Where Yosemite Adventures meet Yoga
Yoga and Yosemite. Kind of goes together like milk and cookies. It doesn’t get much better. Let the beautiful and amazing high country of Yosemite be your classroom and studio on this 3-day high-adventure Yoga retreat. Over these 3 days you will be guided by an experienced Lasting Adventures guide and a top-notch, professional Yoga instructor.
Your Yoga instructor, Sara McGuire, fell in love with yoga eight years ago when she took her first power vinyasa flow class. Her passion for yoga and holistic wellness led her to complete a 200-hour yoga teacher training in the Himalayas of northern India, where she was trained in Ayurveda medicine, various mediation techniques, eastern yoga philosophy, and traditional vinyasa/hatha asana sequencing. Challenging her students to engage in an integrated and sustainable practice, Sara encourages them to get out of their head and into their body, guides them to trust their body, and encourages them to observe their internal awareness. She has hosted retreats and workshops internationally and believes yoga is to be experienced and practice both on and off the mat, and outdoors. She is eager to host her third year of yoga retreats in the beautiful backcountry of Yosemite National Park and create an unforgettable experience for all participants!
*For 2021, our July 23, August 20, and September 17 trips are women-exclusive trips. All other trips (July 9, August 6, and September 3) are co-ed trips.
Check Out the Yosemite Yoga Retreat Experience!
Itinerary
Day 1
Meet your guide and the yoga instructor at noon at the Tuolumne Meadows Store located off the Tioga Road in Yosemite. You will pack up in the parking lot before hiking 1.3 moderate miles to May Lake. May Lake is an absolutely beautiful high sierra lake at 9,329’, and one of the largest by area in Yosemite National Park.
The designated backpacker’s campsites are along the south shore of the lake will be your base camp for the weekend. There are seasonally operating flush toilets and a fresh water tap here. After enjoying a swim, snacks, water, yoga and some relaxation here at May Lake, the guides will cook you a delicious dinner and take you to one of the best sunset spots in Yosemite overlooking a huge swath of the Sierra Nevada mountain range.
Today’s Mileage: 1.3mi / +500′, -0′
Day 2
After breakfast, you will go on a 1.5 mile, 1,350 foot climb to the peak of Mount Hoffman (with day packs, not full backpacks). Reaching the peak is worth the tough trek; It is the geographical center of the Yosemite National Park, and it provides a 360-degree perspective of the entire park.
With incredible views of Half Dome, Cloud’s Rest, the Clark Range, the Cathedral Range and Tuolumne’s High Country, and of the park’s northern borders it is easy to understand why this huge exfoliating mountain was John Muir’s favorite view and an incredible yoga spot.
After you have had your fill of the overwhelming views from the peak, you will backtrack the trail, all downhill, descending 1500 vertical feet back to May Lake. The evening will consist of a relaxing and restorative yoga session followed by dinner and sunset.
Today’s Mileage: 3 mi / +1,350′, -1,350′
Day 3
On the third day, you will wake up to sunrise over May Lake. This will be followed by one more yoga session, breakfast with hot beverages, and hike back to the trail head.
Today’s Mileage: 1.3mi / +0′, -500′
We aim to be finished with this hike between 11 am and 3 pm.
Other
The May Lake Yoga trip combines high alpine lakes and scenery, a chance to summit a major peak in Yosemite, and views into the Yosemite High Country from an awesome perch above your campsite at May Lake.
Required shuttle costs are included in the above costs. We also include yoga mats, backpacks, sleeping bags, tents, pads, and eating utensils at NO EXTRA COST as needed. All meals are included from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast and snacks on the last day. Lastly, all profits from our guided trips go towards our non-profit youth summer camp program.
Note
All trips are subject to Lasting Adventures obtaining the necessary wilderness permits. Although our success rate is 98%, should we not obtain the exact trail-head, a trip of equal quality will be obtained. Should weather, fire, and/or delayed seasonal openings affect the chosen itinerary, a different itinerary will be offered. You will be kept in contact throughout this process.
Testimonials
Traditional Backpacking
Lasting Adventures runs traditional backpacking trips. Traditional backpacking is done without the use of porters, stock, or other assistance. You will be expected to carry all of your own personal gear and a share of the group gear and food in a backpack for the duration of this trip. The weight can be expected to be 30-50 lbs and no more than the recommended ⅓ of your body weight.
As needed, it is recommended that participants discuss their ability to conduct a backpacking trip with their doctor, including (but not limited to) the ability to carry heavy loads over long distances and strenuous and uneven terrain. Levels of difficulty listed on our web site are relative and in no way an objective declaration of difficulty, and a regular physical exercise program is recommended prior to going on your adventure.
*Permitting is done 24 weeks in advance of the dates listed above. Please refrain from making travel arrangements until permits are confirmed. Having Travel Insurance is highly recommended.
