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Experience life on the trail​

It’s not just an adventure– It’s life without fear.

How many times have you gazed off into distant mountains, flipped through an outdoor magazine, or looked at a friend’s backpacking photos with envy, wishing you were out there too?

How many times have you told yourself that it wasn’t for you? That you’re “not that kind of person?”

That mindset ends today.

Welcome to Backpacking Beyond!

My name is Monica, and what I do is build your confidence, empower you, and create joy-filled experiences on the trail that carry over into the rest of your life.
 
Once you see what you are truly capable of, you’ll know there’s nothing that you can’t take on!
 
Sure, I’ll teach you what you need to know about backpacking in gorgeous, remote locations… but you can learn that from anyone.

What I do best is to help you take on fear and overcome self-doubt. I may not know you yet, but I already know you can do this. How do I know? Because we’re going to do it together, one step at a time. With the right support, you can achieve what has always been inside you.

If we don’t take that first step, we never know how far we’ll go.

Together we can turn dreams into goals and goals into accomplishments.

Let's get started

UPCOMING TRIPS

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Fall Colors on the Superior Hiking Trail

September 29 - October 2

$395

The Superior Hiking Trail is a 306 mile trial which runs from the border of Wisconsin through Minnesota’s North Shore and ends at the border of Minnesota and Canada. In this section we will be able to enjoy the changing leaves while hiking the rugged and challenging Horseshoe Ridge. The views of the ridge and Lake Superior make you forget the tough terrain . We will pass threw beautiful forests and relax on Sonju Lake.

Trip Details

Trip Type: 4 Day Guided Backpacking Trip

Trail Section: Lake Count Road 7 to Temperance State Park

Highlights:

  • Fall Colors
  • Sweeping views of Lake Superior
  • Caribou Falls
  • Horseshoe Ridge

When: Sept 29 – Oct 2

Trip difficulty: ★★

Mileage: 38 miles

Group Size: 6 to 9 guests

Cost: $395

*Returning clients receive a 10% discount

Trip Itinerary

Day 1

Meet at County Lake 7 (Finland) trailhead at 9am Shuttle to Temperance Trailhead – 40 minutes

Section: Temperance Trailhead to Fredenberg Hiking Distance: 7 miles

Highlights: Temperance River Falls, Cross River, and end in a maple forest where we camp near Fredenberg Creek

Day 2

Section: Fredenberg to East Caribou Hiking Distance: 12 miles (includes 2 hiking miles)

Highlights: Sugarloaf Pond, Crystal Creek Bridge, and be ready to have dinner by Caribou River where we will camp. A must-see side trip to Caribou Falls after dinner

Day 3

Section: East Caribou to Sonju Lake  Hiking Distance: 13 miles

Highlights: Rugged Horseshoe Ridge (my favorite), the views will be spot on. We end at Sonju lake near Lilly’s Island. Lilly’s Island is a sweet spot for solitude

Day 4

Section: Sonju Lake to Lake County Road 7  Hiking Distance: 7 miles

Highlights:Egge Lake, boardwalks, and moose country. Let’s spot a moose to end our trip

 

What’s Included

  • Backpacking Shakedown/Training overnight at Afton SP
  • A professional, knowledgeable, backcountry hiking guide
  • Backpacking Beyond guidebook which includes info and videos on backpacking gear, food and training
  • Certified Wilderness First Responder on every trip
  • Shuttle Fee
  • National Forest use fees and permits
  • Water Filtration System
  • Emergency equipment including a medical kit and satellite phone

What’s Not Included –

  • Backpacking Equipment
  • Minnesota state park parking pass
  • Meals
  • Guide gratuity – Tipping is optional but customary. (Industry recommends 10-20% of trip cost)

 

Join the trip!

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Please note: We will do everything in our powers to follow the set itinerary, however it can change occasionally based on trail restrictions, weather, guest ability or injury, natural events like fires, flooding, and other potential causes.

Details

Start:
September 29
End:
October 2
Cost:
$395
Website:
app.moonclerk.com

Location

Superior Hiking Trail
MN United States

Other

Trip Highlights:
Fall Colors, Views of Lake Superior, Caribou Falls, Horseshoe Ridge
Trip Difficulty:
★ ★
Group Size:
6 - 9 guests

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September 29 @ 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

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Details

Date:
September 29
Time:
8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Location

Grand Canyon National Park
North Rim, AZ 86052 United States

Other

Trip Highlights:
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Trip Difficulty:
★ ★

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Grand Canyon – Rim to Rim

September 16 - September 19

$949

This is one of the 7 wonders of the word people. Let’s celebrate it.

