Eighteen days allows enough time to move beyond initial discomfort and into real self-awareness. The first part of the trek invites Fellows to experience challenge in a safe, supported environment—something that’s rare, and essential for learning how we respond when things feel hard. In the second half, Fellows apply what they’re learning about themselves through leadership programming and real backcountry responsibility, practicing how to stay grounded, capable, and intentional in the face of challenge.

Wild Gift treks take place in remote wilderness areas where we can travel slowly and stay in one landscape for an extended period of time, something most people never get to experience. Spending 18 days in the same wild place allows Fellows to move beyond the surface experience and develop a deeper connection to the land, themselves, and the group. While trips of this length are challenging to plan and rare to access, the benefits—for clarity, perspective, and leadership growth—are profound.

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Wild Gift supports emerging leaders from North America and focuses on projects with a global and environmental impact. However, our network and mission have a broader international reach.

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Currently, Wild Gift offers one Fellowship per year to founders of environmental and social impact organizations. In addition, we are launching a new program, Wild Strides, which is a "bite-sized" version of the Fellowship. Visit our Wild Strides page for more info!

The areas we’ve trekked include:

Utah:

Southern Utah’s wildly diverse and pristine landscape makes it an ideal setting for a springtime backcountry experience. The prehistoric beauty of the arches, canyons, and buttes, along with the desert-adapted flora and fauna provide endless opportunities for exploration and immersion in a breathtaking wilderness setting. The route includes a mix of day hiking from remote basecamps to multi-day backpacking. No prior backpacking or canyoneering experience is required; however, we encourage participation from folks open to adventure and willing to be continuously awestruck by the incredible topography and landscape!

Idaho:

The Wild Gift basecamp in Sun Valley, Idaho is the gateway to the largest wilderness and roadless areas in the lower 48 US states. Far from major population centers, this remote wilderness is the domain of abundant wildlife flora and fauna, a blank canvas for engagement in one of nature’s most dynamic mediums. The route follows a gentle progression from rolling sub-alpine terrain to the jagged peaks of the Rocky Mountain ranges. No prior backpacking, snowshoeing, or skiing experience is required. Fellows will quickly develop the skills to travel safely, proficiently and joyfully. The adventure starts in a backcountry “hut” and progresses out into the wilderness traveling over several mountain ranges over a distance of 40 miles with close to 14,000’ of elevation gains and loss.

Alaska:

In the early years of Wild Gift, the trek was held in rural Alaska. Fellows trekked with two guides across glaciers, through rugged trail-less forests, and down rivers in old canoes. Perhaps some of the most wild expeditions, we hope to one day take our Fellowship back to the great frontier.