16 Best All-Women Trips Curated for the Solo Traveler
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Berry cobbler in the backcountry
My first all-women backpacking trip was alongside a group of close friends in winter. We were headed to a remote backcountry ski hut in Aspen, Colorado, the first time any of us had done a hut-based tour. We had to navigate the trail, manage avalanche conditions, feed ourselves, melt and boil our drinking water, and of course, tend the wood-burning stove. Did we bite off more than we can chew? The moment our berry cobbler popped out of the oven we knew that we were not only capable, but excelling. The hut next door was full of Scouts and male travelers who, that same evening, were dining on backpacking meals. We learned this because the smell of our pie brought them to our doorstep in disbelief. Just like that, the transformation started for all of us. Being in an all-women’s space and experiencing this level of self-reliance changes you. I suddenly realized I could do these types of adventures solo or in a group because I finally felt confident in my skills and abilities.Our All-Women Trips: Be Among Friends Wherever You Go
Outdoor adventure is really a women’s world. If you’re ready to dip your toes into the transformative power of adventuring with a group of kind and compassionate women, look no further than the 16 trips below. These trips are perfect for the solo traveler—I know it can be hard to find that perfect friend or friend group to travel with—and will instill you with the confidence to plan your own solo travel all in the company of soon-to-be life-long friends.Recommendations for Your First Group Trip as a Solo Traveler
1. Discover Your Inner Valkyrie Hiking in Iceland
Top reasons to go hiking in Iceland:
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- Experience a National Geographic-recommend thru-hike—one of the most beautiful in the world!
- Friendly locals, expert guides and well-maintained hut system
- Trails are memorable, rewarding, and perfect for all ages and skill levels
“As a certified guide for the past 7 years, I want to welcome women to the outdoors and embark on an exploratory mission of overcoming natural obstacles—internal, external, and otherwise.”
– Saga Líf, Hiking the Laugavegur Trail: A Guide to the Heart of Iceland
2. Find your Trail Magic Hiking 50 miles of the A. T.
Top reasons to hike the Appalachian Trail:
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- Sweeping views from iconic balds and historical stops along the way
- Reconnect with nature and yourself as you cross around 50 miles of the A.T.
- Traverse tunnels of trees, rocky ridgelines, open summits, and rolling balds
“Long-distance hiking is a great opportunity to learn and grow. The outdoors teaches self-sufficiency, builds inner strength, and grants the ability to overcome hardships.”
– Michelle Michaud, Hiking The Appalachian Trail: 15 Tips for a First-Timer
Want to learn more? Be sure to check out the following articles by Michelle for a deeper look into what to expect and how to prep for your upcoming thru-hike:3. Learn to Backpack on the Pacific Crest Trail
Top reasons to backpack on the Pacific Coast Trail:
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- Learn backpacking basics with a team of outdoorsy women
- Practice how to set up the perfect campsite and staying safe on the trail
- Experience the most beautiful and iconic section of the entire 2,650 mile trek
“There’s hardly a more scenic setting for learning the basics of backpacking than Oregon’s backcountry: temperate rainforests lush with blueberries and huckleberries, meadows flooded with wildflowers, crystalline lakes, and the celestial Mt. Hood volcano.”
– 57hours
Write Your Own Story on These Trips of a Lifetime
4. Find Your Way to the Lost City of Machu Picchu
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- Explore one of the Seven Wonders of the modern World
- Learn about Indigenous traditions of the Quechua people
- Spectacular scenery, extraordinary architecture, and rich cultural history
“The Machu Picchu trek will be one of the most treasured experiences of your life. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to walk among the relics of one of the world’s most fascinating cultures, this is your chance to find out.”
– 57hours
5. Explore the Hidden Depths of the Grand Canyon
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- One of the best ways to experience this iconic national treasure
- Known for its visually overwhelming size and landscape
- Immerse yourself in the geologic history of North America
“The trick most people learn on their guided Grand Canyon hikes is that the best views aren’t from the top. The Grand Canyon is so big, you need to hike into it to get the real scope of its size and beauty.”
– Liz Thomas, 6 Grand Canyon Hiking Trails That Will Take Your Breath Away
6. Hiking Paria Canyon: Explore Some of the Remotest Wilderness in the American Southwest
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- One of the best canyon-backpacking destinations in the world
- Towering walls of red rock, sandstone arches, and beautiful hanging gardens
- Get up close to centuries-old petroglyphs
“These trips we take part in have a way of bleeding into our regular lives, allowing us to tackle bigger goals, both at work and in our personal lives, which is why I’m committed to providing a platform for other women to develop mountaineering and backpacking skills in an all-women environment.”
