From Humble Beginnings to a Thriving Community

Hike Queen Buddies (HQB) is a thriving community of women hikers across the United States that inspires wellness through a love of nature. What started as a simple hiking journey between two friends has blossomed into a powerful 1000+ women network that fosters personal rejuvenation, community building, and empowerment.

In 2017, the seeds of Hike Queen Buddies were sown when two friends–Gunjan and Priti–sought respite from the demands of work and family by exploring local hiking trails. As word of their weekend excursions spread, more women joined their adventures. This led to the creation of a WhatsApp group, marking the informal beginnings of HQB.

“We weren’t hikers at that point; we simply wanted to enjoy our time outdoors,” recalls Gunjan. “Being out in nature and meeting different people was giving us an energy boost.” This transformative experience laid the foundation for HQB.

Chai/coffee community giveback event at Mission Peak by HikeQueen Buddies & MyTrailPals (image courtesy: HikeQueen Buddies)

Sustaining the Sisterhood

A dedicated team of four administrators–Priti, Gunjan, Saritha and Madhavi–manages the HQB community. The community comprises five chapters, with the South Bay and East Bay chapters in California being the most active, and a recent addition in New York.

The chapters organize frequent community activities, primarily hikes. With the help of guidelines that promote efficiency and responsible leadership, community members lead hikes. Apart from following the guidelines, leading a hike also requires planning, research and sometimes preparations in advance. HQB Admins assist members in preparing for hikes through training plans and shared experiences from past hikers. They also share awareness about proper gear such as appropriate shoes and backpacks. Together, the community has hiked some challenging paths including Grand Canyon Rim 2 Rim, Half Dome in Yosemite National Park and Mt. Whitney – the highest mountain in the contiguous United States.

Hiking the Grand Canyon (image courtesy: HikeQueen Buddies)

Speaking about her journey, Pratibha, an HQB member for the past four years shares “Every trail we traverse together reminds me that we’re so much more than just a hiking group – we’re family. The way we lift each other up literally and figuratively on steep climbs and through life’s challenges embodies the true spirit of ‘one for all, all for one.’ What makes our sisterhood truly special is how we lead with nurturing hearts and strength. Whether it’s sharing snacks at the summit, carrying each other’s extra items on tricky terrain, or being there with encouraging words when someone needs it most – we’ve created something remarkable together.”

In addition to hikes, HQB hosts an annual in-person meetup, providing an invaluable opportunity for community members to connect on a deeper level. Members who are making significant contributions to the wellness space share their personal journeys and inspire others. This enhances community bonding and reinstates one of the core pillars of HQB i.e supporting each other in their wellness journeys. While joining HQB is free, the annual in-person meetup is ticketed to cover operational and logistical costs.

Priti, co-founder of HQB encapsulates the essence of HQB’s mission: “A community of strong women who share the love for nature. It’s a community where we inspire each other, learn new things and create lifelong memories, all along supporting each other, both on and off the trails.”

Nurturing Growth and Connection

HQB evolved organically, soon transitioning from a WhatsApp group to an active Facebook community of women from diverse backgrounds, age groups and different fitness levels. What has remained in common is their shared enthusiasm to be out in nature. To cultivate a secure and supportive environment, the community has remained private and women-only, offering an outlet for members to enjoy nature while forging deep connections with fellow hikers.

Hiking Mt. Whitney (image courtesy: HikeQueen Buddies)

Saritha, an admin of the HQB community, shares her impression. “I was drawn to HQB by its strong sense of belonging and genuine care for people. From the start, I felt an immediate connection with like-minded individuals who share a passion for nature and physical health. Over the years, I’ve formed close friendships through shared experiences and challenges. This group has helped me discover strengths I didn’t know I had, like completing long hikes, and has empowered me through inspiration, support, and a shared commitment to growth.”

HQB serves as a platform for women from diverse backgrounds to connect with fellow hikers. Madhavi, a software engineer, describes HQB as “an extended family, building new friendships, fostering life-long bonds, and a strong network of like-minded women who share my passion for hiking, fitness, and the love for the great outdoors.”

Transforming Lives, One Trail at a Time

HQB is deeply committed to receiving feedback and consistently delivering on it. The proactive community-run model has eliminated barriers for women to express themselves. Rather, they have found their lives to be profoundly impacted by the open model of HQB. Gunjan recounts instances where members have overcome personal challenges through the community’s support.

Hiking cross town San Francisco (image courtesy: HikeQueen Buddies)

Another hiker shares, “Living in the Bay Area and being a mom of two young kids, my world became too small. I felt like I was stuck in a gold mine when Naani introduced me to HikeQueens. The gift that MyTrailpals can provide to larger communities is priceless.”

Heather Keres, a recent member, adds, “At a time in my life when I was seeking change, I found HQB. The group includes me, encourages me, and challenges me…I now hike distances and visit destinations I never imagined alongside strong, courageous, and encouraging women. I am forever grateful to the ladies of HQB.”

MyTrailPals: Expanding the Vision

Inspired by the HQB community, Gunjan launched MyTrailPals, a mobile application for all nature & outdoor enthusiasts. Unlike HQB, the app is not limited to women or hiking. People from all walks of life can find/host activities and outdoor events as per their interests. They can also connect with other like-minded outdoor enthusiasts and communities within proximity. MyTrailPals’s mission is to make the outdoors a seamless part of everyday life and reduce travel barriers that often deter people from participating.

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Published under International Cooperation with "Sindh Courier"