Looking to stay active, meet new people, and enjoy the Wenatchee Valley? Join Wander Walkers, your weekly walking club with the YMCA!

We head outside each week for a fun, social walk to recharge and connect. And one Saturday a month, we level up; we will hit a local trail for a scenic hike, soaking in new views and building a community that loves the outdoors.

Every Thursday @ 6:00pm | Meet in the NEW YMCA parking lot

ALL ARE WELCOME!

We will meet at the NEW YMCA (327 N Wenatchee Ave, Wenatchee, WA). No YMCA Membership Required. Youth under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Friendly, non-reactive dogs are welcome.

Questions? Email emily@wenymca.org or outdooreducation@wenymca.org

  • Depending on the week and attendance, we will usually split into two groups: The slower relaxed walkers & the fast energetic walkers. The relaxed group will walk about 1 mile in 30-45 minutes. The energetic group typically walks a 2-mile loop in 45 minutes.

  • We start at the New YMCA parking lot and connect to the Apple Capital Loop Trail from there! The relaxed group will walk down to Pybus and back and the energetic group will walk to Pybus, up Orondo and down Wenatchee Ave. back to the New YMCA parking lot.

  • Short Answer: YES PLEASE!

    Long Answer: Friendly, non-reactive dogs are welcome to join us on our walks! Owners are responsible for keeping their dogs leashed at all times and cleaning up after them.

  • YES! Kids of any age are welcome to join with an adult 18 years or older. Guardians are asked to keep an eye on their children as there is usually lots of bikes and other people around.

    PS, kids can come in their strollers too if that makes it easier for you!

Meet Your Club Leaders!

Hi! We are Emily & Riley, YMCA Staff, Wander Walkers Club Leaders, and best friends! This club started as a dream to connect with our community and give people a space to get outside in a relaxing and fun environment. We are so excited to walk with you every week.

Meet Emily (left): "Growing up in the Wenatchee Valley, the outdoors has always been my backdrop, but it wasn’t until I got older that I realized how deeply it shaped me. By day, I pour my creativity into marketing for the YMCA, and by night you’ll usually find me crafting something new. No matter the season, I’m happiest outside in the sunshine, exploring the place that made me who I am. Wander Walkers is my way of sharing that love with others, one sunny step at a time."

Meet Riley (right): "Enjoying the outdoors has been a central part of my life, from childhood adventures across the Northeast and summers in Utah. It wasn't until I started teaching that I realized how much I love helping others experience it too. I began my journey in environmental education as a volunteer at my local aquarium at 14, and that passion has only grown since.

After earning my MS in environmental science from WSU, I moved to the valley only two years ago and have been discovering more of its beauty ever since. I believe that learning about and connecting with your local environment is one of the most powerful ways to inspire people to protect it. Wander Walkers is my way of sharing my curiosity and connection to the environment, and of course, love for being outside as we explore our home together."