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Backpacking and Yoga Retreat

“Integrating Yoga into a preexisting lifestyle” ™

Submerge yourself into a different kind of practice, one that includes a walking mediation, yoga and nature.


Your backpacking retreat will be led on a trail known as the Squaw-Lost canyon loop. This is a 9 mile backpacking trail in the region known as the Needles in Canyonlands national Park. The Needles District forms the southeast corner of Canyonlands and was named for the colorful spires of Cedar Mesa Sandstone that dominant the area.
Surrounded by towering Canyons of sandstone Spires or fins, you will find the landscape is hauntingly beautiful. Dotted with gnarled juniper trees, sagebrush, Yucca and Cacti the flora is striking.


We will set up a base camp and enjoy amazing surrounding hikes. Juniper trees surround your camp, red sand, vast valleys of sagebrush, sandstone beds and blue sky fill what seems to be never ending space.


This backpacking and yoga retreat will open you not only to the beauty of the desert but the beauty of your self.


You will be guided by Mickey VanDeventer and Elisabeth Lilja. Mickey certified in CPR and is equipped with years of guiding experience. Mickey has been living in, and enjoying the mountains and deserts of Utah for almost all years of his life, and can often be found hiking in the desert of Moab Utah, or by the Colorado River. Mickey’s real desert experience comes from his years of living and hiking the canyons around the Moab and Canyonlands National Park where he resonates with the serenity and peace of the southwest.


Elisabeth is a certified WFR (wilderness first responder) and is equipped with years of private guiding experience. Elisabeth has lived in the state of Utah since birth and with that has come the opportunity to learn the canyons and mountains of the area like the back her hand. She grew up climbing desert rocks, running the rivers of the southwest and backpacking in both the desert and mountains of the west. Since a young age and the first touch and sight of sandstone, the Southwest in particular, Moab has always been the peace of mind in Elisabeth’s life, full of stillness and joy.


Your Yoga will be taught by Elisabeth Lilja, Elisabeth has studied yoga for 7 years and has taught for 4 years. She has studied under Dana Baptiste, Anna forest, Rolf gates, Bryan Kest and many other amazing instructors. Elisabeth has a 500 hour certification and teaches at Centered City in Salt lake City Utah as well as working privately with athletes and woman working threw eating disorders. Elisabeth's goal is to open people through understanding, compassion and nature. " Nature shows us a side of ourselves. When we are stripped raw, we have no other option than to find our beauty".


Your Meditation will be guided by Mickey VanDeventer, Mickey received his first initiation in transcendental meditation at the age of 10. He has studied under Lama Surya Das and Kempo Sonnom of Buton. His teaching is inspired by the Buddhist tradition of meditating in nature, creating a connection with the natural state of one’s self. Not only is an accomplished guide in mediation, but a certified yoga instructor and body worker for over 15 years.


" I wonder what walls we have constructed to keep our true erotic nature tamed. And I am curious why we continue to distance ourselves from natural sources."
-Terry Tempest Williams ~ from the book RED passion and patience in the desert

What will be provided?

  • 3 nights privately guided backpacking retreat with Mickey VanDeventer and Elisabeth Lilja
  • Organic food and Fuel (cooking is communal***)
  • 1 morning Pranayama (Breath work) or meditation a day with Mickey Vandeventer
  • 2 Yoga classes a day with Elisabeth Lilja
  • Evening Dharma or wilderness talks
  • Information and clinic on how to backpack in the desert
  • A life changing experience…

*** All of our backpacking retreats have communal cooking. This means that this is a community-oriented experience, not only a bonding experience with nature but your community as well. Everyone will be responsible for cleaning their mess kits as well as contributing to preparation of meals. We feel that this will help you better understand what backpacking is about!

Upon registration you will receive an information packet with a gear list as well as other helpful information.

Frequently asked questions:

What will my day look like?

Day 1

Arrive at needles visitor center by 12:00

Afternoon
1:00 Head to the trail and pack in
3:00 Arrive at destination and base camp and set up camp, snack
4:30 Orientation
5:00 Short practice
6:00 Dinner
7:30 Dharma or wilderness talk

Day 2

Morning:
7:00 Pranayama and short practice
8:30 Breakfast
9:30 Pack lunch and hike to Druid Arch or Peek-a-boo canyon

Afternoon:
At hike destination eat lunch, relax!

Evening:
6:00 Back at camp to rest
6:30 Dinner
7:30 Dharma or wilderness talk


Day 3

Morning:
7:00 Pranayama
8:15 Light breakfast
9:30 Practice

Afternoon:
12:00 Lunch and free time or hike!
4:00 PM practice

Evening:
6:00 Dinner
7:30 Dharma or wilderness talk


Day 4

Morning
8:00 Pack camp
9:00 Closing practice
10:30 Late breakfast
Pack out

**Please note that the last day is subject to change or last a little longer than planed. Due to this the hike out may put us in the parking lot around 2:30pm if you have a flight that you need to get to out of Moab let us know and we will be able to pack you out sooner. We do suggest that you stay an extra night if you can, leaving Monday.

***Please note that scheduled itinerary is subject to change due to the ebb and flow of life!

When will I need to arrive and when do I leave?

You will need to arrive by 12pm at the Needled District visitors' center on the Thursday of your date. The retreat will end mid afternoon on Sunday of your retreat.

How do I get to Moab Utah if I fly?

You can either:
Rent a car at the Salt Lake City airport (a 4 hour drive from Moab), or fly into Moab Utah. The website is www.airportrentalcar.com. We suggest renting a car if you plan on doing some site seeing on your free time, or plan on staying a day or two before or after.

How do I get to Moab if I drive?

Go to: http://www.mapquest.com/maps-directions
Enter Moab Utah

Can I fly out a day early or stay a day after?

Yes you can. We actually advise it. Because we will be meeting by 12:00 pm in the park we suggest that you stay in Moab the night before. We would be happy to give you some ideas on where to stay.

How do I get to The Needles?

On US Highway 191, drive 40 miles (60 km) south of Moab or 14 miles (22 km) north of Monticello, then take Utah Highway 211 roughly 35 miles (56 km) west. Highway 211 ends in the Needles, and is the only paved road leading in and out of the district.

CLICK HERE TO SEE A LIST OF REQUIRED GEAR AND EQUIPMENT YOU MUST BRING


Disclaimer
Do understand that by voluntarily choosing to backpack in the backcountry you are vulnerable to nature and other risks. This is not to detour you or scare you but to advise you of the risk involved. Understand that large amounts of water may need to be carried at a time. We do however choose trails that are known for having a consistent water source. Water will be filtered and treated. Weather can be unpredictable. We consistently check weather conditions days before a retreat, and will inform you of a weather change. Conditions are primitive. You will be hiking in washes as well as slick rock, you may need to negotiate steep terrain as well as ladders, drop-offs and narrow areas.

Our guides have Wilderness first aide survival training as well as CPR training.

We look forward to your registration! You are in excellent hands!

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