Today we’d like to introduce you to Carrie Gregg.
Hi Carrie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve always loved the outdoors. As a child, my parents took us on vacations to explore our National Parks, and in high school I joined an Explorer Scout Troop at my church to gain more experience on the trail. It wasn’t until recently that I learned how adventure can bring people together and how much I wanted to create something of my own around that passion.
After college, I focused on my education, career, and starting a family. Playing in and exploring the outdoors took a back burner – something my husband and I did at leisure on one of the few vacations we took each year. My life became consumed by advancing up the corporate ladder, household chores, and trying to start a family. In 2019, my life almost came to a screeching halt (figuratively and physically) when my husband and I were involved in a traumatic semi-truck accident. Over the following months, not only were we recovering mentally and physically, but also reassessing our life’s goals. There’s nothing more sobering then getting hit by a physical truck to make you rethink what you want out of life. It was during this time that we decided we needed to make a change. We visited a few of our “dream” cities before deciding to move to Salt Lake City, Utah. It was a whirlwind! We came home from househunting, listed our house in Texas, sold it in 3 days, and moved to Utah in the next 30 days.
Once we arrived in Salt Lake, we were immediately greeted with sweeping views of the mountains, easy access to trails, and plenty of areas to explore. I felt like a kid again! The only downside was that I was not fit enough to actually enjoy it. One of my neighbors told me about the hike up Mt. Timpanogos and (jokingly) relayed how it was a rite of passage for new people to the area. I can never turn down a challenge, so immediately started training. It took me about 8 months to get into “Timp-Top” shape. The only problem was, I didn’t feel confident enough to go by myself. I posted on my personal Instagram page to see if anyone wanted to join me. Two friends (who didn’t know each other) were both eager to join. They flew in, and we took off! We started the hike at midnight, and it took us about 6 hours to summit. I’ve never had that much fun enduring such physical pain before – ha! We laughed (and danced!) the entire way up and down the mountain. Once we completed the hike, we celebrated with a spa day at The Grand America hotel – exactly what our aching bodies needed. It was there, sitting in the eucalyptus steam room, that I decided I wanted to do something like this again.
A few months later, I planned an entire Southern Utah trip itinerary and again invited friends from Facebook to join me. I slated spots for seven women, and all slots were taken within 3 days- again, no one knowing each other prior to the trip. We crawled over boulders in slot canyons, hiked among the hoodoos, navigated the Narrows, and enjoyed a fabulous meal at Hell’s Backbone Grill in Boulder, UT. It was another fantastic trip – vibes were high, the group meshed together well, and everyone challenged themselves.
After pulling off such a successful trip, I decided to file for an LLC and make it official. I started Girls Only Adventure Trips (GOAT) officially in August 2024 as a hobby while still working full-time in my corporate career. I continued planning 2 multi-day trips a year, but then began adding more local hikes and experiences in the Greater Salt Lake area. What began as a simple idea—to get a few women together for an adventure—quickly grew into something much bigger. In 2025 I launched Hiking Happy Hours. This was another simple idea to bring women together after work for a short hike and finish with Happy Hour (or just dinner in some cases) at a local restaurant.
At first, it was about creating space for women to connect, move their bodies, and have fun outside. But as the hikes kept filling, I saw the real need: women are craving community, adventure, and a break from the pressures of everyday life.
The growth has been organic, fueled by word of mouth, social media, and a lot of passion. Today, I’m proud that we’ve built not just a trip business, but a real community where women come as strangers and leave as friends. GOAT has allowed me to combine my love of nature, my background in leadership and corporate strategy, and my belief that adventure changes people for the better.
Looking back, I never could have imagined how much joy this would bring me—or how quickly it would resonate with others. And we’re just getting started!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road has surprisingly been smooth – mainly due to the connections made through GOAT. On one of my first local hikes, one of the women told me her husband was a CPA and could help me set up my LLC and advise on taxes. I’ve met a lot of other content creators and influencers in the outdoor community in SLC that have helped reshare my social posts online to grow a larger audience. Several local businesses, like Facil Taqueria, have offered to make drink and meal specials for when we arrive for Happy Hour after hiking. Other larger brands like KUHL have provided clothing and gear to our participants and been a huge supporter of women in the outdoors. It’s honestly surprised me at how well this has come together. It just proves to me how much of a need there is in this day and age for strong, human connection – especially among women. The added benefits of the fresh mountain air, exercise, and fun is just a strong by product!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Girls Only Adventure Trips is all about creating meaningful outdoor experiences designed exclusively for women. We specialize in curating both local pop-up adventures around Utah and multi-day trips across the U.S., blending hiking, exploration, and community. What sets us apart is that we don’t just plan trips—we create safe, welcoming spaces for women to connect, recharge, and push themselves in ways that feel both fun and empowering.
We’re known for the balance we strike: adventure with ease. From planning logistics and securing lodging to adding thoughtful touches like curated meals or post-hike happy hours, we take care of the details so women can simply show up and enjoy.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the community we’ve built. GOAT isn’t just a trip, it’s a chance to belong—to make friends, to share stories, and to experience nature with people who get it.
For readers, I’d want them to know that GOAT is for every level of adventurer. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or someone who just wants to dip a toe into the outdoor lifestyle, we have offerings that meet you where you are. And no matter the destination, our promise is always the same: adventure, connection, and a little bit of magic.
How do you think about luck?
I think luck has shown up in both directions throughout my life and business. There’s been good luck—like meeting the right people at the right time, stumbling on opportunities I didn’t even know existed, or having doors open just when I needed them most. But there’s also been the kind of “bad luck” that feels frustrating in the moment—plans falling through, unexpected obstacles, or timing that didn’t work out.
What I’ve learned is that both types of luck have shaped GOAT. The good luck has fueled growth and given me confidence, while the bad luck has pushed me to get creative, pivot, and build resilience. I wouldn’t trade either, because together they’ve made me more resourceful and more determined. At the end of the day, luck plays a role—but it’s how you respond to it that makes the difference.
Pricing:
- Hiking Happy Hours are currently Free
- Local GOATs (weekend day trips) range from $20-$40+ depending on the experience
- Multi-Day Trips range from $500 – $2,500+ depending on the trip
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.girlsonlyadventuretrips.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/girlsonlyadventuretrips
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@heyadventurers
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@girlsonlyadventuretrips
