Women's Wilderness

Women’s Wilderness exists to create space for girls, women, and non-binary people of all ages and backgrounds to find their place, their voice, and their power in the outdoors. 

We offer a variety of courses and affinity spaces that feature hiking, camping, backpacking, climbing, whitewater rafting and more, taught by certified woman and non-binary identified instructors. Over the past 26 years, our programming has grown to currently include a diverse, year-round offering of programs including:

• Outdoor GIRLS - After school mental health program for newcomer middle school and high school girls who identify as immigrants, refugees and asylees

• Girls Lead for Life - After school rock climbing, wellness and social emotional skills program for adolescent l girls from low income backgrounds

• Girls+ Wilderness Adventures - Backpacking, climbing and leadership Summer camps for girls and non-binary youth ages 8-18

• Trailblazers - Outings aimed at supporting the health of Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) who identify as women and non-binary

• Womens+ Adventures - Climbing, backpacking, day hikes, and retreats for adult women and non-binary people

Your donations help us cover the costs of nourishing snacks, gas, van maintenance, payroll, and ensure more girls and non-binary youth have access to a healthy environment that challenges them in the best possible ways.

Watch the video below to hear directly from our staff, participants, and their caregivers about the impact Girls Lead for Life has had on them.

We believe that access to nature is a right. We are one of the only gender-informed, social justice focused outdoor educators in the U.S, and for 27 years we've been creating empowering spaces in the outdoors for women, girls, and non-binary people, particularly those who face discriminatory barriers to accessing outdoor spaces.

Thank you for donating– we couldn’t do it without your help and support!

Testimonials

“It's nice to be with other women who look like me. The space felt safe and I love learning from other BIPOC women.” -Trailblazers Participant

"There is a sense of trust when we are telling our stories because we are with people we can relate to who have been through something similar."  -Outdoor Girl Immigrant Refugee Leadership Series Participant

"I think I really found courage in myself that I never knew I had. I have learned to speak my mind, and not hold back because I might sound stupid. This experience has brought out the best in me." -Girls' Wilderness Adventures Participant

"Something about the Women’s Wilderness community just makes it feel safe to be emotionally vulnerable."  -Wilderness Adventure Participant

"I remain changed from my Women's Wilderness trip. It was incredibly challenging for me physically, mentally, and emotionally. I had to pull strength from deep within me, strength I wasn't sure I possessed. I went from constantly repeating I can't, to saying 'Yes, I can.' Even two years later, when I am faced with challenges in life, I think: 'I did that backpacking trip, so I can do this, too.'" -Girls' Wilderness Adventures Participant

"I learned to not judge your body and that I can be myself around others." -Girls Lead for Life Participant

"I'v come home with better body image definitely, more confidence on making friends, and generally less attachment to technology."  -Wilderness Adventure Participant

"I have become more aware of my needs and learned how to voice them and take up space." -Wilderness Adventure Participant