Where Yosemite Adventures meet Yoga
It doesn’t get much better than yoga in Yosemite! Let the stunning Sierra high country be your classroom for this three-day, high-adventure yoga retreat in Yosemite! In this combination entry-level backpacking tour / focused yoga escape, our experienced guides lead the way as you explore the lesser-known gems of northern Yosemite, while certified, professional yoga instructors help you reconnect with the less-explored realms of your body and mind. Former participants attest that our Yosemite Yoga experience is an enriching opportunity to challenge oneself physically, mentally, and emotionally. Enraptured in the stunning wilderness of our backcountry studio, participants are encouraged to delve into the most healing realms of their bodies, while letting their conscious minds wander among the majestic woods. All combined, our goal is to create an unforgettable and rejuvenating experience for all participants!
*For 2022, our June 24, July 22, August 19, and September 16 trips are women-exclusive trips. All other trips (July 8, August 5, September 2, and September 30) 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 Tioga Road (Hwy 120) in Yosemite. Participants greet each other and pack up in the parking lot before hiking 1.3 moderate miles to May Lake. May Lake is a breathtakingly beautiful High Sierra lake at 9,329’, and one of the largest lakes by area in Yosemite National Park.
The designated backpacker’s campsites along the south shore of the lake will be your basecamp for the weekend, in close proximity of seasonally operating flush toilets and a fresh-water tap! After enjoying a swim, snacks, water, some relaxation, and of course, a regenerative yoga session on the shores of May Lake, the guides will cook you a delicious dinner and take you to one of the best sunset spots in Yosemite, with panorama views of the Sierra Nevada mountain range.
Today’s Mileage/Elevation: 1.3mi / +500′, -0′
Day 2
After a delicious and healthy breakfast prepared by your guide, we hit the trail for a 1.5-mile, 1,350-foot climb to the peak of Mount Hoffman (with lighter day packs, not full backpacks). This short but challenging ascent is certainly one to write home about—it is the geographical center of the Yosemite National Park, and provides a 360-degree perspective of the entire park! With awe-striking views of Half Dome, Cloud’s Rest, the Clark Range, the Cathedral Range, and Tuolumne’s surrounding high country, it’s easy to understand why this was John Muir’s favorite viewpoint. Once on top, your instructor is likely to take advantage of the flat granite and stunning view with a yoga session at the summit!
After we’ve had our fill of Mount Hoffman, the group hits the downhill trail back to May Lake to spend the evening relaxing with a restorative yoga session, followed by a delicious dinner and an even better sunset!
Today’s Mileage: 3 mi / +1,350′, -1,350′
Day 3
On Day 3 we rise with the sun as it reflects off of May Lake, delivering an awe-inspiring light show like no other. Keep your eyes pealed for wildlife, as the many amazing creatures of the Sierra also rise to admire the view! After waking up to the colors of the sky, the day kicks off with a final yoga session at camp, then breakfast with hot beverages, before we hike back to the trailhead to say our goodbyes.
Today’s Mileage: 1.3mi / +0′, -500′
We aim to be finished with this hike between 11am and 3pm.
Other
The May Lake Yoga trip is your chance to practice yoga among Yosemite’s high alpine lakes, wildlife, scenery, and summits!
Required shuttle costs are included in the above total. We also provide 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
Cancellation Policy/Additional Information
Multi-Day Adventures/Summer Camps Cancellation Policy
The following cancellation policy is only for trips booked directly through our official website, lastingadventures.com. If you have booked via a third-party website, such as The Clymb, TripAdvisor Experiences/Viator, or bookyogaretreats.com, the below policy does not apply, and you are held to the third-party’s cancellation policy.
If you cancel or leave a multi-day trip for any reason:
- More than 90 days prior to the trip start date, we will grant you a full refund. (*Exception: our Lodging/Hiking package has a $100 non-refundable processing fee per room booked.)
- Between 90 and 61 days prior to the trip start date, we will you a full refund minus a $50/person processing fee.
- Between 60 and 46 days prior to the trip start date, we will retain 25 percent of the trip cost. You may also take a non-refundable credit of the full value paid.
- Between 45 and 31 days prior to the trip start date, we will retain 50 percent of the trip cost. You may also take a non-refundable credit of the full value paid.
- Less than 31 days prior to the trip start date, or once the trip has begun, there will be no refund or credit.
- There will be no cost for cancellations for trips we are unable to run due to closures and/or restrictions by government officials. We will make departure determinations for trips 7 days in advance of the departure date. Refunds for trips not able to be run will be processed within 5 days of the intended departure date and can only be processed back to the original payment method used for the current trip.
- Exception: We may make this determination 15 days in advance for Lodging Packages.
- Any portion of a trip purchased with a credit from a previous year will revert back to a credit.
- Due to the difficulties of running seasonal programs, a lost season can affect us greatly. We appreciate any of our customers that would choose to take a lifetime, transferable credit for the value paid of their trip, should the trip not be able to operate due to government restrictions.
- Final payments on multi-day trips are automatically processed/due at 30 days in advance of the trip. Any new multi-day booking made at/within 45-days in advance will be required to pay in full.
- Exception: Final payments are due at least 45 days in advance for our Lodging/Hiking package.
- For our Summer Camps, due to COVID-19 in 2021 participants must have a responsible party available within 6 hours of Yosemite Valley for pickup in case of emergency.
- If we determine that a trip should be pulled or cancelled mid-way through the trip (for example, due to unhealthy smoke levels or other circumstances outside our control, we will provide a credit for the unused portion of the trip.
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. This weight will typically be between 30-50 pounds and in no case more than 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 over 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. A subjective guide to difficulty levels can be found here: Difficulty Levels.
Dietary Constraints
Although we are able to accommodate many specific dietary constraints and choices, we prepare foods in a facility with peanuts, gluten, soy, and other major allergens, and are not certified as an ‘allergen-free’ facility. We take steps to limit the risk of cross-contamination, but we cannot guarantee that foods we prepare will be fully free of major allergens.
*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.
*For 2022, our June 24, July 22, August 19, and September 16 trips are women-exclusive trips. All other trips (July 8, August 5, September 2, and September 30) are co-ed trips.
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