Summer Solstice Backpacking Trip
Multi-Day Yoga & Backpacking Adventure in Yosemite’s National Park
Every year in mid-June, the Summer Solstice is a potent time to invite transition and renewal—and what better place to experience this than the Sierra Nevada’s incredible Range of Light!
This annual trip celebrates the light through guided trekking, backcountry yoga, and the opportunity to learn valuable wilderness skills over the longest days of the year.
REGISTRATION CLOSED FOR 2025; WAITLIST OPEN FOR 2026
Celebrate the light through outdoor adventure, backcountry yoga, and learning valuable wilderness skills over the longest days of the year.
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Join us on a group backpacking trip into the heart of Yosemite! Backpacking, outdoor yoga, community, and ecology are woven into this journey of body, mind and spirit.
Experience deeper connection to your personal sadhana as you develop a home practice, bringing your experience out of the High Sierra mountains into daily life.
This backpacking adventure is accessible for beginners who are seeking a guided and supportive experience in Yosemite’s backcountry, or more advanced trekkers that are keen to explore Yosemite’s wilderness in a relaxed, community setting.
Participants will be emailed specific details around trail expectations and how to best prepare for this journey. If you have any questions, please feel free to email our team: info@balancedrock.org
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An all-inclusive adventure, the tuition includes the following:
• Pre-trip support and multiple rounds of communication with our experienced team and trip leaders, so you feel fully prepared coming to Yosemite (welcome call, packing & gear support, travel recommendations)
• Access to Yosemite for the duration of the trip (no need to reserve a Park entry pass when the reservation system is in effect, one is included in your registration!) + option to stay in Backpackers Camp the nights before & after the trip (no additional charge)
• Daily yoga classes in some of the most epic outdoor “studios” in the world (optional participation)
• All meals included during the trip, which are Ayurvedic-inspired and curated to honor your dietary needs
• Guided meditation and mindfulness practices in nature
• Immerse & play in the Great Outdoors with spontaneous river or alpine lake dips
• An unforgettable experience in Yosemite’s unparalleled wilderness, in the capable hands of our guide team - learning about backpacking basics & wilderness practices/safety skills
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Balanced Rock provides expert guidance, campground fees, wilderness permit fees, first-aid supplies, and group gear for backpacking.
Participants are responsible for their own airfare/travel arrangements to and from the trailhead, any park entrance fees ($35/vehicle), and personal items (see What to Bring for more details).
Reach out to our team for assistance in planning to attend this program: we are here to offer suggestions, support and logistical recommendations.
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Making You Travel Plans: we highly recommend arriving to the area at least a day before the trip begins. Our team can recommend local lodging entities upon request. The closest airport is Fresno International, which is approx. 2-2.5 hours from Yosemite National Park. We recommend renting a car or exploring carpool options with your fellow trip participants. All registered participants will be emailed a contact list upon registration. We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance.
SAMPLE TRIP SCHEDULE
Wednesday - Day 1
Meet at the trailhead on your first morning for introductions and trip orientation. Next, learn what and how to pack your backpack before heading out. This hike may take the entirety of the day, including breaks to enjoy the scenery. Stretch your muscles with some yoga followed by a delicious dinner as the Range of Light, bathed in alpenglow, lives up to its reputation. Evenings may include fireside stories, music, or gazing at the Milky Way from the cozy comfort of your sleeping bag.
Thursday, Friday & Saturday - Days 2-4
Adapt to the natural rhythms of the planet and flow with the specific needs and desires of the group while moving camp or enjoying a day-hike with light packs. Feel a settling into your new home among granite domes and peaceful lake waters. Enjoy opportunities for swimming in alpine lakes, day hikes to sweeping views of the High Sierra, or relaxing creek-side. Evenings are set aside for intentional discussions, wilderness education, creative journaling, music-making, or quiet contemplation around the campfire.
Sunday - Day 5
Enjoy a yoga class and meditation before sharing your final breakfast as a group in the field. After packing up, begin your final hike back to the trailhead and say heartfelt goodbyes to your fellow adventurers at the end of the journey.
**This is a sample schedule. Please note the actual schedule may change. All participants will be emailed a final schedule with exact times and locations closer to the trip date. This program operates rain or shine.
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The location for this trip changes every year as we strive for the best permit in consideration of weather and availability.
Past trips have explored:
Ostrander Lake, Hetch Hetchy & Eleanor Lake, Ten Lakes, Cathedral Lakes, May Lake Loop, Chilnualna Falls.
*Please note that the route may be subject to change based on weather or road closures.
Participants are strongly encouraged to acclimate to hiking at elevation with a pack prior to the this trip. Our trailhead may begin at 8,000-9,000 ft with anticipated elevation gain depending on the permit location.
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Pricing varies based on trip length and format.
Balanced Rock strives to offer affordable programming to all of our interested participants. If you need financial assistance to attend this program, please contact us to request an application.
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Every registered participant will be emailed a very specific gear list, along with multiple opportunities to speak with our staff and trip leaders about gear so you feel fully prepared for this adventure.
