When asking yourself about something to do near me in Boulder with a group of friends or family, consider
Women's Wilderness
Why Women's Wilderness is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Women's Wilderness is a pioneering nonprofit organization based in Boulder, Colorado, dedicated to creating transformative outdoor experiences specifically designed for girls, women, and non-binary people. Founded in 1998, it stands out as one of the few gender-informed organizations providing direct outdoor adventure programs that intentionally address the significant gender barriers present in outdoor recreation and sports. These barriers are often exacerbated by intersecting factors such as race, sexuality, and socioeconomic status, making Women's Wilderness's inclusive approach especially impactful. Their courses focus on fostering fun, empowerment, and challenge while nurturing safe, supportive environments where participants develop technical skills like rock climbing, physical endurance, emotional resilience, and spiritual connection. The programs emphasize shared leadership, collaboration, and conscious decision-making to honor varied lived experiences, frequently resulting in camaraderie, laughter, and memorable moments. By offering access to the outdoors and encouraging personal growth, Women's Wilderness helps build confidence and leadership in marginalized groups, from immigrant and refugee girls to LGBTQ+ individuals. This makes it an excellent place to meet friends who value inclusion, empowerment, and nature-based adventure intertwined with social equity and personal development.
Here's what people think of Women's Wilderness
As of recent, Women's Wilderness holds a 4.6-star rating based on 9 reviews.
Reviews of Women's Wilderness consistently highlight the organization’s commitment to creating empowering and safe outdoor environments geared toward underrepresented gender identities. Users praise the inclusive and intersectional approach that makes outdoor recreation accessible to girls, women, and LGBTQ+ people who have historically faced barriers. Many positive reviews commend the courses for their blend of fun, physical challenge, and emotional growth, noting supportive leadership that encourages participant collaboration and confidence-building in technical skills. Participants frequently mention the strong sense of community and the transformative personal experiences they gain. On the negative side, some users note limited availability of courses and registration challenges, reflecting the organization's focused yet nonprofit structure. There are occasional remarks on the physical demands of the programs, which may not suit everyone, and suggestions for expanding course locations or scheduling flexibility. Overall, reviews convey high satisfaction and respect for Women's Wilderness's mission and impact, with most appreciating its role in fostering equity and inclusion through outdoor adventure. This affirms Women's Wilderness as a valued resource for anyone seeking meaningful, gender-informed outdoor experiences that inspire both individual growth and social connection.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Salena Davila-Schilling
So thankful I came across this organization! I’ve attended an event they had at REI and a hike, going on their Summit Sisters retreat this Summer. All experiences have been so welcoming, helpful and organized. Great staff leading this organization with amazing goals and values. Can’t wait for the Summit and more adventures!
Allison Smith
Very interested in joining this group. Love the staff, very friendly efficient and knowledge! Empowering women to new heights, mentally and physically with hiking, climbing etc. Highly recommend!
Liz Friedenson
My daughter and her friend had a great time doing 3 days of private climbing with instructor Amanda Ravensbergen. Amanda taught them many new skills and took them climbing in some fun places. Amanda really connected with these two teens, was positive and encouraging. I would definitely recommend Women's Wilderness and private guiding with Amanda. They can't wait to go again!
Rosa Maldonado
This is my daughter's 2nd camping trip with Women's Wilderness and love it. The first time she came back so much more confident on herself and so much more assertive. Im so glad to have found this program. Very friendly staff and just amazing women over all.
Elizabeth B
My daughter went to one of their camps a few years ago. Awesome organization.
How to reach Women's Wilderness
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Website: None
Why Women's Wilderness may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Women's Wilderness with your friends? Because it offers an empowering, adventurous, and deeply connecting experience built around exploration, personal growth, and camaraderie in the great outdoors. This is not just a place but a community where adventurous women come together to disconnect from daily stresses and reconnect with nature and each other. Whether you and your friends are seasoned hikers or newcomers to backpacking, Women's Wilderness provides expert guidance, supportive leadership, and a welcoming atmosphere that encourages everyone to push their boundaries in a safe, nurturing environment. Gathering your friends here means you are signing up for shared challenges that inspire trust and friendship, moments of exhilaration as you hike through scenic landscapes, and peaceful nights camped under the stars. It’s a chance to create lasting memories while learning valuable outdoor skills that enhance confidence and resilience. For groups looking to bond over meaningful, active, and fun experiences, Women's Wilderness is an ideal rallying point that transforms typical meetups into unforgettable adventures.
