Merlot & Mountain Air: Ryder Lake Backpacking Addition

About This Event in the High Uintas Wilderness

Ready for a women-only backpacking trip in the Uintas? Join us for an unforgettable backcountry experience designed for adventurous women who crave connection, challenge, and breathtaking alpine views.

One of the most powerful parts of a women-only backpacking trip in the Uintas is the chance to finally disconnect. There’s no service, no emails, and no to-do lists—just uninterrupted time with trail sisters in one of Utah’s most stunning wilderness areas.

We know how rare it is to find space for yourself these days. This trip is all about presence, peace, and wild, wide-open skies. It’s for experienced backpackers who want to trade notifications for nature and solo hikes for shared adventure.

If your current friends don’t backpack—or if you’ve just been looking for a solid group of women to explore with—this is your chance. Join us in the High Uintas Wilderness for the kind of weekend you’ll talk about all year.

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Join Wine Hiking Society co-founder Angelique and ambassador Jen Knudsen for 3 days / 2 nights as we backpack to this hidden gem deep in the Uintas.

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TRAIL: Day 1 ~ 8.5 miles (2,096 ft of gain), Day 2 ~ day hike, ~3 miles (~400 ft of gain), Day 3 ~ 8.5 miles back to trailhead (209 ft of gain)

LENGTH: ~ 17 miles RT

CARPOOLING: Will be coordinated via a private WhatsApp chat.

TENT & GEAR SHARING: Because tent spots are limited in backcountry sites, and to save on pack weight, tent and gear sharing is STRONGLY encouraged.

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Our Ryder Lake Backpack Includes:

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• WHS Backpacking Checklist so you know what gear you need
• 3 days, 2 nights at a beautiful backcountry campsite near Ryder Lake
• Food menu ideas tailored to backpacking in the Uinta Wilderness
• A ratio of 1 backpacking guide to every 4 women
• All required US Forest Service permits
• 2 experienced backpacking leaders who are both certified in first-aid and CPR
• Search and Rescue insurance in the very, very rare chance of an emergency
• Emergency gear including two group first aid kits and GPS locator / SOS device
• Zoom meeting to coordinate gear and tent sharing and carpooling

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What the Trip Does NOT Include:

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• Transportation to / from the trailhead
• Alcohol, food, clothing, backpacking gear

If there is some gear you do not have, the following items are available for rent in our shop:

• Backpack
• Tent
• Sleeping Bag
• Sleeping Pad
• Backpacking Stove (JetBoil Stash)
• Backpacking Chair

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IMPORTANT: PLEASE READ

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Backpacking experience is required.

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Pricing is based on each attendee’s ability to be self-sufficient while backpacking. Below are requirements to attend this backpacking trip.

Basic Requirements to Attend: 

• Need little to no direction on the following:
  • How to pack you backpack
  • What gear is required
  • Clothing and footwear needed
  • Basic trail finding
  • Food / menu planning
  • Leave No Trace Principles

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

• Ability to hike 8+ miles per day with a 30+ pound backpack
• Average backpacking pace: 40-minute miles
• Have been backpacking 1 or more times when you did not rely on someone else for direction on the “Basic” requirements

Email us at [email protected] if you have questions about these requirements.

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REFUND POLICY: Cancellations prior to June 1, 2025, will be eligible for a full refund minus a $75 convenience fee. Cancellations prior to July 15, 2025, will be eligible for a 50% refund minus a $75 convenience fee. No refunds will be issued for cancellations after July 14, 2025. NO EXCEPTIONS.

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What to Expect after Reserving Your Spot

1. After booking, you will receive a confirmation email. Don’t see a confirmation? Check your junk folder. Not there either? E-mail us at [email protected]!
2. Around 30 days before the event, you’ll receive important information, such as the full itinerary, our trip-specific packing checklist, and the link to our WhatsApp group to connect with our attendees and to communicate any changes.
3. Two weeks before the the event, we will host a Zoom meeting to coordinate carpooling and gear sharing and answer any questions.

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IMPORTANT: Be sure to read “THINGS TO NOTE” on the reservation page before signing up for this event.

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