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.

UPCOMING TRIPS

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Superior Hiking Trail – Fall Foliage

September 21 - September 24

Trip Details

Trip Type: 4 Day Guided Backpacking Trip

Trail Section: Grand Marias to Judge Magney State Park

Highlights:

  • Devils Track Gorge
  • Pincushion Overlook
  • Lake Superior – Lake Walk
  • Sawtooth Range

When: September 21st – 24th 

Trip difficulty: ★★★★★

Mileage: 25 to 35  total trip miles

Group Size: 4 to 6 Guests

Cost: $495

Trip Itinerary

Day 1 

Section: Judge Magney State Park – West End of Lake Walk

9AM – Meet at the Pincushion Trailhead in Grand Marias

Shuttle picks us up at 10am and drops us off at the starting trailhead

Hiking Distance:

8.8 Miles which includes 2 miles of side trips

Highlights:

  • Judge Magney State Park
  • Devil Kettle Falls
  • Pebble Beaches of Lake Superior

Day 2

Section: West End of Lake Walk – Cliff Creek Campsite

Hiking Distance:

8.8 Miles which includes 2 miles of spur trails

Highlights:

  • Sunrise on Lake Superior
  • Gorges of Kadunce River
  • Huge views of Lake Superior and the fall colors

Section: Cliff Creek Campsite – West Devils Track Campsite

Hiking Distance:

6.5 Miles

Highlights:

  • Views of Devils Track Gorge
  • Barrier Falls
  • Spectacular Sweeping Views of the Fall Colors

Day 4 

Section: West Devils Track Campsite to Pincushion Mountain Trailhead

Hiking Distance:

4 Miles includes 1.5 miles of spur trails

Highlights:

  • Summit Pincushion Mountain
  • “The BEST” views of Grand Marais, Sawtooth Mountains
  • Devils Track River Valley
  • Celebrate your success!!!

What’s Included

  • Shuttle from Pincushion Trailhead to Judge Magney State Park
  • Two professional, knowledgeable, backcountry guides who are Certified Wilderness First Responders or Wilderness First Aid
  • National Forest use fees and permits
  • 2 ZOOM prep calls supported & run by your guides to help you prepare
  • Emergency equipment including a medical kit and satellite device

What’s Not Included –

    • Travel to the Pincushion Trailhead
    • Backpacking Equipment
    • Meals
    • Guide gratuity – Tipping is optional but customary. (Industry recommends 10-20% of trip cost)

Join The Waitlist!

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Terms and Conditions-

“Trips are subject to itinerary changes based on a variety of circumstances beyond our control, including, but not limited to permit or campsite availability, snowpack, river crossings, wildlife, park or land closures, and forest fires. The price of a hiking trip will never change due to itinerary changes. Payments are not refundable for itinerary changes or park or land closures. If a trip is cancelled due to circumstances beyond our control and no alternate itinerary is available a trip credit will be issued equal to the full amount paid minus any nonrefundable expenses incurred by the Company.”

Details

Start:
September 21
End:
September 24

Location

Grand Marias, MN

Organizer

Backpacking Beyond
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San Juan Hut to Hut Traverse

June 26 - June 30

        Hike through majestic snow peaked mountains surrounded by wildflowers, waterfalls, and alpine lakes. Leave your tent at home & snuggle up by the wood burning stove in the heated huts as we traverse 5 days of gorgeous hiking through what’s known as the “Switzerland of America.”

Trip Details

Trip Type: 5-day/4-night Guided Backpacking Trip

Trail Section: San Juan Hut Systems, Ouray Colorado

Highlights:

  • Hike the “Switzerland of America” and see what’s known as Colorado’s BEST view
  • Beautiful blue alpine lakes, rushing rivers, and breathtaking waterfalls
  • 4 primitive huts with ALL of the primitive comforts
  • Day packs ONLY- No need to carry a 30lb pack on this trip

When: June 26th, 2023

Trip difficulty: ★★★★★

Mileage: 32 trail miles with 8 miles of optional side trips

Group Size: 6 guests per hut

Cost: $1900 (payment plans available)

Trip Itinerary

Day 1

Meet at East Dallas Trailhead in Ouray. Shuttle will arrive at 7:30am to deliver us to the starting trailhead.

