OUR OFFERINGS
01 Mindful Riding
Mindful riding is the practice of riding in a state of meditation through developing a present connection of mutual trust with your horse. Riding in this state of trust, presence and openness allows the rider to receive countless somatic benefits by being held by an intuitive, pure, and grounded sentient being. The rider will learn about their own energy through slowing down enough to see how they communicate and in turn receive messages from their horse’s body language. They will tap into the naturally meditative energy of horses and sensitize their intuition, the ability to energetically communicate, and connect with their true nature.
OUR OFFERINGS
02 Horse Guided Somatic Healing®
We offer horse-guided somatic healing through present-moment connection, guided meditation, and attuned observation—inviting deep embodiment, spiritual remembering, and intuitive healing alongside horses. Inspired by Equine Guided Empowerment®—a unique approach developed by The Reflective Horse®—this work honors the horse as an energetic mirror and guide. Through relational presence and the healing energy of horses, participants are gently led back to their innate wisdom, authentic connection, and a sense of grounded wholeness.
OUR OFFERINGS
03 Trauma Informed Breathwork
This ceremonial, trauma-informed breathwork practice integrates the science-backed benefits of conscious breathing with the depth of a spiritually grounded healing journey. The approach reflects influences from various trainings, including work with Taren Maroun, particularly in the way scientific understanding and spiritual inquiry are woven together, while the practice itself remains rooted in modern somatic frameworks and ancestral wisdom. Through intentional breath, the body’s innate intelligence is gently reawakened, supporting the safe release of stored energy and trauma held within the body, restoring nervous-system regulation, emotional resilience, and embodied presence.
OUR OFFERINGS
04 Somatic Yin Yoga
Somatic Yin Yoga is a trauma-informed, embodied practice that reconnects you with the body’s innate wisdom. Rooted in nervous system regulation and somatic awareness, this slow, intuitive approach supports the release of tension, emotional stress, and energetic blockages. Through long-held postures and deep listening, it nourishes connective tissues, enhances flexibility, and fosters resilience. Its meditative quality soothes the mind and strengthens the body's capacity for deep repair, renewal, and integration.
Join us
Open to BEGINNER - advanced riders
Available to beginner to advanced riders. All riding is done at a walking pace. Prior horse riding experience is recommended.
LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE
August 6th-9th, 2026
PRICING
$3,650
If paying in two installments, your second payment will be due June 1st. Both buttons will take you to the payment info. Additional payment plans. View our terms here.
Price includes: meals, guides/wranglers/cooks. Pack & riding animals. Shared two person light weight backcountry tent accommodation for 6 nights.
Price doesn’t include: travel to and from Reds Meadow Pack Station. Personal camping gear i.e., sleeping bag, pad, etc. Travel insurance & gratuities. Group size: 10 riders. Weight restriction: For the well-being of our horses, there is a weight limit of 200 lbs (90 kg) for riders.
Please note: To protect the integrity of the group schedule, we ask that all guests arrange flights that arrive the day prior to the retreat and depart the day after it concludes.
About this trip
AN IMPACTFUL ADVENTURE
This 4-day journey into Northern Yosemite invites you into a slower, more elemental rhythm of travel—an opportunity to come back into alignment with your body, mind, and spirit through the healing reset of nature. Moving by horse through remote backcountry terrain, we follow Fish Creek through a quiet canyon shaped by water, granite, and time. The rhythm of the horses and the sound of the creek gently guide you into presence. Each day begins with a guided meditation, creating space to arrive, while evenings are softened with yin yoga and yoga nidra, allowing the body to release and rest deeply beneath open skies.
On the second day, we leave the horses behind and hike 4 miles into the Iva Bell Hot Springs—an unexpected thermal oasis tucked deep within the wilderness, where mineral-rich waters rise naturally into a series of wild pools. The following day is held as a true pause, offering time to soak, rest, and simply be in the presence of the land. A guided breathwork journey is woven into this experience, creating space to release, recalibrate, and connect more deeply with yourself in this rare and grounding environment.
Horseback travel allows us to cover distance while staying deeply attuned—to the land, to the horses, and to one another—supported by an all-women team skilled in backcountry living. Nights are spent under open skies, with the sound of the creek nearby and the simplicity of life in the wilderness. This experience offers a rare opportunity to step outside the pace of everyday life and immerse fully in the quiet, restorative, healing power of the land.
