Overview
Join a supportive group of women for a straightforward introduction to the backcountry. This overnight trip is designed for those who are "backpacking-curious" but want to learn the essentials—like how to adjust a pack for comfort and how to set up a wilderness kitchen—without any pressure. We keep the mileage manageable and the focus on community, ensuring you feel confident and capable by the time we hike back to the trailhead.
Highlights
Hands-On Skills: Real-time practice with backcountry gear, including tent setup, water filtration, and operating a camp stove.
Supportive Environment: A judgment-free space designed for solo travelers and first-timers to ask "basic" questions and learn at their own pace.
Comfort-Focused Trekking: Professional instruction on how to adjust your pack's suspension and straps to ensure a comfortable carry throughout the hike.
Full Gear Setup: We provide the "Big 4"—your backpack, tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad—so you can experience the trail without investing in expensive equipment upfront.
Meet your guide
Trish Schales
Guide/Owner for Trails Diverged
My primary goals as a guide are to help people build confidence, feel comfortable as a beginner, leave no trace, and recreate safely. I know how it feels to be intimidated by a new activity, and I will always work to be sure you feel safe physically and emotionally so that you can enjoy our trip and learn something new.
During our time together, I will call upon of 6,000 miles of backcountry experience & Search and Rescue experience to help you enjoy the outdoors safely. I strive to provide a personalized experience that shows a different side of the world to my clients, and to help them gain a better and deeper understanding of the sites and destinations we visit.
My passion is helping people that don't have the income to "try out" backpacking and wilderness exploration. My goal is to make access affordable and safe, while building confidence and life-long memories.
I have Wilderness First Responder training and practice the Leave No Trace principles so that we can recreate responsibly and conserve our special places for generations to come. I also teach Wilderness survival classes and backcountry navigation - I take care of the planning and medical gear so you can relax and enjoy the view. I have been a dedicated Professional Guide since 2020, and I was awarded the prestigious REI Guide of the Year Award in 2024.
If you’d like to tour with me, please get in touch so I can start creating the perfect itinerary for you.
Total Mileage:
5-10 Miles
Transportation Included?
Yes: Transportation to the trailhead provided
Tendency for Break
Frequent: We stop often to catch our breath, adjust gear, and take in the view.
Duration:
2 Days / 1 Night: This is a true overnight trip.
Strenuous Level:
We will be moving at a consistent pace with weighted packs, and we'll spend time showing you how to adjust your bag’s straps to take the pressure off your shoulders.
Pace:
Balanced Support: You’ll have the freedom to explore the landscape at your own speed with the constant support of a guide nearby to help when needed.
Max Group Size:
12 Hikers
Minimum Age:
18+
Experienced Needed?
You don’t need to have backpacked before; if you can walk four miles on a dirt trail, you have the skills to do this trip.
This experience is perfect for:
This is a relaxed entry point for absolute beginners and families who want to try a night under the stars without a high-mileage commitment.
What's Included:
A guide to handle the navigation, your safety, and all the trail education.
All technical gear like a high-quality backpack, tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and trekking poles.
Every trail meal and snack, focused on lightweight food that actually tastes good.
Round-trip transportation, all necessary permits, and park entrance fees.
Loaner clothing (layers) available upon request.
What's Not Included:
Personal clothing (Layers and sturdy boots/shoes)
Toiletries and personal medications
Alcohol
Travel Insurance
Cancellation Policy:
As a small business, our guides invest significant time into prepping your gear and ensuring we are fully staffed for a safe experience, so we offer a full refund with at least 14 days' notice, a 50% refund between 7 and 14 days (or a full refund if we can fill your spot), and are unable to offer refunds for cancellations made less than a week before the trip.
Get on the trail!
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