Join me in backpacking through this rugged terrain, where we'll enjoy scenic views, overlooks, start gazing and beautiful autumn colors (weather/season permitting) along the Superior Hiking Trail.  We’ll witness the strength of beautiful waterways, be immersed in foliage, trek through maple forests, dense pines and vast meadows and will have incredible overlooks along the way.  Along this trail, we’ll travel over various terrain, that at times can be technical, with some steep ascents and descents, but overall gradual ascending and descending, stairs, wooden boardwalks and bridges that can become slippery when wet, some high step ups and step downs and obstacles - trekking poles are recommended.  This is an intermediate-moderate trek where we’ll gain and descend significant elevation changes - but mostly gradually.  We are not rushed, we will take our time, and all levels of experience are welcome.  Along the trails, we’ll hike through wooded areas, along beautiful water features (boarded walkways are  less stable in certain areas than others) with waterfalls and will have spectacular views from the overlooks but because of technical aspects and more mileage to cover with full backpacks - I'm considering it intermediate but open to all levels of experience.  

Although we're covering more mileage in a day on this retreat, we'll still have the opportunity to learn valuable skills, and be able to enjoy our surroundings and rest.  Roughly 5 miles is the most we will backpack at one time, we'll be setting up camp each night and breaking down camp each morning.  Each of us, will be required to carry our own gear, make our own food, and put in the work to get to our destinations together.  Keep in mind, although this is the plan, we need to be flexible with our plans, kind to ourselves, and kind to each other - as things don’t always go as planned and campsites are never guaranteed on trail, but we’ll figure it out! It’s all part of the adventure :) 

There is a chance that we’ll see bears, beavers, wolves, coyotes, mountain lion, moose, deer, and various birds- but sightings are not guaranteed.  We will absolutely review safety / what to do if we were to encounter these animals prior to our retreat, although it's unlikely we'll encounter bear, moose, mountain lion, wolves and coyotes - - it's important to acknowledge this possibility and be prepared.

This retreat will be around the New Moon.  We’ll utilize some time for meditation, journaling and a ‘planting seeds’  or intention setting ceremony around the bonfire Saturday night (weather permitting).  This is not required, if it’s not your jam, but I do feel it adds to the experience.

• Where + When?

  • Location: the trailhead where we will meet is roughly 1.5 hours drive north of Duluth, MN (exact location will be provided after you have signed up, prior to the adventure)

  • When:

    Morning of September 19 - Early Afternoon of September 21, 2025

  • Deadline to sign up:

    August 22, 2025

  ***Destination, location and distance are subject to change at the discretion of Unruly Women LLC / guide of the retreat. Changes may depend on weather, natural disaster, closures, safety of each individual, etc; be expected to be flexible, we are at the will of Mother Nature and will not put you/our lives at risk, but also understand that you are your own person to make your own decisions and your choices are your own. (see cancellation/refund policy on FAQs page)***

• Who?

  • individuals aged 18 or older (past trips have generally had 24 years to over 60 years of age) unless youth/adult small group trip chosen

  • open registration to ALL female identifying, femme and non-binary individuals (see FAQs page to see if Unruly Women is a safe/comfortable space for you)

  • ASL Interpreter available upon request at no extra charge

  • open to all experience levels, but please consider level of mileage and obstacles, a level of strength and endurance and balance is required for safety

  • 3 person max, unless you are attending with someone you’re willing to share a tent with - then this is negotiable and will allow for more people

• Requirements

  • Must be able to hike up to 5 miles in one day over varying terrain, stairs, over logs, while carrying up to 40 pounds

  • There are some technical obstacles along the trail, stairs, high step up or downs, rocks, elevation changes and overlooks on the various areas we hike through. There may be slippery boardwalks, and uneven ground and boardwalks, and potential for washed out terrain.

  • You are in charge of your own transportation to/from the trailhead

  • Completed liability waiver, Covid acknowledgment and all other paperwork and payment required prior to adventure - or you may not participate.

• What to expect?

  • Review of camping and backpacking skills throughout the weekend (if needed)

  • Guided meditation, journaling and stretching/movement (all optional)

  • This is an out and back style backpacking adventure

  • Friday 6 miles backpacking, Saturday 3 miles backpacking, Sunday 3 miles backpacking back to our vehicles

  • we will pack in-pack out everything (Leave No Trace).

  • meet like minded individuals and build community and friendships - feel free to spend your time how you like, rest, read, hike, explore, chat - this weekend can be as relaxing, as adventurous or as relaxing as you want it to be - - no ‘shoulds’ allowed.

  • Bon fires will depend on fire restrictions specific to the area we are in

  • Being in nature is fun, don’t forget to have FUN!! Remember that everyone was a beginner at some point, it’s important to ask questions, be open to learning and understand there is always more than one way to do something.