– Sunny Stroeer, Why Choose An All-Female Backpacking Trip in Paria Canyon?
Sport Meets “Me Time” on These Wellness Adventures
7. Guided Rock Climbing & Yoga Retreat in Moab
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- This mega classic destination tops most climbers’ best-of list
- Amber-tinted rocks, sandstone arches, and soaring spires form a breathtaking setting
- 2-in-1: after a day of rock climbing, relax and unwind in yoga sessions
“This is a perfect trip for an introduction to climbing and yoga, designed to help you flow up the rock with ease.”
– Hedi Wirtz
8. Treat Yourself to a Hiking Holiday in Spain
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- Capture the essence of the Mediterranean by hiking through the countryside
- One of the best wine regions in the world: taste intensely-flavored reds and supple whites
- Roam the Pueblos Blancos, honored on the UNESCO World Heritage Intangible List
“Let your taste buds have the time of their lives as you tour the countryside—delectable wines, rich tapas, gazpacho, jamón, and so much more!”
– 57hours
9. Travel Back In Time on a Hiking Tour Through the Lake District
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- Visit charming historic sites, including medieval castles and Roman forts
- Uncover the rivers, hills, and limestone landscapes along lesser walked paths
- Sleep in a traditional English town, in an 18th-century hotel with spa facilities
“We want to support women to have great times together: to face fears, to build self-confidence, to try something new and simply to have fun.”
– Sara & Ginny of WalkingWomen
10. Retreat to Montana’s Mountain Lakes
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- Lush Montana mountains dotted with clear blue alpine lakes
- Learn backpacking basics and campsite setup tactics
- Reset your mind and body in nature with the support of like-minded women
“Stopping to appreciate natural beauty is so good for your mental health. And those starry starry nights here in Montana, on my goodness—you’re going to want to sleep outside your tent.”
– Madison & Sally, Women Who Stride: Backpacking in Montana’s Mountains
Boundary Pushers: Adrenaline Adventures for the Active Traveler
11. Take Your Trail Running to New Heights: Running Camp in Chamonix and Courmayeur
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- Run amongst incredible Alpine scenery of Chamonix, France
- Get premier guidance from top competitor, Meg Mackenzie
- Mingle with like-minded women, push your limits, and get stronger together
“My goal is to get more women involved in trail running and help those already in it to gain more self-confidence on the trails. Too many women think they are somehow inadequate or not strong enough for mountain activities.”
– Meg Mackenzie, Women Who Run: Trail Running Retreat in Chamonix Mont Blanc
12. Mountain Biking Some of the World’s Best with Trailblazers
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- Explore unparalleled mountain biking terrain with a community of active women
- Experience the authentic Swiss mountain life in an active way
- Shred challenging singletracks on a quick Utah getaway
“Mountain biking is one of the most enriching ways to experience the great outdoors. The confidence boost, and sense of achievement you feel as you’re speeding down gnarly singletracks or nailing turns on tight switchbacks stand unmatched in the outdoor adventure world.”
– Lindsey Ritcher, Founder and Lead Inspirer of Ladies AllRide
Don’t miss Lindsey’s free hour-long webinar: Women Who Ride: Mountain Biking Camps.13. Lead Your Own Line: Climbing Camps For Women
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- Master new moves on Utah’s magnificent sandstone
- Build community with fellow female rock climbing enthusiasts
- Climb three different world-class destinations, including one of the tallest monoliths in the world
“Through my days out with clients I began seeing some groups of women having the time of their lives, and I thought, all women should have access to those kinds of fun outdoor relationships.”
– by Aimee Barnes, Climbing in the City of Rocks: Answering a Silent Call
Climb the Highest Peaks
14. Learn Glacier Travel Fundamentals on Mount Shasta
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- The views from Mount Shasta are simply breathtaking
- Push your limits and progress at an ideal pace on great terrain with an all-female team
- Learn glacier travel essentials while exploring the deeper elements of high mountain travel
“During this all-women’s climbing and mountaineering course, there’s a certain comfort and connectedness among ladies which is easily missed in co-ed camps. The dynamic is different, more open—I see women laughing, being themselves, and learning the craft with an innate affinity. I believe more women should have the opportunity to experience this.”
