Course Description:

Embark on an unforgettable 3-day, 2-night backpacking adventure with guides from Women’s Wilderness as we explore the trails and terrain of Golden Gate Canyon State Park, only one-hour away from Boulder!

This course is designed for those that are new to backpacking, or want a refresher, however, all experiences are welcome! This femme-centerd trip strikes the perfect balance between challenge and tranquility. Each day brings its own rhythm and rewards, and plenty of time to immerse yourself in nature, capture stunning photographs, rest and recharge, and strengthen your skills for backpacking. As we foster connections with fellow participants and the landscape around you, we’ll guide you each step of the way. Depending on timing and weather, we may explore side trails along the way.

Day 1 eases us in with a 1.6 mile hike to camp–just enough to feel settled into carrying your pack, and plenty of opportunity to set up and enjoy camp. Day 2 will be our longest day, with a 3.5 mile hike with 1,220 ft of elevation gain, and an optional 1 mile additional hike to Windy Peak summit. Day 3 brings us gently back, with a 2-mile mostly downhill trek out to the trailhead, where we will then return to Women’s Wilderness with happy legs and full hearts.

Let Women’s Wilderness handle all the details. We provide everything you need for this adventure, including transportation, backcountry camp sites, backpacks, tents, sleeping bags and pads, adventure-ready clothing, all meals and snacks, and cooking supplies.

Details:

👥 Who: Adult women and non-binary people

🗓️ When: 9AM Friday, August 21 through 3PM Sunday, August 23, 2026

📍 Where: Golden Gate Canyon State Park, CO

🎟️ Price: $415/495/575 Sliding scale. Email us at support@womenswilderness.org to set up a custom payment plan. Please see the FAQ section at the bottom of the page for our Cancellation/Refund Policy

⛰️ Activity level: No experience necessary. This course is spans 7 miles of backpacking over three days. Participants have the option to include additional side hikes each day, tailored to the group’s preferences. Throughout the journey, we’ll ascend a total of 1,600 feet, navigating and sleeping at altitudes ranging between 7600’ to 8900’. This course calls for ease with hiking long hours while carrying up to 40 pounds of gear, and comfort sleeping in a shared tent. The temperature averages during the day range in the 70s and 80s, and evenings are typically in the 40s and 50s.

➕ Included:

Professional and experienced backpacking guides with knowledge of the course, safety, setting up backcountry camp, and trained as Wilderness First Responders

First aid and backcountry restroom supplies

All backpacking snacks, meals, and electrolytes (Day 1 lunch included)

All cooking equipment (participants will share in carrying food and cookware); wildlife-proof storage

Water filtration systems

Transportation from Women’s Wilderness in Boulder to Golden Gate Canyon State Park in Wyoming (approximately 1 hour drive)

Gear Rental – clothing, trekking poles, backpacks, tents, sleeping bags, and sleeping pads

Recreational permit

Pre-trip Virtual Briefing Meeting – Monday, August 3, 2026

What to Wear & Bring:

Registered participants will receive a detailed backpacking checklist, including guidance on what to wear, as well as a link to request gear to rent.

Participants may bring their own backpacking and camping gear if it is designed for backpacking (e.g. recommended pack size is 55-70L; sleeping bag is rated at 20 F or lower).

Your Instructors:

Born and raised in Central New Mexico, Amber spent summers wandering through the ponderosa pines and jumping junipers of the Sandia Mountains. Amber has experience working intake, logistics, and operations for various outdoor education organizations, including the Northwest Outward Bound School. Amber is a certified Wilderness First Responder and is currently pursuing a Masters degree in Social Work. Her passions include supporting accessibility and representation in the outdoors and reminding women/girls of their power. In her free time, Amber enjoys trail running, snowboarding, drinking tea, and napping in the sun with her pup, T-bone.

Mac (they/them) grew up in rural South Jersey and recently made their way to Boulder, CO in 2023. Mac spent several years as a Faculty Instructor at the Philadelphia Outward Bound School, leading backpacking, canoepacking and rock climbing courses for youth. Mac is continuing this work with Women’s Wilderness in the Girls Lead for Life program, as well as working as a Mental Health Advocate at Nederland Middle/Senior School. Mac is passionate about helping young women and non-binary folks develop connections, a sense of self and community advocacy skills through outdoor education. When they aren’t working, Mac can be found playing with their cat, making art and playing board games.