I did my first Trail Mavens activity last month; a day hike in Marin with about 15 other women. I had heard about Trail Mavens from my friend Amanda but hadn't yet had the opportunity to go on one of their trips. I was so excited that they offered this free day hike as it was the perfect way to learn about the company, meet other amazing women, and spend the day outside! Sasha was phenomenal and I really enjoyed getting to talk with her and hear the story about how Trail Mavens came to be. She also did a great job with the whole group - letting us lead the hike, even when that meant taking a little detour along a different trail :) If you're a woman in the Bay Area looking for a way to get outside and explore, Trail Mavens is your answer. Even though I haven't been on one of their weekend trips, I can safely say that it would be a wonderful investment of your time and money. I'm excited to continue being part of this community of empowered women! read more

I went on my first Trail Mavens-led backpacking trip last July in Yosemite and it was beyond amazing!! I love backpacking, but have found myself lacking in people to come with me. TM was my answer. Even though I didn't know any of the other 7 girls on my trip, we became fast friends and I just felt so immediately comfortable with them. I still keep in touch with a lot them. And TM is more than just organized trips-it's a community. This year I'm working on attending more of their local events (ie happy hours, local hikes, etc) and meeting even more badass Mavens read more

Trail Mavens - Hiking Near Me

I am so glad to have taken a risk and jumped in on a Trail Mavens trip to Hendy Woods State Park (in Philo, CA). Looking back after taking part in the weekend, I realized it was not such a big risk at all, even for a novice camper as myself who participated solo. That is because Sasha's team-building and master planning skills really put me at ease instantly. She had thought of everything! My biggest barriers to becoming the outdoorsy gal I want to be are scheduling, gear and skills. So, an attractive part of Trail Mavens for me was having someone else block off the weekend, provide the equipment, and scout the hikes and campsites. I was sent a detailed packing list, plus some helpful tips. Simply preparing for this kind of trip was relatively new for me, but even for the more advanced campers in our group, there was new information. Because of Sasha's confident and warm leadership, I was able to both enjoy myself and challenge myself in a group of supportive, hilarious women. I listened intently to the session about reading maps and topography lines, scribbling down notes in my provided Field Notes book (which became a receptacle for noting must-see YouTube videos, must-read books and articles, and must-try restaurants - a favorite part of my weekend was tapping into a new cohort of people with fresh ideas). I learned how to work a camping stove and became an expert at setting up our very cool Alite camping chairs, small victories but ones that I was proud of! Though only two days, the weekend felt like an extended vacation away from the city, in large part due to the variety. We enjoyed loud, rowdy time in a big group, and also chatted in small groups about personal topics; we kayaked around the breathtaking Mendocino coast, and also moseyed around the town of Mendocino; we had structured activities, and also lots of informal downtime. All of these activities were framed in an environment that was fun-loving and really asked us to unplug from our city lives. Women who have yet to experience a trip: get out in the woods, Trail Mavens-style. The experience is a unique and totally re-energizing one. read more

This is the best investment of time and money I made all year. I cannot say enough good things. As a busy person I was hesitant to lose a holiday weekend but it was the best. Everything was handled so I had nothing to worry about except making sure I was ready when the car picked me up to leave. I left our weekend with 8 new friends, a feeling of empowerment and the courage/goal to push myself even further in the future. The leaders encouraged and challenged me but never beyond my personal limit. I wish I could do this once a month. read more

I have been on two trips with Sasha and Trail Mavens: Backpacking and Snowshoeing in Tahoe and Camping in Big Sur. I just signed up for the Wine Country Camping trip in May, and I am SO excited. I am excited because I know I'll have a great time, meet interesting women and learn new things. New things about camping, about nature, and about myself. When I told some of my friends I was doing this (the first time, then again the second time), they thought I was being so adventurous to go on a trip alone with people I didn't know. They said things like, "I wish I could do something like that!" I said, "Hello?! You can! Just sign up!" Take the plunge! Are you thinking about it? DO IT! One thing I really loved about the trips is how organized they have been. Everything is labeled and prepared ahead of time, very well thought out. I think most of the leaders are Wilderness First Responder Certified. On the snowshoeing trip, Sasha had a satellite phone (who knew that existed?) Most importantly, I loved the people. It was great to be around only women - learn from women and just be yourself with them. The other leaders are SO nice, warm, and knowledgeable about the outdoors. I have made friends with other participants and plan to go camping with other girls I've met on our own! The cool thing is that there is going to be a trip pretty much every weekend from now through the Summer. So check out the website and find a trip that interests you or that maybe includes something you've never done before. Example: I have never been kayaking. We are going to Kayak in May in Mendocino. Apparently there are sea caves too? Amazing. read more

