What we’re about
Washington Women Outdoors (WWO) is a non-profit organization founded in the Fall of 1977 and recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) in the Spring of 1979, that is run almost entirely by volunteers. We engage in outdoor activities in the Washington, DC area where women share skills, experience, strengths, and support to enhance and expand each woman's world. We welcome women of diverse ages, races, and lifestyles. WWO provides instruction by women for women. Activities are available for all skill levels to inspire the beginner and to challenge the more advanced.
WWO members are independent women who seek adventure in the outdoors. We have a passion for hiking, biking, rock climbing, caving, backpacking, kayaking, cross country skiing, horseback riding, hang gliding, and anything that tests our strength and broadens our horizons. We enjoy meeting new people who want to travel with us to beautiful places in the wilderness. If you are open to learning new things in a supportive environment and enjoy sharing the outdoors with other women, we invite you to join us.
WWO is different than typical Meetup groups. We scout our hiking and biking trips. Each trip is led by two leaders. One leader stays at the front of the group and the second leader is the sweep. Each participant is encouraged to participate at her own pace, and the sweep is there to ensure that no one is left behind. We want each participant to go at their own pace so that they enjoy their experience and come back to the outdoors.
Please visit our website: https://washingtonwomenoutdoors.org/ for more information and to register for events.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- It’s all Happening at the Zoo Bike RideBethesda, Bethesda, MD
19 miles mostly on closed roads and trails but with a few short, steep climbs on residential streets and a very gradual uphill on the Capital Crescent Trail. Suitable for advanced beginners and above on road or hybrid bikes. (We are also offering this ride on Saturday, March 29.)
$0 members, $15 non-membersWhat a fun ride! Leaving from Bethesda, we will travel on residential roads, bicycle trails and the now permanently closed-to-traffic roads of Rock Creek Park to arrive at the National Zoo. Once there, we will receive a special tour by our ride leader who also volunteers at the zoo and will give us the inside scoop on zoo residents and conservation efforts. We’ll have lunch at the zoo before heading back to Bethesda along the Capital Crescent Trail. As with all our rides, we will have a leader and sweep and no one will be left behind. Ride start is accessible by Metro.
- Register for this ride on our website at this link: It's all Happening at the Zoo Weekday Bicycle Ride
- Upon completion of registration and the waiver, trip information will be forwarded by email. If you do not see confirmation email from Washington Women Outdoors in your in-box, immediately check your spam folder.
No further trip details will be provided on Meetup.
There is limited space on this event. Register early on our website to reserve your spot! Although this ride is FREE for Members, please register!Find out about WWO Member benefits at this link: https://washingtonwomenoutdoors.wildapricot.org/Membership
If you're not ready to register for this event and would like more information, please email: bike@washingtonwomenoutdoors.org
- Introduction to Outdoor Rock Climbing at Carderock, MDCarderock Recreation Area, Carderock, MD
Come try the sport of Outdoor Rock Climbing in this introductory class!
$120 members; $130 non-members
Register for this event by March 9 on our website: https://washingtonwomenoutdoors.wildapricot.org/event-6080925What to Expect:
Join us for an afternoon of rock climbing at Carderock, MD! Brand new climbers, as well as those more familiar with the sport, are all invited to join us for an introductory lesson and guided climb along the Potomac river in a supportive and comfortable environment. Certified instructors from Sportrock Climbing Guides will provide all required equipment, and handle all rigging, and get you started on a new challenge.We will be outdoors, so please dress for the weather.
Bring water and a snack if you like, as neither are available at the climbing location.After you complete your registration, you will receive a confirmation email with additional event details and event location.
There is limited space, so please register early.No further trip details will be provided on Meetup.
If you're not ready to register for this event and would like more information, please email: eliza.ledwell@gmail.comFind out about WWO Member benefits at this link: https://washingtonwomenoutdoors.org/Membership
- Exploring Frederick County Bicycle RideUtica, MD, MD
41 miles, 1600 feet elevation. For Intermediate and Advanced Riders. Rolling hills on country roads with little traffic.
$0 members, $15.00 non-members.Join us for a wonderful ride over the rolling hills and through the beautiful valleys of Frederick County. Once we discovered and tried this route, we knew we had to put it on the schedule! In addition to stopping at a covered bridge, we take in great views of scenic farmland and the nearby Catoctin Mountains, ride along a lovely creek, and stop at Mount St. Mary's college for a rest stop. This is a no-drop ride with a leader and a sweep.
- You must register and pay for this event on our website at this link: Exploring Frederick County Bicycle Ride.
- No further trip details will be provided on Meetup. Upon completion of registration, trip information will be forwarded by email. If you do not see confirmation email from Washington Women Outdoors in your in-box, check your spam folder.
- Register early on our website to reserve your spot! Although this ride is FREE for Members, you must register!
Find out about WWO Member benefits.
If you're not ready to register for this event and would like more information, please email: bike@washingtonwomenoutdoors.org
- Ashby Gap to Rod Hollow Shelter via the AT Backpacking TripNeeds location
Starting at the Ashby Gap parking lot, this scenic section of the Appalachian Trail invites you to immerse yourself in the peaceful beauty of the forest. The well-marked and well-maintained path winds through lush woodlands, offering a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Along the way, we'll pass the historic Myron Glaser Cabin, a hidden gem nestled among the trees.
Our journey leads to Rod Hollow Shelter, a perfect resting spot featuring a covered picnic area and a cozy firepit—ideal for refueling and sharing stories under the canopy of towering oaks. While this trail doesn’t boast sweeping vistas, its quiet charm and immersive natural setting make it a rewarding trek for both seasoned backpackers and those looking for a refreshing outdoor adventure. This section of the Appalachian Trail is also affectionately known as the Roller Coaster. The Rod Hollow Shelter is a popular camping spot with several flat tent pad sites.
Miles: 8.5
Rating: Level 7 (View Hiking Rating Scale)
$20 members; $30 non-members
Register for this event on our website here.
All trip details including equipment list, meetup spot, and driving directions will be provided by email the week prior to the trip.
NOTE: No further trip details will be provided on Meetup.
There is limited space for this event.
Register early on our website to reserve your spot! If you're not ready to register for this event but would like more information, please email: backpack@washingtonwomenoutdoors.org.
Find out about WWO Member benefits here:
https://washingtonwomenoutdoors.org/membership-fees/.
