Course Description:

Women’s Wilderness is thrilled to team up again with Lifes2Short Fitness to offer a series of challenging conditioning hikes designed for women and non-binary adventurers. Peak Ready hikes are focused on providing participants with distance and elevation change to support aerobic fitness, as well as a community to support social networks and positive relationships.

Whether you’re training for Lifes2Short’s Adventure Retreats, (like their Kilimanjaro 2026 Hike Adventure Retreat), or simply seeking a challenging day hike with a supportive, like-minded crew, these courses are for you!

Our final Peak Ready of 2026 has us exploring the best of Golden Gate Canyon State Park on this stunning 14-mile loop featuring 3,600 feet of elevation gain, two summits, and ever-changing landscapes. Shaded forests, creek-lined trails, the vibrant wildflower meadows, and sweeping views atop Windy Peak and the scenic City Lights overlook will be highlights of this all-day adventure. Along the way, hikers experience a rich mix of ecosystems, making every mile feel unique. This is a rewarding, full-day adventure for those seeking both challenge and beauty in one unforgettable Front Range hike. Women’s Wilderness will be by your side, providing transportation to the trailhead, expert guides, trail safety insights, complimentary gear rental, electrolytes, grab-and-go breakfast, and healthy hiking snacks.

Details:

👥 Who: Adult women and non-binary people
🗓️ When: 5:30am-4:30pm, Sunday July 12, 2026
📍 Where: Meet at a local park-and-ride near Golden, CO
🎟️ Price: $75/85/95 sliding scale

⛰️ Activity level: This route is rated challenging, and prior experience with extended hikes, hiking in all weather conditions, and significant elevation gain is recommended. Be prepared to carry 4L of water with you; we’ll have the opportunity to filter water or use a hand pump for water along the way.

➕ Included: Professional and experienced guides trained in wilderness medicine and route finding, light breakfast, snacks + electrolytes, complementary gear rental – including clothing, trekking poles, and backpacks

What to Wear & Bring:

Registered participants will receive a detailed hiking checklist, including guidance on what to wear and bring. We recommend bringing a daypack with a 22L to 30L capacity to carry water, snacks, lunch, and extra layers. Additionally, we recommend carrying ½ liter of water for each hour we’ll be hiking (suggested amount is 4L (128 ounces); We will have access to a water pump around Mile 7.5, and opportunities to filter water at multiple locations on the route.

Please bring your own lunch, as well as additional personal snacks, if desired.

FAQ:

No pets are allowed on courses, with the exception of ADA service animals being welcome.

For any questions email support@womenswilderness.org

Your Instructors:

Kriste (she/her) is a passionate outdoor enthusiast who loves being in community while in nature. She’s all about bringing mindfulness and storytelling into the mix in ways that heighten the inner and outer adventure by teaching us more about ourselves and our surroundings. She’s also a trail runner, yoga teacher, Wilderness First Responder, and Executive Director of Women’s Wilderness.

Steph (she/her) spent 7 years working in the coaching industry and childcare, where she applied person-centered, social justice, and sustainability lenses to her work. Always curious about learning new skills, she joined Women’s Wilderness in 2022 and after working as Gear & Transportation Intern that summer and is now our Director of Marketing & Development.