Chasing Sunsets & Shores

PICTURED ROCKS NATIONAL LAKESHORE

WOMEN'S BACKPACKING ADVENTURE

There are some places you really have to walk into to understand.

Welcome to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, where turquoise Lake Superior water meets towering sandstone cliffs, hidden coves, waterfalls, beaches and miles of wild shoreline.

For six days, we’re trading busy schedules for hiking boots, backpacks and nights under the stars.

This women’s adventure begins and ends with the comforts of a quaint motel, but in between, we’ll spend three unforgettable nights backpacking along the Lake Superior shoreline, carrying what we need and moving from camp to camp together.

Expect approximately 24 miles of hiking, quiet beaches, camp dinners, morning coffee with a view, a little sand in absolutely everything, plenty of laughter, gorgeous sunsets, and a few Sunny & Turquoise surprises along the way.

This trip is about more than hiking the miles. It’s about discovering what happens when you carry everything you need on your back, spend a few days disconnected from everyday life and realize you’re capable of a whole lot more than you thought.

Come as you are. We’ll do the hard stuff together.

PICTURED ROCKS DATES

August 24-29, 2027

DATES PIC ROCKS DATES

ITINERARY

Day 1- August 24

WELCOME TO THE U.P.

Welcome to Michigan’s wild and beautiful Upper Peninsula!

Today we’ll all make our way to our designated group meeting point, where your Sunny & Turquoise adventure officially begins.

Driving in? Meet us directly at our designated meeting location. We’ll provide the exact location, parking details and meeting time before the trip.

Flying in? Fly into Sawyer International Airport (MQT) and your Sunny & Turquoise hosts will pick you up during our designated arrival window and bring you to meet the rest of the group.

Once everyone is together, we’ll head toward the Lake Superior shoreline and Grand Marais, MI, for our first night.

Tonight is easy: meet the women you’ll be sharing this adventure with, do a final gear check and gather for a fun welcome dinner at a favorite local brewery followed by a relaxing campfire on the beach while we get to know each other.

Tomorrow, we shoulder our packs and head into the wild!

Hiking: Minimal

Meals Included: Welcome Dinner

Overnight: Grand Marais Motel

ITINERARY PIC RKS

Day 2 - August 25

DUNES TO DEEP WOODS
Grand Sable Dunes + Twelvemile Beach → Trappers Lake

We’ll ease into the early morning with breakfast at a local spot in Grand Marais, enjoying a good meal and one last taste of small-town comforts before heading into the wilderness.

Then we’re off to see the spectacular Grand Sable Dunes from the historic Log Slide Overlook, where towering sand dunes meet the turquoise waters of Lake Superior. We'll take a short walk to experience this incredible landscape, soak in the views and snap a few photos before our big adventure begins.

And then…it’s time to shoulder our packs!

Our backcountry adventure officially begins at Twelvemile Beach, where Lake Superior stretches endlessly beside us.

We'll hike approximately 6.5 miles toward our first backcountry home at Trappers Lake, taking our time for trail lunch, snacks, photos and plenty of "wait…LOOK AT THAT!" moments along the way.

Tonight, we settle into the rhythm of camp: tents up, boots off, dinner cooking and nowhere else we need to be.

Hiking: Approx. 6.5 miles backpacking + 1 mile morning exploration
Meals Included: Breakfast, Trail Lunch, Dinner + Snacks
Overnight: Trappers Lake Group Backcountry Camp

Day 3 - August 26

THE SLOW DAY
Trappers Lake → Coves

Not every adventure day needs to be about covering big miles.

This morning is intentionally slow.

Enjoy coffee by the lake, wander the shoreline, journal, stretch, take some quiet time for yourself or simply sit somewhere beautiful and do absolutely nothing.

Late morning, we’ll pack up camp and continue toward Coves, with plenty of time built in for swimming, exploring and lunch at Beaver Creek Beach.

Part of today's hike may become a quiet walking meditation — a chance to spread out, turn off the conversation and simply listen to the forest and Lake Superior around you.

With only a few miles to cover, we’ll arrive at camp with plenty of afternoon left to enjoy it.

Tonight: camp dinner, games, beach wandering and one of the darkest night skies you may have seen in a very long time.

Hiking: Approx. 3.7 miles

Meals Included: Breakfast, Trail Lunch, Dinner + Snacks

Overnight: Coves Group Backcountry Camp

Day 4 - August 27

CLIFFS, BEACHES, & BIG MILES

Coves → Mosquito River

Today is our biggest adventure day — and quite possibly the one you’ll remember most.

