A trip that is rated M requires a moderate level of conditioning, such as walking for 30 minutes 4 times a week. Women who do not regularly exercise can also enjoy these trips and may find that they are more tired than usual at the end of the day
The following are all rated M. If a trip has both an M and M+ rating, or an M and R rating, it means either there are two different options each day or there is sufficient flexibility to accomodate women of different fitness levels.
December 30, 2005-January 5, 2006: Howling with Wolves, Running with Dogs
Start the New Year with an active and fun-filled week of immersion in the Minnesota Northwoods and two of its most fascinating inhabitants: timber wolves and sled dogs! We spend the first three days cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and learning all about timber wolves from the experts at the International Wolf Center- we even learn how to howl! Equally fascinating is their close cousin, the sled dog. With three full days of dogsledding, you learn how to harness the dogs and drive a dog sled and get to know their unique personalities. Maximum group size is 7. $1695 (deduct $50 if you register by 9/30) M
January 21 - 25: Winter Medley
Find out why winter is our favorite season! Whether you've always avoided winter or are already an experienced winter outdoorswoman, you'll enjoy 5 action-packed days of dog sledding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and hiking on frozen rivers. Our home on this trip is an award-winning resort on the shores of Lake Superior. Pamper yourself with a sauna, outdoor hot tub, or perhaps even a massage. Maximum group size is 12. $950-$1095 (deduct $50 if you register by 9/30)
February 4 - 12: Exploring Baja by Foot, Fin, and Kayak
Watch pelicans dive and dolphins swim, camp on secluded beaches, and snorkel in search of brightly colored fish. The pace is flexible on our sea kayak adventure, usually paddling 2 to 5 hours a day in our stable two-woman kayaks. There is always time for extra paddling for those who want more, and time for snorkeling, poking around, and relaxing in this remote wilderness. On our last day we'll travel to Bahia de Magdalena and take a skiff out to look at the whales that mate and calve there. $1395 (deduct $50 if you register by 9/30) Maximum group size is 12.
February 11 - 15: Dog Sledding in the Northland
Can anything surpass the exhilaration of driving a sled pulled by enthusiastic companions through quiet winter woods filled with beauty? With three full days of dog sledding, you will learn to drive the sled, harness the dogs and their energy, come to know their unique personalities, and share their joy in traveling through this beautiful wilderness. And after a day on the trail, your home is a comfortable and spacious Northwoods lodge. Do you worry that the dogs don't like it? You won't after your first run with them. Maximum group size is 7. $1095 (deduct $50 if you register by 10/11)
March 18 - 25: Women on the Rocks
Joshua Tree is a climber's paradise! Each year women with varied amounts of climbing experience (including none at all) join us for this week of immersion in the fun and challenging world of climbing. Novice climbers focus on basic climbing technique, while more experienced climbers also learn to build top rope anchors and place pro. Imagine climbing all day and then returning to the campground for a delicious meal, shared with women who feel like old friends. Who says Spring Break is for kids? Maximum group size is 14. $1195 (deduct $50 if you register by 11/18) M
April 17 - 23: Wildflowers and Waterfalls: Exploring the Great Smokies
April may be the cruelest month in some parts of the country, but it's shorts and T-shirts weather in the Great Smokies! The diversity of flora and fauna is truly exceptional and your naturalist guide knows where to find the best wildflowers and the most spectacular views. And by mixing our hiking with a day of whitewater rafting, we experience the full spectrum of the extraordinary variety of ecosystems that exist here. Maximum group size is 10. $1525 (deduct $50 if you register by 12/17) M
May 4 -7: Almost Heaven, West Virginia
West Virginia is a well- known secret to people who love the outdoors. You can do almost anything there, and on this trip, well pack in as much as four days allows. We'll spend a day biking along the Greenbrier Trail and then another canoeing down the Greenbrier River, and also find time to fit in a little hiking in. A trip here wouldn't be complete without dinner at the Elk River Inn. $625 (deduct $50 if you register by 1/4) M
May 14 - 21: Enchanted Spring: Exploring New Mexico
New Mexico has long been known for its fascinating history, its stunning natural beauty, its vibrant arts and culture, and its great cuisine. On this trip, we've picked a sample of the best that New Mexico has to offer for eight days of fun and adventure. We'll go hiking, whitewater rafting, explore Bandelier National Monument and Chaco Culture National Historic Park, browse the galleries and museums of Santa Fe, and soothe our muscles at the spa at Ten Thousand Waves. $1695 (deduct $50 if you register by 1/14) R, M
May 21 - 25: Shenandoah Springtime
This year were 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 well 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 10 18: Hiking Alaska's Mountains
