Who Are We?
Established in December 2015, Girls Who Hike is a nationally recognized hiking organization comprised of local chapters. We're designed to connect women with other local women to hit the trails together, but our members also utilize the Girls Who Hike web of chapters while traveling around the United States.. because there's nothing quite like a "local's pick" when it comes to finding a hidden gem in unknown places. It's more than just hiking meetups; it's a forum to discuss trail conditions, buy/sell local used gear, discuss various topics about the great outdoors, receive recommendations on anything from waterfall hikes to new hiking poles, and more. We're an army of over 35,000 members.. all counting down the days to our next outdoor adventure and always searching for a new friend to do it with. What's unique about large groups like us... our range of experience. We strive for our members to educate, encourage, and network with other members when it comes to motivating women to join the outdoors movement. On a daily basis, you'll see newbies who have never stepped foot on a trail (but are dying to do so!) conversing with another members who practically grew up in the backcountry. When you have a platform for women to empower other women, anything is truly possible... and this is seen firsthand regularly throughout our Girls Who Hike chapters. We're a strong community based around positive and constructive interaction. You never know who may become your next hiking partner, best friend, coworker, client, and more through Girls Who Hike. And the best part.. it's 100% FREE to join!
How Can I Join?
It's simple -- join us over on Facebook! We operate through closed Facebook groups because 1) It enables us to pre-screen members before adding them into the group and 2) it gives us an easily accessible platform to start new discussion threads among each other (which eventually turns into a massive, resourceful archive by using the "search" feature!) and create meetups in a private setting. We're so sorry but it will always stay that way... there are over dozens of events in the Los Angeles chapter alone every month, then add the events occurring within the 35+ other chapters throughout the United States. It would be way too tough to post every discussion and event through an additional social media channel! However, we do recommend for you to join our email list so you can be notified when large, nationwide updates occur.
Testimonials
Thank you for being such an inspiration and connecting so many girls together. I met a group of about 15 young girls that were hiking Colby pass to Mt Whitney and I told their leader about the page to connect and they were all really excited. You’ve truly given a wonderful gift to all these girls that want to connect with other women.
I’ve learned so much about hiking...never knew how important each little thing is from the right shoes, hydration packs, poles, how to prepare for a big hike, etc. And without GWHLA, I would have never known about how many beautiful trails there are to explore! And the opportunity to meet so many inspiring ladies!
Before GWHLA, I was a pretty good single mom, completely afraid of being any more than that.
I’ve met such strong women who completely inspire me to LIVE my life and become who I was meant to be - an awesome mom for sure - but a strong awesome mom who lives life in the moment, hoping to inspire her kids to do the same. My hiking goals have given me a resolve to reach higher in so many other aspects of my life.
Where do I even attempt to begin?! I’m shy and I suffer from a lot of anxiety, which I don’t often share with people. When I first joined, I wasn’t sure when, if ever, I’d work up the courage to be an active participant in the group but I pushed myself to put myself out there and in my wildest dreams, I never could have imagined being so touched by a community of strong, passionate, like-minded women as I am by every girl I meet, every story I hear, and every accomplishment I celebrate with each and every girl on their respective journeys here. I feel like I’ve conquered some of my own fears, learned so much about myself and the treatment of others, been so enriched with knowledge from so many people here, and have made lasting relationships with so many of the women here. This is really a special community of ladies.
Hiking and GWH have taught me that limitations only exist in one’s mind. Aim high, stay laser-focused and you will reach your summit, in a real mountain or in another aspect of your life.
I’ve learned everything I know about gear, training, trails, forecast checks, snacking, etc from this group! I still have so much more to learn and I know I’m lucky enough to be in a group that’ll teach me something new everyday! Also, NEVER did I EVER think I’d be climbing peaks in SoCal until I became a part of this group. It’s incredible.
Inspiring, positive, adventurous and genuinely such an amazing group of women. I love how you can check the page at anytime during the day and be able to see hikes you have always dreamed of doing and can find reliable ladies to do them with. Trusted woman providing tips and advice on gear, safety, and specific trails!