This is a true backpacking experience, and you will be carrying all of your personal gear plus a portion of the shared group gear on your back for the duration of the trip (no porters).
You will need your own backpack (at least 65L) as well as a sleeping kit (ultralight sleeping pad & ultralight sleeping bag), and a good pair of hiking boots (ones you have worn and tested for any hot spots!).
We recommend visiting your nearest REI to test out weighted packs (test weight of 20-30lbs), as well as footwear.
Balanced Rock provides shared tents and all backcountry kitchen gear.
Balanced Rock has limited gear available for loan, or can offer guidance on renting gear. Please inquire with our team if you need assistance or have questions regarding what to pack.
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All participants will be required to read and sign the Health & Safety Policy for Programs at registration.
It is recommended that anyone participating in a Balanced Rock backpacking trip has some hiking experience, and an understanding of hiking in higher elevation (8k-9k). We will be traveling about 4-8 miles per day with a heavy pack. Novice backpackers are welcome.
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If you cancel your registration more than 1 month prior to the trip start date, you will receive a full refund minus a $50 registration fee to the credit card on file.
If you cancel your registration less than 1 month prior to the program start date, you will not be eligible to receive a refund.
We highly recommend all participants purchase trip insurance in the case of a trip cancellation (a full refund of course tuition will be remitted if Balanced Rock has to cancel the trip due to natural disaster, park closure, etc).
All participants are required to read and accept our Cancellation and Refund Policy upon registration.
What Past Participants Are Saying About This Trip
“The instructors were so “badass” and really made me feel inspired and capable to do so much more in my life.”
“This backpacking adventure challenged me in ways I didn’t foresee, but deeply needed. Being guided through Yosemite’s wilderness with other nature lovers was the highlight of my year!”
“My yoga and backpacking trip couldn't have gone any better, this was a life changing experience where reconnecting to nature and spirit was the key. The guides were exceptional–they cared a lot about the welfare of the group. The food was super healthy and convenient, and the meditations were beyond my expectations! Yosemite was fantastic and the instructors were super knowledgeable of our surrounding environment.”
“This entire experience was profound. It was the perfect combo of group and solo time, challenging hikes, easy hikes, and laughter.”
Want to speak to a human being? Book a 15-min discovery call with one of our team members to ask questions and learn more about this program!
Meet Our Summer Solstice Trip Guides
CATHERINE WORTMANN
Certified Wilderness Guide, Wilderness First Responder (NOLS), Leave No Trace, RYT 500, Reiki Master
“My name is Catherine. My primary goal is helping my clients find passion and purpose in life. I guide and offer retreats and workshops, group classes, and private sessions in Yosemite National Park and surrounding areas.
My clients are ready and willing to shift old non-supportive behaviors and form new healthy habits in mind, body or soul. How can I help you shift what no longer serves you?
I am certified in yoga (RYT 500), meditation (Davidji Master of Wisdom 285), and a Reiki Master in the tradition of Usui Shiki Ryoho method of natural healing. I also hold a degree in business, finance and enjoy helping people reach their financial goals. I look forward to this journey together.”
You can learn more about Catherine on her website: cwhealing.com
EMILY CHANDLER
Certified Wilderness Guide, Wilderness First Responder (NOLS), RYT 200, Leave No Trace
“I am a student of Yoga, and it is my honor to share Yoga with others.”
Emily holds a 200-hr teaching certificate through Yoga Alliance, and has practiced yoga since 2007. Emily began teaching yoga in 2022, and has since been blessed to share Yoga in retreat and studio settings.
It is Emily’s path of service to help others to remember how to feel safe and powerful in their own bodies, and safe and powerful in wild spaces. Emily acts in gratitude to share what was freely shared with her.
Emily loves poetry, nonsense, dancing, Yoga, nature. She lives in the Sierra foothills area, but travels often to teach at Yoga, climbing and backpacking retreats across the West.
KYRA TAYLOR
Certified Wilderness Guide, Wilderness First Responder (NOLS), Leave No Trace, RYT 500, Cross Country Ski & Snow Instructor
Kyra aspires to educate, inspire, and invoke self acceptance and love in others; whether through yoga practice or outdoor experiences.
“Originally from Arizona, I have been living and teaching yoga in and around Yosemite for almost 4 years now! I am trained in many styles of yoga, but have found my niche teaching Yin. I have obtained a 500 RYT certificate, I’m a registered Wilderness EMT, have been a cross country ski and snow instructor/guide here in Yosemite, and I also have experience working with children and the elderly in many capacities. I volunteer for NPS wilderness, Wellness Coalition, and am also a volunteer and social media manager of Mariposa Trail Crew! I am currently in school for Biological Sciences, and am a true lover of all things outdoors. I hope to see you in one of my classes, or one of our guided adventures!”
4-Week Online Yoga & Wellness Series
REGISTRATION CLOSED FOR 2025
Your Instructor: Paula Wild, E-RYT 500