Backpack to Eldorado National Forest (Adult Women Only)
Female hikers, female guides… our nod to Mother Nature and the universal spirit of adventure!
Enjoy one of my favorite sections of the Eldorado National Forest on this 3 day, 2 night adventure. The goal of this trip is to provide a supportive environment for women to experience backpacking for the first time and build up your trail confidence. You’ll learn all the basics of backpacking through a hands-on weekend and leave empowered to spend more time on the trail!
This trip is intended for beginners, so I expect that you may not have everything you need for this first step in what I hope will be your next favorite hobby. I will get you geared up with all the backpacking necessities for a fun, safe and enjoyable two-night experience.
One reason I like this particular area is that it gives us some options on mileage and destination points. If the main desire is to get some distance and camp at more than one location, then we can extend our trip out mileage wise. Second option is to have a base camp and then do day hikes from there. I will play to the tune of the group and what we are feeling. Whichever route we choose, it will include beautiful scenery, amazing memories and SHE-nanigans!
**Higher mileage “could be” approximately 4-7 miles, with 7 miles being on our last day with a lighter pack-weight. Anticipate approximately 800 ft elevation gain on a 7 mile return hike.
This is a retreat! Get ready for some rewilding.
As women, we have a deep physiological and spiritual connection with the Earth and creation. Rewilding for women is a way to nurture and enhance that sacred connection. From the beginning of time our female ancestors lived with the rhythms of Earth’s natural patterns and cycles. This was true no matter where you lived in the world and is a common truth that binds women together. Not only do we have this in common, but we have also shared relationships with plants, animals, and the spiritual world within our human culture since time began.
On this unique women’s backpacking retreat, you will be offered two Forest Bathing experiences (it does not mean you’re naked). These experiences will be an opportunity to ground yourself, slow down, connect, and relax as I take you on a slow and mindful sensory journey doing Forest Bathing. What better place to experience this physical and emotional connection than the actual forest. In addition to heart centered women’s circles, we will savor star-filled skies as it will be a waning crescent headed to a New Moon which will occur on Monday evening.
Your Guide:
It’s Me! I’m Monica, your sunshiny, safety focused, heart opening, indie-folk music loving, backpacking and Forest Bathing Guide. I am super excited to adventure with like minded women. In my non-free time I am a mom of three daughters (ages 20, 18, and 15), a Forest Therapy guide, teacher of nature connection, a wanna-be social media influencer, emotion coach, and professional potty trainer (I teach kids how to poop in the toilet, parents how to support their kids to poop in the toilet and I will teach you how to poop in the backcountry!) My biggest pet peeve is people chewing popcorn loudly in the movie theater. I love sunrises and sunsets and all the little bugs that many people cringe over. I’m excited for this adventure and especially excited to share in this experience with you!
Travel Plans and Logistics
We will carpool/caravan from Rancho Cordova. We will meet on Saturday, May 28th at 6:30AM to do a final bag check and food selection. * Estimated return to Rancho Cordova on Monday 5/30/22 is 5:00 PM.
More information regarding meetup location and carpooling plans to follow upon registration.
Adventure Highlights:
- Backpack 3 days/2 nights exploring Eldorado National Forest including panoramic views and crystalline lakes.
- Soulshine sunrises and sunsets.
- Share stories of the day while chowing down on yummy backcountry dinners.
- Enjoy down time at camp to read a book, lizard on a rock, sneak in a nap, or just have girl time.
- Forest Bathing in a pristine setting offering the most intimate nature connection.
- Disconnect to reconnect! Leave behind the constant contact and use your phone solely for capturing moments.
- Simply show up to a fully-planned backpacking trip.
- Relax with a comprehensive itinerary that makes the logistics, navigation, meal planning, gear, and everything in-between easy.
- Take time for yourself
YOU WILL EXPERIENCE: Hiking, laughing, smiling, rewilding, forest bathing, stargazing, resetting, grounding, soulshine, empowering, disconnecting and reconnecting, women heart center connection circles, feminine energy.
Gear Logistics
Our group will be led by Monica Mendoza who is a professional backpacking guide, Certified Forest Therapy Guide and emotion coach. She will share knowledge, stories, and is Wilderness CPR & First Aid Certified.
The guide will bring:
- All Group Cooking Gear
- Stoves and Fuel
- Water Filters
- First Aid Kit
- Emergency Satellite Transponder
Participants WILL BE PROVIDED:
- Backpack
- Sleeping Bag
- Sleeping Pad
- Tent (2 people per tent or single capacity…let me know.)
- Headlamp
- Trowel, Toilet Paper, Sanitizer
- Nalgene (1L water container)
- Trekking Poles
- Bowl, Spoon, Cup
- Bear Can
- Day 1: Dinner (participants supply their own lunch)
- Day 2: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner
- Day 3: Breakfast & Lunch
- ***Dietary accommodations must be communicated ahead of time***
- EPIC FUN
Participants will need to supply the following:
Personal Food Items
- Snacks / Candy
- Lunch on Day 1
Active / Adventure Wear
- Hiking boots or Tennis Shoes that have good traction
- Hiking socks *3 pairs (lightweight for day use and warm pair for bed) – (synthetic or wool)
- Hiking / Athletic pants or leggings
- Hiking/Athletic shorts (optional)
- T-shirts (2) – Dry fit technical shirts are best.
- Long sleeve shirt (lightweight, synthetic) – think warm and/or sun protection.
- Insulated jacket
- Rain jacket depending on weather
- Hat
- Beanie
Sleep Wear and Personal
- Base Layer Top and Bottoms (lightweight, synthetic or wool) – weather can go from warm to very cold.
- Bathing suits (optional) – Not sure if the weather will be warm enough or if you are a polar bear.
- Underwear
- Flip-flops / Sandals
Personal Items
- Hand sanitizer
- pee – rag – as a woman, this is my favorite hiking/backpacking item.
- Bandana – if you do not bring a pee-rag then bring two bandanas (1 that is Pink or Purple … “think letter P for pee” and then a regular colored one for various other uses.)
- Chapstick/Lip Balm
- Insect Repellant
- Headnet for insects. If you do bring a headnet then be sure you bring a bucket hat.
- Sunblock
- Feminine hygiene products
- Travel toothbrush/paste
- Travel contact lenses and solution
- Prescription medications – must be kept with the guide unless written permission from parent
- Allergy remedies
- Small battery phone charger
- Journal & writing utensil
- An open heart and mind