, and on a sleeping pad. Access to restrooms (indoor plumbing and pit toilets) is guaranteed, as is hand washing with water.

Psychological: Staff are trained to manage emotions that may influence a participant’s decision to participate, including fear and homesickness. We welcome youth who this would be their first time camping and/or first time overnighting away from home.

Language: English is the primary language used during our field courses. While fluency is not required, participants must be able to understand instructions and directions, especially those related to safety and risk management.

Child Care Licensing Requirements:

Due to our licensing we are required to have all forms below that apply. Please make sure to make an appointment before the paperwork deadline:

Required for ALL participants: Youth Health Form (Physical- We will provide the form)

If participant has allergy that requires an epi-pen: Colorado Allergy and Anaphylaxis Emergency Care Plan

If participant has asthma: Colorado Asthma Care Plan and Medication

If participant has seizures: Seizures Emergency Care Plan and Medication Orders

If participant has been to counselor/therapist in past 2 years: Counselor/Therapist Form

This paperwork must be turned in by the paperwork due date MAY 15, 2026 for your student to keep their spot in our youth camp. Please make sure that your physical appointment is set before that date.

Curious about our philosophy, risk management protocols, and how to best prepare of the course? Click here to read our Parent & Family Guidebook.

For any questions email support@womenswilderness.org