Wilderness Inquiry: Opening the Outdoors for Everyone

I am always looking for organizations that are serving the community well and getting more people outside. So today, I want to shine a spotlight on Wilderness Inquiry (WI). For nearly 50 years, WI has created outdoor experiences where people of all abilities can explore, connect, and discover new possibilities. Through adaptive paddling expeditions, multi-day camping trips, and inclusive programming, WI ensures that nature is open and welcoming for everyone.

How WI Supports Adventurers with Disabilities

When you are doing something new, it is important to trust the organization has thought about accessibility systematically. WI has a structured process for registration that ensures each participant gets the support they need. If you go to their FAQ page and click on Accessibility, they will list out the step by step collaborative procedure to determine that you feel safe and have the equipment you need. I particularly appreciated their discussion on the presence of a support person on the trip, and the pricing that is associated with that registration. Per their policy, “This fee will be based on the base price for the trip, any additional costs associated with the trip support required (e.g., equipment), and our modest administrative fee. For select continental U.S. experiences, the fee may be fully waived for personal care attendants or ASL interpreters.” By having this policy in place, they are establishing credibility with understanding the community and acknowledging the financial burden associated with caregiving. This information and more, including recommendation for a manual wheelchair for trips, can be easily found on their website. Another plus.

Affinity Group Trips: Community Through Shared Experiences

Another element in the plus column for this organization is their programming designed to cater for specific communities. WI’s Gateway to Adventure trips help individuals with cognitive disabilities build confidence in the outdoors. Many later transition into fully integrated trips, proving that outdoor recreation is possible for everyone. WI also offers Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard of Hearing as well as Neurodiverse trips. These trips create space for connection and shared experiences in nature.

Image from Wilderness Inquiry’s “Life Changing Stories”

Testimonials

But more than anything, I want you to hear from the actual participants who have been on these trips. Mark, a visually impaired 37-year-old, has paddled with WI across North America, from the Boundary Waters to Yellowstone Lake and even Alaska’s Porcupine River. His favorite trip? A 750-mile canoe journey through the Arctic Circle.

“What I love most is the camaraderie,” Mark says. “In the wilderness, we’re all the same—we work as a team, rely on each other, and form lasting friendships.” Thanks to WI, he’s planning even bigger adventures, like kayaking in Prince William Sound. “Before WI, I didn’t think trips like this were possible. They’ve opened up the world for me.”

Dave, a veteran and former rugby player, found a new sense of self on a WI trip.

“Before this, I never considered camping on my own,” he said. “Now I know my only limitations are the ones I set for myself.” Inspired by his experience, he’s already taken a solo camping trip.

Image from Wilderness Inquiry’s “Life Changing Stories”

The Outdoors is for Everyone

Wilderness Inquiry isn’t just about organizing trips—it’s about making outdoor adventure possible for more people. Through thoughtful planning, creative problem-solving, and a commitment to inclusion, WI ensures that everyone has a chance to experience the outdoors, build confidence, and find community. Let me know if you have been on a trip from Wilderness Inquiry or a similar organization!