Yoga and Hiking Retreat in Tuolumne Meadows

Join Balanced Rock for a unique yoga journey in the wild beauty of Yosemite National Park. From outdoor yoga asana (posture) instruction, to philosophy, to Kirtan (chanting) this course explores yoga through a wide range of styles and practices.

The granite slabs and alpine lakes of Yosemite National Park offer some of the most scenic "yoga studios" in the world. This course is ideal for anyone looking to integrate nature into their personal yoga practice, and appropriate for both beginning yoga students and seasoned practitioners alike. Here, as we practice among deep forests and sculpted stone, we return to the roots of yoga, a 5,000 year old tradition that was originally inspired by the power of the natural world.

Each day will be spent hiking through the mountainous terrain of the Tuolumne Meadows area of Yosemite, practicing yoga outdoors, and camping in a campground that we can drive to and includes bathroom facilities.

Highlights:

• Two optional yoga classes each day
• Morning meditation instruction and practice
• Hiking and gentle peak climbs in Tuolumne Meadows
• Instruction in taking your yoga practice off the mat and into you life
• Fresh meals include local and organic ingredients

Itinerary:

Friday
We will gather at Tuolumne Meadows campground in the high country of Yosemite National Park at 3:00 pm for introductions, intention setting and an orientation to the course. In the afternoon we will dive into our yoga practice and get acquainted with each other and the wild beauty of Yosemite. The evening is set aside for dharma talks, wilderness education, creative journaling, music-making or quiet contemplation around the campfire.

Saturday
We will greet the day with morning meditation and yoga practice. After a nourishing breakfast we will pack our daypacks and head out into Tuolumne Meadows. Here, among the granite domes and wildflowers, we will explore our yoga practice on and off the yoga mat. We will weave philosophy, asana and pranayama (breathing) practices with the power of the wilderness around us. In addition to our hiking and yoga practice, there is also time for dips into the cool waters of the Tuolumne River, conversations with other participants, or enjoying the views of the High Sierra from our campground "hammock lounge".

Sunday
After our morning yoga session and breakfast, we continue our exploration of yoga practice and the world around us. While out on the trails and meadows of Yosemite, we will focus on bringing our practice back home-exploring ways to integrate our new learning and appreciation of yoga into our world back home. We will end our weekend with a final closing yoga session, concluding the formal program by 2:00 pm.

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 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:

We will be camping at the Tuolumne Meadows campground in tents provided by Balanced Rock.

Qualifications:

This trip requires the ability to hike at altitudes ranging from 9,000 to 10,000 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 hikers 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?