A trip that is rated M+ is suitable for someone who, 3 to 4 times a week, works out vigorously enough to raise their heart rate to the aerobic range (70-80% of maximum) for 30 minutes. If you don't have a heart rate monitor, this is the equivalent of still being able to talk in short sentences. Walking alone will not be sufficient unless it includes lots of hills and a fast pace. If you're unsure, give us a call and tell us what you do for exercise.

The following are all rated M+. If a trip has both an M and M+ rating, it means either there are two different options each day or there is sufficient flexibility to accomodate women of different fitness levels.

April 9 - 15: Havasu Hike

Havasu Canyon, often described as a desert paradise, is blessed by abundant water and spectacular waterfalls. Being able to send most personal gear to the canyon floor by mule makes this the perfect trip for women who want to combine swimming and relaxing with canyon exploration and exciting day hikes in a stunning desert environment. Maximum group size is 12. $1195 (deduct $50 if you register by 12/9) M+

April 30 - May 6: Backpacking the Appalachian Trail, Section by Section

May 21 - 25: Shenandoah Springtime

This year we’re combining some of the best hiking on the East Coast with the opportunity to learn or improve your outdoor photography skills. You are free to focus solely on hiking or learn from one of our guides who is a professional photographer and can help you improve your skills. Shenandoah National Park in the springtime is perfect for both! And we’ll give our legs a day off in the middle as we go canoeing on the Shenandoah River. $950 (deduct $50 if you register by 1/21) Maximum group size is 10. M, M+

June 5 – 11: Backpacking the Appalachian Trail: An Introduction to Backpacking

On this trip we backpack along one of the Appalachian Trail’s most spectacular sections, from Fox Creek to Wise Mountain, at the height of the rhododendron and azaleas. This is a perfect trip for beginners: our moderate mileage leaves time for you to learn everything you need to know to pursue backpacking on your own. $895 (deduct $50 if you register by 2/5) M+

June 19 – 26: Sea Kayaking Alaskan Fjords

Deep blue waters, steep mountain walls, eagles soaring overhead, sea otters playing in the distance, huge valleys carved by glaciers- Kenai Fjords National Park must be one of the most beautiful places on earth and sea kayaking the perfect way to visit it. We glide past rocks and beaches, gaze at puffins, porpoises, and sea lions, and visit both tidal and piedmont glaciers. At night, we relax to the sound of gentle waves lapping the shoreline. Deduct $100 if combined with the Hiking trip. $2050 (deduct $100 if you register by 12/19)M+

June 24 - July 2: On the Road to St James (El Camino de Santiago)

Although best known as a Christian pilgrimage route that dates from the 12th century, the Road to Santiago has other traditions, too. Many experts say that pre-Christian people traveled into the setting sun to the “end of the earth”: Some people link this pilgrimage with Celtic traditions, some with the lost city of Atlantis, some with pre-Christian Goddess traditions. Pilgrimage lore says that while a pilgrimage of any sort is by nature an intensely personal experience, the best way to complete this kind of journey is in a small group of like-minded people. Come discover what the Road has to offer you. $2495 (deduct $100 if you register by 12/24) M+

July 23 - 28: Hut to Hut on the Applachian Trail

This section of the Appalachian Trail offers the highest peaks in the White Mountains, windswept ridges, and dramatic views. It also has something more commonly found in the Alps: comfortable huts with a warm bed and a hot meal at the end of the day! This represents a great solution for women who want to hike on the Appalachian Trail but prefer not to carry a backpack. $995 (deduct $50 if you register by 3/23). Maximum group size is 10 M+

August 12 - 20: Canadian Rockies Hiking Holiday

The Canadian Rockies offer some of the most varied and scenic hiking anywhere in the world. Gray limestone peaks tower above alpine meadows that are carpeted in bright wildflowers, adding color to an already stunning landscape. Rocky Mountain sheep, deer, elk, moose, beaver, pine marten, eagles, and hummingbirds all make their home here. Hiking opportunities are practically unlimited so we’ve chosen the best of the best for our active exploration of this fabled land. $1550 (deduct $100 if you register by 2/12) M+

August 14 - 20: Hiking Hut to Hut in British Columbia

Do you want to combine hiking in remote wilderness with a comfortable bed at the end of the day? Wells Gray Park, one of the best kept secrets in Canada, has 1.4 million acres of beautiful peaks, unspoiled lakes, and lush meadows with an infinite variety of mountain wildflowers. Tucked away in this magnificent park are 2 cozy huts that we have to ourselves, so well-stocked that we need only carry light packs on our hikes into them. Maximum group size is 10. $1295 (deduct $100 if you register by 2/14) M+

August 27 - 31: White Mountain High

The Rockies have nothing over the Whites! With 48 mountains over 4, 000 feet, New Hampshire’s White Mountains offer challenging hiking and spectacular views. We'll hike through hardwood and boreal forest, along windswept ridges, and past waterfalls. Every day we’ll offer a choice of two hikes of differing lengths and levels of challenge, and every evening we’ll enjoy great cooking and excellent company. Maximum group size is 12 $825 (deduct $50 if you register by 4/28) M, M+

September 2 - 14: Trekking in Incan Footsteps

Machu Picchu has long fascinated western travelers. One of the most magical and mysterious places on Earth, its very popularity has lead to a huge influx of tourists. Unfolding Machu Picchu’s mysteries in a new way, on this trip we take you off the beaten path, along little known, seldom traveled routes that once were the main arteries of the highland Inca homeland. By utilizing sturdy mountain horses, we can climb over high passes on steep trails that take us beyond the capabilities of most groups. Horseback or hiking- it’s up to you. $2695 (deduct $100 if you register by 3/2) M+

September 17 - 21: Lodge-to-Lodge on the Superior Hiking Trail ( for women over 50)

On this hiking trip at the height of the fall colors, we sample different North Shore accommodations as we explore various sections of the Superior Hiking Trail. Each day we offer two hikes of differing lengths and levels of challenge. This is a perfect vacation for women who want to combine being physically active outdoors at this invigorating time of year with the comforts of hospitable lodging. Maximum group size is 10. $1050 (deduct $50 if you register by 5/17) M, M+

September 24 - 28: Lodge-to-Lodge on the Superior Hiking Trail ( for women of all ages)

On this hiking trip at the height of the fall colors, we sample different North Shore accommodations as we explore various sections of the Superior Hiking Trail. Each day we offer two hikes of differing lengths and levels of challenge. This is a perfect vacation for women who want to combine being physically active outdoors at this invigorating time of year with the comforts of hospitable lodging. Maximum group size is 10. $1050 (deduct $50 if you register by 5/17) M, M+