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Let’s be real: sometimes the best way to live out your favorite MM romance books is to actually get out into the wilderness. We’ve all read that trope: the one where two guys get lost on a trail, have to share a sleeping bag for "warmth," and realize they’re soulmates by sunrise. While we can’t guarantee a shirtless lumberjack will rescue you, we can guarantee that the queer community is reclaiming the great outdoors in a big way.
For too long, outdoor spaces felt like the domain of the hyper-masculine, "granola-crunchy" elite where being out felt like an uphill battle. But in 2026, things have shifted. Whether you're looking for a casual stroll through the woods or a grueling multi-day backpacking trip, there is a queer adventure group waiting for you.
At Read with Pride, we believe in stories: both the ones you find in gay romance novels and the ones you live yourself. So, lace up your boots, pack your favorite LGBTQ+ ebooks, and let’s dive into the best queer hiking and outdoor groups to join this year.
Finding Your "Found Family" on the Trail
The "Found Family" trope isn't just for queer fiction. It’s a survival mechanism and a joy-filled reality for many of us. When you join a queer hiking group, you aren't just looking for someone to pace with; you’re looking for a space where you don't have to explain your pronouns, your partner, or why you’re obsessed with MM romance.
Hiking with the community offers a level of safety and relaxation that solo trekking or joining straight-dominated groups often lacks. It’s about visibility, shared experience, and the simple joy of seeing a rainbow flag on a trailhead.
National Powerhouses: Where to Start
If you’re looking for established organizations with a wide reach, these groups are the gold standard for queer outdoor adventure.
1. The Venture Out Project
Operating nationwide, The Venture Out Project is a heavy hitter in the world of queer wilderness. Founded by Peter Cohen, this organization has been taking folks into the woods since 2015. They focus heavily on trans and non-binary inclusion, offering everything from day hikes to multi-day backpacking expeditions. They even have trips specifically for queer families. If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to start a fire or navigate with a compass without feeling judged, this is your home.
2. LGBTQ+ Outdoors
With community chapters in over 23 states, LGBTQ+ Outdoors is one of the most accessible networks in the country. They organize massive excursions to bucket-list locations like the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska and Glacier National Park in Montana. Their mission is simple: to connect the community to the outdoors and to each other. It’s basically a real-life version of a gay adventure romance novel.
BIPOC-Centered Outdoor Spaces
Intersectionality is at the heart of our community. For queer people of color, finding spaces that celebrate both their queer identity and their racial identity is crucial.
3. QPOC Hikers
Based in the Seattle area, QPOC Hikers is an incredible resource for queer BIPOC adventurers. They host twice-monthly group hikes and maintain a vibrant online community. They also go beyond just walking; they organize gear swaps, birding walks, and even yoga retreats. It’s all about creating a space where you can be your full, authentic self.
4. Wild Diversity
Based in Portland, Wild Diversity is doing the hard work of making the outdoors accessible for everyone. They recognize that gear is expensive and can be a barrier to entry. That’s why they provide all the gear and food for their trips, keeping backpacking affordable. From youth summer camps to environmental education workshops, they are building a more inclusive future for the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
Reaching New Heights: Climbing and Mountaineering
If horizontal walking isn't enough for you, maybe it’s time to go vertical. Climbing has a massive queer subculture that is welcoming, supportive, and: let’s be honest: great for the forearms.
5. Queer Crush
If you’re in California or Vermont, check out Queer Crush. They host monthly meetups at climbing gyms and organize outdoor excursions. Climbing is a very social sport, and these meetups are the perfect place to meet people. It’s like a gay book club but with more chalk and adrenaline.
6. Belay All
Founded with the mission of making climbing more inclusive, Belay All operates across California and Washington. It was founded by a white Latinx queer person and a trans/non-binary Iranian femme, ensuring that the leadership reflects the diversity of the participants. They focus on breaking down the barriers that often keep marginalized folks out of the climbing world.
7. Queer Mountaineers
Based in Washington and Oregon, Queer Mountaineers focuses on the technical side of things: rock climbing, ice climbing, and skill development. Whether you're a total beginner or an expert looking to lead a pitch, they provide a supportive environment to level up your skills.
Regional Gems and Online Communities
You don't always need a national organization to find your tribe. Sometimes the best groups are local or exist primarily as a way to connect people digitally.
- Ottawa TimeOut Hiking Club: For our friends in Eastern Ontario and West Quebec, this club explores trails from Gatineau Park all the way to the Adirondacks in New York.
- Audubon Vermont: Since 2018, they’ve been hosting "Pride Hikes," proving that birding and nature walks are definitely queer-coded.
- Wild Wanderer: This is an essential online hub. It’s a site and community that connects LGBTQ+ adventurers globally, sharing stories and trail experiences. If you’re looking for inspiration for your next trip (or your next gay novel), start here.
Reading on the Trail: The Perfect Companion
We might be a bit biased, but we think no hiking trip is complete without a good book. There’s something magical about reading a heartfelt gay fiction story while sitting by a pristine alpine lake.
If you're looking for recommendations for your 2026 gear list, check out our latest curated collections:
- Why everyone is talking about genre-bending MM romance – Perfect for those long nights in the tent.
- The Fjord's Hunger – A must-read for fans of rugged, atmospheric settings.
- 7 mistakes to avoid with LGBTQ+ character development – For the aspiring writers who find their muse in nature.
Tips for Your First Queer Group Hike
If you’re feeling nervous about joining a group for the first time, don't sweat it. Here are a few tips to make your transition from "bookworm" to "trail-blazer" easier:
- Check the "Vibe" Level: Most groups will list the difficulty of the hike. Don't sign up for a 15-mile ridge scramble if you haven't left the couch since you finished that MM romance series last weekend. Start small!
- Bring Extra Snacks: Nothing builds community like sharing a bag of trail mix. It’s the ultimate icebreaker.
- Download Your Books: Cell service in the mountains is a myth. Make sure your LGBTQ+ Kindle books are downloaded and ready for offline reading.
- Be Yourself: The whole point of these groups is to escape the performative nature of the "real world." Be as queer, as nerdy, and as enthusiastic as you want.
Conclusion
The outdoors belongs to all of us. Whether you’re finding solace in the silence of the woods or finding community in a local climbing gym, these groups are proof that we are everywhere.
At Read with Pride, we’re dedicated to celebrating every facet of the LGBTQ+ experience, from the pages of a gay love story to the peaks of the highest mountains. So, grab your pack, find a group near you, and go make some history.
Don't forget to follow us on social media to stay updated on the latest 2026 gay books and community events:
#LGBTQOutdoors #QueerHiking #ReadWithPride #MMRomance #GayAdventure #TransJoy #BIPOCHikers #QueerCommunity #GayRomanceBooks #OutdoorAdventure2026
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