Red River Gorge Backpacking Workshop

AT A GLANCE

Kentucky

10 Explorer Chicks

Backpacking

Backpacking, US-Based, Weekend, Workshop

2 Days

3 - Active

Overview

Get ready to go from “never slept outside” to “queen of the backcountry” in just TWO days. This women-only beginner backpacking workshop in Kentucky’s Red River Gorge is a hands-on, fully immersive experience in the great outdoors— gear included!

Trip Highlights

Hike through the natural sandstone bridges, arches, and forest trails of Red River Gorge
Learn essentials like how to pack, carry, and hike with a full backpacking pack
Master essential backcountry skills: filtering water, setting up camp, cooking outdoors, hanging a bear bag—even pooping in the woods
Gain confidence and ask all the questions in a zero-judgment zone led by expert female guides
Camp in the heart of Eastern Kentucky’s most beautiful wilderness

The Vibe:

Supportive, hands-on, and zero-pressure. You’ll learn all the real backpacking things with expert guidance and a group of women who’ve got your back.

That means when you inevitably mess up, no need to feel embarrassed. When you question if you’re doing something correctly, your guide can help you. Let’s learn together in the outdoors, so when it’s time for your big adventure you’ll already have legit, backcountry experience.

Photos

Itinerary

Expand All Days

Day 1 - Learn How to Pack, Cook, Set Up Camp, Filter Water and More

Rise early Explorer Chick! You are learning how to backpack this weekend. You’ll meet up with your Explorer Chick Guide at the trailhead first thing in the morning. She’ll be the one surrounded with enough gear and food to mobilize a small army. To kick off the workshop, she’ll walk everyone through a Duffle Shuffle where gear is passed out and you pack up together learning how to properly pack your pack.

Once everyone is loaded up and packs have been adjusted, you’ll hit the trails in the Red River Gorge. Throughout the day, your Explorer Chick guide will pause for instruction including how to filter water, safety, Leave No Trace, and basic safety. You’re encourage to ask all the questions especially the weird ones. And, yes, we will teach you the trick for squatting in the woods without peeing on your shoes.

By early evening you’ll roll into camp happy to heave off your backpack. Your guide will help everyone set up tent before prepping dinner. It’ll be hands on for dinner so you can try your hand at lighting the camp stove. After chowing down, your guide will also share how to properly dispose of food waste and how to clean dishes in the back country.

We’ll shimmy out to our favorite spot to catch the sunset or watch the stars. And fire bans permitting, we’ll kick around a campfire.

Distance: 5.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,200’

Accommodation: Backpacking Tent – Shared 2 per
Meals: L-D

Day 2 - Camp Coffee and a Day Hike

Rise and shine, Explorer Chick! You freaking did it – backcountry camped with nothing but the stuff on your back. But first the most important lesson in all of backpacking – your Explorer Chick Guide will get you good and caffeinated with some hot coffee. Then she’ll recruit some help to pull together a yummy breakfast. She’ll walk you through how to break camp and you’ll try your hand again at packing up all your gear.

We will hike back to the trailhead where you will return the gear to your guide. Then it’s a caravan to a new trailhead for a short bonus day hike. We’ll close out our backpacking workshop with an included hot lunch at one of our favorite local food joints.

Backpacking: 4.3 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,000′

Day Hike: 1 mile
Elevation Gain: 200′

Meals: B-L

Logistics

What to Pack

Check out our recommended hiking gear for all trips.
You’ll receive a complete packing list in your Travel Guide upon booking; note that trips may require additional specialized items.

Arrival

Airport City: Lexington, KY (LEX). Approximately 1 hour drive to the Red.
Pick Up Location: Trailhead Parking Lot
Meeting Time: 8am on Day 1

Departure

Airport City: Lexington, KY (LEX). Approximately 1 hour drive to the Red.
Depart Location: Self drive to day hike and lunch on Day 2
Return Time: Plan to depart by 3pm on Day 2

Optional Add-Ons: Limited Single Upgrade Tents are available at booking.

You will receive a Travel Guide with all the trailhead, packing, and additional information you’ll need to prepare for your epic trip.

We require a minimum of 5 Explorer Chicks for this trip. Please confirm your trip is guaranteed before booking airfare.

Activity Level

Rated 3 – ACTIVE

This trip is rated as Active because it is backpacking with approximately 25-30lbs on your back. Backpacking differs greatly from casual day hiking and trail running in local parks. What makes the Red River Gorge absolutely breathtaking also makes its trails steep and strenuous at times. It is a gorge after all! You will be hiking some steep sections with a backpack.

