EPISODE 11: Way Out Wild — Building Confidence One Peak at a Time
What starts as a simple hike can turn into something much bigger.
In this episode of the Social Adventures Podcast, I sat down with Carolina Montero and Nikki Taylor from Way Out Wild—a community focused on helping women build confidence, connect with others, and step into the outdoors in a meaningful way.
We talked about how they’ve used the Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge as more than just a hiking goal. It’s become a powerful tool for building momentum, creating accountability, and helping people realize they’re capable of more than they thought.
If you’ve ever wondered whether you could take on something bigger… this conversation is for you.
🎧 Watch or Listen to the Episode
🌄 What is Way Out Wild?
Way Out Wild is more than just a hiking group—it’s a community built around empowerment, connection, and growth in the outdoors.
Carolina and Nikki created a space where women can:
- Try something new in a supportive environment
- Build confidence through shared experiences
- Challenge themselves at their own pace
- Find accountability and encouragement along the way
What stood out in this conversation is how intentional they’ve been about creating a space where people feel like they belong—whether it’s their first hike or their first big goal.
🤝 The Power of Community in the Outdoors
One of the biggest themes in this episode is something I see all the time in the Six-Pack of Peaks community:
👉 People are capable of more than they think—but they rarely do it alone.
Way Out Wild has built a culture where:
- Beginners feel welcomed, not intimidated
- Members support each other through challenges
- Progress is celebrated at every level
And that changes everything.
Because when you’re surrounded by people who are showing up, pushing themselves, and encouraging you along the way—it becomes a lot easier to take that next step.
🏔️ Using the Six-Pack of Peaks as a Launchpad
Carolina and Nikki shared how they’ve incorporated the Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge into their community—and why it works so well.
The structure of the challenge provides:
- A clear goal
- A sense of progression
- Built-in milestones
- A shared experience
Instead of just “going hiking,” participants are working toward something—and that creates momentum.
And once that momentum builds, something interesting happens…
People start to think bigger.
🚀 From First Hikes to Bigger Adventures
One of my favorite parts of this conversation was hearing how members of Way Out Wild have evolved over time.
What starts as:
- “I hope I can do this…”
Turns into:
- “What else can I do?”
That shift—from doubt to possibility—is what makes challenges like Six-Pack so powerful.
Because it’s not just about the peaks. It’s about what happens after:
- Taking on harder hikes
- Trying backpacking or multi-day trips
- Traveling for new adventures
- Stepping into leadership roles
Confidence builds on itself—and it often starts with something simple.
💡 Advice for Getting Started
If you’re on the fence about joining a challenge or getting more involved in the outdoors, Carolina and Nikki shared a few key takeaways:
- You don’t have to be “ready” to start
- Find your people—it makes a huge difference
- Start small, but stay consistent
- Don’t compare your journey to anyone else’s
And most importantly:
👉 You’re more capable than you think.
🌟 Final Thoughts
This conversation is a great reminder that adventure doesn’t have to start big.
It can start with:
- One hike
- One goal
- One decision to show up
And when you combine that with the right community, it can lead to something much bigger than you ever expected.
🔗 Learn More
- Way Out Wild: https://www.wayoutwild.org
- Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge: https://socialhiker.net
🎙️ About the Podcast
The Social Adventures Podcast shares conversations from the trail—stories of hiking, adventure, community, and the people who are getting out there and doing it.
💬 Join the Conversation
What’s one goal that feels just out of reach right now?
Drop it in the comments—and let’s start making it happen.
🎵 Music Credit
Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!)
https://uppbeat.io/track/roo-walker/flight-mode?rt=uc-referral
License code: 3EVZHM9WW6NBQH9B
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