Yosemite Yoga Retreat
This is a sample itinerary only.
Day 1
Meet your guide and the yoga instructor at noon at the Tuolumne Meadows Wilderness Center, located off Tioga Road (Hwy 120) in Yosemite. Participants greet each other and pack up in the parking lot before relocating and hiking 3.2 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 panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada mountain range.
Today’s Mileage/Elevation: 3.2 mi / +1185′, -11′
Day 2
After a delicious and healthy breakfast prepared by your guide, we hit the trail for a 1.6-mile, 1,350-foot climb to the peak of Mount Hoffman (with lighter daypacks, 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-inspiring 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 on the bluff above camp.
Today’s Mileage/Elevation: 3.2 mi / +1535′, -1535′
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 peeled 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. We aim to finish this hike between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Today’s Mileage/Elevation: 3.2 mi / +11′, -1185′
Other Itinerary Information: The May Lake Yoga trip is your chance to practice yoga among Yosemite’s high alpine lakes, wildlife, scenery, and summits!