What activities are available at Women's Wilderness that make it perfect for a group meetup? The offerings focus on wilderness backpacking tailored especially for women, with trips ranging from beginner to more experienced levels. Participants learn essential backpacking skills such as packing best practices, campsite setup, trail navigation, and wilderness safety in a hands-on environment. These trips often include a pre-hike orientation to prepare the group thoroughly and create a sense of readiness and excitement. Typical itineraries feature hiking 4-5 miles on the first day and 2-3 miles on the second day with opportunities to practice skills taught by expert female guides who are passionate and knowledgeable. Group sizes are purposely kept small, often capped at nine participants, to foster intimate connections and individualized attention. Beyond hiking and camping, the program emphasizes building community through shared meals and group discussions around campfires, creating a supportive social experience alongside the physical challenge. This approach ensures that every member of the group feels included, motivated, and empowered, making it a perfect venue for friends or family wanting a memorable, bonding outdoor escape.
Why is Women's Wilderness specifically an excellent choice for hosting your meetup? The company’s dedication to women’s empowerment in outdoor adventure sets it apart, making it more than just a trip; it is a journey of personal and group discovery. The expert guides, often women who are local outdoor legends, bring deep knowledge and passion, enriching the experience with stories, skills, and encouragement tailored to the group’s pace and interests. With an established community of over 30,000 members in their online network, your group can tap into a greater sisterhood beyond the actual trip, allowing the adventure to continue through shared stories and future expeditions. The intimate group size ensures logistics run smoothly, and every participant receives personal attention, which is rare in larger commercial expeditions. Additionally, logistics such as transportation to and from trailheads and provision of tents help ease planning burdens. The focus on beginner-friendly itineraries combined with authentic wilderness challenges creates an atmosphere where even hesitant or first-time hikers feel supported to thrive. For a meetup that combines nature, friendship, learning, and empowerment, Women's Wilderness offers a thoroughly curated experience that is hard to beat.
What makes the guided trips at Women's Wilderness unique? Unlike many generic outdoor tours, Women's Wilderness trips are designed specifically by women, for women, fostering an inclusive space where participants can shed societal pressures and express themselves fully. The guides not only bring technical expertise in backpacking and wilderness survival but also serve as mentors who encourage growth and self-confidence. Trip itineraries are carefully developed to balance challenge and accessibility, catering especially to beginners by providing detailed orientation sessions and on-trail instruction. The emphasis on community-building activities around camping—such as campfire conversations and shared meal preparations—enhances interpersonal connections. This nurturing ambiance transforms the wilderness trip into a holistic experience that combines physical exertion with emotional support and learning. The relatively small group sizes create personalized adventures that encourage participants to foster friendships and support one another through every step of the journey. This unique methodology nurtures a safe and uplifting environment ideal for group meetups where every member feels recognized and inspired.
How do the skills learned at Women's Wilderness benefit your group beyond the trip itself? The backpacking and wilderness skills taught during the adventures transcend the immediate outdoor experience, equipping participants with knowledge that enhances future solo or group trips and fosters lifelong confidence in the outdoors. Learning how to pack efficiently, read terrain, set up camp, and practice essential safety not only empowers your group during the expedition but also encourages participants to embrace nature more boldly in their everyday lives. These acquired skills promote self-reliance and reduce anxiety about venturing into unfamiliar outdoor environments. The group dynamic reinforces teamwork and problem-solving, offering practical lessons in communication and support under real-world conditions. Friends or family who participate together return home with a shared toolkit of outdoor competencies and memories of teamwork that deepen bonds. Moreover, the personal growth in resilience, adaptability, and mindfulness often reported by attendees can positively impact social and professional areas of life. These benefits make Women's Wilderness an investment in your group’s wellness and connection that extends far beyond the weekend adventure.
