Wild Strides are multi-day community retreats that connect people with the transformative power of nature.

Wild Strides

Why Wild Strides?

For over 20 years, Wild Gift has guided wilderness expeditions for founders of social impact organizations. Now, we’re expanding our reach to offer more individuals the chance to unplug, connect with nature, and dedicate quality time to self-care, reflection, and community.

Each Wild Strides Includes:

  • A backpacking trip led by certified wilderness guides. This includes preparation, support, and instruction.

  • A uniquely curated route with all meals, permits, fees, and group gear provided.

  • Programming designed to help you unplug, recharge, and find peace in nature while building backpacking skills and meaningful connections.

  • Access to the Wild Gift network—an inspiring community of entrepreneurs, networking opportunities, job connections, and wilderness-based retreats!

Wild Strides is more than just a guided backpacking trip.

Our thoughtfully designed programming enhances the experience without feeling rigid, helping you leave behind your to-do list, reconnect, and recharge.

  • Explore stunning wilderness areas

  • Deepen your connection to nature, yourself, and a community.

  • Learn about the natural and cultural history of the area.

  • Engage in mindfulness practices such as yoga, meditation, and self-reflection time.

  • Practice and learn backpacking and outdoor skills.

If you crave community and quiet time in nature, away from the noise of daily life, Wild Strides is for you.

Wild Strides FAQ:

  • Everyone! Each retreat has a specific theme (e.g., women+, intro to backpacking, social impact leaders) designed to foster stronger community connections. If you resonate with a trip’s theme, it’s for you!

  • Wild Strides is combines the physical challenge of backpacking with the power of nature, allowing you to disconnect, recharge, and reconnect with yourself and others. The intentional programming, mindfulness practices and time spent outdoors restore your energy and provide a fresh perspective.

  • All experience levels are encouraged to apply! Our team provides support every step of the way, from prepping gear to ensuring you feel safe and supported throughout the trip. Whether you’re a first-time hiker or an experienced mountaineer, we make sure everyone feels welcome, safe, and gains value from the experience.

    Basic fitness is required for individual and group safety. Specifically, you must be able to carry a 40lb backpack for up to 8 hours (with breaks!). We are happy to consult in physical preparation. At this time we do not have ADA-accessible trips; however this is something we are working towards!

  • Your tuition and participation in Wild Strides makes a difference! As a 501c3 nonprofit, all Wild Strides proceeds are tax-deductible and support our free and low-cost wilderness-based programs.

    Cost varies depending on location and number of days; however, we strive to keep trips affordable and accessible. Prices includes 3-5 days of backpacking led by certified wilderness guides, all meals, professional facilitation and workshops, permits, camping fees, and group gear. As a 501c3 nonprofit, all Wild Strides proceeds are tax-deductible and support our free and low-cost backpacking trips, as well as fair wages for our guides and staff.

    Wild Gift is committed to providing as much access to our programs as possible, which is why we strive to offer scholarships to individuals who would otherwise be unable to participate in a retreat. If you are interested in receiving a scholarship, complete the associated questions in the sign-up form and our team will reach out with more information!

UPCOMING INFO SESSIONS:

Wild Strides 2025 Info Session | Thursday, April 3, 2025.

12:00pm - 1:00pm PST | 3:00pm - 4:00pm EST

Google Calendar

JOIN AN INFORMATION SESSION!

Upcoming Trips

Scaling Mountains and Ventures: A Backpacking Retreat for Women+ Founders & Leaders

Dates: May 2-4, 2025. 3-days, 2 nights.

Location: Near San Jose, CA

Price: $649

9 spots available! Interested? ⤵️

Backpacking, Breathwork,
and Mindfulness

Dates: May 9-11, 2025. 3-days, 2 nights.

Location: Near San Jose, CA

Price: $589

9 spot available! Interested? ⤵️

Have an idea for a Wild Strides? Contact us and share your vision!

Not ready to join yet? Stay in the loop with Wild Strides! Sign up for updates and be the first to hear about new adventures.

  • “I loved all the people that came. It was really refreshing to connect deeply and the space that was made felt so safe. I also really enjoyed the guides and the whole trip was really smooth…I really enjoyed the process of seeing people open up and no one really formed cliques even though certain people already knew each other. Awesome experience and couldn’t have come at a better time in my life of transition. Thanks for the work y’all do!”

    - 2023 Participant in Eagle, CO

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Past participants of Wild Strides include: