05/01/2025
Guide Spotlight! Meet Cara Backman.
You may have seen Cara in our recent climbing-focused newsletter, but there’s so much more to her story!
If you’ve ever explored a rock face, paddled a quiet cove, or wandered through the woods with us, there’s a good chance you’ve crossed paths with Cara—one of our incredible multi-talented guides.
Cara leads everything from rock climbing and caving to archery and hiking, and she brings a calm, grounded energy to every adventure she’s part of. Originally from just outside Boston, Cara grew up exploring the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee and the trails of the White Mountains. “Those places raised me,” she says. “They taught me how to move through the world with curiosity and respect.”
Before settling into outdoor education, Cara spent years traveling—both in the U.S. and abroad—soaking up a lifetime of stories, sights, adventures, and experiences. With a degree in Adventure Education and Outdoor Leadership, she eventually found her way to Western Mass, where she’s been helping others connect to the outdoors (and themselves) ever since.
“Being part of outdoor education has brought me the mental and emotional peace I’ve always longed for.”
When Cara’s not guiding, you’ll probably find her somewhere high off the ground on a multi-pitch route with her partner—or deep in the woods on a backpacking trip with her dog, Kenai.
Next time you see her out there, say hey—and maybe ask her about the wildest place she’s ever found herself.