My first Trail Mavens trip was a three-day backpacking trip - and my first shot at backpacking. I had always wanted to try it, but didn't have gear or want to buy gear without knowing if I would like it and I didn't know what I was doing. It turns out that I loved it. There are so many things I loved about this trip. I got to try something new and difficult for me in a space where it was encouraged to say when you didn't know how to do something, everyone encouraged you and was proud of your accomplishments, and I learned by doing. The setting was gorgeous and awe inspiring and the women on my trip were incredible, badass women. I enjoyed the conversations that occurred on the drive there, while backpacking through gorgeous redwood trees, and around a camp stove. I ended the trip with new friends and feeling like I had found a new part of myself that loves backpacking and can't way to get outside again. This was a great way to spend my time, money, & energy. I'm signed up for another trip already. read more

When I stumbled upon Trail Mavens, I was immediately stoked, but I had my reservations. What if everyone is secretly an expert camper & I am left in the dust? I live a pretty active lifestyle, but what if I've gotten myself into a situation that is a little above my capabilities? And lastly, who is crazy enough to sign up for a weekend of hanging out with women they've never met before with no turning back? I am! But, as it turns out, I'm not crazy. My Trail Mavens trip happens to be one of the best things I've ever done for myself. Before signing up for my first adventure - snowshoeing in Tahoe - I had a chat with Sasha, who immediately put my nerves at ease. She's so passionate about creating an inviting environment sans judgment, that encourages women to push past our own mental boundaries. I knew I couldn't go wrong signing up for the trip. Little did I know how amazing I would feel once the trip was over. I had never snowshoed before, nor had I ever truly backpacked, so the sense of accomplishment I felt afterwards was so rewarding. To top it off, I was surrounded by such an incredible group of women who were all so supportive of one another & never let anyone fall behind. I was lucky in the fact that Sasha invited two Trail Maven guides in training to join our adventure. The passion & combined knowledge between these three women is awe-inspiring. Lastly, I can't leave out how well organized Sasha is. She provides equipment to anyone who doesn't have their own, which is fantastic. But what makes the trip even better is the fact that Sasha is a foodie! From the goodie bags we made to sustain us during our hikes, to our own little happy hour before dinner, Sasha was on point! Who can't help but love a woman who brings pink Himalayan sea salt on a camping trip? I felt so energized after my adventure that I've already signed up for two more trips, & have my eyes set on a few more! I've done a decent amount of camping in my life, but never felt confident that I could do it on my own, as I've never had to take responsibility. As a result of my trip, I've gained so much knowledge, am more confident in myself, & I can't wait for what else I'll learn from these rad women! read more

What an incredible experience. My first (and certainly not my last) Trail Mavens trip was a blast. Kayak camping on Tomales Bay with a group of smart, interesting women and a leader who reminded me at every turn that I was in good, capable hands. I'm not a newbie to the outdoors - I grew up camping and backpacking, and I love it - but I don't often take advantage of the incredible beauty around the Bay Area and found Trail Mavens a fantastic way to do that. But that's just the tip of the iceberg. Here is why Trail Maven is an awesome way to get outside for folks people of any experience level: + Amazing leadership. Sasha Cox knows her stuff and understands how to lead an experience, from logistical details to outdoors knowledge and group facilitation. + Trips with something extra. It's so rarely just a camping trip - these trips offer really cool opportunities. Kayaking to a beach and seeing bioluminescence at night. Snowshoeing to a high sierra hut in winter, creating a wilderness-meets-foodie adventure in baking and hiking. The list goes on. Trail Mavens curates experiences that are beautiful and fun and always have a super cool twist. + Ease. The details are taken care of. All of them. Don't have all the right equipment? Not to worry - it'll be provided. Does the place need a permit? Done. Menu planning? Taken care of. Seriously the smoothest experience. + The company. Being in the wilderness with a bunch of smart, interesting women is WONDERFUL. Something about women around a campfire, cup of surprisingly delicious boxed wine in hand, is really magical. We got close fast and found ourselves offering advice to one another on setting work goals, relationship stuff, what we find inspiring and how we balance the elements in our lives. It was part friendship part coaching session for those that wanted it. But it never felt contrived. The connections just happened. Do this. You'll meet great people, see the beautiful outdoors, probably get inspired, and leave with confidence to get out more often. All good things. read more

I first heard about Trail Mavens through a friend in the San Francisco area and IMMEDIATELY wanted to sign up for a trip. I had the great pleasure of being the first Out of State Maven and I could not have had a better time on my Food Lovers trip. Everything from meeting my first banana slug to holding a newt and sleeping in a tent again (something I'd dearly missed doing) was fantastic. Sasha is super knowledgeable and fun and the diverse group of women on this trip ensured that we were never at a loss of things to talk about and debate. I've happily referred other friends to Trail Mavens and they've also started joining trips and I hope to get back out to California soon to take part in another adventure! read more

