Immerse Yourself to (Re)Discover You, Your Strength + Your Dreams

Build Confidence + Self Esteem

Learn to Listen to Your Intuition + Trust Yourself

Embrace Who You Are, Exactly As You Are

Learn the Skills to Feel Confident Backpacking Solo

Immerse Yourself in Nature, Embrace the Stillness

Find Joy In Nature Through Movement

Are you ready for an Unruly Adventure in the wilderness?! Do you need a reminder that you’re a powerful, badass and capable woman in this world?  Have you felt stuck in life lately, or like you’ve always wanted to backpack solo but just aren’t quite confident enough yet? Or maybe, you’re an experienced backpacker just looking for a rad group of women to experience life with?!  
Unruly Women backpacking retreats differ from other guiding services by focusing our mindset around skill building, self empowerment through challenging experiences, and through immersing ourselves in nature to nurture mindfulness and strengthen our intuition so that we learn to better listen to our intuition and trust ourselves.
 This is more than just a guided backpacking experience- it’s a space that will allow you to unearth the inner you, the wildest you, the most authentic you that ever you-d.
All experiences are along the Superior Hiking Trail, on the ancestral land of the Anishinaabe people.  Along this trail, we have the incredible opportunity to feel like we’re off the grid - even though we’re never more than a few miles from our vehicles, a town, or a road (depending upon the location).
Each adventure varies in distance and difficulty, meaning some are geared towards brand-new beginners, some are for re-introducing backpackers and building confidence, and some are for more experienced backpackers that want a guided experience and good company. 

10% of every Superior Hiking Trail backpacking retreat purchase automatically goes to the Unruly Women Scholarship Fund to help make outdoor spaces and recreation more accessible, inclusive and equitable. Please see the Scholarship page and the FAQs page for more information.

There is one full backpacking scholarship for a Superior Hiking Trail retreat in 2025 at this time, please apply below if interested.

Reduced prices are available for BIPOC and/or LGBTQ+ most adventures - when you apply for your desired retreat, be sure to click the applicable option on the application form.

1. Choose Your Adventure

  • Solo Retreat

    The ultimate customizable 1:1 learning experience. Backpacking at your own pace, catered to the experience you’re looking for. Allowing us to focus on exactly what you need. Learn at your own pace without feeling rushed. This also allows us the opportunity to dig deeper through journaling prompts, mindfulness and meditation exercises - - although if that’s not your jam, it is optional. Whatever you decide, Monica will be here to help you along the way and cheer you on!

    **Do you have adaptive needs? Reach out via email by following the link below. Let’s brainstorm how to make this backpacking retreat safe and possible for you, or for you and your caregiver.

    This can be applied to any date below, if you don’t see a date that works for you email Monica directly by clicking HERE.

  • Small Group

    There’s something truly magical when we come together in community to do the hard - exciting - intimidating thing. We will be here to support, encourage, and cheer each other on. We’ll share stories, experience and dreams. If you’re looking for a community experience - this one is for you! Group meditation and journaling exercises are also an option in this adventure.

    This option can be applied to any date below, if you have a group and don’t see a date below that works for you, please email Monica directly by clicking HERE.

  • Learn to Backpack with your Dog

    Do you want to learn how to backpack safely with your dog? This is a great opportunity to learn the safety tips that Monica has learned while traveling cross-country, hiking, camping and backpacking over the past 8 years with her dog Griz. This experience is only available for individuals / solo retreat for the safety and comfort of each individual and their dog. Prior backpacking experience is recommended, but not required. Dogs are required to be leashed at all times during our retreat.

    This option can be applied to any date below, unless it’s already been reserved. If you have a date in mind that you don’t see below, please email Monica directly by clicking HERE.

  • Youth + Parent/Legal Guardian

    Have you been wanting to get your child / youth involved in the outdoors or perhaps they already have an interest in backpacking but you’re unsure where to begin.

    Allow me to help! This will be an adventure, educational and immersive. I have curated backpacking excursions for all activity levels and ages, and we can modify as needed. This can be a minimum of 1 youth and 1 adult guardian/parent and maximum of 2 youth and 2 adult guardian/parents.

    This option can be applied to any date below that is available and not already booked with solo, small group, or solo with pet. If you don’t see a date that works for you, please email Monica directly by clicking HERE.

New in 2025

If you would prefer one night of backpacking followed by one night camping in a campground and day hiking - this is an alternative option to the usual 2 night/3 days on the Superior Hiking Trail. This alternative is available by request and can be applied to any of the retreats below if not already reserved. Reach out directly via email to request and schedule.

2. Choose Your 2024 Date/Location + Experience Level

  • Sonju Lake

    June 6-8, 2025

    Intermediate

    Features : lakes, island, forest, waterfall

    (deadline to sign up is May 10, 2025)

  • Fredenberg Creek

    June 27-29, 2025

    Intermediate

    Features : forests, meadows, overlook(s), bridges, waterfall, technical features

    (deadline is May 31, 2025)

  • Fredenberg Creek

    July 11-13, 2025

    Small Group Retreat

    Intermediate

    Features: forests, meadows, overlooks(s), bridges, waterfalls, technical features

    (deadline to sign up is June 13, 2025)

    2 of 3 spots left for this retreat!

  • Egge Lake

    August 1-3, 2025

    Beginner

    Feautres : bridge crossing, meadows, lakes, island, forests, beaver area

    (deadline to sign up is July 4, 2025)

  • Fredenberg Creek

    August 15-17, 2025

    Intermediate

    Features : forests, meadows, overlook(s), bridges, waterfall, technical features, steep incline

    (deadline to sign up July 18, 2025)

  • Sonju lake

    August 22-24, 2025

    Beginner/Intermediate

    Features :lakes, island, forest, beaver area, meadow, waterfall

    (deadline July 25, 2025)

  • Fredenberg Creek

    August 29-31, 2025

    Intermediate

    Features : forests, meadows, overlook(s), bridges, waterfall, technical features

    (deadline to sign up August 1, 2025)

  • Section 13

    September 5-7, 2025

    Difficult

    Featues: steep ascent/descent, bridges, beaver areas, overlook, lakes, forests, boardwalks

    (deadline to sign up August 8, 2025)

  • Sonju Lake

    September 12-14, 2025

    Beginner/Intermediate

    Features : lakes, island, forest, beaver area, meadow, waterfall

    (deadline to sign up August 15, 2025)

  • Fredenberg Creek

    September 19-21, 2025

    Intermediate

    Features : forests, meadows, overlook(s), ridges, waterfall, technical features, steep technical features

    (deadline to sign up August 22, 2025)