Wilderness Treks
A trek is a journey... a pilgrimage that is undertaken with intentionality.
Nature is hands-down one of the best contexts in which to explore living an integrated life - physically, mentally, social-emotionally and spiritually.
Ruth leads and guides wilderness treks for those interested in developing their inner life as an individual and leader.
FELLOW PILGRIM
After losing her Mom to cancer in 2016, Ruth embarked on a 16-day solo trip to Glacier, Banff and Jasper. On that trek, she discovered the healing solace of nature in a new way. One of her deepest desires is to curate and guide treks into nature which allow individuals, in the context of community, to practice integrated health.
WILDERNESS GUIDE
Ruth has been backpacking for the past 40+ years and has taken many groups into the wilderness. From the Canadian Rockies to The Appalachian Trail to Half Dome to Mt Whitney, she brings years of backcountry experience to every trek. She is also a certified NOLS Wilderness First Responder, Leave No Trace Trainer, and Behavioral Health First Responder.
Want to join a Trek?
WHAT IS A TREK?
WHO IS THE RIGHT FIT?
WHO IS THE RIGHT FIT?
A trek is not simply a walk or hike in nature. A trek is a journey whose destination isn’t simply the physical location of a peak, vista, lake, or mountain summit. Treks include a search for something deeper within and without.
Through the donning of boots and a backpack, a trekker chooses to optimize their own physical, mental, social-emotional, and spiritual health.
WHO IS THE RIGHT FIT?
WHO IS THE RIGHT FIT?
WHO IS THE RIGHT FIT?
Optimize Trek is as individualized in its approach as each unique person and group it takes into the backcountry. No one person or group has the same needs and goals.
Our groups are carefully curated and matched.
Each trekker must have a desire to expand their EQ (emotional intelligence) and a willingness to grow and share honestly with themselves and fellow tripmates.
WHAT TO EXPECT?
WHO IS THE RIGHT FIT?
WHAT TO EXPECT?
Treks are curated for 3-7 adults looking to engage with nature and explore the backcountry. Whether climbing Half Dome or backpacking in the Tuolumne area, all Treks include moderate to strenuous backpacking of between 5-12 miles per day.
Each day will include a component of silence/meditation as we hike, as well as community conversations.