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 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 partial backpacking scholarship for 2025 at this time, please apply below if interested.

Reduced prices are available for BIPOC and/or LGBTQ+ adventurers - 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 1:1 learning experince. 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!

    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.

2. Choose Your 2024 Date/Location + Experience Level

  • Sonju Lake

    September 20-22, 2024

    Beginner/Intermediate

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

    Group Retreat registration closed

  • Fredenberg Creek

    October 4-6, 2024

    Intermediate

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

    retreat full

  • Sonju lake

    October 11-13, 2024

    Beginner/Intermediate

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

    Group Retreat

    retreat full

  • Sonju Lake

    June 7-9, 2024

    Intermediate

    Features : lakes, island, forest, waterfall

    Group Retreat

    (registration has closed, thank you for signing up!)

  • Fredenberg Creek

    June 14-16, 2024

    Intermediate

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

    *ASL Interpreter available for this retreat upon request*

    (registration has closed)

  • Egge Lake

    August 16-18, 2024

    Beginner

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

    Group Retreat

    (registration has closed, thank you for signing up!)

  • Fredenberg Creek

    August 23-25, 2024

    Intermediate

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

    Group Retreat

    (registration has closed, thank you for signing up!)

  • Fredenberg Creek

    August 30- September 1, 2024

    Intermediate

    Custom 1:1 retreat with You and your dog :)

    Sold out

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

  • Section 13

    DATE TBD

    Hard/Difficult

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