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Itinerary
Day 1 – Red’s Meadow to Fish Creek Camp
8 -10 MILES
We’ll meet at Red’s Meadow Pack Station at 8:00 AM, arriving in your riding gear with your duffel packed and ready for the pack mules. We’ll begin with breakfast and a guided morning meditation to ground into the experience, followed by an opening circle as we gather as a group, meet the crew, and prepare to enter the backcountry together. Once the horses are saddled and gear is loaded, we’ll set off along the Fish Creek trail, riding through a quiet canyon lined with pine forest, granite walls, and the steady presence of moving water. The trail offers a mix of gentle stretches and more technical terrain, inviting you to build trust and connection with your horse as we make our way deeper into this remote landscape.
We’ll arrive at camp along the creek in the late afternoon, where there will be time to settle in and unwind. As evening approaches, we’ll gather for a grounding yin yoga session followed by a deeply restorative yoga nidra practice beneath the open sierra sky.
Day 2 - Fish Creek Camp to Iva Bell Hot Springs
4-MILE HIKE
The morning begins with a guided meditation, inviting you to arrive fully into the rhythm of the land before we begin our day. After breakfast, we’ll prepare for our hike into the springs. Leaving the horses behind, we’ll follow the trail on foot for approximately 4 miles along gently rising terrain beside Fish Creek, moving deeper into the canyon toward the hidden thermal basin of Iva Bell.
Arriving at the springs, you’ll be welcomed by a series of natural, mineral-rich pools emerging from the earth, set against the stillness of the surrounding forest. After settling into camp nearby, there will be time to soak and take in this secluded place. In the evening, we’ll gather for a gentle yin yoga practice followed by yoga nidra, allowing the body to soften and integrate in the warmth of the land.
Itinerary
Day 3 - Iva Bell Hot Springs
LAYOVER DAY
We’ll begin the day with a guided meditation, opening into a spacious day with no distance to cover. This day is intentionally held as a pause, offering time to rest, soak, and move at your own pace throughout the day. The springs provide a natural setting for deep restoration, where time slows and the body begins to recalibrate in response to the mineral waters and quiet surroundings.
Later in the day, we’ll come together for a guided breathwork journey, held within the stillness of the backcountry—an opportunity to release, reset, and connect more deeply with yourself.
Day 4 - Iva Bell to Red’s Meadow
12 MILES
We’ll begin the morning with a meditation alongside the horses, an opportunity to connect more deeply before our final ride out. After preparing and saddling, we’ll set off along Fish Creek, retracing our path through the canyon as we ride back toward Red’s Meadow. Moving through forested terrain and alongside the steady flow of water, there is space to reflect and integrate the experience as it begins to settle.
We’ll arrive back at the pack station in the late afternoon, closing our journey where it began.
PLEASE NOTE
This represents the planned itinerary. Weather, trail conditions, or other wilderness factors may affect campsite locations and daily travel.
Meet your guides
Patrice Ringelstein
OJAI, CALIFORNIA, USA
Patrice Ringelstein holds a Master of Science in Environmental Studies from San Jose State University where she focused on the relationship between water quality and leopard sharks (Triakis semifasciata) in the San Francisco Bay Estuary. She has over 10 years of experience as an environmental educator and researcher in both the Bay Area and Los Angeles Area, having worked at multiple museums and non-profits during that time. She has also participated in various research projects to analyze toxicity levels and species abundance in the San Francisco Estuary with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the California Estuary Institute.Currently, she works as a biologist and researcher at Pax Environmental, Inc. in Ojai, California, where she conducts focused special-status species studies, data collection, data analysis, and reporting. In addition to her years of biological fieldwork, her background includes eight years of teaching in the field. Patrice came to Riding Wild through a sponsorship opportunity and embarked on a transformative nine-day journey through the Sierra Nevada. The experience was profoundly impactful, inspiring her to write about it for Patagonia's blog, where she shared her story of growth, connection, and empowerment in nature. Thrilled to now be a part of Riding Wild, Patrice is passionate about contributing to its mission of creating healing and transformative experiences in the wilderness, particularly for BIPOC women. She hopes to inspire the next generation of scientists, researchers, and adventurers dedicated to protecting the planet and its inhabitants.
