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There is no minimum age requirement to participate on a Wilderness Inquiry trip. For a paddling trip, we require all participants to wear a personal flotation device (PFD). Families with children under 30 pounds would need to provide their own PFD. For most family trips, children should be able to sit comfortably in a canoe or kayak for 1 hour or more. Please use this criteria to decide whether or not your child would be a good fit on any particular trip.

For family and day trips, youth under the age of 18 must attend with an adult family member or friend who is over the age of 18.

Regardless of your individual skills or outdoor background, we believe everyone has gifts to contribute to group experiences. Trip leaders spend time helping you learn and practice camping, paddling, hiking, and backpacking skills and help foster strength and connection as a community in a way that feels supportive and welcoming of unique experiences.

Typical menus include meals like pesto pasta, burritos, stir-fry, avocado caprese wraps, brats and burgers, apple cobbler, and plenty of snacks. The exact menus vary trip-by-trip. On longer wilderness expeditions, we bring more nonperishable foods that keep well for days without refrigeration. On international trips, we tend to eat the local cuisine. We can accommodate most dietary restrictions and preferences — please note this information on your registration form.

Trip fees cover all of your needs while you are traveling with us — including equipment, food, guides, permits, etc. You are responsible for bringing personal clothing and hygiene supplies. Gear such as sleeping bags, pads, and cots can be checked out during the booking process for no additional fee.

Yes. Participants are responsible for arranging their own transportation to the trip meeting place. This includes airline travel when necessary. We encourage you to wait until you receive your trip confirmation materials before purchasing nonrefundable airfare.

If you need help arranging transportation to join us on an adventure, let us know! Our staff will try to meet your needs however we can, but we cannot guarantee transportation on all itineraries.

Registered guide dogs are the only dogs permitted on a Wilderness Inquiry trip. We can include guide/assistance dogs on most of our trips. If you would like to bring your registered guide dog on a trip, please call us at 612-676-9400 to discuss details.

Your trip is dependent on weather, availability, and potential other unforeseen circumstances. All itineraries online are “sample” itineraries that are subject to change. Please check your confirmation packet for the most up-to-date information.

There are many different route choices available within our trip locations for hiking and paddling. The routes will be chosen by Wilderness Inquiry Outdoor Leaders based on availability and the strength of the group.

Yes! In addition to our regularly scheduled trips, we specialize in creating great trips for families, friend groups, youth organizations, school groups, college programs, corporate team-building, service organizations, and more. With a professional staff of well-traveled trip planners, we’ll get you where you want to go on your terms. Our trips include expert guides, delicious meals, high-quality gear, and great accommodations.

We try to include as much detailed information as possible about each trip on our website, so this is a great place to start to browse trips and locations. If you have additional questions, please contact us at 612-676-9400 or customerservice@wildernessinquiry.org.