Pictured Rocks Backpacking and Caving

This challenging adventure is open to 10 experienced and foul-weather savvy backpackers. Hiking will be at a moderate pace for up to 5 to 6 hours a day with hourly breaks, and an hour-long lunch break.

ROUTE HIGHLIGHTS: Our 20-mile route will include about 13 miles of maintained foot-trails and 7 miles of rugged, off trail, cross-country travel (tangled, swampy, muddy, steep, wet, bug-infested bush). Our route and pace still allow plenty of time to explore, enjoy, and soak up the best Pictured Rocks has to offer, including... 

• Miles of hiking some of the best cliff-side trails in the Midwest 
• Exploring several of the lakeshore's most beautiful waterfalls 
• Hours of afternoon swimming and beach lounging
• Exploring dozens of seldom-visited caves 

We will be primitive camping outside the park each night in the rugged buffer zone practicing low-impact Leave No Trace camping. Purified water will be available in camp and on the trail at times. All three encampment areas will be rugged and dry, so we will work together to carry-in a sufficient supply of water from nearby sources via our expedition drom bags.

NOTE:  This trip is great for experienced backpackers based on miles/terrain, ease of water access, and expected weather conditions. If you have any reservations about your ability to participate in this trip, please reach out and let us know. We are happy to answer any questions or talk through your concerns. All meals are provided. However, if you wish to take care of your own meals, that's great too. Just let us know so we can adjust our group meal prep.

If you need gear items such as, hammocks, backpacks and more, we have some items available for rent. Quantities of these items are limited so make your rental requests early.  

Gear List: You will have access to the gear list and directions on the "Group page" upon registration.

Price: $425.00 Payment deadline is August 22nd. Trip may fill before deadline.

Included: 

• All meals Friday dinner - Monday breakfast 
• Group gear (tarp, camp kitchen, water filtration, etc.)
• UIAA or CEN approved, chin-strap-equipped, climbing/caving helmet
• Satellite communications 
• Amazing guides with years of experience leading expeditions

Not Included (Rental gear available if needed: backpacks, Superior Gear hammocks, mess kits, headlamps, trekking poles, etc.):

• Personal gear items 
• Snacks  
• Transportation to and from our meeting location
• Tips/gratuities
• Trip/rescue insurance (optional)

If you have any questions, please reach out to us at info@nowoutdoors.org.