Course Description:

Embark on an unforgettable 4-day, 3-night backpacking adventure with guides from Women’s Wilderness as we explore the Snowy Range in Wyoming. Our journey takes us on the 12-mile Browns Peak Loop, offering breathtaking alpine scenery, serene lakes, and panoramic views of rugged granite peaks.

Whether you’re a backpacking novice or a seasoned adventurer, this femme-centered trip strikes the perfect balance between challenge and tranquility. Each day will feature up to five miles of backpacking and hiking, allowing ample time for immersing yourself in nature, relaxing, fostering connections with others and the environment, setting up and breaking down camp, and savoring nourishing meals. Depending on timing and weather, we might explore side trails on our journey.

This course is intended to strengthen participants’ knowledge, skills, and confidence in overnight backpacking experiences. We also commit to providing a sense of safety and community as we explore and navigate the ins-and-outs of backpacking, including how to apply Leave No Trace principles in the backcountry.

Let us handle all the details! We’ll provide everything you need for this adventure, including backpacks, tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, adventure-ready clothing, food, and cooking supplies. If you prefer to use your own gear, you’re more than welcome to bring it along! We’ll craft a remarkable backcountry menu designed to nourish and energize, ensuring every meal is both sustaining and satisfying.

Details:

👥 Who: Adult women and non-binary people

🗓️ When: 7:30am Thursday August 7 through 4pm Sunday August 10, 2025

📍 Where: Snowy Range, WY

🎟️ Price: $415/495/575 sliding scale (Please see the FAQ section at the bottom of the page for our Cancellation/Refund Policy)

⛰️ Activity level: This course spans approximately 12 miles, spanning over four days of backpacking. 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 1,345 feet, navigating and sleeping at high-altitude terrain between 10,500 and 11,000 feet. This course calls for ease with hiking long hours while carrying up to 35 pounds of gear, and comfort sleeping in a tent. The temperature averages during the day range in the 60s and 70s, and evenings are typically in the 30s or 40s.

➕ 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 Snowy Range in Wyoming (approximately 3 hour drive)

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

Recreational permit

Pre-trip Virtual Briefing Meeting – Monday, July 28 at 6 PM

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; tent is lightweight; sleeping bag is rated at 20 F or lower).

Your Instructors:

Lisa (she/her) is a retired firefighter paramedic who finds physical and mental respite in nature, and loves to share these benefits with nature newcomers! Wildlife, plants, and outdoor skills are her jam and she hopes to pass on some useful knowledge. She holds degrees in healthcare science, zoology, and outdoor education.

Marley (she/her) has spent over 25 years engaging communities in wildlife conservation education, as well as evaluating environmental education programs and measuring impact. Working for Women’s Wilderness is a meaningful intersection of Marley’s passion for outdoor recreation and her commitment to equity, access, and inclusion for individuals and communities historically excluded from experiences in and with the natural world.