Honoring Past, Shaping Present, & Cultivating Future Leaders of Color in the Outdoors.
The Trail of Colors National Hiking Tour is in its early stages of development and seeks to unite hikers of color (from beginner to expert) from all over the U.S. Hiking groups and individuals are invited to participate in each host city and are also welcome to join other host cities on their hikes. In 2024, Destination Elevated, will co-host hikes in various states along with established hiking groups from those regions. Each hike will raise funding for local youth programming, hiking equipment, and outdoor safety training for underserved populations.
Organizers of the tour hope to join forces with other outdoor advocates to help ignite underprivileged youth’s interest in connecting with nature. While the concept of the colonization of outdoor spaces is a real thing, the other realization is that due to systematic oppression many cannot afford to experience the outdoors with adequate equipment, training, and skills. “Our hope is that with these new skills, the young people will drag their caretakers outside even if it’s for a moment. Then maybe we can make a long-term habit of it.”
The tour’s recent fundraising partnership with local Miami LGBTQ youth advocacy organization, PRISM, will serve to bring awareness to legislation that affects LGBTQ youth and adults. PRISM “works to expand access to LGBTQ-inclusive education and sexual health resources for youth in South Florida.” Since 2020, the organization has provided health resources and advocated for queer youth and LGBTQ rights through grassroots action at local and state levels. The goals is to contribute to youth programming and activities that advocates for and affirms LGBTQ youth in outdoor spaces.
Adventure Works highlights the following four benefits for adventure and nature based training:
- Developing Resilience
- Improved Communication Skills
- Promoting Teamwork
- Developing Leadership Skills
*Adventure Works, 2023
Cultivating Leadership in the outdoors not only builds healthy levels of self-efficacy but builds self-confidence. Youth are taken outside of their comfort zone and that lays the foundation for growth. While the Trail of Colors Event is 18 and up, youth are able to attend with a Parent or Guardian over 21 years of age.
Scheduled events will incorporate wellness and mindfulness initiatives that include the implementation of Leave No Trace principles, Indigenous Land Recognition, Sound Baths, and more. Activities are subject to change by location and availability.
Beginning 2024, co-hosts of Destination Elevated will partner with outdoor groups like Forest Bath Miami to bring awareness to accessible outdoor spaces and groups for people of color. Leadership in these outdoor spaces, however, does not negate the presence of racism in the outdoors. Tracy Stephens of BLK Hiking Club recounts an incident on the trails with his hiking group where they experienced blatant racism. Like many non-white outdoorsy folk, this is a reality no matter the setting and one we need to be prepared for.
The Trail of Colors National Hiking Tour is currently seeking Hiking Groups from East to West to participate in the national hiking event. The best part? There’s a Dress Code: FULL COLOR. Participants are encouraged to wear colorful attire–however safety is first so be sure to stick to the basics.
An info session took place on Sunday, December 17th at 6PM EST. The session’s purpose is to determine interest in joining the tour in partnership and participation. Organizers will also take suggestions for hiking trails, youth organization beneficiaries, and local organizations & businesses to partner with and/or seek sponsorships.
Interested parties (non-individuals) should complete a Letter of Intent to join the hiking tour in 2024 after viewing the info-session. If you missed the info session but want to participate or request more information contact info@destinationelevatedtravel.com or submit your email above.
DOWNLOAD THE 2024 TRAIL OF COLORS HIKING TOUR PRESS-KIT
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DESTINATION: ELEVATED 
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