moderate
4–7 days
Participants should have a moderate fitness level capable of daily hikes averaging 5-8 miles with elevation changes.
Empower yourself on a Young Women's Alaskan Outdoor Leadership Wilderness Trip near Anchorage. Explore rugged trails, savor local flavors, and strengthen your leadership skills in the heart of Alaska.
Minimum enrollment: 8 participants Maximum enrollment: 10 participants Ratio of guides to youth: 1:5 Ages: 14-17 Cost per trip per participant: $650 4 days, 3 nights
Dates Offered: May 27-30 (Saturday - Tuesday) July 1-4 (Saturday - Tuesday) August 11-14 (Friday - Monday)
There is nothing quite like the sisterhood of wilderness women - our 4 day, 3 night “Girl’s Trip” offers young women a chance to make new friends and seek high adventure with other like-minded girls. This is an Outdoor Leadership Backpacking Trip for young women ages 14-17 and will be offered as a series of 3 distinct backpacking trips to different wilderness areas in Southcentral Alaska. In this course trip, we will cover wilderness emergency medical situations and develop the building blocks of our decision-making/risk assessment mindset. Our female guides will mentor/teach from their own wilderness experiences to help our young women explorers develop their building blocks of outdoor skills for a lifetime of leading in the outdoor setting.
Essential Wilderness/Outdoor Leadership Skills this Trip Covers: → risk assessments and developing a decision-making matrix for the wilderness setting, including climbing and general backpacking skills; →wilderness emergency first aid skills and foundations; →leave no trace best practices and respectful waterways use/ backpacking/trail use etiquette; →equipment gear and management; →The “-ologies”: stream ecology, geology, glaciology, marine biology, and alpine ecosystems of the places we explore; → trip planning, food planning, teamwork, and outdoor leadership; →…Life lessons that cannot be quantified on paper - We are mentors, cheerleaders, and guides!
Tentative Schedule: 4 days, 3 nights backpacking/climbing/camping and reviewing Wilderness Skills.
More details will be sent out, including packing lists and a zoom meeting, 2-3 weeks prior to our trip start date. Call or email hello@intothewoodsalaska.com if you have any questions!
Alaska’s weather can change rapidly; wear moisture-wicking base layers and waterproof outerwear to stay comfortable.
Carry a refillable water bottle and purify natural water sources to maintain energy and health during long hikes.
Keep noise on trails and carry bear spray as Anchorage wilderness is home to bears and other wildlife.
Help reduce waste by packing snacks in reusable containers during food tours and hikes.
Anchorage sits near historic native Dena’ina lands, offering rich cultural traditions that inspire respect for the environment.
The trip promotes Leave No Trace principles and partners with local conservation groups to protect Alaska’s wilderness areas.
Keeps feet dry and supported during wet and rugged trail conditions.
Allows flexibility to adjust to rapidly changing Alaskan weather.
Provides safety in bear-populated wilderness areas.
spring specific
Ensures access to clean water while reducing plastic waste.