My first Trail Mavens camping trip was seriously soul awakening. It was so refreshing to be out in nature with a bunch of women, learning new things and bonding over a campfire. The conversations that revealed themselves when no boys were involved was shocking. I had no idea how much I was missing! I came away with more than just information on how to start a fire and pitch a tent, I came away with eight new lady friends, a respect for my own abilities and a sense of peace after a weekend in the trees without my phone. I can't wait for the next trip! read more

I just got back from my first Trail Mavens trip, and feel compelled to write a Yelp review (something I never do) just because of how excellent it was. Trail Mavens puts thought, care, and intention into every single part of their program--and it shows. From the training to the gear, the accommodations, logistics, food, and amazing campfire conversations, all of it was fantastic. If you are a woman even thinking about spending more time outdoors, sign up. You won't regret it. read more

I'm hooked! I've been on three trips and already registered for another trip in 2015. As a person who moved to the Bay Area to experience a more "outdoor" lifestyle, I didn't really know where to start. I didn't grow up spending time outdoors with my family and feel so lucky to have found this community. I've learned something new on every trip I've participated in. Either a new camping tip, learning to cook food outdoors, purifying water or pushing myself to physical limits I never thought possible, like a 3 day backpacking trip. The fact that Trail Mavens provides equipment makes the trips possible for me. I'm slowly building my outdoor gear swag, but since it's such an investment, I love that if you need them, Sasha will provide the items necessary for each trip. And for a person who lives in SF apartment with zero storage, this is really helpful for me. I've left with a fondness not only for the trips, views and camp food - but each woman I've encountered has taught me something new. It's amazing that we can start off as strangers and leave with a shared experience that will forever tie us together. Do yourself a favor and sign up for a trip. I can't recommend it highly enough. Cheers for more adventures! read more

My Trail Mavens experience was awesome! I did a weekend excursion to Big Sur (along with my best friend) and we had a wonderful, challenging adventure. Sasha is great! She taught us how to set up and take down the campsite (I was rusty since I hadn't been camping in years) and she led us on two amazing day hikes with great views of the coast. My favorite part was sitting around the campfire with a group of women, making s'mores and talking. It made me want to spend more time outdoors, and it reminded me how important it is to maintain friendships with other women even when "life" stuff gets in the way. We made some great memories that weekend. read more

If you need a gateway to the gorgeous California wilderness, this is it. I grew up in a family that loved fishing, backpacking, & car camping. But because my dad, uncle and cousins were experts, I never really learned how to organize those trips myself. It wasn't until I joined a Trail Mavens expedition that I truly understood how it all fit together. Packing lists, meal plans, gear, campground scouting, safety, topographic map reading, fire-building. Finally the joys of camping were thoroughly explained, giving me the opportunity to try on my outdoor skills for size. As an added bonus, I got to meet some extraordinary women. The conversations were mind-bending, and I walked away with new perspectives, recipes, reading materials, & professional advice. All in one weekend! With the confidence and knowledge gained from Trail Mavens, I now plan my own camping trips with friends. Honestly, I wish I had done this sooner! What's the point of living in California if you don't spend time exploring it's incredible forests, beaches, rivers, mountains & deserts? Whether you are an experienced backpacker or total newbie, this experience is designed to inspire and delight. CANNOT. RECOMMEND. ENOUGH. read more

I went on the Trail Mavens Food Lovers trip in Butano State Park - and it was fantastic. I wanted to do a Trail Mavens trip to get outdoors in a different way than I normally would (I've done a lot of backpacking and hiking, but don't have a huge outdoors crew in SF, and definitely not enough outdoorsy women friends). Getting to be outside, with cool new-to-me people, and enjoy delicious food was a win-win-win. The highlights of the trip were enjoying time with some wonderful women and cooking seriously deluxe food using only outdoor kitchen tools. I loved learning each person's story, and we had the types of conversation that you can only have when you're unplugged and feeling relaxed and comfortable with each other. As for the food, we made monkey bread, risotto (I didn't know this was possible over a fire!), and baba ghanoush in camp, and delicious apple pies during our visit to a local farm. And we also hiked through a gorgeous state park, hung out on a pebble beach, and learned about the challenges and successes of the farm. I'd recommend a Trail Mavens trip to pretty much anyone. If you're worried that you won't enjoy a weekend with "strangers"...well, they won't be strangers after five minutes, because Sasha does a great job facilitating group dynamics. If you're nervous about camping, Sasha will teach you everything you need to know to be comfortable and make it fun. If you don't have outdoors gear, she's got you covered (for no extra fee) with sweet Alite packs and sleeping bags. You'll spend time in some of the most gorgeous places in California, with amazing people, having incredible experiences. Go for it! I'm just trying to figure out which trip I want to do next. read more

