Solo adventures; Scared of traveling alone? Fear not: these four female-friendly options boast fitness, fun and companionship

Shape, Nov, 2004 by Lori Mayfield

Traveling solo is something every woman should do at least once. But going it alone needn't be lonely or uncomfortable. These tour outfits will cover the logistics for you (and provide a safety net), freeing up your time to enjoy a personal adventure and maybe even discover a new you.

Transportation is not included in rates unless otherwise noted. Tour dates (where specified) are subject to change.

California's Ansel Adams Wilderness With Mountain Travel Sobek

Just an hour northeast of Fresno on the southern border of its more famous cousin, Yosemite National Park, the Ansel Adams Wilderness offers a serene, scenic respite. The 230,258-acre stretch features granite monoliths, wildflower-carpeted meadows and sparkling alpine lakes--the hallmarks of this stark landscape, photographed by its namesake to stunning effect. Just bring your camera and a desire for exploring the High Sierra scenic wilderness.

Who goes A group of six to 12 women and men (typically, there's close to a 50-50 ratio), ranging in age from the 30s to the 60s. This trip is suitable for weekend warriors as well as gung-ho outdoorswomen.

The lowdown On Day 1, you'll check into a bi-level condolike chalet at the Pines Resort and Conference Center in the town of Bass Lake. While you'll have a kitchen and small grill, you may want to treat yourself to a gourmet supper at Ducey's on the Lake; order vegetarian Wellington--grilled veggies and feta wrapped in a puff pastry--or the tender New Zealand rack of lamb ($20-$31).

After a continental breakfast (complimentary), your two Mountain Travel Sobek (MTS) guides will drive your group to the Yosemite Trails Pack Station 45 minutes northwest in Fish Camp, where they'll load mules with your gear. With the pack animals trailing, you'll hike six stress-free miles from the station to Staniford Lake campsite in the heart of the Ansel Adams Wilderness (4,764 feet above Yosemite's floor); there, you'll spend four nights. Family-sized tents, which you'll share with another woman, are provided, as are sleeping bags and floor pads.

Calorie blasters You'll hike five to seven moderately paced miles daily through stretches of indigenous lodgepole pines led by two MTS naturalist guides experienced in mountaineering, fishing and hiking.

Sustenance Your multitalented guides will whip up everything from pecan-banana pancakes in the morning to veggie sushi rolls with coconut curry for lunch and basil-garlic pasta with artichoke hearts for supper.

Me-time If you're too pooped to keep up with the troops, sit it out for a day or try trout fishing at Lillian Lake. But if you're up for a challenge, Day 5 includes an optional summit of 10,693-foot Gale Peak for unobstructed views of Yosemite's most recognizable monolith, Half Dome, which stands 4,000 feet above the valley floor.

Details From $1,590 for six days from July-September (private tent available for an extra $200) includes all meals except dinner your first night at the lodge, plus use of all camping gear: sleeping bag, ground pad and camp chair (888-687-6235, mtsobek.com).

Paddle Baja, Mexico, With REI Adventures

Girl power runs high on this no-boys-allowed adventure through Mexico's Baja California Sur, Gulf of California and the Sierra de la Giganta mountain range. And if this is your first time dipping your toe in foreign waters, you're in for a treat: authentic meals, mariachi music and a margarita fiesta polish off a classic maiden voyage.

Who goes Four to 10 women ranging in age from the 20s to the 60s. Perfect for first-time kayakers and seasoned paddlers alike.

The lowdown You'll start and end your eight-day journey with a night's stay at La Pinta hotel in the coastal town of Loreto, about 700 miles south of the U.S. border (you'll fly into Loreto International Airport). After your orientation with REI, you're free to explore the quaint cobblestone streets. Dinner is on your own tab, but it offers you an opportunity to bond with new friends and your two female REI guides at any one of several local watering holes, including El Chile Willie for chicken stuffed with nopal cactus (entrees range from $4-$16).

You'll rise early on Day 2 to meet your group for a complimentary breakfast and then drive to the put-in. After a brief how-to in paddling, you'll push off. You'll make camp (weather permitting) at a different beach the rest of the week. Expect to share a spacious tent and spot wash from water pumps. Portable toilets are available.

Calorie blasters A few strokes through the Gulf of California's turquoise waters will take you to nautical nirvana--you'll be one with the gray whales, dolphins and 800 species of colorful fish that play peek-a-boo with you and your tandem kayak partner.

Days 3-7 will pepper your paddling with onshore enchantments, such as hikes along white beaches and past towering cardon cacti and into the Sierra de la Giganta foothills--home to pronghorn antelope. You'll barely notice how long you've traveled each day--an average of four hours!