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Embracing Adventure and Hiking on Women-Centric Trips

The call of the wild echoes differently for everyone, but for Explorer Chicks, it’s more like a megaphone saying, “It’s time for a face full of mountain air, no WiFi, and stronger calves! Let’s hit it!”. 

There’s just something about lacing up the boots, grabbing a pack, and meeting up with a group of badass women all with the same objective.

In this blog, we’re about to break down just what it is about a women-centric trip in the mountains that hits the spot.

Why Women-Centric Adventure Trips?

While co-ed trips offer their own appeal, women-only adventures (like the ones we run!) provide a distinct environment where you can thrive without societal pressures or perceived limitations. This creates a space for:

  • Feel Safer, Bolder, and 100% You: Many women feel a greater sense of security and comfort when traveling with other women, especially in remote environments or foreign countries.
  • No judgements, just real-talk: A supportive female-only group can foster an atmosphere where women feel more comfortable being themselves, sharing experiences, and expressing vulnerabilities without judgment.
  • Bonded by Blisters and Belly Laughs: The shared experiences of navigating trails, overcoming obstacles, and celebrating achievements can forge deep bonds and lasting friendships
  • Push Limits, Find Your Grit: Without external distractions, participants can focus on their personal journeys, building resilience, confidence, and a deeper connection with their inner selves.
  • Adventures Actually Designed for Women (Shocker): At Explorer Chick, crafting epic itineraries for women, by women, is what we do best! We blend adventure with things like local cuisine, unique excursions you won’t find in any guidebook, and space to just breathe and let go of all responsibilities (or maybe ugly cry on a mountaintop—no judgment). 

Group of women hiking in Zion and Bryce Canyon, Utah

The Allure of Women's Hiking Trips

Whether you’re hitting the summits with a mission or just strolling through the woods with snacks…hiking just hits different when you’re with the girls.

  • Stronger Legs, Stronger Self: Hitting the trails, carrying packs, and navigating diverse terrains builds physical strength and stamina, leading to a profound sense of “oh yea…I totally got this.” 
  • Trail = Therapy: The rhythmic motion of walking, combined with the beauty of natural surroundings, provides a powerful antidote to stress and mental clutter. Hello, mindful presence!
  • Connection with Mother Nature: Getting into nature offers a chance to disconnect from digital distractions and reconnect with the primal rhythms of the earth and your own damn self too!
  • Rain? Blisters? Bring it: Faced with unpredictable weather, challenging ascents, or long distances is a great time to flex those resilience muscles (we promise it will benefit you even off the trail)!

Women walking along a mountain trail in Scotland

Popular Destinations and Types of Women's Hiking Trips

The world is brimming with incredible destinations that cater to women’s hiking adventures. From iconic national parks to hidden gems, the options are diverse.

An Explorer Chick poses in Zion National Park while on a women's guided hiking trip

1 Iconic National Parks

National parks are some of the most sought-after destinations for women’s hiking trips, offering a balance of accessibility and adventure. With well-maintained trails, breathtaking vistas, and diverse ecosystems, they provide the perfect setting for both new and seasoned hikers. Guided tours (like ours!) are often available, making it easy to experience the highlights while learning about the park’s history, wildlife, and geology.

Example Trips:

2 Coastal Trails

For hikers who love the blend of ocean air and rugged landscapes, coastal trails deliver some of the most dramatic scenery in the world. These routes wind along cliffs, beaches, and seaside forests, often rewarding trekkers with sweeping views of the water and encounters with unique coastal wildlife. From tidepool explorations to panoramic overlooks, every turn feels like a postcard moment.

EXAMPLE TRIPS:
Hiker on the Inca Trail in Peru.

3 Mountain Ranges

Mountain ranges call to women seeking adventure at higher altitudes, where challenging ascents and rugged terrain are matched by jaw-dropping rewards. These trips often include sweeping views, occasional glacier crossings, and incredible scenery and summits.

EXAMPLE TRIPS:
View of Machu Picchu on the Inca trail hike

4 Cultural Treks

For women who crave both adventure and deeper cultural connection, pilgrimage routes offer a unique blend of hiking and heritage. These journeys weave together history, spirituality, and local traditions, often guided by stories passed down through generations.

Example Trips:
  • Inca Trail (Peru)
  • Pilgrimage routes (Camino de Santiago)

 

When choosing a trip, consider your fitness level, desired level of challenge, and personal interests.  We rank our trips using an Activity Level system so you can choose the right trip based on your fitness level.

And, when you choose us for your next great adventure, rest assured, we’ve got all the logistics 100% on lock. No mental load from you required.

Planning Your Women's Adventure Trip: Essential Considerations

Once you’ve decided to embark on a women-only adventure, thoughtful planning is key to a rewarding experience.

  • Assess Your Fitness Level: Be honest about your physical capabilities. Many trips cater to various fitness levels, but selecting a trip that aligns with your current conditioning will enhance enjoyment and minimize risk. Consider starting a hiking training plan well in advance.
  • Pack Smart and Light: Research the specific gear requirements for your chosen trip, considering weather conditions and terrain. Prioritize lightweight, versatile clothing and equipment. Note: If you book an Explorer Chick trip, we’ll provide a full packing list AND our personal gear recommendations.
  • Communicate Your Needs: If you have any dietary restrictions, medical conditions, or specific concerns, communicate them clearly to the tour operator before the trip.
  • Embrace the Unexpected: Adventure travel often comes with unforeseen challenges. Approach them with an open mind, a sense of humor, and a willingness to adapt.

Explorer Chick women hiking near a glacier on a women's guided Alaska trip

Beyond the Trail: The Lasting Impact of Women's Adventure Trips

The benefits of women’s adventure and hiking trips extend far beyond the duration of the journey. Participants often return home with:

  • Main Character Energy: Overcoming physical and mental challenges fosters a deep belief in yourself. So yeah…treat yourself like the main character of your life— ‘cause you are!
  • Fresh Eyes, Big Feels: Stepping away from daily routines and immersing yourself in nature can offer a fresh outlook on life, priorities, and personal goals.
  • Built in Hyper Women for Life: The bonds formed with your outdoor sisterhood endure on and off the trail, creating the girl squad you always dreamed of. 
  • Hug Some Trees: In all seriousness, experiencing the raw beauty and power of the natural world instills a greater sense of beauty in the world—something all Explorer Chicks can get behind.
  • The Only Prescription is More Mountains: You’ve got a fever, and the only prescription is… ok you get it. But rest assured, once the adventure bug bites, you’re likely to find it ignites a lifelong passion for exploration and adventure.

At Explorer Chick, we specialize in crafting trips with grit, heart, and zero BS for women who are ready to go big and find sisterhood in adventure.

Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or embarking on your first outdoor journey, Explorer Chick provides the expert guidance and empowering community to make your dream trip a reality. 

A group of Explorer Chick women hiking in the Dolomites in Italy on a women's group travel tour to the Dolomites