  • What’s the bathroom situation? On these trails there are exposed pit toilets along the way (typically near the campsites) meaning you’ll be sitting out in the open surrounded by trees but on a toilet that has a hole going deep into the ground. If you can’t make it to one of those, we’'ll go over how to dig a hole and properly Leave No Trace. (Real fun shit- pun intended)

  • Menstruating while we’re out there? Not a problem, just a learning curve, we’ll review that too!

• Guidelines

  • Hate, disrespect, racism, sexism, and/or discrimination of any kind will NOT be tolerated, you will be asked to leave, no refunds.

  • Must complete & sign liability form/waivers/paperwork before participating.

  • Covid vaccinations are highly encouraged but are not required. Although, documented proof of a negative Covid test is required upon arrival no more that 48 hours prior to adventure or you will be turned away for the safety of you and the group. Distancing and masks might be required depending on the status of covid numbers at the time of our retreat.

  • If you are sick/feeling ill, DO NOT come on this adventure, there will be more! I promise.

  • If you’ve been in contact with anyone with Covid within 14 days prior to the adventure, please do not come, there will be other opportunities to join in on the fun in the future.

  • Please see the FAQs page for further questions or concerns regarding cancellations/postponing/refunds, if your answer is not found there, email me here.

• What do you need to bring?

  • Backpacking backpack ( I do have one for you to borrow if you need one, please let me know when you sign up)

  • Supportive hiking boots (ankle support recommended, already broken in is highly recommended or you will not have a good time- feet will hurt- ouch!)

  • Tent: I have 2 light single person backpacking tents available to borrow. If you have your own, or are coming with someone you know - this is a great opportunity to share a tent and split up the gear so that both of you will have less to carry- I have a tent to borrow you if needed.

  • Sleeping pad & sleeping bag

  • Water bottle(s)

  • Food: 2 dinners, 2 breakfasts, 3 lunches and snacks for 3 days (dry meals are recommended to help keep your backpack’s weight lower)

  • A more extensive list of gear will be emailed to you after you sign up! But if you have questions or concerns please contact me and I’ll see what I can do to troubleshoot.

• What gear will Unruly Women provide?

  • dry bag for your food and paracord (I will have one for each person to use on the trip, necessary to hang bear bags)

  • water filtration systems (you will receive a Sawyer brand water filter to bring home, thanks to a generous gift from Sawyer).

  • jet-boil cooking systems for us to share

  • backpacking backpack to borrow

  • trekking poles are recommended to help with balance and navigating trail with your backpack on - we will review proper walking techniques and safety if needed ( I have 1 pair to borrow)

  • if you have your own jet boil or water filtration systems you are welcome to bring your own - just let me know ahead of time, because if we can save weight/divvy up gear we might as well save some weight where we can!

• What's included in the cost?

  • the total cost will be dependent upon whether you’ve chosen a solo, small group, solo-with your dog or youth and adult guardian retreat

  • as of 2025 there is a $50 non-refundable deposit booking fee (which ultimately covers transaction fees incurred) ** this is not an additional fee to the total cost of the trip

  • 2 nights/3 days on the Superior Hiking Trail (location, date and duration subject to change under discretion of the guide, dependent upon unexpected weather or other emergency that would otherwise make it unsafe to be on the SHT)

  • an experienced guided backpacking adventure (Certified Wilderness First Responder)

  • I’m here for you as a sounding board, encouragement when you need it, a non-judgmental ear, or a shoulder to cry on - nature and activity can sometimes bring out the emotions, and that’s ok - I am here for you.

  • small intimate group of 1 guide and up to 3 attendees

  • review and education of backpacking, backcountry and camping skills

  • how to use the different water filtration systems

  • proper backpack packing and how to wear/adjust backpack

  • use of trekking poles, how to safely walk with a backpack, ascend and descend steeper sections

  • how to safely lift backpack

  • proper posture when wearing a backpacking to help decrease back pain

  • safety tips and education for bear and moose encounters

  • optional guided meditation and movement/stretching, journaling prompts, and new/full moon ceremony

  • coffee and/or tea Saturday and Sunday mornings

  • a zoom call or in-person meet-up prior to the backpacking retreat

• What's not included?

  • transportation to/from the trailhead

  • travel/cancellation insurance

  • some gear (I can help you source rentals if you need it, if there are items I don’t have to lend you)

  • meals/beverages aside from coffee, tea, and water

  • whatever else not listed under what is included

Now, are you ready to get unruly?! Click the button below to fill out an application, once reviewed and accepted, you’ll be able to reserve your spot by purchasing a ticket. (no payment required to apply)

Small Group Cost Per Person : $525

Solo (one-one custom experience) : $875

Solo Retreat with your dog : $950

Youth and Adult Guardian/Parent Small Group Cost Per Person: $525

Small Group 1 night backpacking + 1 night campsite in campground w/ guided day hikes Cost Per Person : $575

10% of your cost to attend this retreat automatically goes to the Unruly Women Scholarship Fund to help improve accessibility and inclusivity in outdoor spaces, if you want to learn more click here.