LGBTQ+ Great Basin Adventure
Fall foliage. Stargazing. Camp in the mountains. Hike with your community.
Situated on the Utah/Nevada state line, Great Basin National Park is one of the least visited parks in the lower 48. Come join a crew of fellow LGBTQ+ identifying humans for a long weekend of hiking among golden aspens, stargazing between the pines, and holding space for truth & friendship. Explore the famous Lehman Caves and have a summit bid for Wheeler peak. This weekend will be guided by professionals who also identify as queer.
Questions? Check out our FAQ below
LGBTQ+ Great Basin Adventure
September 26—29
4 days. 3 nights. $1750
Plus applicable taxes & fees.
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September 26—29, 2024
We begin our time together with a pre-departure meeting in Salt Lake City the evening of 9/27.
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Originates from: Salt Lake City, UT
Location of trip: Great Basin National Park
Accommodations: Tent Camping
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Base Trip Cost: $1750
Deposit: $400*
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Style: Basecamp, otherwise known as car camping.
We will keep our camping equipment setup at a local campground and go on day hikes.
Level of difficulty: 3.5/5
We will be day hiking between 3.5—8 miles each day.
This trip is rated 3.5 due to elements of elevation and the possible summit of Wheeler Peak which is 8.1 miles round-trip and challenging.
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Explore glacial formed lakes and pristine forest hiking
See the only glacier in Nevada
Intentional outdoor space for members of the LGBTQ+ community
Fall colors
View ancient Bristlecone Pine trees
Attend a ranger led tour of Lehman Caves
Visit an internationally recognized dark skies park for stargazing
Delicious camp meals
Desert sunsets with new friends
Possible Wheeler Peak summit for 360* views of Utah and Nevada
Quiet time for reflection & relaxation
Range led stargazing with telescopes
Expertly prepared camp meals
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There is a two person minimum requirement for all trips
If a trip does not reach the minimum number of guests, you may choose to transfer to another trip, be refunded your payments in full, or you may have the choice to pay a supplemental fee to run the trip with fewer guests.
We make the final determination for these trips 4-5 weeks before the departure date, and notify guests of changes and options immediately.
Need a different date?
Trip Details
Sept 26-29
Join a community of LGBTQ+ outdoor enthusiasts to day hike, tent camp, and enjoy the forest in the fall.
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All transportation to and from Great Basin National Park
All park entrance fees
All meals, snacks, and post-hike fizzy drinks
Custom OM swag
Small group experience
Professional wilderness guides who are certified first responders and knowledgeable about the local flora and fauna
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20 L day hiking packs
Sleeping bag
Inflatable sleeping mat
Tent
Group kitchen
First Aid Kit
Emergency Communication Device
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Day 0: Arrive to your hotel in SLC and settle in. Pre-departure group meeting at 5p. Location will be announced.
Day 1: Drive to 3.5 hours Great Basin National Park. Once arrived, we will have lunch and explore the Visitor Center. After lunch, enjoy a ranger led tour of Lehman Caves. Finally, let’s settle into our camp and relax.
Day 2: Rise early today for a beautiful hike among the famous Bristlecone pine trees. At 4.7 miles, this is a great introductory hike to understanding the ecosystem of Great Basin. In the evening, we will attend a ranged led stargazing program.
Day 3: Today we wake to coffee and sunrise colors on the Aspen trees. Today is our big 8.1 mile summit hike to Wheeler Peak. No matter how far we get as a team, we guarantee an epic celebration dinner back at camp!
Day 4: After our huge day yesterday, we take it easy on a short hike to visit two beautiful alpine lakes. After that, its back to Salt Lake City!
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Airport transportation to Salt Lake hotel
Alcohol
Clothing & personal toiletries
Water bottles and headlamp
Trekking Poles
Guide Gratuity (10-20% of trip cost suggested)
Terms & Conditions:
A deposit of $400 is required at time of booking to secure your space. Full payment is required 30 days before departure date.
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Cancel 61-90 days prior to trip: Full refund, less deposit
Cancel 31-60 days prior to trip: 50% of trip cost is refundable
Cancel 0-30 days prior to the trip: 100% trip cost is non-refundable
We highly suggest purchasing travel insurance to protect your investment
COVID-19 Health & Safety Protocols
High touch, communal surfaces will be sanitized frequently
Any dishes used will be cleaned with hot water, soap, and bleach
All gear will be cleaned after each trip in accordance with current CDC recommendations
Hand sanitizer and hand washing stations will be available throughout the trip
Guide prepared meals will follow proper food handler's rules and regulations
Guests are asked to stay home if they are experiencing Covid-19 symptoms
What our clients are saying
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Jeff S
“I am so glad I went on one of their trips. I did not have any camping experience, but Traci and her staff taught me the ropes. I had no idea sleeping outdoors could be so much fun. The stargazing was spectacular.”
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Gayle
“Escalante trip was absolutely flawless! It was about adventure in the Spooky Slot canyon, friendship around the campfire, mindfulness during yoga, and amazement of astrology information and much more.”
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Taylor B
“As a queer led company, Outdoor Mavens knows what it means to occupy space in a way that is welcoming and fun for all outdoor enthusiasts.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I fly in and meet my guide?
This trip originates in Salt Lake City, UT. Please make arrangements to fly in and out of SLC. We will be having a pre-departure meeting in person, at a centralized meeting spot in downtown Salt Lake, the night prior to our start date.
What are the temps in this area when we are going?
Daytime average highs are approximately 65* and nighttime lows are 40*. Click here for NOAA weather for Great Basin National Park.
I do not identify as LGBTQ+, can I still attend?
While we respect and thank you for being an ally, this trip is an intentional space for our queer-identifying community. Please feel free to join us on other OM trips that catch you eye.
What should I bring for hiking clothes?
We suggest packing a variety of layers (re: puffer, fleece layer, tights, knit hat, shorts, gloves). Layers can be shed as the day warms up. Poly-blends and wool are great for hiking as they wick sweat away from the body. Great Basin sits above 7,000 ft, therefore it will generally be colder.
How many people are attending this trip?
Our guest list has 8 spaces. First come, first served.
How do I train for a hiking trip?
You can strength train with free weights and do cardio with an incline. Go on hikes in your area, gradually adding weight to your pack and increasing mileage. If you live in a place where you can travel up to a higher elevation for your hike, this will greatly help you on our trip.
What time do you drop us off in Salt Lake at the end of the trip?
We aim to conclude all trips on our final day between 4:30—6:30pm.
I can no longer attend the hiking retreat, what is your cancellation policy?
Cancel 61-90 days prior to trip: Full refund, less deposit
Cancel 31-60 days prior to trip: 50% of trip cost is refundable
Cancel 0-30 days prior to the trip: 100% trip cost is non-refundable
Should I purchase travel insurance?
We 100% encourage you to purchase travel insurance! Things happen, and we want to make sure your investment is protected.