– Sunny Stroeer, Why Climbing Mount Shasta Will Level Up Your Mountaineering
15. Women Who Shred: Ski Touring the Grand Tetons
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- Develop your touring and avalanche safety skills in an encouraging, all-women environment
- Plenty of first-rate slopes for skiers of all skill levels
- Phenomenal snow-pack and unmatched terrain ensures an epic experience
“There’s nothing more rewarding than standing atop a sun-protected slope covered in fresh snow, looking back at your criss-crossed skin track, reeling in the accomplishment of your tired legs as you take in one last look at the breathtaking mountainscape, then push off into the best powder run of your life.”
– 57hours
16. Women Who Soar: Mountaineering Expedition to Aconcagua
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- Tackle the second tallest of the Seven Summits
- Discover Argentina’s wonderful culture, food, and people
- Develop your mountaineering skills
“To get out there and challenge yourself, to have an amazing experience. And that experience rises and falls with the people that you share that with, which is why doing this in all-women’s teams is so powerful.”
– Sunny Stroeer
Thinking About Going on an All-Women Trip as a Solo Traveler? Some Questions to Consider:
Should I go on an all-women trip by myself?
There are many reasons to go on a group tour if you’re a solo traveler. We often hear from guests that they want to visit a place or go on a specific trip but their schedule doesn’t align with a partner, friends or family. Rather than stay home, they are going for it! For Baby Boomers and Gen Xers, sometimes a partner, or their social circle, is no longer physically able to accompany the kind of trip they’re interested in. Going on an all-women tour means connecting with other like-minded and physically-capable travelers, and often leads to new friendships and adventure partners. Further, maybe you’ve always wanted to travel solo but have been hesitant for one reason or another. Traveling alone to and from a group tour can be a great way to give it a “test”, knowing that some of the logistics and planning will be taken care of for you. Another important concern that prospective solo travelers have is about safety. When on a tour: one, there is safety in numbers and two, your guide has intimate knowledge of the area and takes great effort to mitigate risks. Some travelers are concerned about not knowing the local language, which is another benefit of going with a guide. Lastly, going on a group tour can actually reduce costs compared to traveling entirely on your own. You will split costs, like car or van rental, hotel room, equipment, etc. With that said, there are some questions you should ask yourself:-
- Do you enjoy meeting new people or are you open to that type of experience?
- Are you comfortable sharing personal space with others? Some trips require you to share a hotel room or tent with another person.
- Can you be flexible and accommodating of others in the group?
Do many women travel solo on your all-women trips?
Increasingly, solo travelers are not alone. According to a recent survey by the publication Solo Traveler, the number of women going on solo trips increased by an astounding 230% in 2019. Here at 57hours, about half of the participants in all-women trips are joining the group solo.What do our guides do to foster an inclusive environment for all guests during a trip?
The guides that curate all-women trips do so with great intentionality. For them, a successful trip is often measured by things like: did the team make new friends and will they have memories for a lifetime? Did everyone feel comfortable being themselves? Are participants one step closer towards self-sufficiency in the mountains/backcountry/on the trail? Perhaps clients say it best:-
- “I can’t help but marvel at the beauty of the Laugavegur trail, the connections that were made, and the physical challenges of the trail. We experienced Mother Nature’s powerful winds which closed roads on our first day, but she was kind and always had us arriving at our destinations in the sunshine. But the hero of our trip was our guide Saga. Despite all the challenges she managed to get us up to the top of the mountain via super jeep (an experience not one of us will ever forget), encouraged each and everyone of us to give our best effort, fed us very well, entertained us with Icelandic stories and most importantly showed us the marvels of the trail with the enthusiasm of someone experiencing Iceland for the first time. Was it challenging for a senior citizen? Yes. Would I do it all again? In a heartbeat.” – Barbara Havrot
- “Sunny was an amazing guide. She went above and beyond to make sure each of us had a great time. She was very knowledgeable and we all learned a lot about backpacking and the beautiful Paria Canyon. It’s important, especially when you are relatively new to backpacking that you trust your guide and Sunny is the best! I have already told several of my friends to sign up for one of her trips!” – Beth Christo
- “Michelle was a perfect guide. She knows the terrain, gear required, and has the interpersonal communication to knit together a group of hikers with diverse skills. I learned about the newer electronic maps, compression packs, food + physical strength requirements. I trusted her to handle any situation so I could just walk, relax, improving my confidence, and physical skills.” – Sarah Hoss