Taren Maroun
SANTA ROSA, CALIFORNIA, USA
Taren Maroun, a seasoned practitioner in Northern California, specialized in Somatic Trauma and Attachment therapy with a relational focus. Using innovative modalities like Ceremonial Breathwork, Shadow Alchemy, and Equine Guided Somatic Reprogramming, Taren invite individuals into a journey of healing and self-discovery. She is currently in school in pursuit of a MA in Somatic Psychology and Licensure as an LMFT. Taren’s lifelong connection with horses has deeply influenced her healing journey. At 16, training her first wild mustang revealed the mirroring potential and power of horses. This realization fueled Taren’s dedication to exploring the healing potential of horses, eventually leading to the creation of a tailored equine-guided immersion program for survivors of physical and sexual assault. With extensive experience in both 1:1 and group settings, Taren cultivates transformative spaces where individuals are invited to reconnect with their bodies, reclaim their voices, and foster resilience. Through a combination of traditional therapeutic techniques and experiential approaches, often involving horses, Taren’s holistic approach supports clients in processing unresolved trauma and developing healthier relational patterns. She emphasizes the interconnectedness of individual healing, with collective well-being, advocating for personal sovereignty, freedom and empowerment, fostering a ripple effect of healing and authenticity. This comprehensive approach lays the foundation for sustained healing and personal growth, empowering individuals to embark on a journey towards profound transformation and empowerment.
Highlights
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Travel on horseback through the remote Fish Creek canyon, following a winding alpine waterway deep into Northern Yosemite’s backcountry.
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Hike 4 miles into the Iva Bell Hot Springs, a secluded thermal oasis where mineral-rich waters rise naturally from the earth.
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Spend a full day at the springs to rest, soak, and fully take in the stillness of this rare and hidden landscape.
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Experience a guided breathwork journey in the quiet of the backcountry, supported by the grounding presence of the land.
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Unwind each evening with guided yin yoga and yoga nidra, allowing the body to soften, release, and restore under open skies.
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Be supported by a skilled all-women team experienced in packing, farrier work, and backcountry living, offering a different model of leadership in the wilderness.
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Rejuvenate through immersion in fresh mountain air, thermal waters, and the simplicity of life in the wilderness.
HORSES
Sierra Nevada horsepacking outfitters typically use a mix of Quarter Horses, Mustangs, Draft-crosses, and Warmbloods, chosen for their endurance, agility, and calm temperament on rugged trails. Mules, including Quarter Horse and draft mules, are essential for their strength, surefootedness, and ability to navigate steep terrain. These animals are carefully selected for their reliability in high-altitude backcountry travel.
MINIMUM RIDING ABILITY
We ask our riders who participate in our Sierra Nevada horsepacking trip to be beginner-advanced riders. See our riding ability guide here. Participating in a Sierra Nevada horsepacking trip requires riders to have basic riding experience, including the ability to mount, dismount, and control a horse at a walking pace. Riders should be prepared to spend extended periods in the saddle, sometimes up to 6 hours a day, which demands physical stamina. The journey involves navigating technical mountainous trails, so riders should possess the courage to embrace the unknown and step confidently out of their comfort zones. For the well-being of our horses, there is a weight limit of 200 lbs (90 kg) for riders.
PACE
All riding during our Sierra Nevada horsepacking trips is conducted at a walking pace.
TACKING ABILITY & PARTICIPATION
We do ask our riders to help with grooming and tacking up their own horses. If you are a beginner we will make sure someone will help you with this task but this responsibility is an important part of the experience that supports both the team function, but also ensures you create an authentic connection with your horse.
TRIP CONDITIONS
Horsepacking in northern Yosemite's Sierra Nevada offers riders a diverse range of terrains, from open meadows to challenging technical rocky paths. Trails often traverse steep sections, requiring horses to navigate natural steps and the occasional slick rock surfaces. Riders may encounter trails with drop-offs and sections that ascend and descend over mountain summits and saddles. At Reds Meadow Pack station, our horses are not only well-experienced but also possess calm temperaments, reliability, and sure-footedness, making them experts on these trails. These characteristics ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for our riders.
EQUESTRIAN EQUIPMENT
- western trail riding saddles
- hornbags are provided
- wearing a riding helmet is encouraged but optional. We recommend bringing one if you have it to ensure the correct fit.
Please note: To protect the integrity of the group schedule, we ask that all guests arrange flights that arrive the day prior to the retreat and depart the day after it concludes.
