Adventure Collective
Women in the Woods: Empowering Montana Backpacking Retreat - Missoula

Women in the Woods: Empowering Montana Backpacking Retreat

Condonmoderate

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

3 days

Fitness Level

Participants should be in good general health and comfortable with daily hikes of 5-8 miles carrying a backpack.

Overview

Experience a transformative three-day women-only backpacking adventure in Montana’s wild heart. Immerse yourself in nature, connection, and self-discovery with Great Northern Wilderness Guides.

Whitefish, Montana

Women in the Woods

Backpacking 101 Trip for Ladies 18+ • All gear and food included • 8 Ladies max

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About This Adventure

Embark on a transformative three-day all-women backpacking adventure in Montana's stunning wilderness. Perfect for all skill levels, this retreat offers guided hikes, meditation, and journaling amidst breathtaking alpine lakes. Enjoy camaraderie around campfires, delicious meals, and the chance to connect with nature and fellow adventurers in a supportive environment.

Duration

3 days / 2 nights

About

Join us for a powerful adventure into the woods and up to pristine alpine lakes. This trip is for ladies who are new to backpacking, who have intermediate experience, and for those with experience but want to enjoy the backcountry in a supportive group of women. Retreat to Montana’s mountains on this all-women backpacking trip! Over the course of three days, you’ll be immersed in the alpine wilderness around Doris Lake and Doris Peak. If you’re feeling up to it, your guides will offer stretching, meditation, and journaling time every day. Spend your days swimming in lakes and your nights warming up next to a campfire. As you’ll have all meals included and plenty of optional activities to try out, you can relax and look at this trip as a quick getaway from your everyday life!

New to backpacking and want to learn how it's done? Have a few backpacking trips under your belt and want to refine your skills? Join us and up to 9 other women for a restorative adventure into the mountains.

Itinerary

Day 1: Reach the camp and summit Doris Peak:

Hiking: 5 miles/ 8 km (2 miles to campsite, 3 miles to the peak and back) Elevation: 1,660 ft gain

Start walking through conifer woodlands of Montana’s mountains. Go through backpacking basics, from gear to setup to map reading. Once you reach your campsite for the night near the Doris Peak, set up camp and spend the rest of the afternoon however you’d like. Relax at your camp and get to know your hiking friends or go for an optional hike to the peak without your backpack (about 3 extra miles with 1000 ft of elevation gain). Your guides also offer optional guided stretching, journaling, and meditation. After a delicious dinner and a warming fire, you’ll get cozy for the night in your tents with your new tent buddy.

Day 2: Hike to Jenny Lake

Watch the sun go up with your morning cup of coffee. To kick off your morning, do some guided stretching, after which you’ll have breakfast. Go over how to break down a camp, repack your backpacks, and set off to your new campsite. Once you arrive at your next stop, there’s an option to hike to Jenny Lake (8 miles round trip). Another option is to enjoy your time at the campsite or head on another shorter guided hike—your group can split into two and pick your goals for the day. Once you all regroup at the camp, stretch, journal, and meditate. Hiking: 3-8 miles/ 5-13 km Elevation: up to 2,270 ft/ 690 m, max elevation 7,222 ft/ 2200 m

Day 3: Back to civilization

Rise and shine with more coffee and stretches. Take in your last morning swims and pack up at a leisurely pace to head out. Once back at the cars, you’ll have much deserved cool drinks and say your goodbyes.

We hope to take you on an adventure!

Throughout the entire trip, we will be practicing and teaching leave no Trace Ethics to ensure preservation of our land.

Hiking: 2 miles/ 3.2 km

Adventure Tips

Pack layers for fluctuating mountain weather

Montana’s alpine climate can change rapidly; bring moisture-wicking and insulating layers to stay comfortable.

Practice Leave No Trace principles

Respect the fragile ecosystem by packing out all trash and minimizing campfire impact.

Carry a personal water filter

Freshwater sources are abundant but always filter water to stay safe and hydrated.

Bring a journal and pen

This retreat encourages reflection; journaling helps capture your personal growth and the peaceful environment.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Mountain goats
  • Merriam's turkeys

History

The region around Condon reflects rich Native American heritage from the Blackfeet and Salish tribes, whose traditions continue to inspire the landscape.

Conservation

Great Northern Wilderness Guides emphasize low-impact travel and support local conservation efforts to preserve Montana’s fragile alpine ecosystems.

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Adventure Hotspots in Missoula

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Backpacking pack (30-50L)

Essential

To comfortably carry your gear and supplies for multiple overnight stays.

Lightweight sleeping bag

Essential

Provides warmth without extra bulk for alpine conditions.

spring|summer|fall specific

Water filtration system

Essential

Ensures access to safe drinking water from natural sources.

Insulating mid-layer jacket

Essential

Keeps you warm during cooler mornings and evenings on the trail.

spring|fall|summer|null specific