I found out that I am not the only freak out there that wants to be on the trails every chance I have. I love this group! I am inspired and try new trails because a member has posted pictures and details. So happy i found this group of awesome group of adventurous mountain women.
I only get on Facebook to check the GWH page! I’ve found friends, motivation and a lot of myself through this amazing group of women.
GWH has given me the courage to step outside my comfort zone and grow as a person as well as a hiker. I have discovered so many beautiful places thanks to this group. Although I havent had the chance to attend any of the group hikes, I still feel connected to all the ladies here whether it be a question or a concern or even a great purchase these ladies will show so much enthusiasm and interest. I’m so glad I came across this group.
The #cityslickerchallenge has finally inspired me to conquer my overall inertia, fear of hiking alone, and dread of finding parking at trailheads. I have also gotten much more fit after just a couple weeks of one or two challenge hikes per week! I have also enjoyed getting different perspectives on various parts of LA. I am so glad I signed up for the challenge and hope to continue hiking beyond the scope of the competition!
I am learning about beautiful trails I never knew existed. Every post here about hikes are what makes this group exciting! And the best part is getting to meet other fellow hikers.
I found this group at the perfect moment in my life. Hiking has really helped me find a new sense of strength and body positivity. Thanks to GWHLA I have found so many amazing trails that I never knew existed, and I grew up in LA! The tips and meets ups shared in the group have helped me feel confident to push myself to try new and more challenging hikes.
GWH has been the best Facebook find I’ve ever had. From filling my news feed with beautiful and inspirational hikes to the new friends I’ve met while on the trails, I can’t even describe how good this group has been for my self esteem and as a reminder that I don’t have to take crap. If I can scale a summit, I can do anything.
I am always impressed by the camaraderie in this group, where thousands of complete strangers come together under the same hiking passion.
With this group I was able to conquer more than I could possibly could on my 1st summit hike to Mt Baldy and part of that hike I met two beautiful amazing friends that I picked up on my my carpool route, we connected on personal level ❤️. This year I did Mt Wilson on a group hike and also met more amazing woman this year whom has been guiding me in backpacking and soon we all will conquer SAN Gorgonio in June!!! ❤️❤️❤️ Best part we all hang out as well not hiking related.
After being diagnosed with Chiari Malformation (a brain malformation), hiking changed from a fun hobby and great source of exercise to a sort of therapy for me. GWHLA has been pivotal in that “therapy”. I have not only found new friends who share my love for the outdoors, but I have been welcomed into a huge community of amazing women who never fail to lift my spirits!!! So thankful for this group and all the beautiful women who are a part of it!!
Because of this group, I was able to connect with [another member] and fulfill my dream of hiking Half Dome. She needed a hiking partner and had a permit and posted in the group looking for someone to hike with. I responded and went and had a great time. If it wasn’t for this group that opportunity would’ve never presented itself. This group is the best.
GWHLA has brought so much joy into my life, meeting like minded women that want to adventure seek as much as I do. I find that I hangout more with my GWHLA friends now that I do my regular friends. These girls build you up and help teach you to be a better person everyday from Mountain clean ups to staying motivated to lose weight. Learning about new places to hike and meeting interesting people with stories like girls who have battled cancer and sicknesses. Thank you GWHLA for giving me and many other girls the opportunity to be free and explore!
This group GWH is inspiring group. I can log on and learn something new, or live thru the lives of the more adventures girls & their hikes that I only dream of. It has also help me get out of my 4 walls to meet people & not be afraid. It has so much information that for some it’s normal such as hikes, shoe information, first aid & what to.
I found GWHLA in the darkest moment of my life and thanks to the wonderful supportive strong women who share and open their hearts. I’m learning that I can be as strong and positive as they are through their struggles. I remember falling and somehow GWHLA has become my net.
Before GWHLA I was in a time of my life that was mostly negative. Since GWHLA I have built this level of confidence to meet others, hike in small or large groups with complete strangers who I have grown to admire. I love what this group does for myself and others....
Are you ready?
Join Us
“You'd be surprised how much inspiration can come from three hours walking along dirt with a girl you've never met before.”
SHARRON MCBRIDE| Founder
