Some of the best stories start with a simple “want to go for a hike?” For Jeri and Cindy, two women from Kansas in their late 60s, that casual question over a decade ago grew into something much bigger than they ever expected. What began as two friends exploring Kansas trails (yes, Kansas does have scenic trails — who knew?) blossomed into a thriving community called Women Hiking Kansas and Beyond. Now, instead of just logging miles, they’re building friendships, traditions, and confidence with every step. And every September, that journey leads them right here to Estes Park — basecamp to Rocky Mountain National Park — where nature’s grandeur meets the simple joy of women walking side by side.
From Two Hikers to a Sisterhood
Back in 2019, Jeri — a seasoned hiker with a decade of trail dust on her boots — invited her friend Cindy to join her for a hike. They had so much fun that they decided to create a Facebook group. By the next outing, 12 women showed up, most of them strangers. A month later, that number had grown to nearly 50. The third Saturday of each month became a standing tradition. Women from 12 and up laced up their boots, with the youngest around 12 and the oldest hikers often in their late 70s (and even late 80s in earlier years), proving that adventure has no age limit. One of Jeri’s favorite memories is of two young women who approached her years ago at an event. Both had recently moved to Wichita for new jobs and didn’t know anyone. On a whim, they each decided to try out a local hiking event. That group just happened to be Women Hiking Kansas and Beyond. Three months later, those two strangers were inseparable — best friends thanks to a trail. As Jeri likes to say, “hiking teaches resilience, preparation, and the lost art of conversation.” And if you’ve ever been on a trail with a group of women, you know the conversation is never in short supply. (Who needs bear bells when your chatter carries down the canyon?)
Why Estes Park?
Every year, the group takes two trips: one local and one “big adventure.” Six years ago, they chose Estes Park — and fell in love.
Why? Because Estes Park offers everything a hiking sisterhood could want:
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Rocky Mountain National Park trails, that for them, range from peaceful 5-mile strolls to ambitious 10-mile treks.
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YMCA of the Rockies, their go-to lodging partner. With spacious cabins, on-site dining, and meeting spaces perfect for large groups, it makes planning and carpooling for timed entry into RMNP stress-free. Plus, nothing beats sharing coffee with friends as the morning sun hits the peaks.
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Local traditions, like a stop at Brownfield’s, where Jeri proudly collects her Trail Tags (which she now keeps in a shadowbox to mark her hiking milestones).
The Heart of the Hike in Estes Park, Basecamp to RMNP
For many women, this annual trip to Estes Park is more than just a getaway — it’s empowerment in action. The ages range from mid-40s to late-70s, and newcomers are always paired with seasoned hikers for safety and encouragement. Cindy and Jeri map out routes, organize carpools, and remind everyone about safety gear: hiking poles (not a sign of age but of wisdom), sturdy shoes, and plenty of water.
Their philosophy is simple: hiking doesn’t have to be extreme to be extraordinary. The goal isn’t to summit the tallest peak — it’s to share laughter, stories, and moments that last far longer than the trail itself.
More Than Miles
During their 4-day stay in Estes Park, the group hikes three days and saves one for memory-making off the trail: browsing shops, enjoying meals at local favorites like El Mexi-Kal, Poppy’s Pizza and Grill, and Smokin’ Dave’s BBQ, and catching up with friends old and new. But the magic of this group goes deeper than mileage. Conversations on the trail range from teens swapping college stories, to new moms sharing encouragement, to women navigating the challenges of caring for aging parents. Somehow, step by step, the trail becomes both counselor and cheerleader. Or as the group likes to joke, borrowing from The Pointer Sisters: “We Are Family, I got all my sisters with me!” Cheesy? Yes. Truthful? Absolutely. What started as strangers meeting on a trail has grown into a sisterhood that travels, dines, and dreams together. One of their Kansas locals who is just 12 years old now hikes alongside her mom and grandmother — three generations of women building traditions that may just last another 60 years.
Why This Story Matters
In a world buzzing with notifications, Jeri and Cindy remind us that the most meaningful connections aren’t found on a screen but on the switchbacks of a trail. Their story is proof that adventure isn’t about distance — it’s about who walks beside you.
So next time you’re in Estes Park, grab a friend (or a soon-to-be one) and hit the trail. Because sometimes the simple act of walking side by side is the most empowering adventure of all.
Learn more about Women Hiking Kansas and Beyond.
