Unplug, Pack Up, and Go All In

I am still flying high from my backpacking trip in Yosemite lead by the very capable Ashley B. From start to finish, everything ran smoothly and according to plan. I would love to see more strictly backcountry backpacking trips - this was a great experience.

This was a beautiful, spiritual, and rewarding trek, but it's no joke! It's very challenging, so take them seriously when they tell you to train and be physically prepared. I'm 66 and I did a lot of training (walking, hiking, backpacking, strengthening, yoga) and used the stair-stepper. But it's hard to train going down steps, unless you have access to a stadium to climb up and down the bleacher steps. There are THOUSANDS of rock steps to go up and down at high elevation. We were told there were 5000 steps to go down on our final day to Machu Picchu. Good incentive!

Our guides, Katie Klos and our Peruvian guide Orlando were outstanding. Kervi was our additional guide who stayed back with me as I was always the last to come in by a few minutes. I really appreciated having someone (Katie or Kervi) nearby to encourage me or tell me to take my time. I didn't feel rushed, but also didn't feel left behind. I didn't need physical assistance, but they really looked out for me and were very patient.

The first 1 1/2 days were quite easy going and we stayed at my favorite campground-it even had flushing toilets and showers (cold water). The other campsites were at higher altitude with beautiful surroundings, especially the final site, our 3rd night on the trail where we woke up overlooking a large cloud bank.

The Porters are the true heroes of the trip. I've never seen such hardworking people anywhere! Please consider tipping them generously as they more than earn it. They cook 3 hot meals/day from scratch and they're delicious!

#ExplorerChick

I had a great first time backcountry backpacking trip at Red River gorge with Explorer Chick. I wanted to challenge myself and see beautiful scenery. Our guide- Jody, was amazing!!! We had the best meals, she even made brownies and brought a candle for one of the ladies to celebrate her birthday. Looking forward to another one very soon!!

This trip was wonderful from beginning to end! I am so thankful I found out about Explorer Chick! I will definitely be booking another trip soon. Kat was our guide and she truly was the best I could have asked for in a guide. You get to know people intimately when you go backpacking and share tents. Kat’s personality is optimistic and patient. Guiding 5 women who have hardly any experience backpacking or climbing could potentially be a very difficult situation but Kat is knowledgeable and kind and I trusted her guidance.

I had an absolutely INCREDIBLE experience on a backpacking trip with Explorer Chick. Ashley was a wonderful and smart guide - perfect for beginners and backpackers that need a review. I will definitely do more trips with Explorer Chick.

Just went on the Zion and Bryce Canyon trip, and it was amazing! Great hikes, great food, great glamping spot. It was awesome to get to meet the other explorer chicks. The guides Kirstie and Mary were super knowledgeable about the parks, the flowers, the rocks, the prairie dog habitats, and hiking/backpacking in general. They also looked out for us every step of the way making sure we were always hydrated and well-fed with amazing lunches and great snacks!

I signed up/went on the trip by myself without knowing anyone else going on the trip, but I immediately felt welcome and comfortable on the trip! Great experience!

Red River Gorge Backpacking Workshop:
I was looking for a trip to experience and learn more about backpacking. I can do research all day but nothing beats real life hands-on experience! Our guide was Amy, and she did an amazing job at answering all of our questions and teaching us. She made the experience feel effortless to plan, easy to arrive and have fun. The hike itself is moderate, achievable with some preparation and determination. Bonding with women of all ages who share a passion for travel and nature is always a plus! I would recommend this trip to anyone looking to get into backpacking.

The views are stunning too, did not know this gem was in KY.

I have just completed a 4day backpacking trip in the Grand Canyon. It was hard and BEAUTIFUL. I am especially thankful for our guide, Mary Morton, who is a geologist, writer and photographer. She was a wealth of knowledge about the Canyon and a fabulous guide. The stars at night were mesmerizing.

I wholeheartedly endorse this company! Embarking on Explorer Chick's Grand Canyon backpacking tour with my best friend was an absolute highlight of my life. The camaraderie formed with the two other remarkable women who joined us heightened the entire experience, turning it into an unforgettable journey. Through laughter, tears, and shared challenges, our female-only, resilient backpacking adventure forged bonds that only such a formidable expedition can create.

A key factor that elevated our trip to greatness was our guide, Katie. Her wealth of experience assured us that we were in capable hands from start to finish. Katie not only led us through the breathtaking landscapes but also imparted invaluable outdoor skills along the way. Her infectious humor, warmth, and unwavering encouragement uplifted each one of us at various points during the journey. Winning the guide lottery with Katie was a stroke of luck that made our expedition all the more extraordinary.

Explorer Chicks curated a once-in-a-lifetime trip that was seamlessly easy and remarkably comfortable. The hassle-free experience allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in the adventure without any distractions. I am eagerly anticipating my next excursion with Explorer Chicks, confident that they will continue to deliver outstanding adventures.

I just did the Red River Gorge backpacking trip with our guide, Janie, and 7 other awesome women! I had a great time, felt like Janie always had everything under control and was watching out for us. It was challenging but we were all able to do hard things and succeed. It ended up being a beautiful fall adventure and I look forward to traveling more with Explorer Chick!