Women In the Wilderness: Journal Entries from a Participant

Women in the Women in the Wilderness trip group pose together for a photo on a rock with rocky Sierra mountains in the background

Our Women In The Wilderness affinity-based trips are an 8-day-long introduction to backpacking and trail work. Participants apply for a spot on a trip where all prohibitive costs are covered, including transportation, gear, and raining. Groups have 6-8 participants led by 2 seasoned trip leaders for about 40 miles of backpacking and living/working with a trail crew in the field. No previous experience is required for participants. Learn more about Women in the Wilderness.

These journal entries are from a participant from our first cohort of Women In The Wilderness. We did an ambitious trans-Sierra hike from Onion Valley and Kearsarge Pass to Cedar Grove and Roads End. This participant had never been backpacking before.

Day 2

We had our first hike today. It was brutal. We are in high elevation, the packs are heavy, and it was uphill. I couldn’t breathe right. I thought I was going to pass out.

Day 3

I cried. They asked what I was hoping to accomplish there and the tears just flowed out. Then another participant cried and then another. I was vulnerable. It was beautiful. These past days are the toughest I’ve ever physically pushed myself. My body aches and it’s cold. I miss the comfort of home but I need this. I’m grateful for this. Mother nature is a force not to be taken lightly. We are at her mercy. But my courage is strong. These other women are amazing.

Day 4

I’m astounded at how far I can go even after I’m tired. I’m learning just how resilient I am.

Women In the Wilderness trip participants stand with bulky loaded backpacks facing away from the camera toward a sparkling blue alpine lake and a rocky mountain with pine trees at its base

Day 5

We arrived with the trail crew yesterday. They’ve been away from the front-country for two months! I was surprised to see so many women out here doing this tough work. It’s inspiring. I began to be more present with the sounds of the trickling rivers and the lights of the twinkling stars.

Day 6

I was using their facilities and a deer walked right across my path. It was majestic af. We’ve been bathing in freezing cold rivers. I can’t think about it too much and I just have to throw myself in. It’s such a thrill. I’m grateful to be here. I love this.

Day 7

We stayed up a little later last night. I ran a gratitude circle and it was lovely. My tent mates are the best; they wake me up in the morning and they let me sleep in the middle when I’m afraid. It was bittersweet to leave the trail crew behind. I think I’m going to try and join ESCC next year.

Day 8

I’m back home. I cried so hard in our final closing circle. It’s tough to be vulnerable but I’ve been learning how important it is. It’s getting easier the more I do it. Also, it’s amazing how close you can get to people in only 8 days. I miss them already. I’ve never really fit in to many places but up there everything clicked. For one of the few times in my life I didn’t feel like an outsider. I want to do more of this work. I need to go back.

- 2019 WIW participant, V.

Our programs are created so people who’ve never backpacked or been in the wilderness before can join us for an In The Wilderness trip, then join a Range Crew the following summer, then become a member of our WILDLands (Wilderness Immersion Leadership and Development) Technical Trail Crew, then come back and lead a trip for us, become a supervisor at a different conservation corps, or become a US Forest Service employee.

We offer direct pathways to careers for those that do well, enjoy this experience, and want to pursue it further.