After breakfast, we’ll pack up and follow the shoreline west toward Mosquito River. Along the way, we’ll stop at spectacular Chapel Beach, where sandstone cliffs, forest and Lake Superior all come together.

There’s no rush.

We have the day to hike, eat lunch with our toes in the sand, explore the shoreline and soak in the fact that we got here entirely on our own two feet.

By late afternoon, we’ll arrive at our final wilderness campsite.

Three nights in, camp life feels different.

Your pack feels familiar. Your tent feels like home. And that group of women who were strangers a few days ago? Probably not strangers anymore.

We'll celebrate our final night in the backcountry with dinner, sunset and a few special S&T touches.

Hiking: Approx. 7.2 miles

Meals Included: Breakfast, Trail Lunch, Dinner + Snacks

Overnight: Mosquito River Group Backcountry Camp

Day 5 - August 28

THE FINISH LINE

Mosquito River → Miners Castle + Munising

One last camp breakfast. One last time stuffing everything into our backpacks. And then we're off for our final miles on the trail!

Our last stretch takes us toward Miners Beach and Miners Castle, through some of the most spectacular scenery Pictured Rocks has to offer. And just like that, we've done it!

We'll celebrate with what might be the best shower of your life at a local campground, followed by a delicious picnic lunch from one of our favorite food trucks, Captain Ron's!

After checking into our final motel and enjoying some well-earned downtime, we'll head out for a spectacular sunset cruise on Lake Superior! What better way to appreciate those towering cliffs than from the water after spending days exploring them on foot?

We'll finish with a farewell dinner, plenty of laughter and stories from the trail.

Approximately 25 miles. Three nights under the stars. A group of women who said YES to adventure and made it happen! ☀️

Hiking: Approx. 5–6 miles

Meals Included: Breakfast, Munising Lunch, Farewell Dinner

Overnight: Comfy Munising Motel

Day 6 - August 29

FULL HEARTS & HAPPY TRAILS!

Munising → Grand Marais → Departures

One last morning together before we head our separate ways!

We'll gather for a hearty breakfast at a local Munising diner, where the coffee is hot, the stories are plentiful and we're probably still talking about our favorite moments from the trail.

Before saying goodbye, we'll share a special Sunny & Turquoise closing circle, reflecting on the miles we've traveled, the challenges we've conquered and the friendships we've made along the way.

Then it's time to head home! We'll provide group transportation back to Grand Marais for anyone who needs to retrieve their vehicle, followed by a transfer to Marquette Sawyer Regional Airport for afternoon and evening departures.

We'll leave with tired legs, full hearts, a little trail dirt that somehow made it into everything and memories that will last long after our hiking boots are unpacked.

Until our next adventure, Happy Trails, Sunnies! ☀️

Hiking: Minimal

Meals Included: Breakfast

Please note, the itinerary is subject to change.

ACCOM PIC ROCKS

WHERE YOU'LL BE STAYING

We're keeping things simple, cozy and full of Upper Peninsula charm! We'll begin and end our adventure in locally owned motels that offer that wonderful, no-fuss Yooper hospitality, comfortable beds, hot showers and some pretty spectacular nature right outside our doors. Think Lake Superior views, fresh pine-scented air and charming little towns waiting to be explored.

In between, we'll trade those cozy beds for three unforgettable nights of backcountry camping! Our tents will become our homes, the forest our backyard and a million stars our nighttime entertainment. We'll fall asleep to the sounds of nature, wake up to coffee in the wilderness and discover just how wonderful the simple things can be.

Two nights of cozy comforts, three nights under the stars and six days of pure Upper Peninsula magic!

Accommodations are subject to change due to availability or circumstances beyond our control. Any changes will always reflect a similar or elevated experience.

Questions before you commit?

BOOK A CALL

Schedule a chat with Lea about this trip!

Or send us an email: letsgo@sunnyandturquoisetravel.com

HOSTS PIC ROCKS

YOUR HOSTS

Lea, owner of Sunny & Turquoise, is a business innovator, travel coach, adventure enthusiast, gourmet cook, loving wife, and devoted mom.

More about Lea here.

