June 27-29 Wellness Backpacking Retreat

Gear List:

What We Provide

• All Group Cooking Gear

• Group First Aid Kit

• Stoves and Fuel

• Tent

• Trekking Poles

• Water Filter

• Backpack (Multiday, 50-80L)

• Sleeping Pad

• Sleeping Bag

• Eating utensils 

• Meals (dehydrated backpacking meals) and Rudimentary Snacks

• Headlamp

• Whistle

What You Should Pack/Suggested Gear**

• Beanie

• Hat

• Fleece/Wool Jacket or Sweater

• Hiking Pants (Convertible, Quick-Dry, Lightweight)

• Hiking Socks (Synthetic or Wool) Cotton is the enemy out there!

• Insulated Jacket and/or Vest

• Personal Bathroom Kit: Toilet Paper, Ziplock Bags, Personal Wipes, Hand Cleaner

• Rain Jacket (Hooded, Lightweight, Waterproof, Breathable)

• Sunblock 

• Lip Balm

• Sunglasses and Accessories

• Tee Shirts (Synthetic)

• Water Bottles (Two 1-Liter) or Hydration System Plus One 1-Liter Water Bottle

• Waterproof Hiking Boots or quality trail shoes

• Additional Snacks

• Toiletries

Additional gear to consider**

• Bandana or Buff for Sun Protection

• Base Layer Tops and Bottoms (Lightweight, Synthetic)

• Compression shorts

• Casual Shoes for Camp

• Energy Snacks and Drink Mixes

• Hand Sanitizer

• Hiking Shorts (Quick-Dry, Lightweight)

• Large Plastic Garbage Bag

• Long Sleeve Shirts for Sun Protection (Lightweight, Hooded)

• Reading and Writing Materials

• Swimwear

• Inflatable pillow

• Camera and Accessories

• Ear Plugs

• Mosquito net for face

• Insect Repellent

  ** If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. No questions are too big/small/silly/etc. We’ve only had people regret not asking. Also, not everything on the above list will need to come with you, but they’re good to consider. We recommend bringing them to the trailhead and we can advise you there (depending on weather, other stuff you have, etc.)

Itinerary***

Day 1 – Friday:

• Meet at 9:30–10:00 AM at the trailhead

• Gear familiarization and safety briefing

• 2-4 hours of hiking, with breaks as needed based on group preference.

• Set up camp

• Afternoon activities: After settling in at camp, Courtney will guide a session of light, grounding movement to help the group connect with their surroundings, stretch out from the hike, and set the tone for the retreat. Expect gentle stretches and mindful connection exercises. (Other options for rest, day hiking, photography, fishing, swimming, and gathering wood)

• Evening: Fire (if allowed) and dinner

Day 2 – Saturday:

• Morning: Enjoy morning yoga and breathwork led by Courtney, designed to help participants ground themselves and set intentions for the day. (Other options for rest, day hiking, photography, fishing, swimming, and gathering wood.)

• Breakfast: Group breakfast at camp.

• Afternoon Activities: Courtney will guide an engaging session focused on mindful movement and connection practices, designed to help integrate the day's experiences and foster a deeper sense of community. (Additional options include rest, meditation, photography, fishing, swimming, etc.)

• Evening: Dinner and gathering around the fire (as allowed).

Day 3: Sunday

• Morning: Close out the retreat with a peaceful morning meditation led by Courtney, designed to help you reflect on your journey, release tension, and carry the retreat's sense of clarity and balance back home with you. (Options to rest, photography, fishing, etc.)

• Breakfast: Group breakfast at camp.

• Break Down Camp: Pack up and tidy the camp area.

• Late Morning: Approximately 2-4 hours of hiking back to the trailhead, with breaks based on group needs.

• Return Home: Head back home to a well-earned shower and comfortable bed!

***Schedule subject to change for various reasons including but not limited to weather and guest requests!

Detailed Directions

From Nevada City: Take Hwy 20 headed east toward Truckee for approximately 20 miles. Make a left on Bowman Lake Road (Forest Road 18). Stay on that road (windy, with tight corners and narrow spots, but paved) for approximately 6 miles and turn right on Forest Road 17, an unimproved dirt road (not recommended for low vehicles). Stay to the right for 3 miles, until reaching the parking area.

From I-80: Take Hwy 20 exit and follow Hwy 20 headed west for approximately 5 miles. Turn right on Bowman Lake Road (Forest Road 18). Stay on that road (windy, with tight corners and narrow spots, but paved) for approximately 6 miles and turn right on Forest Road 17, an unimproved dirt road (not recommended for low vehicles). Stay to the right for 3 miles, until reaching the parking area.