Section: 

Hike from Last Dollar Pass

Starting Elevation: 10,610ft. Ending Elevation: 9,960ft. Elevation Gain 1,550ft. Elevation Loss 2,270ft.

Hiking Distance: 

8.3 miles 

Highlights: 

  • You can see out to the La Sal Mountains in Utah! 
  • Sleep at the North Pole Hut nestled below jagged peaks
  • You will enjoy spectacular views as you traverse close to the tree line
  • Stunning views and remote alpine scenery

Day 2

Section: 

North Pole Hut to Blue Lakes Hut

Starting Elevation: 9,960ft. Ending Elevation: 9,430ft. Elevation Gain: 1,160ft. Elevation Loss 1,700ft.

Hiking Distance: 

7.5 Miles

Highlights: 

  • Chill day traversing through meadows and aspen groves
  • Wildflowers are plentiful this section
  • Views of the Cimarron Mountains

Day 3

Section: 

Blue Lakes Hut to Ridgway Hut

Starting Elevation: 9,430ft. Ending Elevation: 10,250ft. Elevation Gain: 1,640ft. Elevation Loss: 1,090ft

Hiking Distance: 

5 Miles 

OPTIONAL side trip to Lower Blue Lakes

7 miles round trip

Starting Elevation: 9,430 Ending Elevation: 11,030ft

Highlights: 

  • One of the best views in all of Colorado
  • Views of Mount Sneffels all day long
  • Side trip to stunning Alpine lakes
  • Wildlife sightings

Day 4

Section: 

Ridgway Hut to Burn Hut

Starting Elevation: 10,250ft, Ending Elevation: 9,920ft, Elevation Gain: 730ft, Elevation Loss 1,070ft.

Hiking Distance: 5 miles

Highlights:

  • Cimmaron and the Sneffels ranges as well as the La Sals out in Utah.
  • Free time at the  Burn hut to chill
  • Cross ‘Last Drink Draw’ 

Day 5: 

Section: 

Burn Hut to Eastern Terminus of the Dallas Trail

Starting Elevation: 9,920ft, Ending Elevation 7,600ft: Elevation Gain: 340ft. Elevation Loss: 2,660ft.

Start the day off hiking through steep meadows while taking in spectacular views of the Cimarrons. 

Hiking Distance: 4.6 miles

Highlights:

  • Spectacular views of the Cimarron Mountains
  • More views of the “Switzerland of America”
  • Red sandstone cliffs.
  • Moonshine Park

What’s Included

  • 4 nights in primitive huts including sleeping bags, sleeping mats and general cooking gear
  • Shuttle from Ouray to the trailhead
  • 2 food drops, one drop on day two and one on day four
  • Two professional, knowledgeable, backcountry guides who are Certified Wilderness First Responders or Wilderness first Aid Certified 
  • 2 ZOOM sessio
  • Sneffels Wilderness land use fees and permits
  • Emergency equipment including trauma kits, satellite communication devices and mountain walkie talkies

 

What’s Not Included –

  • Travel to Ouray, CO
  • Hotel Stay in Ouray the night prior to shuttle
  • Backpacking Equipment
  • Meals
  • Guide gratuity – Tipping is optional but customary. (Industry recommends 10-20% of trip cost)

 

Join the trip!

Return to trips page

Terms and Conditions-

“Trips are subject to itinerary changes based on a variety of circumstances beyond our control, including, but not limited to permit or campsite availability, snowpack, river crossings, wildlife, park or land closures, and forest fires. The price of a hiking trip will never change due to itinerary changes. Payments are not refundable for itinerary changes or park or land closures. If a trip is cancelled due to circumstances beyond our control and no alternate itinerary is available a trip credit will be issued equal to the full amount paid minus any nonrefundable expenses incurred by the Company.”

Details

Start:
June 26
End:
June 30

Location

Ouray, Colorado
ouray, colorado

Other

Trip Highlights:
Hike through majestic snow peaked mountains surrounded by wildflowers, waterfalls, and alpine lakes.
Trip Difficulty:
★★★☆☆
Group Size:
6 to 10 guests
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Grand Canyon – Rim to Rim (May 2023)

May 27 - May 31

This is one of the 7 wonders of the world! Let’s celebrate it!

The Grand Canyon is an amazing 277 mile gorge & we start our trip at the North Kaibab Rim Trailhead and make our way out the Bright Angel Trailhead. 

