






October 8-12 | Yosemite Yoga & Nature Retreat
5-Day Celebratory Retreat in Yosemite National Park
Location: UC Merced Yosemite Field Station
Tiered Pricing Options:
Full 5 Days - $795/person (meals and lodging included); early bird price $695 if you register by September 1st, 2025!
Weekend Only (Fri-Sun) - $395/person (meals and lodging included)
Single Day Only (choose your day) - $150/person (meals included, lodging not included)
Your Facilitators: Heather Sullivan, Paula Wild, & special guests
October 8-12 | Yosemite Yoga & Nature Retreat
5-Day Celebratory Retreat in Yosemite National Park
Location: UC Merced Yosemite Field Station
Tiered Pricing Options:
Full 5 Days - $795/person (meals and lodging included); early bird price $695 if you register by September 1st, 2025!
Weekend Only (Fri-Sun) - $395/person (meals and lodging included)
Single Day Only (choose your day) - $150/person (meals included, lodging not included)
Your Facilitators: Heather Sullivan, Paula Wild, & special guests
Balanced Rock is celebrating 25 years in 2025!
We’re honoring this milestone by hosting a 5-day retreat for you in Yosemite National Park, featuring all of our classic offerings: nature yoga, mindfulness, reflective journaling, nature immersion & exploration, nourishing meals, and community bonding.
This all-inclusive retreat offers shared rustic cabins for lodging, all meals, guided excursions and activities, and more!
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This isn’t just any retreat—it’s a celebration of the best of Balanced Rock from the past 25 years.
Over the course of our time together, you’ll experience a full spectrum of yoga, wellness, and nature-based offerings that reflect the heart of our work: authentic connection, deep intentionality, and transformational experiences rooted in Yosemite’s wild beauty.
Led by long-time Balanced Rock teachers and guides, this retreat brings together the most beloved and impactful elements of our programs—from grounding meditation and all-levels yoga, to guided hikes, community rituals, and shared meals under the stars.
Whether you're returning home to a familiar circle or joining us for the first time, this retreat is designed to nourish your body, mind, and spirit—and to celebrate a powerful legacy of growth, healing, and connection in nature.
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• Pre-trip support with our experienced team and trip leaders, so you feel fully prepared coming to Yosemite
• 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!)
• All meals included during the trip, which are Ayurvedic-inspired and curated to honor your dietary needs
• Shared lodging in one of the cabins (bunk-style; participants will need to bring their own linens, see recommended gear list)
• Professional instruction and guidance through retreat activities
• An unforgettable experience in the heart of Yosemite Valley
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Balanced Rock provides expert guidance, first-aid supplies, and group gear.
Participants are responsible for their own travel arrangements to and from the retreat location, any park entrance fees, 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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The Week at a Glance:
Wednesday, October 8th:
Arrive anytime after 3:00pm to check-in to your cabin.
We will begin programming at 5:00pm, so please arrive with plenty of time to settle in beforehand.
Thursday, Friday, and Saturday: Each day we will enjoy an optional excursion and day hike in one of Yosemite’s most iconic locations including the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, Glacier Point and Yosemite Valley.Sunday, October 12th:
On our final day we will offer a hearty breakfast and an impactful closing circle. We will pack up, conclude, and depart by noon.
Sample Daily Schedule
6:30 AM Hot beverages and cold breakfast options
7:00 AM Optional yoga & meditation practice
8:30 AM: Breakfast and pack lunch
9:30 AM: Excursions & guided day hikes
3:30 PM: Free time to relax w/ optional guided activities
5:30 PM: Appetizers and mixer
7:00 PM: Dinner
8:00 PM: Inspiring campfire or evening program
Stay tuned for a detailed schedule of evening events and guest speakers!
*Please note: most activities will be optional, and we may split into two groups depending on individual needs for movement vs rest.
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We are excited to host this special retreat at the UC Merced Yosemite Field Station in Wawona.
This facility has been hosting scientists, artists, and lovers of Yosemite since 2006. We will have exclusive use of the six cozy cabins, dedicated kitchen, and campfire area.
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LINK: Lodge-Based Retreat Recommended Packing List
All registered participants will receive this detailed recommended packing list for the retreat in their welcome materials.
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$795/person - full 5 days (meals and cabin lodging included)
$395/person - weekend only (Fri-Sun; meals and cabin lodging included)
$150/person - single day only (meals included, lodging not included)
Balanced Rock strives to offer affordable programming to all of our interested participants. If you need financial assistance or are seeking scholarship opportunities to attend this program, please contact us to request an application.
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All participants will be required to read and sign the Health & Safety Policy for Programs at registration.
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We understand plans change. As a small nonprofit, we can offer a partial refund of the program price minus a $50 administrative fee up to 30 days before the program start. Any cancellations after this deadline will not be eligible for a refund. All participants will be required to read and accept our Cancellation and Refund Policy upon registration.
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!
What Past Participants Are Saying About Balanced Rock

“What a gift. Thank you Balanced Rock for creating such memorable and transformational retreats in Yosemite.”
“The immersion in nature in Yosemite with the wellness focus of mindfulness and yoga…it’s unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. Thank you for offering these trips!”
“I left feeling rejuvenated and joyful, my cup is full and overflowing with love. THANK YOU!!!”
Meet Your Facilitators

HEATHER SULLIVAN
Heather has lived in the Yosemite area for over 20 years. The steep granite valley walls, seasonal change of the river song, and community of animals and humans have deeply shaped her being and worldview. Co-Founder of Balanced Rock, she continues to serve as Executive Director using her skills of non-profit management and leadership, group facilitation, community building, mentorship, and program development to hold the vision and lead the organization through its continued evolution.
She delights in creating unique, powerful programs and supporting staff and instructors to shine their magic in the world. She is a gifted teacher and seasoned mountain guide at heart and makes sure to get in the field as an instructor each season.

PAULA WILD
With over 15 years of experience in wilderness guiding, yoga instruction, and nonprofit management, Paula brings a unique blend of leadership and creativity to her roles at Balanced Rock. Driven by a deep belief in the transformative power of nature + yoga, and guided by her training as a certified Yoga Therapist, Paula continues to serve as an instructor for WildYoga courses and custom programs, sharing tools that inspire growth and connection.
As Development Director, Paula is committed to cultivating community support and expanding the organization’s reach, ensuring its mission thrives for years to come. She is passionate about integrating mindfulness, adventure, and sustainable practices into programs that empower individuals and foster resilience. In her role as Program Director for the Arts in Parks Grant, Paula is stewarding the planning and development of this inspiring new initiative. She is thrilled to contribute to Balanced Rock’s vision while embarking on its exciting next chapter of strategic growth.