/
Yoga Retreats in United States/
Yoga Retreats in California/
Wild Within: A Yoga and Backpacking Journey



Wild Within: A Yoga and Backpacking Journey
August 28 - 30, 2026
California, CA, United States
2 nights, 3 days
10 person retreat
Highlights
Our three-day retreat in the heart of the Sierra Nevada mountains
Daily Wellness Practices: Morning All-Levles Yoga Classes Thai massage workshop Guidance in Nature Tratak, Mindfulness and Mandala Meditation
Packing and Technical Gear Suggestions and Support
First Aid kit + Wilderness trained guides
Details
Within each of us resides a wild spirit, yet in the whirlwind of daily life, it’s all too easy to lose touch with that untamed essence. The weight of responsibility, the ache of grief and loss, societal expectations, old wounds, and the shadows of unfulfilled dreams can all conspire to quiet our inner wildness. Over time, we may find ourselves moving through life on autopilot, disconnected from our deepest selves and the vibrant core that once guided us. Our three-day retreat in the heart of the Sierra Nevada mountains is an invitation to journey back to that wild, free part of yourself. Here, in the embrace of ancient granite peaks and under the vast, open sky, we step away from digital distractions and the noise of the outside world. This is a sanctuary for remembering what truly matters-who you are beneath the surface, beyond the roles and labels you’ve carried. We’ll spend our days hiking winding mountain trails, practicing yoga, sharing restorative bodywork, and sitting quietly in the majestic presence of California’s great peaks. The landscape here is a living tapestry: granite walls cradle us, wildflowers sweep the meadows, and shimmering lakes-both hidden and grand-invite us to pause and take in the beauty. The path shifts from lush forests to open subalpine expanses, each turn revealing a new wonder. Wisdom to Carry With You Always (even after the pack comes off!) Through the transformative practices of eco-therapy and mindfulness meditation, you’ll gently reconnect with your inner nature. Curiosity replaces fear, presence dissolves distraction, and wholehearted engagement awakens where apathy once lingered. Living simply in the wilderness, your senses come alive and stress fades with every breath of mountain air and each step along the trail. Here, a deep sense of peace, adventure, and kinship emerges-both with the land and the community gathered around you. To witness such beauty is to remember your own capacity for growth, clarity, and spiritual awakening. Immersed in nature’s grandeur and the warmth of community, you’re invited to reclaim your wildness, rediscover your true self, and return home renewed with wonder and possibility. The benefits of this retreat ripple into every aspect of life. Studies show that time in nature lowers stress and anxiety, improves mood, and fosters lasting emotional balance. Living unplugged in the wild sharpens your senses, enhances creativity, and supports better sleep – making shifts that endure. Ultimately, you’ll leave with cherished memories, new friendships, and practical tools to sustain peace, clarity, and inspiration in your daily life. Required Skill Level This retreat is designed for both beginners and those with some backpacking or yoga experience. If you’re new to wilderness journeys but are in good health and ready for adventure, you’ll find a welcoming, supportive environment. Those with more experience will appreciate the opportunity to slow down, savor the scenery, and weave mindfulness and embodied practices into every step of the journey. Whether you’re just starting out or seeking a deeper, more intentional connection with nature and yourself, this retreat offers space for growth, discovery, and renewal. Participants will carry their own backpacks weighing 30 to 40 pounds with distances of 6 to 10 miles daily over uneven, up-and-down terrain.
Venue
Gianelli Trailhead
4.9 ★ 29 Reviews

The Gianelli Trailhead, located in the breathtaking Emigrant Wilderness of California, serves as a unique and inspiring retreat venue for those seeking solace and connection with nature. Nestled amidst majestic granite peaks and pristine alpine meadows, this trailhead offers a gateway to an expansive wilderness area that is perfect for hiking, meditation, and reflection. The serene environment provides an ideal backdrop for personal growth and rejuvenation, allowing participants to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life and immerse themselves in the tranquil beauty of the natural world. Whether you're embarking on a solitary journey of self-discovery or participating in a guided group retreat, the Gianelli Trailhead offers a peaceful sanctuary where the mind, body, and spirit can find harmony amidst the stunning landscapes of the Sierra Nevada.
Free Parking
Accommodation
1 / 2
Bring your own tent or rent one from me.
Meals
Not included - self catered
Testimonials
1 / 4
Host

Sierra Laurel
Berkeley, California, USA
After 25 years of study and 20 years of teaching Sierra gracefully customizes her teachings to integrate the essence of yoga philosophy with the needs and abilities of each student. Her vow is to acti...
Certified Yoga Instructor
Accreditation has been verified
1 language
English
Teaching for 7 years
Joined Insight Timer in Aug 2018
What's Included
Packing and Technical Gear Suggestions and Support
Navigational Guidance
Backcountry Skills
All associated fees and permits
Daily Wellness Practices: Morning All-Levles Yoga Classes Thai massage workshop Guidance in Nature Tratak, Mindfulness and Mandala Meditation
First Aid kit + Wilderness trained guides
Emergency Satellite Communication
Pre- and Post Trip Group Calls
Food Preparation Coaching
Not Included
Food: Bring your favorite food to make your own meals!
Gear: Gear list provided
Transportation to the trailhead
Personal Insurance
Optional guide gratuities
Personal navigation device
Personal maps
FAQs
Guest requirements
Required Skill Level: This retreat is designed for both beginners and those with some backpacking or yoga experience. If you’re new to wilderness journeys but are in good health and ready for adventure, you’ll find a welcoming, supportive environment. Those with more experience will appreciate the opportunity to slow down, savor the scenery, and weave mindfulness and embodied practices into every step of the journey. Whether you’re just starting out or seeking a deeper, more intentional connection with nature and yourself, this retreat offers space for growth, discovery, and renewal. Participants will carry their own backpacks weighing 30 to 40 pounds with distances of 6 to 10 miles daily over uneven, up-and-down terrain.
Cancellation policy
The remaining balance for the retreat is due 14 days prior to the start date. If this balance is paid earlier than these 14 days, you are eligible to cancel and receive a full refund of this remaining balance, provided you do so at least 14 days before the retreat begins.

