Experienced Canyonlands Trek: A 3-Day Backpacking Odyssey

About This Women-Only Backpack in Canyonlands National Park

Do you love backpacking but have a hard time finding people to go with and don’t want to go by yourself? If your friends don’t enjoy backpacking and your partner isn’t interested, don’t worry. We’ve got you covered on our experienced Canyonlands trek!

Imagine a world where all the planning is done for you and all you need to do is show up with your backpack packed and a sense of adventure. If you’re an experienced backpacker and want to make new friends while exploring beautiful places, then you’ll want to join us on this women-only backpacking trip in the awe-inspiring Needles District of Canyonlands National Park.

Don’t miss the chance to explore the backcountry with kindred spirits, where every step is a celebration of empowerment and discovery!

 

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What to Expect on this Women-Only Backpack in Canyonlands National Park

We’ll spend one night in a condo in Moab before we hit the trail. That way, we get to know each other, split shared gear as needed, and not have to get up so early the next morning.

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ON TRAIL

Day 1: ~4 miles to base camp (~912 ft gain)
Day 2: ~6-mile day hike (~1440 ft gain)
Day 3: ~4 miles back to the trailhead (~404 ft gain)

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TOTAL DISTANCE

~14 miles round trip (~2756 ft of gain) – While the overall elevation gain may sound manageable, the terrain is deceptively challenging, with a few steep climbs and descents requiring stepping up and down with a heavy pack, uneven slickrock, and rugged footing throughout the route.

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TENT & GEAR SHARING

Tent spots are limited in backcountry sites on this experienced Canyonlands trek, and tent sharing will be required unless we end up with an odd number of participants.

Email admin@winehikingsociety.com if you wish to be considered for a solo tent option (if available) and let us know why you would like this accommodation.

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TRIP COORDINATION

~30 days before the trip: You’ll receive a full itinerary, packing checklist, and an invitation to a private WhatsApp chat for attendees.

~2 weeks before the trip: We’ll hold a Zoom meeting to help attendees coordinate carpooling, gear sharing, and answer questions.

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WHAT’S INCLUDED ON THIS EXPERIENCED CANYONLANDS TREK:

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• One night at a condo in Moab where we’ll get to know each other and review topics like “Leave No Trace” and “Don’t Bust the Crust”
• All meals at the condo: dinner Thursday night, continental breakfast Friday morning
• All permits required by the National Park Service
• Search and Rescue insurance in the very, very rare chance of an emergency
• 3 days, 2 nights at beautiful backcountry campsites hidden among Utah juniper trees and red sandstone pinnacles with expansive views of spectacular sunsets and star-lit skies
• WHS Backpacking Checklist so you know what gear you’ll need specifically for backpacking in Canyonlands
• Food menu ideas tailored to backpacking in the desert
• Use of 4-liter water reservoir for the weekend (we will be carrying all the water we need for the weekend)
• Emergency gear including two group first aid kits, GPS locator / SOS device
• Two experience backpacking guides certified in both wilderness first-aid and CPR
• Max ratio of 1 backpacking guide to every 5 women

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What the Cost Does NOT Include:

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• Transportation to / from Moab and Canyonlands National Park
• National Park entrance fee
• Food while backpacking
• Backpacking gear & clothing (your backpack will need to be at least 60L but 65L+ is recommended)
• Alcohol

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Need gear? Gear rental is also available through the WHS Shop OR during checkout, attendees may add a complete backpacking gear package rental that includes:

• 70L Gregory Backpack
• Marmot 2-Person Tent
• Big Agnes 20° Sleeping Bag
• Big Agnes Sleeping Pad
• JetBoil Stash Backpacking Stove
• Backpacking Chair

This gear package is designed to provide the core equipment needed for a comfortable backpacking experience.

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Meet Your Guides

Wine Hiking Society ambassadors Alison Bond & Jen Knudsen will be leading you on an unforgettable 3-day, 2-night experienced Canyonlands trek.

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IMPORTANT: PLEASE READ

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Backpacking experience is required.

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Our pricing is based on each attendee’s ability to be self-sufficient while backpacking. Please carefully review the requirements below before signing up.

Basic Requirements to Attend

Backpacking Skill Level Required for This Trip: INTERMEDIATE

This means you should need little to no guidance with:

• Packing your backpack
• Understanding required gear
• Choosing appropriate clothing and footwear
• Basic trail navigation
• Food and menu planning
• Leave No Trace principles

WHS backpacking trips of this length also have the following recommendations:

• Ability to hike 5+ miles per day with a 40+ lb pack
• Maintain an average pace of ~40-minute miles
• Previous backpacking experience where you did not rely on others for direction on the above basics

Have any questions about whether this trip is a good fit? Please reach out to us at admin@winehikingsociety.com, we’re happy to help!

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THINGS TO CONSIDER

This backpacking trip is designed to be fun and rewarding, but the unique terrain of the Needles District in Canyonlands National Park comes with a few important considerations. You’ll encounter some Class 2 scrambles (click here for more info) and sections where a fear of heights or balance challenges may feel uncomfortable. Hiking on red rock is very different from mountain trails. It requires steady footing, good balance, and careful movement, especially on steeper or more exposed terrain.

If you have any concerns about balance, comfort on uneven terrain, or fear of falling, we also encourage you to connect with us ahead of time. With the right preparation and mindset, these challenges often become part of what makes the experience so rewarding!

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Refund Policy

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• Reservations are non-transferable
• Cancellations on or before August 31, 2026: Full refund minus a $75 convenience fee
• Cancellations between September 1, 2026 and September 30, 2026: 50% refund minus a $75 convenience fee
• Cancellations after September 30, 2026: No refunds
• The Women’s Wine Hiking Society reserves the right to change the location of this backpacking trip due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances (such as government shutdowns). Refunds cannot be issued due to location changes, but we will do our best to select an alternative that does not significantly impact travel time.

Unfortunately, we cannot make exceptions to our refund policy. 

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Because of our strict cancellation policy, we STRONGLY recommend purchasing travel insurance. It is up to the attendees to ensure the policy provides the coverage needed / wanted. Almost every trip, someone ends up needing to cancel at the last minute due to a family or personal emergency. It might feel like it could never happen to you but the reality is, it can. Trip insurance policy ensures you’re covered and can give you peace of mind, so you can fully enjoy the adventure without worrying about the “what ifs.”

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After Reserving Your Spot

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Once you’ve booked, you’ll receive a confirmation email with a backpacking experience questionnaire. As noted, participation is based on your ability to meet the requirements listed above.

• If you don’t receive your confirmation within 48 hours, please check your junk folder. If it’s not there, email us at admin@winehikingsociety.com.
• If, after reviewing your questionnaire, we determine that the trip isn’t the right fit for your current experience level, you will receive a full refund minus the $50 convenience fee.

If you have any doubts about your experience level, we strongly encourage you to reach out before booking.

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