INVEST PIC ROCKS

Abby brings a little Midwest nice and years of hospitality experience to every adventure. She loves great food and wine, getting outside for fresh air and movement, and staying up way too late with fellow travelers sharing stories about life, laughter, and, of course, their dogs!

Tiffany, a life-long world traveler and hiker, is passionate about seeing all the great sites of the world. You will surely see her stop and exclaim a few naughty words at each amazing view on this trip!

She is crafty, creative, a great cook, and an excellent wine tasting companion.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Sunny & Turquoise Welcome Gift
5 nights of accommodations (2 motel nights + 3 backcountry camping nights)
Approximately 24 miles of guided backpacking along Lake Superior's spectacular shoreline.
Experienced Sunny & Turquoise hosts
Welcome Dinner in Grand Marais, MI August 24
Local Diner Breakfast in Grand Marais, MI August 25
Camping Meals and Snacks August 25-28
Picnic Food Truck Lunch in Munising August 28
Celebration Dinner in Munising, MI August 28
Local Diner Farewell Breakfast August 29
Group camping cooking equipment
Water filtration supplies
Backcountry campsite reservations and permits
Grand Sable Dunes excursion
Ground transportation during the retreat
Group airport transfer from Marquette Airport (designated pickup time)
Pre-trip planning, packing lists and preparation guidance
A few Sunny & Turquoise surprises!

TRIP INVESTMENT

$1,999 Per traveler | shared motel room accommodations
- Private bed in a double occupancy motel room for 1st and last nights
- Option to bring your own tent or share with a friend
- If you select the shared room option and are not traveling with a friend, you will be assigned a roommate.
$2,499 Per traveler | private motel room accommodations

Payment Schedule

$750 Deposit due at booking
50% Of Remainder Due 6 Months prior to departure date
Remainder/Final Payment due 75 Days prior to departure date
Please register for this trip and upon receiving confirmation of your registration you will be sent your invoice for deposit and payment schedule.

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

Everything has been thoughtfully arranged for a seamless, elevated experience. The following items remain at your personal discretion:

Flights or transportation to Grand Marais, Michigan
Personal backpacking equipment (bring your own or borrow/rent. We will share a thorough packing and gear list with you well ahead of time so you can be prepared!)
Meals and beverages not listed in the itinerary
Alcoholic beverages beyond 1 included beer or wine at group dinners out
Travel insurance, we highly recommend Faye Travel Insurance with Cancel for Any Reason coverage to protect your investment in any Sunny & Turquoise retreat
Personal expenses and souvenirs
Host Gratuities, optional
Optional activities not included in the itinerary
Additional accommodations before or after the retreat
Transportation outside the designated airport pickup window

TRAVEL INFORMATION

FLYING IN:

Fly into Marquette Sawyer Regional Airport (MQT) on August 24 (timing guidance will be given upon trip confirmation to registered travelers.)
Complimentary group airport pickup at a designated time.
Travelers arriving outside the pickup window must arrange their own transportation, including renting a car if needed.
Approximately 1.5–2 hours' drive from Marquette Airport to Grand Marais.
Please do not book flights until you receive email confirmation from Sunny & Turquoise to do so.

DRIVING IN:

Meet us at our Motel in Grand Marais, Michigan afternoon of August 24.
Complimentary parking will be available at our first motel for the duration of the retreat.

BACKPACKING EQUIPMENT

All travelers must bring their own personal backpacking equipment or arrange rentals.
A detailed packing list and equipment recommendations will be provided before departure.
Sunny & Turquoise will provide shared group cooking equipment and water filtering supplies.

Pictured Rocks Women’s Backpacking Adventure.jpg

HOW HARD IS THIS TRIP?

Adventure Level: MODERATE–CHALLENGING

This is a true backpacking trip, not a series of day hikes.

We'll hike approximately 25 miles over four trail days, carrying our personal gear (which could be up to 20-30 pounds on your back….stay tuned for more info on PACKING LIGHT), sleeping equipment, water and a portion of our food.

Daily hiking distances range from approximately 3.7 to 7.2 miles, with additional optional walking and exploring.

You do not need to be an experienced backpacker to join us.

You DO need to arrive prepared and trained for the experience. (Recommend training with weight on your back for some hikes.)

We'll provide a training plan, packing guidance and plenty of information before the trip so you know exactly what to expect.

More important than backpacking experience is a willingness to train, carry your pack, get a little uncomfortable, sleep outside and keep going when things feel hard.

Because that's part of the adventure.