With more wilderness, more mountain ranges, more glaciers, and more rivers than any state in the U.S., Alaska is a hiker's utopia with almost limitless possibilities. We'll see abundant wildflowers, marvel at the wildlife, and gaze at stunning vistas as we hike spectacular alpine trails in the Chugach and Talkeetna Mountains and visit Denali National Park, our premier wilderness park. Maximum group size is 10. $2150 (deduct $100 if you register by 12/10) M
July 13 - 20: Hoofin it in the Grand Tetons
Few mountain ranges are more dramatic than the Grand Tetons: soaring alpine peaks that rise 7,000 feet above the floor of Jackson Valley, clear lakes, numerous waterfalls and diverse flora and fauna. On this week long trip well spend the first half hiking and floating on the more populated east side Of Jackson Hole while staying in a lodge. Well then spend go on a three day pack trip exploring the west side by horseback, while camping in the backcountry. No hiking or riding experience needed, just a spirit of adventure! $1895 (deduct $50 if you register by 3/13) M
July 17 - 27: Floating the Yukon River
Anyone who grew up reading Jack London has felt the pull of far Northern places. Join us for a paddle down the mighty Yukon River as we explore the heart of the Klondike Gold Rush, camp on remote sandbars, and immerse ourselves in present day beauty and a fascinating past. The Yukon is a non-technical river, although the possibility of wind and waves requires previous paddling experience and an adventurous spirit. $2195 (deduct $100 if you register by 1/17) Maximum group size is 8 M
July 31 - August 5: Sea Kayaking in God's Pocket
Do you long to sea kayak in remote wilderness waters, gliding past forested islands and snowcapped peaks, looking for whales, seals, and porpoises? And then come back for a soak in a hot tub, delicious meals, and a cozy bed at night? Then join us for six days at Gods Pocket Resort, situated on an uninhabited island amidst a stunning island archipelago in Queen Charlotte Strait. This area is widely regarded as a sea kayaker's paradise- and no wonder! $1650 (deduct $100 if you register by 1/31) M
August 5 10: Paddling the Alton Lake Loop
Are you looking for a wilderness journey that combines beautiful scenery, the wonderful cadence of traveling by canoe, creative and delicious meals (that you don't have to cook!), time to both explore and relax, and the camaraderie of other interesting women? Our Cherokee Lake trip in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) contains all these elements and more. We extend a special invitation to women over 50.Maximum group size is 7 $825 (deduct $50 if you register by 4/5) M
August 7 - 11: Relative Fun in Harpers Ferry
Looking for an opportunity to share a good time with your daughter, granddaughter, niece or other young friend, away from the stress and busyness of everyday life? Weve planned this trip especially for women who want to bring a young woman (12 to 17 years) with them for 5 days of playing in the outdoors. Well go tubing, canoeing, hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Well cook all the meals and take care of the details, so you can focus on having fun with each other. $700 each (deduct $50 if you register by 4/11). Maximum group size is 7 M
August 27 - 31: White Mountain High
The Rockies have nothing over the Whites! With 48 mountains over 4, 000 feet, New Hampshires White Mountains offer challenging hiking and spectacular views. We'll hike through hardwood and boreal forest, along windswept ridges, and past waterfalls. Every day well offer a choice of two hikes of differing lengths and levels of challenge, and every evening well enjoy great cooking and excellent company. Maximum group size is 12 $825 (deduct $50 if you register by 4/27) M, M+
September 10- 16: Autumn Reflections
Fall is our favorite time to spend in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, the nation's pre-eminent wilderness canoeing area. The summer crowds and mosquitoes are gone, and the leaves are just starting to turn. With hundreds of pristine lakes and rivers, the choices for routes are endless and excellent. It's a reflective time of year, and on this journey we can take some space for ourselves, read, poke around, and attune our rhythms to this beautiful environment. Maximum group size is 7 $950 (deduct $50 if you register by 5/10) 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+
October 2 - 8: Navajo Land Trek
On this trek we explore not only the exquisite landscape of Canyon de Chelly, but also the rich human culture and history of the Canyon residents who have lived here for hundreds of years. Our understanding and appreciation of both the environment and the Navajo culture is greatly enhanced by our native guide, who loves to share her knowledge, traditions, and legends with respectful travelers. Our luggage is transported by jeep, leaving us unencumbered as we investigate Anasazi ruins, visit Spider Rock, and explore side canyons. $1250 (deduct $50 if you register by 6/2) M
October 12 -15: Harpers Ferry Holiday
At the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers, Harpers Ferry is an outdoorswomans delight. The C& O Towpath provides excellent bike riding; the Shenandoah is a perfect introduction to river paddling; and the world-renowned Appalachian Trail will delight both experienced and novice hikers. Combine all this with fall foliage and a town that is both historic and charming, and you have the recipe for the perfect weekend getaway. $495 (deduct $50 if you register by 6/14)