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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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Winter Showshoe Trip

February 24 - February 26

Let’s bundle up, throw on a pair of snowshoes and hit the North Shore. Join us for 3 days of adventure through a winter wonderland that you won’t witness any other time of year! Our journey will bring us into slot canyons, up gorges, and to the base of stunning, frozen waterfalls. We promise that this trip will change the way you think about winter!

Trip Details

Trip Type:  3 Day Snowshoe Trip

Highlights:

  • Experience the North Shore by snowshoeing through frozen rivers, slot canyons, and gorges
  • Adventuring through an unseen landscape of snow and ice
  • Enjoy a warm, cozy campfire and snuggly bed at the Hungry Hippie Hostel after a day of snow and ice adventuring
  • Learn how to snowshoe so exploring doesn’t have to end in the summer

When: Friday, Feb 24th-Sunday Feb 26th

Trip difficulty: ★

Mileage: 8 – 10 Snowshoe miles 

Group Size: 10 to 15 Guests with 2 Guides

Room Options & Pricing: (payment plans available)
Non-refundable deposit $275
(The non-refundable deposit is included in the total price of each room)

Bunk Beds (located in a shared open space) $500

Private Queen Room $700

Private Queen Room shared with a friend $500 each
*Payment plans are available*

Trip Itinerary

Day 1 

Friday, Feb 24th

11am Meet at Tettegouche State Park Visitor Center to check all gear & have lunch before heading out

Intro to Snowshoeing and practice session around the Shovel Trail overlooking Lake Superior

Drive North & snowshoe Onion River Waterfall then drive into town for beers & grub & finish off the night around the campfire at the hostel

Day 2

Saturday, Feb 25th

Breakfast at Hostel

Snowshoe up the waterfalls of Kadunce River

Lunch Break (free time)

Snowshoe the Devil’s Track Gorge with optional side trip to “Devil’s Kettle” in Judge Magney State Park

Evening group dinner & campfire

Day 3

Sunday, Feb 26th

Snowshoe Cascade River State Park

12pm Wrap up our trip & get excited for next year!

What’s Included

  • 2 nights stay in the Hungry Hippie Hostel which includes warm beds & bedding, bathroom facilities, primitive kitchen with refrigerator, hot plate, microwave, and sink
  • 2 ZOOM calls about gear, food, and Q&A to prepare
  • 2 experienced guide’s support & instruction on snowshoeing and safety in winter sports

      What’s Not Included –

  • Flights & Transportation to all trails and parks
  • Food & Snacks
  • Gear & Clothing
  • Guide gratuity – Tipping is optional but customary. (Industry recommends 10-20% of trip cost)

Join the trip!

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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:
February 24
End:
February 26
Website:
https://app.moonclerk.com/pay/575dv94mx2da

Location

Grand Marias, MN

Organizers

Backpacking Beyond
Unladylike Adventures

Other

Group Size:
10 - 15
Learn more

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Grand Canyon – Rim to Rim

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

Organizers

Backpacking Beyond
Unladylike Adventures

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
Learn more

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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

Cost: TBD  (payment plans available)

 

Join the waitlist!

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

Organizers

Backpacking Beyond
Unladylike Adventures

Other

Trip Highlights:
Hike through majestic snow peaked mountains surrounded by wildflowers, waterfalls, and alpine lakes.
Trip Difficulty:
★★★☆☆
Group Size:
6 to 10 guests
Learn more
Explore all trips

"

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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