GETTING THERE
The closest airport to Red’s Meadow (near Mammoth Lakes, California) is Reno–Tahoe International Airport, located approximately 170 miles away (about a 3.5–4 hour drive).
Other Nearby Airports:
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Mammoth Yosemite Airport — approximately 10 miles (about a 30-minute drive, seasonal flights)
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Sacramento International Airport — approximately 200 miles (about a 4–4.5 hour drive)
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San Francisco International Airport — approximately 300 miles (about a 5.5–6 hour drive)
For most travelers, Reno–Tahoe International Airport tends to be the most reliable option. From there, guests can rent a car or coordinate a ride-share for the drive to Red’s Meadow.
RIDE SHARE COORDINATION
Once most guests have completed their bookings, we will create a WhatsApp group to facilitate travel coordination and ride-sharing from the airport. This will help guests connect and arrange shared transportation for a smoother and more sustainable journey.
CLIMATE
In August, the northern regions of Yosemite National Park in the Sierra Nevada experience warm days and cool nights. Tuolumne Meadows (approximately 8,600 feet / 2,620 meters elevation):
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Average High: 70°F (21°C)
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Average Low: 37°F (3°C)
Precipitation: August is among the driest months in Yosemite, with minimal rainfall. However, afternoon thunderstorms can occur.
TIPS
Tipping for horse packing trips is at each guest’s discretion but is highly encouraged and deeply appreciated by our team of incredibly hardworking women. Your guides dedicate themselves to creating a safe, memorable, and seamless backcountry experience, often going above and beyond in rugged conditions. A significant portion of our hardworking horsepackers’ income comes from gratuities, so if you feel moved to show gratitude for their efforts, a tip is a meaningful way to do so.
For multi-day trips, a recommended gratuity is $500–$700 per guest for the week. Please bring cash for your gratuity. At the end of your trip, envelopes will be provided for each of your three guides so you may distribute your gratuity directly. Your generosity directly supports our crew and is deeply valued.
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Accommodation will be in double-shared lightweight backpacker tents, specifically chosen for their ease of transport by our mules during the expedition. Tents are provided and will be shared in groups of two. If you prefer to have your own tent, please bring a lightweight one-person tent that is suitable for backcountry conditions.
Our backcountry cook will be preparing warm, nutritious, and hearty meals for breakfast and dinner, ensuring you stay energized throughout the expedition. Lunches will be freshly packed each morning, consisting of a wholesome sandwich to enjoy on the trail. Gluten-free and vegetarian options are available upon request—please let us know in advance so we can accommodate your needs.
We have a 30 lb weight restriction per person (this includes all personal gear, sleeping bags etc). Please bring your belongings in canvas or nylon duffels; side zipper is recommended, ideal size approximately 14” x 32”. It is a good idea to use a large plastic bag inside of the duffle to protect contents from external moisture.
Sleeping bags can be in separate bags, line the inside of the duffle with a plastic bag for rain. Please try to minimize the weight of your belongings by packaging only the amount of any item you will need (like soap, lotions, and medications). Place all cosmetics, soaps, medications, etc into small plastic containers with close-fitting caps, then into sturdy resealable plastic zip lock bags. If anything breaks or bursts from altitude changes, the plastic bag contains the spill.You’re welcome to bring anything else you feel called to — though we always suggest keeping things simple and packing light.
CLOTHING
Upper body
- long sleeved shirts (provide protection from the sun or extra warmth)
- warm sweater (wool or fleece)
- wool warm long underwear
Lower body
- comfortable jeans for riding
- hiking pants
- yoga pants
- wool warm long underwear
Outerwear
- waterproof jacket/waterproof rain pants to wear over riding pants
- warm down jacket
Footwear
- comfortable riding boots (or blundstones/hiking boots)
- crocs or comfortable shoes to wear around camp
- warm wool socks, at least a few pairs
Headwear
- sunhat/cowgirl (with stampede string for wind)
- warm wool hat for cold evenings
CAMPING ITEMS
- sleeping bag warm enough for freezing temperatures
- small pillow to sleep on
- comfortable sleeping pad
- soft duffle bag for your gear/belongings
- headlamp
- small and lightweight water filtration system (optional)
- lightweight coffee mug
OTHER ITEMS
- gloves for riding
- scarf/bandana for protecting your neck and face from the sun, wind or rain
- sunglasses with a cord attached so they don’t fly off when riding
- swimsuit
- towel
- toiletries
- hand sanitizer
- small plastic bags
- light weight plastic pint water bottle
- phone and/or camera for photos
- compact power bank for charging
- small bag for small items when riding
- notebook/journal
Provided
- tents are provided to be shared in groups of two, if you prefer to have you own tent please bring a light weight one person tent.
