The sky has always been a place of wonder, but today it’s also a space of connection, creativity, and exploration. Women and Drones, the global network for women in the drone industry, has expanded its vision with their new Vertical Space Treks initiative.
One of the most exciting aspects of Vertical Spaces is its Drone Treks: curated travel adventures that blend drone flight and education, breathtaking landscapes, and community. These treks invite participants to step off the beaten path, learn new skills, and see the world from above. From the emerald coastlines of Ireland to the sun-baked deserts of Arizona and the whimsical metal sculptures of Galleta Meadows, each trek is both an adventure and an education. And the best part? This is only the beginning.
The Ireland Drone Trek: Flying Through History
Ireland’s serene beauty is the perfect backdrop for an aerial adventure. Led by Ian Kiely, a seasoned professional with deep roots in Ireland’s drone industry, participants discover ancient ruins, rolling green fields, and dramatic vistas. Each scene is more striking than the last. Exploring the rugged coastline of the 4000-year-old village of Dalkey and its island in South Dublin, leading to a short journey to the mountains for a whole different adventure.
The Ireland trek blends culture with technical growth. Pilots navigate variable weather, understand airspace rules abroad, and hone flight planning. Evenings bring community and sharing footage, swapping tips, and discovering Ireland’s warmth beyond the lens. For many, the trip is as much about friendship as it is about flying.
Desert Escape: Off-Road, Off-Grid
If Ireland is lush and timeless, the Desert Escape, hosted by Desiree Ekstein – also known as Drone Diva Desi – delivers the rush of carving trails through rugged terrain, uncovering forgotten ghost towns, and sending your drone into wide-open skies that seem to stretch forever. Based in the American Southwest, this trek blends off-roading, drone flying, and history into one unforgettable journey.
The Desert Escape trades city streets for rugged tracks that wind through remote canyons and forgotten mining ruins. From the air, drones reveal the freedom of the open landscapes, where every flight captures the spirit of leaving the grid and chasing adventure.
When the trails wind down, the desert offers another kind of reward. Around the campfire, guests share stories, review their footage, and watch the sky turn brilliant shades of orange and purple. The combination of challenge, camaraderie, and breathtaking scenery makes the Desert Escape a true off-grid adventure.
Galleta Meadows: Where Art Meets Sky
In California’s Borrego Springs lies Galleta Meadows, home to more than 130 massive metal sculptures scattered across the desert floor. Hosted by Desiree Ekstein, this trek blends art, imagination, and the thrill of flight. From a giant serpent stretching across the sand to life-sized elephants and saber-toothed cats, every sculpture feels like stepping into another world.
With drones in the air, the desert transforms into a playground of shadow and scale. Sunrise and sunset light up the sculptures, casting surreal shapes across the sand and creating footage that looks like something out of a dream. The wide-open terrain invites playful exploration, whether you’re practicing smooth orbits or chasing bold cinematic shots.
Galleta Meadows brings history, art, and adventure together, offering pilots the chance to see creativity take form in the desert and capture it all from the sky.
Looking Ahead
Vertical Space Treks are just getting started, with more destinations on the horizon. Future adventures may include snow-capped landscapes, volcanic islands, or cultural journeys that highlight drone training and storytelling. What remains constant is the spirit of bringing people together to explore, discover, and capture the world from a higher view.
These treks celebrate curiosity, encourage growth, and foster connections. Every experience shows that drones open doors to new perspectives, turning the sky into a passport for adventure.
Vertical Spaces by Women and Drones has carved out something special. It’s a movement. Through drone treks to places like Ireland, the Desert Escape, and Galleta Meadows, it proves that flight is a gateway to history, creativity, and community.
For those who join, the takeaway is more than sharper drone skills. Its friendships created, stories captured, and a spark that lasts long after the last propeller stops spinning.
