If you’ve ever thought, “I wonder if you can backpack in Iowa…” or have been looking to get into backpacking and want a non-intimidating introduction, then you’re in the right place!
Wander Women weekend backpacking trips are designed for folks who are new to backpacking, looking for others to backpack with, or looking to explore Iowa from a different point of view. You’ll learn basic backpacking skills while on the trail, building confidence and knowledge as the weekend progresses. Our expert guides will help you with any questions or worries you have to ensure you feel confident after the weekend!
On this trip, you’ll spend the weekend backpacking at Yellow River State Forest in the heart of northeast Iowa. Yellow River is known for its amazing views, beautiful trout streams and for people who visit saying “I can’t believe this is Iowa”. It’s one of our favorite places in the state, and we know you’ll love it too.
During the weekend, you’ll learn backpacking basics like:
Packing for a backpacking trip, and properly packing everything into a backpack
Filtering water from natural sources
Pooping, peeing and menstruation in the woods
Basic backcountry navigation and map reading
Backcountry camp cooking
Trail safety
And more!
Adventure Rating: Beginner
This trip is a great introduction to backpacking and good for beginners. Participants will carry 25-30lb backpacks (or less, if you pack light!) along <15 miles over the course of 3 days. There will be some moderate elevation gain.
Backpacking with Wander Women: Things to Consider
Wander Women backpacking trips are physically exerting as you will be carrying up to 25-35 pounds of weight in your backpack while hiking in hilly terrain.
If you are looking for a trip where you can sneak away for lots of alone time, this is probably not the trip for you. Although, there will be chill time built into the trip!
This is a very hands-on trip. You will be expected to help with different aspects of setting up and tearing down camp, and general camp duties. This will all be done under the guidance of an experienced guide.
There will be personal items you will need to pack. We will provide you with a detailed packing list prior to the trip.
Be prepared to camp in all types of weather (rainy, cold, hot, stormy)
ACCOMMODATIONS & LOCATION
On this trip, we’ll be staying in backcountry sites throughout the state forest without nightly access to toilets or plumbing. Don’t worry! You’ll learn how to use the bathroom in the backcountry, and we’ll have plenty of water filtering opportunities along our route and at each site. We will be following backpacking waste disposal rules and practices.
About Yellow River State Forest
Yellow River State Forest in northeast Iowa is home to stunning views, beautiful woodlands and meandering trout streams. Nestled in Iowa’s Driftless area in Allamakee County, Yellow River offers numerous outdoor recreation opportunities including camping, equestrian riding, hiking, mountain biking, fishing, hunting, and more. Yellow River State Forest was first established in 1935 by the Civilian Conservation Corp, and is home to Iowa’s only fire tower, built in 1963. Today, the forest is managed for numerous natural resource benefits and recreational opportunities. Source: Iowa DNR
GETTING THERE
If you are flying in from outside of Iowa, the closest airport is the La Crosse Municipal Airport (LSE) (about a 1.25 hour drive away), though flights may be more reasonable through the Eastern Iowa Airport (CID) (about a 2.5 hour drive away). You’ll need to rent a car to get to the Yellow River, or arrange carpool with a local Wanderer. Carpooling details are sent pre-trip in the private trip Discord channel. Carpooling arrangements can’t be guaranteed, but we try our best to connect Wanderers for coordination!
“Wander Women’s Backpacking Weekend at Yellow River State Forest was a wonderful adventure! Jess was a terrific guide. Yellow River is a great location for a weekend trip - you would never know you were in Iowa with its beautiful bluffs and forests. I highly recommend this trip for both beginner and experienced backpackers!”
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Your registration provides you:
Expert planning and a professional Wander Women guide to help make the weekend as seamless and fun as possible!
Two nights of camping accommodation and parking
All backpacking meals, including a snack pack
Group backpacking supplies, including water filters, satellite communicators and first aid kits
Wanderer swag bag full of goodies
A private trip Discord channel to connect with guides and fellow participants before & after the trip
Comprehensive pre-trip online guide with detailed logistics, packing recommendations, and trip tips
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
Participants will be responsible for providing/paying for:
Transportation to/from the trip (we always encourage carpooling and can connect you with other participants to ride with!) and to trip activity locations
Gear: Participants must provide their own backpacking gear, or are able to rent backpacking gear from Wander Women
INVESTMENT
$395
PAYMENT PLAN
We offer payment plans for all our trips, so you can pay a deposit now and the rest over time! WeTravel (our booking platform) easily lets you make a downpayment (this is also your non-refundable trip deposit!) and set up automatic payments for the remainder. For the payment plan schedule, just check the WeTravel page for details. There is NO fee for choosing the payment plan option!
Deposit for this trip: $200