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Men's Leadership Retreat

June 24 - 29, 2026

California, CA, United States

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Hosted By

Mark Guay

15.6k followers

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5 nights, 6 days

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9 person retreat

Highlights

  • Backpacking

  • Alpine Lake

  • All-inclusive

  • Healthy eating

  • Men's coaching

  • Rite of passage

  • Nature

  • California

Details

This is your invitation to step away from the noise, reconnect with your purpose, and return with the energy, tools, and clarity to create a legacy that lasts for generations. This Retreat Is for You If You're Done With: - Playing small—at work, at home, in life. You know there’s more in you, but something keeps holding you back. - Carrying the weight of old patterns that aren’t yours to bear. You’ve done the work, but the cycle keeps repeating. - Second-guessing yourself. Strong on the outside, but inside, doubt creeps in when it matters most. - Lone-wolfing it. You’re surrounded by people, yet deep, real connections with men who truly get you? Rare. - Running on empty. Success on paper, but inside, something’s off. You need a reset, a recalibration, a return to your full power. If any of this hits home, this retreat isn’t just a getaway—it’s a turning point. You'll walk away with a Self-Leadership Map—a clear, actionable blueprint to step back into your life with unshakable confidence, deeper self-trust, and a renewed sense of purpose. No more guessing. No more spinning your wheels. You’ll know exactly how to lead yourself first—so you can lead at home, at work, and in life with clarity and power. Why the Wilderness? Because the wild does not reflect back to you the stories you’ve been told about who you are. It does not care for your titles, your status, or the roles you play. It speaks only in the language of truth—of wind through pines, of stone shaped by time, of the aching silence that reveals what has long been buried beneath the noise of your life. The Sierra Nevadas are not just a setting; they are an initiatory force. Here, you will step beyond the domesticated self, beyond the man who has shaped himself to fit the expectations of others. The long miles will wear away what is false. The nights beneath the stars will remind you of something ancient within you, something untamed and whole. In the wilderness, there is no audience. No notifications. No mirrors except the ones nature provides—cold mountain streams, jagged ridgelines, the slow patience of a towering sequoia. You will meet yourself here, stripped of pretense, and return with a clarity that cannot be found in boardrooms or beneath fluorescent lights. If you are ready, the mountains will take you. And they will return you—stronger, clearer, and more rooted in the leader you were always meant to be. Included: - 4 days and 3 nights of backcountry camping in the Sierra Nevada Mountains - Travel from LAX to the trailhead and back - All camping and backpacking gear provided (just bring yourself) - Hiking permits, snacks, and meals (lunch & dinner while camping) - 1 Group Coaching Call before the retreat for preparation - 1 Integration Group Coaching Call post-retreat to anchor the transformation - Lifetime Access to Awaken the Father King course - Awaken The Father King Workbook

Location

California, CA, United States

Fresno, located in the heart of California's Central Valley, is a vibrant city known for its agricultural abundance and diverse community. As a major hub for farming, it produces a significant portion of the nation's fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Fresno offers a variety of cultural attractions, including the Fresno Art Museum, the historic Tower District, and the Forestiere Underground Gardens, a unique network of subterranean structures. The city is also a gateway to nearby natural wonders, such as Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon National Parks, making it an ideal base for outdoor enthusiasts. With its mix of urban amenities, cultural richness, and proximity to stunning landscapes, Fresno provides a dynamic and engaging experience for residents and visitors alike.

Venue

Sierra National Forest

Reviews

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Sierra National Forest, located in central California, is a sprawling expanse of natural beauty that covers over 1.3 million acres of diverse landscapes. Nestled between Yosemite and Kings Canyon National Parks, it offers breathtaking views of rugged mountains, dense forests, and pristine lakes. The forest is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, providing a wide range of recreational activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, and boating. Popular spots include Bass Lake, known for its water sports, and the Ansel Adams Wilderness, which offers stunning alpine scenery. With its rich biodiversity and scenic beauty, Sierra National Forest is a perfect destination for those seeking adventure and tranquility in the great outdoors.

Free Parking

Free Parking

Bathroom

Bathroom

Accommodation

Private Tent

Private room for 1

$2,750 USD total

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Your accommodations will immerse you in the beauty of the Sierra Nevada wilderness. Each participant will be provided with a top-tier tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, pillow, and headlamp to ensure comfort and quality rest under the stars. Additional gear, carefully selected for safety and convenience, will also be included to enhance your outdoor experience. Every detail has been considered so you can fully embrace the journey without worry.

Meals

Meals provided

Lunch · Dinner

Diets catered

Paleo Friendly · Keto Friendly

Meals are provided by Next Mile Meals, a family-owned business based in Oregon, USA. We know Next Mile Meals are the best choice to fuel your adventures because we not only "talk the talk", but we "walk the walk". Well, "hiked the hike". We designed each freeze-dried recipe and healthy backpacking meal for ourselves first, to help us tackle our dreams of thru-hiking the 2600+ mile Pacific Crest Trail; a hike that challenged the conventional hiker diet of carbs and candy. Trust us, these meals are game changers. And they're only the beginning.

Schedule

The journey begins on Wednesday morning with an arrival at LAX, carrying the burdens of everyday life. A drive to Fresno marks the transition into a space where these weights begin to lift. By evening, a gathering signals the shedding of titles and pretenses. Thursday marks the ascent, a 10-mile climb into the mountains that challenges participants to release what no longer serves them, culminating in a guided visioning at the summit. Friday invites a deeper exploration of self through breathwork, movement, and depth coaching, confronting inner protectors like the Tyrant and the Bully to lead wisely. Saturday features a solo nature walk and further depth coaching to align with one's true leadership path, ending with a fire circle to declare the gifts discovered. On Sunday, the descent begins, carrying newfound insights back into a world that may not fully understand them, with an option to fly out of Fresno that night. The journey concludes with a Monday morning flight from LAX, symbolizing a return to everyday life, transformed.

Testimonials

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Over the past 17 years, I’ve worked with coaches, therapists, shamans, and spiritual teachers of every shape, size, and skill level. Without question, the work I’ve done with Mark is some of the most profound and transformative I have experienced. Our time together helped to transform my relationship with parts of myself that had been stuck in loops for years. These openings shifted my approach to leadership, my work, and my spiritual practice.

Ariel, United States

I joined the program because I wanted to be surrounded by incredible fathers who also are in my same shoes of owning a business and being a dad. Off the bat, the men selected for this program were incredible. Not only are you selected as an individual, but I was particularly impressed the way that Mark curated the group in order for each man to have a complimentary counterpart.

David, United States

It's one thing to have a mastermind or some guys get together and share stories and talk, but it makes it so much more impactful when we can really stay with and find the real tender jewel underneath.

Patrick, United States

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Host

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Mark Guay

San Diego, CA, USA

Mark is a certified transformational coach and IFS practitioner. He believes in the untethered ability to manifest our unlimited potential and works with leaders who bring their greatest gifts to the ...

1 language

English

Teaching for 9 years

Joined Insight Timer in Sep 2016

What's Included

Food (lunch and dinner Thursday-Sunday)

Sleep accommodations (tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, pillow)

Backpacking equipment

Not Included

Travel to and from LAX

FAQs

Guest requirements

  • Be able to carry a 40lb backpack for 8-12 miles

  • Schedule a 1:1 with Mark to make sure this is a good trip for you

Cancellation policy

The remaining balance for the retreat is due 240 days prior to the start date. If this balance is paid earlier than these 240 days, you are eligible to cancel and receive a full refund of this remaining balance, provided you do so at least 240 days before the retreat begins.