This is by far one of the most epic weekends i have ever had. If you have an appreciation for women, the great outdoors, hiking, comradery, camping, laughing, knowledge and authentic experiences, then this is for you! read more

Went on my first Trail Mavens trip in October 2014 on a 3-day backpacking trip to Skyline to the Sea not knowing anyone on the trip and being a bit nervous that I wouldn't fit in. Turned out that wasn't true at all, and the women I met on this trip are awesome and all so interesting and inspiring! I loved that we all had our own strengths and weaknesses that we could build upon and of course the view along the way was truly astonishing! I'm a big fan of wilderness trips and enjoying the journey. Going on a trip with Trail Mavens is one of the best journeys you can go on where you can unplug and escape from city life, feel safe and supported, be inspired, see some of the most beautiful sights you've ever seen, eat well, and laugh a lot. :) read more

Looking for a community of supportive, outdoor-loving women in San Francisco? Look no further than Trail Mavens. Sasha and co have built a community that extends beyond the camping trips that lure in new members. I've been on two Trail Mavens trips so far (kayaking in Tomales Bay and cycling in Napa), and each one has helped me build confidence in outdoor skills, make new friends in a relaxed setting, all while taking trips and seeing parts of California that would be more difficult to do on my own. The trips are extremely well organized and run, from the emphasis on disconnecting from technology to the careful meal and equipment planning. Take the leap and make time for a Trail Mavens trip. New friends, beautiful scenery, and outdoor confidence: What more could a girl want? read more

A Trail Mavens trip is a stellar way to spend a weekend. Go explore some new lovely outdoor place with a bunch of awesome women (and not have to plan or permit or figure out food)? Yes, please! Highlights from my two trips: - Delicious food. Perfectly planned by the incredibly organized and energetic Sasha and enthusiastically executed by the group via fire and stove. - Gear provided if you don't have your own. (I do have my own - but getting to see some Alite gear in action was really fun.) - Opportunity to explore a spot I had never been (Henry Coe State Park) and have it all scoped out in advance. - Fellow Trail Mavens. The group dynamic on both trips I've been on was just great. In addition to her organizational skills, Sasha is a master experience maker and creates an environment that fosters the BEST conversation - at turns helpful (thanks for the overnight oats recipe!), inspiring (how DO we women manage to have it all?), and downright hilarious. Go, go, go. You won't regret it. read more

I'd had my eye on a TM trip for a while and finally pulled the trigger on the Point Reyes backpacking trip. I'd done some light overnighters before but never had such a powerful experience with such an incredible group of women. Everyone was so open hearted and accepting, and Caitlin and Ashley did such a great job of making sure everyone was comfortable and that we all were honest about the things we were nervous about. Seriously a life-changing moment. If you've been back and forth about doing one of these trips, don't hesitate - do it!!! read more

I didn't grow up in a camping/outdoor family. Single mom, 4 kids...you know how it is. But as I grew older, my love for the outdoors grew and grew. I live in SoCal and have been an avid hiker in our local mountains, but I had never backpacked and had relatively few and far between camping experiences. I just didn't know how. I was intimidated by it all. There's so much to know, so many things to bring... And then I read about TrailMavens. It was exactly what I needed. Someone to teach me, to mentor me. Someone to show me what to bring and more importantly, what not to bring. Unconditional encouragement and support. A group of people to relax and laugh with, to share the beauty of nature with. Is there someone to do all this for a 56 year old woman? Yeah, there is. I got all that and more with my TrailMavens gals and our trip to Yosemite in August. Patience, kindness, wilderness expertise. Even when I doubted myself the most, my leader and the rest of the gang saw me through. I learned sooo much and now have the confidence to go again. Even when I messed up, Jenn, my leader just graciously turned it into a teaching moment. Great times, great laughs, great food in the incredible beauty of the backcountry of Yosemite. I'm pretty hooked on it now and would go again in a heartbeat. If you've never been, you'll be in the best of hands. If you just want others to enjoy the trip with, it's a great group of women and good times are sure to be had. read more

Sasha Cox has built something really wonderful with Trail Mavens! I spent a very rainy weekend car camping in Big Sur with Sasha, two other leaders and four other participants and had an amazing time. Two of us were first-time campers and Trail Mavens (fellow participants included) made the weekend such a warm, supportive experience. The trip ran like well-oiled machine. They had thought of everything, planned for all contingencies and made the experience feel relaxed and easy. My favorite part of the trip was how much I learned from the leaders and from the other participants. From big things like how to work two different types of camp stoves and how to put up and take down different brands of tents, to little things like the best method of keeping your ice chest cool without ending up with your berries swimming in water by the end of the weekend, I came away with so much knowledge about camping. I was so happy with my experience that I came home and signed up for another trip that evening! Take the plunge with Trail Mavens. You won't regret it. read more