There are several creek crossings during your route. Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots are required for stability and to keep your feet dry.

We want all Explorer Chicks to enjoy their backpacking experience, which is why we find it crucial to set realistic expectations for this workshop.

Expect to carry approximately 25 pounds on your back. You will be responsible for carrying your own pack, assigned gear, and necessities.

When planning the route, we take into consideration the variety of skills and abilities of the women joining us on the adventure while stopping often for instruction and allowing ample time to reach camp. For these reasons, the mileage is short, but your day will be full.

Keep in mind we will hike together as a group. The pace of the trip will vary based on the group’s overall abilities. (ie. Some may find the trail/pace too slow while others find it challenging. Always support your Explorer Chick sisters!)

Daily Backpacking:

Day 1: 5.5 miles. 1,200′ gain
Day 2: 4.3 miles. 1’000 gain
Day 2 Day Hike: 1 mile. 200′ gain.

Please consider the physical demands carefully as it is for the safety and enjoyment of the group. All Explorer Chicks will be required to sign an Acknowledgement of Physical Demands as part of their waiver upon booking.

What's Included

Essential Gear

Shared 2 person tent
Backpack
Sleeping Bag
Sleeping Pad
Trekking poles
Shared water filter, cookware, stove
Digital Explorer Chick Backpacking Book
Limited Single Tent Upgrades (4 available)

Meals

All meals as indicated in itinerary: B-1, L-2, D-1
Gratuities for included meals

Practical

Commercial permits and 1-Day Pass fees for Daniel Boone National Forest
Professional leadership team with 1 Explorer Chick Guide
A detailed Travel Guide with everything you need to know for your trip
The freedom to enjoy your vacation and mindlessly wander!

Not Included

Airfare
Airport Transportation
Alcoholic beverages
Travel Insurance (Learn about our preferred insurance provider)
Meals exclusive of itineraries
Costs for additional activities
Gratuity for your Explorer Chick Guide (read our tipping guidelines here)

Explorer Chick reserves the option to modify trip itineraries at the discretion of your tour director as necessary due to weather, conditions, illness, injury, group dynamics, or other unforeseen incidents.

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Starting From

$569

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Thoughtful planning, professional leadership, and details handled with care — so you can book with confidence.

Non-Refundable Deposit: $100 due at booking to secure your spot

Balance due closer to departure. Payment plans available.

Questions about Red River Gorge?

Book a call with our Destination + Guest Experience Manager, Amy, or fill out the form below.

In Her Words

Amy P.

6 days ago

I completed the Zion & Bryce trip with Mary and Brooke in October and don’t even know how to put into words how amazing it was. As a huge introvert, I was a nervous wreck before the trip. Don’t let that stop you! Mary and Brooke were so welcoming and knowledgeable and fun, and while very different from each other, their personalities complemented each other and truly made the entire experience so memorable. The nine other women on the trip were THE BEST. The Bryce hike was hard and there were definite moments when I had to dig deep to keep going, but being surrounded by such incredible women who supported, challenged and encouraged not only each other but other women on the trails made it so much easier. Mary’s knowledge of geology and the area in general was a special bonus. And stopping on the side of the road in the dark to see the Milky Way was breathtaking. I loved it so much that within a week of being home I already booked Moab for 2027!

Mariah J.

1 week ago

First trip with explorer chicks and one of the best experiences of my life. I did the vegas trip to climb at Red rocks and kayak down the Colorado river, putting in at hoover dam. Our guide Christina was amazing. The companies they hired to do the rock climbing and kayaking were fantastic. If you are considering this company I won't be disappointed

Travel.bug_life 2.

2 weeks ago

What an incredible experience! Four days and three nights of rock climbing in Red Rock Canyon, kayaking down the Colorado River from the Hoover Dam, and camping along the river. The entire trip was amazing, from the unforgettable adventures and beautiful scenery to our fantastic guide and the wonderful group of women I got to share it all with. It was the perfect combination of adventure, challenge, and camaraderie. Christina, our guide, was so experienced, patient, cool, and made everyone feel welcome. I came away with some incredible memories and would absolutely do another Explorer Chick trip!

Holli B.