Trip Details

Trip Type: 5 Day Guided Backpacking Trip

Trail Section: North Kaibab Rim to Bright Angel Rim

Highlights:

  • Supai Tunnel and the history
  • Climb to the top of magnificent Ribbon Falls
  • Cross the Great Colorado River
  • Plateau Point – The BEST view ever!
  • Bright Angel Trail to the top

When: May 27th –  May 31th 

Trip difficulty: ★★★★★

Mileage: 30 – 35 miles total trip miles

Group Size: 9 guests (Co-ed)

Cost: $1500

Trip Itinerary

Day 1

Meet at the Maswik Lodge in the Grand Canyon Village and d ig through backpacks for a final check. Then enjoy some free time to check out the village and the South Rim for sunset.

Day 2

Catch the 8am shuttle to the North Rim Trailhead (4.5 hour ride). This shuttle experience is one of a kind and we will learn tons of cool facts about the canyon and how it was formed. We make a stop at the Historic Navajo Bridge in Marble Canyon for a chance to spot the California Condor. They love hanging under the bridge. 

Section: North Rim Trailhead to Cottonwood Campground

Hiking Distance: 7 miles

Highlights: Catch the 8am shuttle to the North Rim Trailhead (4.5 hour ride). Learning tons of cool facts about the canyon and how it came to be. We make a stop at the Historic Navajo Bridge in Marble Canyon. Great spot to check out the California Condor. They love hanging under the bridge. 

We finally hit the trail! The Supai Tunnel is the gateway to the North side of the canyon and the Redwall Bridge will take your breath away. Nearing the end of the day we pass by Roaring Falls and Manzanita rest stop.

Day 3

Section: Cottonwood Campground to Bright Angel Campground 

Hiking Distance: 8 miles which includes a 1 mile side trip

Highlights: We start off the day hiking to Ribbon Falls. It’s a perfect spot for a dip or climb behind the falls for a perfect picture. Then we move onto “the Box” where we cross 4 badass bridges. We finish and roll into Phantom Ranch where we can buy a snack and a postcard. Don’t forget to buy your sticker that says “I visited Phantom Ranch” so you can brag to all your friends! Phantom Ranch is the last place in the USA that has mail delivered by mule so be sure to send the family a postcard and have a lemonade. 

Day 4

Section: Bright Angel Campground to Havasupai Campground  

Hiking Distance: 8 miles  which includes a 3 mile side trip

Highlights: Today we get up close and personal with the mighty Colorado river and a stunning bridge starts us off with an easy stroll into camp with our first views of Bright Angel. Set up camp & enjoy the evening at MOST beautiful spot on the trail, Plateau Point, while watching the sunset over the canyon.

Day 5

Section: Havasupai Campground to the Bright Angel Trailhead 

Hiking Distance: 5 miles

Highlights: Heading up the Bright Angel trail we hit a series of switchbacks known as the Devil’s Corkscrew slicing its way through the OLDEST rock in the Grand Canyon.  Great photo spots at the Iconic Lower and Upper Tunnels and hike the rest of the way out!

Celebrate your life changing accomplishment.

What’s Included

  • One night stay on the South Rim in a shared room at the Maswik Lodge in the Grand Canyon Village.
  • Shuttle from Maswik Lodge to the North Kaibab Rim (4.5 hours)
  • Two professional, knowledgeable, backcountry guides who are Certified Wilderness First Responders
  • National Forest use fees and permits
  • 2 ZOOM prep calls supported & run by your guides to help you prepare
  • Emergency equipment including a medical kit and satellite device

What’s Not Included –

  • Travel 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

 

Terms and Conditions-

“Trips are subject to itinerary changes based on a variety of circumstances beyond our control, including, but not limited to permit or campsite availability, snowpack, river crossings, wildlife, park or land closures, and forest fires. The price of a hiking trip will never change due to itinerary changes. Payments are not refundable for itinerary changes or park or land closures. If a trip is cancelled due to circumstances beyond our control and no alternate itinerary is available a trip credit will be issued equal to the full amount paid minus any nonrefundable expenses incurred by the Company.”

Details

Start:
May 27
End:
May 31

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, Colorado River
Trip Difficulty:
★★★☆☆
Group Size:
6 to 9 Guests

"

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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