- all cutlery excluding a camping mug
- additional camp gear, toilet paper, etc.
MEDICAL KIT
- high uv sunscreen
- aquaphor (for dry lips)
- insect repellent, net head cover
- any medication you regularly take
- band aids and second skin plasters for chafing
- antiseptic cream, plasters, aspirin, anti-histamine, insect-bite salve etc...
- electrolytes
- ear plugs (for light sleepers)
- water purifier or purification tablets (optional)
SIERRA NEVADA
-The High Sierra: A Love Story - Kim Stanley Robinson
CLIMATE
- All We Can Save - Ayana Elizabeth Johnson & Katherine K. Wilkinson
- Rooted - Lyanda Lynn Haupt
- The Intersectional Environmentalist: How to Dismantle
of Oppression to Protect People + Planet - Leah Thomas- The End of Eden: Wild Nature in the Age of Climate Breakdown - Adam Weltz
HORSE
- Tao of Equus - Linda Kohanov
- Riding Between Worlds - Linda Kohanov
- Sacred Spaces: Communion with the horse through science and spirit - Dr. Susan Fay
HEALING
- Untethered Soul - Michael Singer
- Healing Collective Trauma - Thomas Hübl
- Attuned - Thomas Hübl- If Women Rose Rooted - Sharon Black
- Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times - Katherine May- Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma - Peter A. Levine
- The Power of Now - Ekhart Tolle
- Being Peace - Thich Naht Hahn
- One Long River of Song: Notes on Wonder - Brian Doyle
- The Wild Edge of Sorrow: Rituals of Renewal and the Sacred Work of Grief - Francis Weller
- Gender(s) - Kathryn Bond StocktonRELATIONSHIP
- Us - Terrence Real
- Perfect Love, Imperfect relationships - John Welwood
- Conscious Loving: The Journey to Co-Commitment - Gay Hendricks and Kathlyn Hendrick
- The Conscious Heart - Gay Hendricks and Kathlyn Hendrick
- Nonviolent Communication - Marshall Rosenberg
- The Power of Attachment - Diane Poole Heller
- Eight Dates - John Gottman
please note, this is an optional reading list for your enjoyment
Reds Meadow Pack Station
For this journey, we have partnered with Red’s Meadow Pack Station, located in the remote backcountry near Mammoth Lakes in the Sierra Nevada. Set along the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River, Red’s Meadow offers access to some of the most rugged and lesser-traveled terrain in Northern Yosemite. Their experienced team, strong mountain horses, and deep knowledge of the land make it possible to travel into this wild landscape with care, skill, and respect for the traditions of Sierra horse packing.
Testimonial
This experience was priceless. It showed me that I am strong, brave, and capable- lessons that have carried over into my business, my relationships, and my personal life. It helped me reconnect with my voice. And the HORSES- what a magical experience to bond with them and feel an ancient connection to nature. I would do this again in a heartbeat.
- Alexandra James
TESTIMONIAL
"My connection with the women on this trip gave me a sisterhood I didn’t know I needed. The terrain showed me not only how tough I mentally, but how physically tough I am too. The bond and safety I felt with my horse a feeling and sense I will carry around with me for the rest of my life. He showed me how to trust again and I wish he could know the profound impact he’s had on me and my life. The spiritual, emotional, and physical connection to nature grounded me to my core. This journey was an experience I’ll always carry with me.”
- Lizzy Ellerbeck
Testimonial
"This journey opened a portal for me to re-member myself home. My wrangler self, my mustang-whisperin’ self, yogini, queer self, shamanic voyager self, WILD woman self were all beautifully expansively present. I felt I could be in such blissful harmony with my deep soul self, as well as the present-moment container I found myself in. On the other side I felt spacious expansive, powerful, free. What a gift. I am forever grateful for this adventure with spirit, with sisters, with wilderness, beauty reverence, magic. Truly the adventure of a lifetime, it surpassed my wildest dreams."
- Annie Casey
We can't wait to meet you!
