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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Winter Showshoe Trip – Grand Marias

February 24, 2024 - February 26, 2024

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
  • Stay at the famous Hungry Hippie Hostel in Grand Marais, MN

When: Friday, Feb 23rd – 25th, 2024

Trip difficulty: ★

Mileage: 8 – 10 Snowshoe miles 

Group Size: 10 to 15 Guests with 3 Guides

Room Options & Pricing: TBD

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:
February 24, 2024
End:
February 26, 2024
Website:
https://app.moonclerk.com/pay/575dv94mx2da

Location

Superior National Forest
Grand Marais, MN

Other

Group Size:
10 - 15
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Utah Slots – Paria Canyon

April 24, 2024 - April 28, 2024

Explore Utah’s slot canyons through Paria Canyon & Buckskin Gulch. It’s similar to the famous “Narrows” of Zion BUT it’s more secluded. So LESS people.

Trip Details

Trip Type: 5 Day Guided Backpacking Trip

Trail Section: Paria Canyon/Buckskin Gulch 

When: April 24 – 28, 2024 (Permit Pending)

Trip difficulty: ★★★★★

Mileage: 40 miles(includes side trips)

Group Size: 8 Guests – 2 Guides

Cost: TBD

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:
April 24, 2024
End:
April 28, 2024

Other

Trip Difficulty:
★★★☆☆
Group Size:
8 Guests - 2 Guides
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Pictured Rocks – North Country Trail

August 9, 2024 - August 12, 2024

Trip Details

Trip Type: 4 Day Guided Backpacking Trip

Trail Section: North Country Trail –  Pictured Rocks – Hurricane River to Miners Castle

Highlights:

  • Hiking Lake Superior Cliffs
  • Grand Portal Point
  • Twelve Mile Beach
  • Chapel Rock
  • Spray Falls

When: August, 2024 (Permit Pending)

Trip difficulty: ★★★★★

Mileage: 30 – 35 total trip miles

Group Size: TBD

Cost: TBD

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:
August 9, 2024
End:
August 12, 2024

Location

Pictured Rocks National Park
MI 86052 United States

Other

Trip Difficulty:
★★★☆☆

"

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.

    ready to go?