Intro to Backpacking with Mindfulness
Connecting with nature is one of the most powerful ways to cultivate deep respect, understanding, and appreciation for our planet—while also gaining insight into yourself. Time in nature is a gift, and this retreat is designed to help those new to backpacking experience its magic in an intentional and reflective way.
This Intro to Backpacking retreat is an opportunity to develop essential backpacking skills while fully immersing yourself in a backpacking experience through guided mindfulness and reflection. Led by Wild Gift guides and practitioners of breathwork, yoga, and meditation, this retreat will help you build confidence in overnight hiking while providing space to recharge and enjoy a peaceful weekend in the woods.
Where: Near San Francisco, CA.
When: May 9th - 11th, 2025.
How much: $589 pp.
Who is this for: Everyone is welcome! Whether you’re new to backpacking, still learning, or an experienced hiker, this retreat is for anyone eager to unplug, develop backpacking skills, and appreciate the beauty of nature in a technology-free setting.
WE HAVE GEAR YOU CAN USE! Sleeping bags, tents, backpacks, and more! Indicate your needs in the sign-up form.
More details below…
Join Us for a truly impactful experience!
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How to Join Wild Strides:
Complete the Sign-Up Form
It takes just 5 minutes and is designed to intentionally build a supportive community while safeguarding the program's integrity.Our Team Will Contact You
Sign-ups are reviewed on a rolling basis, and we’ll notify you if you have a spot within 1–2 weeks. Our review process ensures that participants align with our vision for a meaningful and inclusive community, creating a safe and impactful environment for all.Registration and Payment
Once confirmed, you'll receive a registration form and have 10 days to complete it and pay the deposit to secure your spot.
Important Details:
Limited Spots Available: We’re accepting participants on a first-come, first-served basis, so don’t wait!
Non-Refundable Deposit: A deposit equal to 80% of the program price is required to confirm your participation.
Support a Greater Cause: Your payment supports our programs for individuals making a positive impact in the world. Contributions are tax-deductible.
Sign-Up Form: Our screening process ensures that participants align with our vision for a meaningful and inclusive community, creating a safe and impactful environment for all.
Sample Itinerary
Day 1:
2:00 PM: Meet at the trail head!
2:00 - 3:00 PM: Welcomes, intros and some basics before we get started.
3:00 PM: Begin our hike!
5:00 - 6:00 PM: Arrive at campsite 1 and set up camp.
6:00 - 6:30 PM: Debrief set up, and Leave No Trace chat.
6:30 - 8:00 PM: Dinner!
8:00 - 9:30 PM: Light programming and plan for the following day.
Day 2:
8:00 AM: Wake up!
8:30 - 9:30 AM: Breakfast and mindfulness activity.
9:30 - 10:30 AM: Free time.
10:30 - 11:30 AM: Take down camp and get ready to start hiking.
11:45 AM: Depart on our hike to campsite 2.
1:00 - 2:00 PM: Stop for lunch and light programming.
2:00 - 3:00 PM: Hike.
3:00 - 4:00 PM: Arrive at campsite 2 and set up camp.
4:00 - 5:00 PM: Free time.
5:00 - 6:30 PM: Programming.
6:30 - 8:00 PM: Dinner!
8:00 - 9:00 PM: Fireside chats.
9:30 PM: Wind down and plan for the next day.
Day 3:
7:30 AM: Wake up!
7:45 - 9:00 AM: Breakfast, clean up and getting ready for the day.
9:00 - 9:30 AM: Take down camp and get ready to go.
9:30 - 10:00 AM: Mindfulness and stretching.
10:00 - 12:00 PM: Hike out.
12:00 - 12:30: Goodbyes.
1:00 PM: And that’s a wrap!