Pictured Rocks Backpacking Trip
August 31, 2024
September 2, 2024
Pictured Rocks is one of the most beautiful places in the Midwest. With towering sandstone cliffs, miles of sandy beaches, and beautiful trails that edge the impressive Lake Superior shoreline, Pictured Rocks is a backpacker’s paradise.
Relatively easy terrain and with frequent water access, Pictured Rocks is a great trail for beginning backpackers, families, or those on a tight schedule. The beautiful beaches and breathtaking views make it a great choice for beginners and well-seasoned backpackers alike.
New to the backpacking game? Is it time to get back into it after a long break? Have you wanted to backpack the Pictured Rocks but had no one to go with? Even if it's not your first backpacking trip, it can be challenging to pack your gear, find a campsite, and get out there, whether for a one-nighter or an extended trip.
My trips are all inclusive, with no added fees, all the essential backpacking equipment like, tents, water filter system, cookware, first aid, gourmet backpacking food, expert guidance and as much historical, geological and wildlife interpretation you can handle. You need to only pack in accordance with our provided clothing list and show up on time with an adventurous spirit.
I am attuned to the needs of all ages and will ensure that you have a fun, exciting and worry-free adventure of a lifetime! This weekend trip is a perfect way to dip your toes into backpacking.
My goal is to empower clients with skills and knowledge so that they can be self-sufficient in the wilderness and undertake future trips of their own. As you become more comfortable with backpacking, you can branch out and discover the beauty of your state and national parks or many backcountry campgrounds across the country.
I recognize the powerful effect that several days spent exploring in nature can have on a person’s well-being. I am here to provide a safe and comfortable opportunity for you to experience the magic of these amazing places first-hand, while having fun, make new friends, and expanding your comfort zones.
Every trip includes unique, daily hiking opportunities, nature site exploration & interpretation and, of course, relaxation whether it be leisurely near the lake, enjoying the sounds along the trail hiking or unwinding around a campfire.
Always feel free to contact me. If you are going to spend time in the woods with me, why not call and get to know me first. I am happy to chat about any questions you may have before booking a trip with me.
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ITINERARY
You can take all day Friday to make your way up or head up after work. We should be back to the cars by noon on Monday giving you most of the day to make it back home.
Day 1
Meet at parking area in Munising. We’ll divvy up food and gear, circle up, set intentions, and set out on our journey into the wilderness. We will carpool to the trailhead. We hike 1.5 mile into designated backcountry campsites with fire pits and bear boxes. Get expert tips as we work together to set up camp. Learn how to build a fire to cook on and enjoy our first meal together. Time to explore the area without our packs as we hike to an isolated beach with option an option to see a waterfall. We finish the evening falling asleep under a blanket of stars.
Day 2
Hot beverages & breakfast. Guided hike of exploration as we hike 4.5 miles to Chapel Rock. Some of the most amazing scenery is along this trail and we will take plenty of breaks. Our day will be open to wild exploration and paying special attention to cultivating intimacy with nature. We will reach the next campground and now with more practice under our belts have time to spend the laying on the beach and playing in the water. We build a fire and cook our dinner. We can enjoy it on the beach as we watch the sun set over Lake Superior. After dinner we’ll practice a group activity & story time. This evening we drift to sleep with the sound of waves crashing in the background.
Day 3
Hot beverages & breakfast. Pack up and hike back. We’ve enjoyed some amazing meals and our packs are lighter as we hike the 3 miles back to the trail head. We will take the car back to town where we will have final gratitude circle. Say our goodbyes as we step into a new appreciation of life affirming nature and the new friendships we made! We did it!
Meet Your Leader
Meet your leader: Heather Zigler is an experienced International Tour Guide who has led to far away regions on the planet including: Belize, Patagonia, New Zealand and Antarctica.
An outdoor guide, backpacker, nature-based mentor, and storytelling goddess. She is super excited to share with you the place where her fierce passion for the outdoors was born, Michigan.
Heather creates a strong, compassionate, loving environment that facilitates deep healing and sacred connection to the wilderness. Every person can open up, be real and reimagine themself while finding a new community of friends.