What practical advantages does Women's Wilderness offer for group planning and comfort? From logistics to accommodation, the company eases many common challenges of organizing wilderness trips. Transportation arrangements help minimize the hassle of arranging individual travel to trailheads, while the rental options for personal gear reduce the need for costly purchases or heavy packing. Tents and camping essentials are provided, so groups can travel lighter and focus on enjoying the experience. With clear communications prior to the trip, including pre-hike meetings that address preparedness and answer questions, participants feel confident and well supported. The carefully designed itineraries and experienced guides manage pace and safety, so groups can enjoy nature without undue stress or confusion. This meticulous attention to detail means your meetup can stay focused on fun, connection, and adventure instead of logistics. Such comprehensive planning features make Women's Wilderness particularly suited for group events where ease of organization and participant comfort are paramount.
Why does Women's Wilderness have high ratings despite some notes on organizational quirks? Based on reviews, the company enjoys a strong reputation for skilled guides, deep community feeling, and transformative experiences, earning an impressive average rating of 4.6. Participants frequently praise the knowledgeable and supportive guides who elevate the adventure through their expertise and enthusiasm, contributing to exceptional group dynamics and personal breakthroughs. The emphasis on empowerment and connection resonates powerfully with attendees, creating meaningful memories and friendships. While some comments mention that certain programs might feel a bit disorganized—an understandable challenge in outdoor adventure logistics—the overwhelming sentiment is that the benefits and quality of the experience far outweigh minor hiccups. This balance reflects a company that prioritizes authenticity and participant growth over perfection in administration, which many find endearing and honest. For groups seeking impactful, soul-enriching escapes into nature, Women’s Wilderness’s reputation and endorsements make it a highly recommended choice.
How can Women's Wilderness help deepen friendships and family bonds? Shared adventures in nature are proven catalysts for building stronger relationships, and Women’s Wilderness specializes in creating the ideal conditions for this magic to happen. By engaging together in physical challenges, learning new skills, and supporting each other outdoors, friends and family find opportunities to see different sides of one another and develop empathy and trust. The collective experience of overcoming fears or fatigue fosters group cohesion and mutual pride. Group campfires and downtime provide relaxed environments for meaningful conversations beyond everyday distractions. The company’s focus on group dynamics ensures that every member is included, heard, and uplifted, encouraging inclusive participation and shared joy. For any group looking to nurture closer connections through adventure, Women’s Wilderness offers a thoughtfully crafted setting where bonds naturally deepen and friendships last long after the final trek.
What makes Women's Wilderness an inspiring destination for women travelers? Women's Wilderness embodies a celebration of female strength, resilience, and adventure spirit by curating trips that empower women to step into their power through nature. The community ethos, led by influential female guides and supported by thousands of members worldwide, creates a global sisterhood united by a love of the wild. The adventures challenge stereotypes and shatter personal limits, inspiring participants to reconnect with their inner courage and joy. Many attendees report transformational experiences that positively affect their confidence, self-worth, and outlook on life. The company’s commitment to fostering supportive, non-judgmental spaces helps women of all backgrounds and abilities embrace the outdoors. This dedication to empowerment combined with expertly guided wilderness exploration makes Women's Wilderness a truly inspiring venue for women travelers interested in personal growth, friendship, and adventure.
In conclusion, if you are searching for a venue where your group of friends or family can share meaningful adventure, learn valuable skills, and create unforgettable memories, Women's Wilderness stands out as an exceptional choice. Its blend of expert guidance, intimate group sizes, community-building activities, and focus on women’s empowerment delivers an experience that is both challenging and comforting. Whether you want to rally to the wilderness for bonding, personal growth, or simply to disconnect and have fun, Women’s Wilderness provides the perfect supportive environment for your next meetup that will leave everyone inspired, connected, and eager for the next journey.