Soul Trek: A Journey of Transformation

Soul Trek focuses on the adventure and challenge of exploring the Yosemite backcountry-hiking to the summit of mountain peaks, off-trail navigation and travel, and learning to thrive in the wilderness. While rising to meet these physical challenges with the support of a professional guide, we find our hidden reservoir of strength and courage with the possibility of changing us in a fundamental way.

This course uses the tools of meditation and yoga to support your connection to the natural world. These practices help you navigate through transition and transformation in your life with grace and conscious intention. As we learn to still our minds and return to a simple way of life, we become a reflection of the landscape-our body and soul carved and sculpted in harmony with the granite peaks and alpine lakes of the High Sierra.

Return to your home life feeling refreshed and renewed, with a new vision of where you are headed on your personal life path, well equipped with the tools to make this new vision thrive.

Highlights:

• Daily yoga and meditation practice with professional instruction
• Mountain hiking summit experience
• Backpacking, hiking, and camp-craft skills
• An extended wilderness "solo" experience
• Fresh meals including local and organic ingredients

Itinerary:

Wednesday
We will gather at our designated campground in Yosemite National Park at 3:00 pm for introductions, intention setting and an orientation to the course. In the late afternoon we will dive into our yoga practice and get acquainted with each other and the wilderness of Yosemite. We will organize and review gear and food, learn about the basics of packing for backcountry travel, and conclude the evening by sharing a delicious camp meal. After dinner, there will be time for group activities, sharing stories, and stargazing as we settle in for our first night in the mountains.

Thursday
We will greet the day with morning meditation and yoga practice. After a nourishing breakfast we will pack our backpacks and depart for the trailhead where we will begin our Yosemite wilderness adventure. We will hike to our first backcountry camp at a moderate pace, allowing for time to enjoy wildflowers, rock, and rivers on our route. The afternoon includes conversation, yoga instruction, lessons in camp-craft and Leave No Trace wilderness ethics, as well as time to explore our new backcountry home.

Friday and Saturday
After our morning yoga session and breakfast, we continue our trek through the backcountry. We will explore the Yosemite wilderness through off-trail hiking and non-technical mountaineering. We will also take time to explore the "inner wilderness" through an extended solo experience. To balance our adventure of transformation, we will have opportunities for swimming in alpine lakes, facilitated group discussion, or relaxing in our backcountry "hammock lounge". Evenings are set aside for dharma talks, wilderness education, creative journaling, music-making or quiet contemplation around the campfire.

Sunday
Our last morning, we will enjoy a final yoga class and meditation before enjoying our last breakfast in the field. Then we will pack our backpacks and begin our hike back to the trailhead, completing our journey with a ceremony of transition and closure.

Note on Itinerary:

This schedule is an outline. It is subject to change depending on the needs of the group and of course moods of the elements. It allows for spontaneous inspiration. This program operates rain or shine.

Price Includes:

Professional instruction and guiding, campground and permit fees, first-aid supplies, and group gear for backpacking and camping. Balanced Rock provides delicious and high-quality meals, cooking gear, and water purification supplies.

Not Included:

Transportation to and from your hometown to Yosemite, park entrance fees, and personal items.

Travel:

The driving time to Yosemite from the Bay Area is 3.5-4 hours and varies depending on traffic and road conditions. For California highway conditions visit http://www.dot.ca.gov/ or call 1-800-427-7623. For the latest road conditions and advisories in the park, call 1-209-372-0200 then press 1. You are required to carry and be prepared to use tire chains.

Important Information about Air Travel:

Prior to purchasing your airline tickets contact Balanced Rock to confirm the trip has the minimum number of participants required. info@balancedrock.org or 209-379-9453.

Closest Airports:

Fresno, CA: 103 miles; Oakland, CA: 159 miles; Sacramento, CA: 170 miles

Public Transportation and Carpooling:

There is excellent train and bus transportation to Yosemite Valley. For information on public transportation options please visit: http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/publictransportation.htm. Once you are enrolled we will send you detailed pre-trip information including options for carpooling.

Accommodations:

Our first night will be at a campground near the trailhead. The following three nights will be in the backcountry. All four nights, we will be sleeping in tents or under the stars.

Qualifications:

This trip requires the ability to hike and carry a pack at altitudes ranging from 6,000 to 9,000 feet, over varying mountain terrain. To maximize your enjoyment of the trip, we suggest that you engage in a regular exercise routine prior to the course. We also recommend that you stay well-hydrated prior to departure to assist in adjusting to altitude. Please see notes in the welcome letter for further information on preparing for our adventure. Appropriate and open to all levels of backpackers and yoga practitioners.

Weather:

Daytime temperatures can range between 50°-90° F. Mountain weather can change quickly. It is common to have clear sunny mornings with building clouds and afternoon showers followed by clear starry skies at night. Please check the forecast frequently before your course and plan accordingly. Visit the Yosemite National Park "Plan Your Visit" site for detailed information and weather-related links. http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/hours.htm

General Information:

Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. Detailed pre-trip information, including directions to the meeting place, will be sent when you enroll.

We look forward to creating a special experience that you'll never forget! Why wait?