Wild Within: A Backpacking Journey Back to Self Under the Sierra Stars
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.
“I feel much more centered and regulated. I had been noticing myself getting more easily overstimulated lately.
I really loved the strenuous uphill climbs. I like pushing myself and feeling accomplished”.
- Will Charles
“I loved the yoga. It made a huge difference on my body and I know that if I didn’t do it I would feel completely different.”
- Shelby S.
Dates
August 28-30th, 2026
Itinerary
Each day unfolds as a rich tapestry of experience—invigorating yoga practices that awaken vitality, hikes that lead us through pristine alpine landscapes, and cooling swims in clear mountain lakes that refresh body and soul. Between these adventures, nurturing bodywork invites you to slow down, ground, and restore your energy. As night descends, we gather beneath a canopy of stars, the Perseid meteor shower streaking across the heavens—a celestial performance that invites wonder, reflection, and renewal.
Day 1: In the soft, morning light, we set out on our first hike, warming our legs and lungs in the crisp mountain air. Our trail winds toward a sweeping vista of peaks and buttes, where we pause to take in the view before descending to a lake for a refreshing midday swim and our opening circle. In the afternoon, we continue toward a meadow-ringed lake surrounded by quiet forests—the perfect spot for gentle yoga and deep relaxation before setting up camp for the night. (6 mi)
Day 2: We greet the day with grounding Hatha yoga, awakening our bodies to the rhythm of the wilderness. Leaving tents and packs behind, we set out on a day hike to the serene shores of Long Lake, where still waters mirror the vastness of the sky. Here, we practice nature-based therapeutic exercises that bring us into harmony with the land and our own inner landscape. As the light softens, we return to camp for an evening of meditation and breathwork under the stars. (13 mi)
Day 5: Our final morning begins with a closing Hatha session at the water’s edge, followed by a last dip in the lake—a ritual of cleansing and gratitude. After breakfast, we shoulder our packs for the return hike to the trailhead, carrying with us the quiet strength, connection, and spaciousness the mountains have given. We arrive back around 4 p.m., sharing hugs and farewells before departing in renewed spirits. (6 mi)
Note: This is generally the planned itinerary of the trip, but as all things wild ~ may change due to circumstances: weather, fitness of the group, unexpected changes in trail conditions. Activities and workshops are not set in stone and will be finalized as the trip approaches.
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
What’s included in the retreat
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
Optional Add-Ons
All-inclusive Meals and Gear: $400 per person
Gear Provided: $300 per person
Food Provided: $100 per person
Private Yoga Therapy Session: $99 per person
Investment
Super Early Bird $349 through June 28th
Early Bird $399 through July 28th
Full Price $499
Deposit of $100 due upon registration (non-refundable). Remainder of funds will be due in 14 days.
Last day to register August 18th
Special Discounts
Work trade for assistance with marketing and media
Demonstrated financial need
Book with a Buddy and get $50 off each
$50 of full price for all retreat alumni
Cancellation and Refund Policy
Refund Deadlines: 31 days prior to departure 50% of the total trip cost is non-refundable minus $25 administrative fee. Within 30 days prior to departure, 100% of the trip cost is non-refundable
Your Retreat Leader
Sierra Wagner
Sierra (E-RYT 200, WFA, CMT) is an experienced yoga teacher, body-worker and back-county enthusiast who seeks out inspiring natural locations around the world. After becoming certified as a Yoga Therapist in 2016, she has developed a private Yoga Therapy practice, Sierra Laurel Yoga, where she customizes her teachings to integrate the healing essence of yoga with the needs and abilities of her students in a practical way. Her styles range from deeply restorative, meditative practices to invigorating and mindful flowing sequences. Spiritual themes, building to a peak pose and in-depth explorations of anatomy are hallmarks of her teaching. Sierra loves leading groups into deeper experiences using partner yoga, self massage, and shared Thai massage to awaken our innate ability to love ourselves and each other more fully and become better caretakers of our world.
& Massage INstructor TBD
Reviews
“I’ve been on two of Sierra’s Yoga Backpacking Retreats, and they were absolutely incredible! I went into both trips not knowing anyone, but Sierra made me feel so comfortable right from the start. She creates such a safe and welcoming environment that I never once felt out of place. Her yoga classes during the trips were such a highlight—they felt amazing after a long day of hiking and were the perfect way to unwind and reconnect with myself. The journaling and reflection exercises she guided us through were also so meaningful and added a deeper layer to the whole experience. Beyond all of that, these retreats were just so much fun! Sierra has a way of balancing adventure, connection, and personal grow, all while keeping things light and enjoyable. I can’t recommend her retreats and yoga classes enough—she’s an amazing leader, and I can’t wait to join her again!” - Susan Webb
“Somehow, I feel lighter and available to surrender to the unknown with confidence and authticity. While the retreat pushed th edges of my fitness level, I felt comfortable to stay within my boundaries and do what I was able. I felt stronger and stronger as the days pasted.” - Rachel Dawson
Meet your facilitators and ask questions:
ANSWERS TO YOUR
FAQs
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We will meet as a group at the trailhead. If you are coming from out of town you can rent a car to get there or coordinate with other participants to share a ride. People often come from the SF Bay Area, Sonoma County and beyond. During out pre-retreat zoom call you can start to arrange rides together.
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The beautiful thing about these trips is that it draws people from all walks of life and from all over the country that have a shared interest in yoga, being in nature, and personal growth.
This is an all genders retreat and we put a lot of emphasis on creating an environment that feels supportive to all people, including those in the queer community and people of color and where we are deepening mindfulness and collective care for ourselves, each other, and the planet. Rest assured, this is a safe space for you to be YOU.
There will be one in-person meet-and-greet sessions via Zoom to allow you time to break the ice and meet the ones who will be joining you. This is a time to to connect with others, start building relationships, and share dreams and excitement about the upcoming trip!
If you are an introvert, don’t worry, we got you. The great part of being out in nature is that there is a lot of space! You will have time to be in silence, hike quietly in nature, and to cozy up in your personal tent at night.
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Payment plans are available. I’ll do my best to accommodate your needs, so let’s talk. Book an interest call.
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Because we intentionally keep our retreats small to foster deep connection and personalized experiences, our cancellation policy is designed to support both our guests and our team in sharing the responsibilities that come with unexpected changes.
Please be aware that all deposits and payments are non-refundable, regardless of the reason for cancellation—including unforeseen events such as acts of God, Covid-19, or natural occurrences. We highly recommend that you consider purchasing travel insurance to protect your investment in the event of unexpected circumstances.
If you find yourself unable to attend, we want to support you as best we can. With at least 30 days notice before the retreat begins, we are happy to transfer your deposit or apply it as a credit toward a future retreat with us.
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Most people will need to make some rentals or purchases. If you need a personal consultation about gear or gear provided for you please book a call with me to chat more about it. Book here: https://calendar.app.google/wPwzbCdCtndAjLfS6