There is no single right way to be an outdoor woman. Some of us live for the rhythm of a long trail; some want our hands on cold granite; some chase miles on a single-track at dawn; some are happiest with a paddle in hand and a lake going pink at sunset. Babes Network is built around four core disciplines, and you are welcome to love one, all, or to invent your own combination.
Hiking & Backpacking
This is where most women in our community begin, and many never leave. Hiking asks for very little to start — sturdy footwear, water, and a willingness to keep going when the climb gets steep. Backpacking adds the magic of waking up where you fell asleep tired: deep in the backcountry, far from a trailhead, with a whole basin to yourself. We help you progress from confident day hikes to your first overnight, then to multi-day routes. Start with our skills guides and our trip planning walkthrough.
Rock Climbing
Climbing is equal parts strength, technique, and problem-solving — which is exactly why so many women excel at it. From the gym to the crag, climbing rewards patience and footwork over raw power, and the community is famously supportive. Whether you want to top-rope, learn to lead, or get into bouldering, we connect you with mentors and partners. Trustworthy instruction matters here; we point newcomers toward certified guides accredited by organizations like the American Mountain Guides Association.
Trail Running
If road running is a metronome, trail running is jazz — roots, rocks, switchbacks, and views that make you forget you are working hard. It is a fast, efficient way to cover ground and a fantastic cross-training base for bigger objectives. We share route ideas, pacing strategy for technical terrain, and tips for staying safe and self-sufficient when you are moving fast and light far from the car.
Paddling
Kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards open up a whole world that boots cannot reach: glassy alpine lakes, slow rivers, and protected coastline. Paddling is approachable, scalable, and one of the most peaceful ways to spend a day outside. We cover flatwater fundamentals, the safety gear that is non-negotiable, and how to read conditions before you launch. Wear your life jacket, every time.
Mix, Match, and Grow
Many of our most rewarding trips blend disciplines — a backpack approach to a climb, a paddle to a remote campsite, a trail run as a rest-day shakeout. Pick a starting point that excites you, lean on the community to find partners, and let your skills compound. The mountains are not going anywhere, and there is plenty of time to fall in love with all of it.