Women’s Guided Backpacking Trips

I went on the Jungle and Island Belize Adventure. The trip was well worth it with so many exciting activities in the jungle and the sea. The group leaders were superb!

This was my first trip with Explorer Chicks and I couldn’t have dreamed of a better experience! Our guides - Christina and Kirstie - were the kindest and most patient guides. They thought of everything down to every last detail. It was so well organized and I was blown away with the trip; I’m already wanting to plan my next one. Thank you for making it such a memorable experience! I’m forever grateful.

Amazing, amazing, amazing! Our trip leaders (AKA "Trail Moms") Kirstie and Christina, went above and beyond. Arches and Canyonlands were stunning backdrops for great, scenic hikes in the company of incredible women from around the country.
It was better than I could have hoped for and I'm SO glad Kirstie and Christina were our phenomenal guides (the meals, surprises, prepped for anything at all times, and their mixture of calm and joy made it all just THAT much better). I'd 100% go again.

Can’t say enough about my explorer chick experience to Utah. 10/10, a must do, sign up today . As an added bonus- best leaders ever Kirstie and Christina!

This was an incredible trip from start to finish. I knew the scenery in Utah would be stunning, but I didn't expect to be so impressed with the care the guides put into the experience. Kirstie and Christina covered every base and walked the perfect line between keeping us comfortable and giving us challenges. If I could give 10 stars, I would!

I have now taken two trips with Explorer Chicks and have another coming up in August. Most recently I participated in the Moab multi-sport and had such an incredible experience. Each EC trip is carefully curated without missing a single detail. From the travel itself, the ample food and snacks, the logistics and fun add ins, our guides were so knowledgeable about the parks and geography, even the pickiest guest on our trip was vocally very satisfied. The condo accommodations were wonderful and very clean; did I mention the food? The guides packed lunches for us to eat on the hikes and they were WONDERFUL...and a healthy breakfast each AM at the condos were delightful!

I often look for solo trips with like-minded women and guides, Explorer Chick delivers every time. My only word to the wise is to pay attention to the physical requirements of each trip as if you are unable to meet the physical requirements, it can hurt the experience for others. That was not the case on this trip, the hikes and experiences were thoroughly enjoyed by all (Level-2) and the canyoneering and ATV-ing were absolutely wonderful and our group enjoyed every minute of these experiences on our trip. I can't wait until my next EC trip!!!

Had an amazing trip hiking in Zion and Bryce Canyon with a group of outgoing ladies and two incredibly funny, authentic and helpful guides - Lauren & Kirstie! There were tons of laughs, breathtaking views and some delicious food (a special shout out to the dinner at Cordwood!). Thanks to Explorer Chicks for delivering trips geared towards women who love adventure!

What an adventure snowshoeing, dog sledding and cross country skiing in Banff! The guides were super human and took excellent care of the whole group, their experience was invaluable.

Anna & Kara-
Great guides and hosts on my glamping trip to Smoky Mountains.

Just finished up 10 days on the most extraordinary trip of my life. Uganda was so amazing all round - the animals, the people, the culture. Nicki was an amazing guide, Gerald our driver had all the answers I could throw at him, and everyone in the group was chill and fun and felt like best friends within minutes. We stayed in the most beautiful and posh places and saw wildlife closeup like we were in a freaking national geographic magazine. How many people have seen a family of endangered mountain gorillas with a 6 months old baby doing acrobats in the heart of the impenetrable forest? Me! Crazy and amazing. I can't believe I got to do all that I did. And the best part is I was just along for the ride and didn't have to plan all the nitty gritty details. Love you Uganda! I'll be back.

I had a great first experience with Explorer Chick. We were a group of 7 women plus 2 two guides on our weekend trip to Shenandoah NP. Our age range was 40s to 70s. The itinerary was modified for the late-season lack of evening daylight, so our hikes were cut a bit shorter than what they should have been. We also made some changes to our starting points which meant more driving - more time in the van than expected. We probably could have stayed in one lodge instead of two different lodges. Aside from those changes, the overall trip was a great experience. I consider myself in decent shape and after 3 days of hiking, my legs were sore! The hikes were on rough, rocky terrain, and we were constantly hiking on an incline, up or down, so prepare your calves! Make sure you have good ankle support on your shoes. Lodging was as expected for park lodging. The breakfast and dinners were very nice - decent selection and big portions. Lunch on the first day was premade sandwiches from Trader Joes with chips and a piece of fruit. Lunch on the 2nd day was cheese and cracker tray at the winery, but there was plenty to go around. We had the most amazing weather for mid October - we started out the mornings in jackets and even gloves, but by mid-afternoon most of us had stripped down to short sleeves. Everyone was mostly at the same pace during the hikes. On the uphill climbs, just speak up when you need a break to catch your breath. The guides were very nice and accommodating to the group, they kept us on schedule and kept us informed of the itinerary for the day. I would go on another EC trip but would be mindful of the activity level. This trip was a 2, I'm not sure I could handle longer hikes for more than 3 days.

Torres Del Paine W-Trek team was so unified on this journey. Lead by Explorer Chick Guide Kirstie M who brought energy, support, & built camaraderie among us 8 women. Chilean Guides Dani & Cati complimented the team with their wealth of local terrain knowledge. We experienced fabulous weather daily to have full view of every peak on this trek.

This trip was absolutely incredible for me personally —both challenging and filled with countless awe-inspiring moments along the trails. It’s truly been a transformative experience, redefining what I can accomplish solo traveling a foreign country @ 60yrs + Type 1 Diabetic >50yrs.

I’m ready for Explorer Chick Challenging trip #2!

November trip to Iceland was magical.
Guide Christina Bruno and Explorer Chick put together a fantastic itinerary. Diamond Beach is a must see.

I went on the most amazing trip to Jordan this past October. I can't even begin to describe the surreal feeling of standing in front of the Treasury in Petra, riding a camel through the expansive Mars-like desert, and floating in the dead sea. This was my first Explorer Chick trip and let me tell you it did not disappoint. EC guide Kara was phenomenal with great organization and special surprises along the way. Can you say pedicure in a Turkish spa? So many firsts that I was able to experience and absolutely no need for concern about solo travel with this group. None of us knew each other beforehand, yet within hours we had our own inside jokes. Seriously, do not let the idea of traveling alone keep you from experiencing these phenomenal tours. Also, there was never a time that I didn't feel safe. Jordan is a beautiful country with the most hospitable people. We were constantly greeted with warm smiles and coffee or tea! Our lovely local EC local guide welcomed each of us and passionately shared her extensive knowledge of her country and culture. My EC trip to Jordan was a dream adventure come true. My only problem now is deciding which EC trip to take next!

Now I've....had...the time of my liiiiife....and I owe it all to Explorer Chick! Me and three friends went on the Zion/Bryce trip and it was absolutely amazing! Our guides, Christina and Ashley, made the trip so amazing and had little fun surprises set up for every day. I would take this trip time and time again, but I'm hoping after I take more EC trips!