The Grand Canyon is a 277 mile gorge. Wow! We start our trip at the North Kaibab Rim Trailhead. I don’t need to tell you that hiking into the canyon will be a lifelong memory. The sweeping views, colors and all of the history will make this trip epic.

Trip Details

Trip Type: 4 Day Guided Backpacking Trip

Trail Section: North Kaibab Rim to Bright Angel Rim

Highlights:

  • Supai Tunnel
  • Ribbon Falls
  • Indian Garden
  • Plateau Point

When: September 16th – 19th

Trip difficulty: ★

Mileage: 30 – 35 miles total trip miles

Group Size: 9 guests with 2 guides

Cost: $949

Cost does not include airfare or shuttle to and from the park.

*Returning clients receive a 10% discount

Trip Itinerary

September 16th

We meet at the Maswik Lodge in the Grand Canyon Village. As a group, we will go through our backpacks for a final check. And have some free time to check out the village and see the rim.

September 17th

We take the 8am shuttle from the lodge to the North Rim (4.5 hour ride)

Section: North Rim to Cottonwood Campsite Hiking Distance: 7 miles

Highlights: Supai Tunnel Redwall Bridge, Roaring Springs and Manzanita Area

September 18th

Section: Cottonwood to Indian Gardens Campsite Hiking Distance: 13 miles (7ish miles of flat, 3 miles down and 3 miles up)

Highlights: Ribbon Falls, Phantom Ranch, The Box, The Colorado River, Indian Garden and Dinner(Sunset) at Plateau Point

September 19th

Section: Indian Gardens to the Bright Angel Trailhead Hiking Distance: 5 miles

Highlights: Side trip in the am to Plateau Point for sunrise, Lower and Upper Tunnels while heading out of the canyon. Celebrate the major accomplishment

What’s Included

  • One night stay in a shared room at the Maswik Lodge in the Grand Canyon Village.
  • In park Shuttle from Maswik Lodge to the North Kaibab Rim (4.5 hours)
  • A professional, knowledgeable, backcountry guide whom is a Certified Wilderness First Responder
  • An Assistant guide certified in Wilderness First-Aid
  • Training Hike at the end of August. Date TBD
  • National Forest use fees and permits
  • Emergency equipment including a medical kit and satellite phone

What’s Not Included –

  • Airfare to the Grand Canyon
  • Travel to and from the Maswik Lodge
  • Backpacking Equipment
  • Meals
  • Guide gratuity – Tipping is optional but customary. (Industry recommends 10-20% of trip cost)

 

Join the trip!

Return to trips page

 

Please note: We will do everything in our powers to follow the set itinerary, however it can change occasionally based on trail restrictions, weather, guest ability or injury, natural events like fires, flooding, and other potential causes.

Details

Start:
September 16
End:
September 19
Cost:
$949
Website:
app.moonclerk.com

Location

Grand Canyon National Park
North Rim, AZ 86052 United States

Other

Trip Highlights:
Well, it’s the GRAND CANYON, Plateau Point, Ribbon Falls, Supai Tunnel
Trip Difficulty:
★
Group Size:
6 to 10 guests
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"

Before we headed out on the trail with Backpacking Beyond, I believed I was a strong, independent woman. After we returned, I was a strong, independent woman who believed I could conquer the world! Monica from Backpacking Beyond gave me the confidence I needed to take my adventures to a whole new level. She was organized and confident but most importantly passionate about what she is doing with her life and these trips. I will forever be grateful to her for the learnings and the adventure!

– Tammy T

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why join our guided backpacking trips?

Likeminded groups

Where else can you spend quality time with like-minded people? Share your experiences in the back county, life stories, and interests with others.

WORLD CLASS ADVENTURES

Travel to incredible, remote locations. Our itineraries are challenging and may push you farther (in the best way!) than you would push yourself on your own.

Learn to backpack

Develop core backpacking skills including gear recommendations, meal planning, map reading, following trail signs, and more!

Save money

No more trial and error. We can help you avoid unwanted gear purchases and streamline your shopping. 

Save time

Let us take care of all the logistics for your backcountry adventure including permits and travel considerations.

Trained leaders

Our guides are dedicated professionals with Wilderness First Responder certifications and extensive training.

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