3 weeks ago

Just got back from the 8 day Utah National Parks Trip. I highly recommend Explorer Chicks for your next adventure especially if you need other active people to travel with as I did. Our guides Laura and Kaylin were amazing! Laura had an enourmous amount of local knowledge about Utah's flora, fauna, and geology that we all loved hearing about. She took amazing landscape photos that truly captured it's beauty. Kaylin was always super supportive and encouraging. She was constantly taking group and individual photos to make sure everyone got a great record of the hikes. The trips are well planned and well executed with so much food! Due to weather issues, we had to modify our itinerary and our guides were in constant contact with the main office to adjust our plans. Book now.

Gabby T.

3 weeks ago

I had an amazing adventure spending 11 days in South Africa with Explorer Chick! The guide Christina was super knowledgeable about the area and made sure everyone was having a good time. I loved exploring the different cities and getting to experience the safari, seeing so many animals! Would definitely recommend if you are looking for a new adventure!

Melissa H.

3 weeks ago

This was my third trip with Explorer Chick and the Zion/Bryce Canyon trip was epic. Each hike explored different landscapes and was better than the last, ending with the Narrows and a surprise charcuterie board. Our guides, Nicole and Heather were amazing, teaching us about the area and fueling us with the best trail lunches, the sandwiches were unreal! From the moment we all met, both guides had infectious energy that had us all laughing like old friends.I hope to have them as guides on a future trip, they really made an amazing experience!

mokshitha C.

3 weeks ago

My Utah trip was an absolutely unforgettable experience! The breathtaking landscapes, stunning rock formations, and incredible hikes made this trip truly special. As someone experiencing a trip like this for the first time, I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. A huge shoutout to our amazing guides, Kaylin and Laura, who made the entire journey so memorable! ❤️ They were incredibly supportive, knowledgeable, caring, and always ready to help. Their enthusiasm and passion made every hike more enjoyable, and their attention to everyone’s needs made us feel comfortable and well taken care of throughout the trip. Every hike offered something unique, and the views were beyond words. What made this trip even more special was the wonderful group of people, the laughter, the shared experiences, and the memories we created along the way. I came back with not just beautiful pictures but also unforgettable memories, new friendships, and a heart full of gratitude. Thank you, Kaylin and Laura, for going above and beyond and making this trip so incredible! You both played such a big part in making my first trip of this kind an experience I will always cherish. I would absolutely recommend this trip to anyone looking for adventure, breathtaking scenery, and an amazing overall experience!

nikki R.

4 weeks ago

MY FIRST TRIP EVER WITH EXPLORER CHICKS!!! I don’t know where to begin! The Utah 8 day 5 Park trip was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. From meeting with our guides Laura & Kaylin in the morning of Day 1 right up until they dropped me off at the airport on Day 8 these 2 incredible women took care of me ! From the food , driving, lodging, hikes and everything in between these women are the absolute best! I couldn’t have completed Arches without them getting me through the fins and supporting me every step of the way! They got me through Little Wildhorse Canyon with ease. These women deserve an award for their courage, dedication and determination to help us all push past any challenges that might have come up. I loved every minute of this trip! I will be going on another trip with Explorer Chick as soon as I can find some time off in my schedule! If you are looking for something where you are safe, taken care of and an adventure check out Explorer Chick ! Explorer Chick Adventure Co. I think we all had the time of our lives! At the end of the day, it’s not the mountains we climbed that matter most, but the people who helped us reach the top. Laura, Kaylin & all the women on the trip are those people for me. Much gratitude 🙏 Nikki Rineholt

K R.

4 weeks ago

I did the Red River Gorge backpacking trip and had the best time. Our guide, Kathryn, truly knew her stuff and was well prepared, so I felt totally safe. It poured rain the entire time and I still had a blast! Learned a ton too. I highly recommend this trip!

Dara D.

4 weeks ago

My 4-day Zion and Bryce Canyon trip with Explorer Chick was over-the-top amazing. Each day brought a new adventure, made even better by our fabulous guides, Mary and Brooke. They were awesome! Fun, encouraging, and super invested in making sure we all had a great experience. (I mean, who carries a watermelon and cutting board on a trail climbing 1,100 feet in two miles just to surprise us with a special lunch treat?!?) I signed up for the promise of fun, adventure, and a sense of empowerment, and this trip delivered on all three. An unexpected bonus was getting to know 11 other incredible women spanning nearly 40 years in age. We started out as strangers, but four days of laughter, encouragement, and cheering each other on turned into a joyous celebration of sisterhood. It was such a cool reminder that friendship and adventure have no age limit. This was my second trip with Explorer Chick and I'm already dreaming of where I want to go next. I’d absolutely recommend this company to anyone looking for a fun adventure with a great group of women. Both my experiences have been exceptional.

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