Backpacking & hiking experiences designed to reconnect with yourself

Explore with us

Join us October 3–5 for a transformative 3-day, 2-night backpacking journey through the breathtaking Salmon Creek Loop in Big Sur.

Together, we’ll explore cascading waterfalls, learn about native plants and local ecology, and share nourishing vegetarian meals prepared with care. Along the trail, we’ll deepen our connection to nature and self through yoga-inspired practices including somatic movement, guided meditation, breathwork, and reflective journaling.

This retreat is designed to support nervous system regulation, mindful presence, and a sense of rooted connection — both within and with the wild world around us.

Meet your guides

Kat is motivated by her calling to reconnect people to the rhythms of nature. Kat weaves together over a decade of experience in environmental stewardship, sustainable trail work, yoga teaching, and community leadership. Her passion for protecting the land shines through in creative expression and her wellness offerings that support nervous system health, deep connection, and resilience. Kat has worked in backcountry environments leading multi-day trail crews, building and designing trails throughout the US, and guiding backpacking trips in the Sierras.

Jon is the co-creator of Let’s Get Tuned Sound & Yoga Studio in Morro Bay CA. He has been a long time lover of the outdoors and is passionate about letting nature be the natural healer. Fun fact, Jon used to tour for 16 years as a comedy circus performer. You might just get to see some of his past life out on the trail!

Yoga & Backpacking Mindfulness Retreat

Sleep above the clouds at Lion’s Den campground.

 

Time & Location

Oct 03, 2025, 7:00 AM – Oct 05, 2025, 5:00 PM

Meet at Ragged Point Parking Lot: 19019 Hwy 1 Ragged Point, CA 93452

Parking at Salmon Creek Trailhead: Big Sur, CA-1, Big Sur, CA 93920

About the event

Yoga & Backpacking Mindfulness Retreat

October 3–5, 2025 | Los Padres National Forest, Silver Peak Wilderness (Big Sur!)

Salmon Creek Trailhead → Cruikshank Trail → Buckeye Trail Loop (~16 miles)

Step away from the noise of daily life and immerse yourself in three days of movement, nature, and connection in the stunning Big Sur wilderness. This co-ed retreat is designed as an intro to backpacking experience infused with mindful practices to nourish body, mind, and spirit.

Don’t have all the backpacking gear to be trail ready? No sweat, rent gear with us!

What to Expect

  • Backpacking Basics – Learn packing tips, how to cook in the backcountry, Leave No Trace principles, gear tips, and trail skills.

  • Daily Wellness Practices – Gentle somatic movement, pranayama, chanting, meditation, and sound healing.

  • Supportive Environment - We’ve got your back. Feel supported with guidance to prepare for our backpacking retreat as well as along the trail. Our guides will make sure you are safe and equipped to get on the trail to enjoy the trip with confidence. Feel reassured that we will facilitate a safe container for you to feel comfortable to express yourself and your needs during the journey.

  • Creative Exploration – Nature-based art expression exercises, journal reflections, and group rituals to deepen your connection to the land and yourself.

  • Organic, Nourishing Meals – Healthy vegetarian meals and snacks provided and prepared for the group (BYO favorite trail snacks).

  • Scenic Beauty – Towering redwoods, waterfalls, wildlife sightings, coastal views, and sleeping under the Milky Way.

Trip Details

  • Length: 3 days / 2 nights

  • Meet: 19019 Hwy 1 Ragged Point, CA 93452

    • Rendezvous at 7:00 am at Ragged Point parking lot, then caravan to Salmon Creek Trailhead Parking Lot. There is no cell phone service at the Salmon Creek Trailhead or along the trail loop. This meeting place will ensure we can communicate with each other before heading to the trailhead parking lot.

  • Cell Phone Coverage: There is no cell phone service on the trail. Plan accordingly to disconnect from the outside world's chatter. Your guides will have InReach communication devices in case of emergency.

  • Mileage: 16.33 miles total over varied terrain, including steep, rugged terrain. Using trekking poles is highly advised!

  • Elevation Gain: 4,467 feet of elevation gain over three days of backpacking.

  • Group Size: Spots are limited. This retreat has a five participant maximum to facilitate a personalized experience with our participants.

  • Safety: Led by a guide with Wilderness First Responder training, stocked first aid kits, emergency communication devices, and evacuation plans in place.

    • BE AWARE: poison oak is present on this trail loop.

Who This Retreat is For:
🌿 Beginner to intermediate backpackers
🌀 Open-minded humans curious about nature, movement, and mindfulness
🍲 People comfortable with vegetarian meals and remote conditions
🔥 Folks who are willing to co-create a respectful, inclusive, and supportive group culture

Physical Requirements:
– Must be comfortable hiking up to 6–8 miles/day with a backpack (~25–35 lbs)
– Able to participate in gentle movement sessions and camp in backcountry conditions
– No prior yoga experience necessary — all levels welcome

Investment: only $75! This cost is nonrefundable. This covers your food costs for the 3-day retreat. This is the most affordable this retreat will ever be, so join us for this life-nourishing experience! This October retreat marks the very first offering of Wild Terra Retreats — and we’re holding it as a sacred space to grow something beautiful and lasting.

As a founding participant, you’ll not only get a deeply intentional experience, but you’ll also help shape the future of this growing community and future retreat offerings. This first retreat is intimate and co-creative — a unique chance to be part of the foundational journey of Wild Terra Retreats.

Why Join? Rewild your senses, restore your energy, and connect with nature and like-minded adventurers. Reconnect to your true nature by experiencing yoga and somatic practices surrounded by the peace of Big Sur. Learn about local flora and fauna, as well as the history of the land we will be communing with. Wild Terra Retreats will provide trip prep education and packing checklists. Have a rewarding experience learning the fundamentals of backpacking in a safe, supportive environment. Leave with not only trail skills, but tools for grounding, presence, and mindful living for your daily life and to share with loved ones.

If you feel the call to join us in the wild, we’d love to learn more about you.

Tap the button below to register to secure your retreat spot. Once submitted, you’ll receive a follow-up email with an intake form. A more detailed itinerary and gear guide will be sent to those who register or inquire.

Questions? Do you have questions or concerns about the trip? Reach out to Kat & Jon at WildTerraRetreats@gmail.com so you can get the support you need.