About this trip
AN IMPACTFUL ADVENTURE
Join us for an unforgettable adventure into the heart of Ahwahnee territory in Northern Yosemite. Ride through stunning mountain passes, lush wildflower meadows, and take a refreshing dip in pristine alpine lakes. Deepen your connection to nature and yourself through a thoughtfully woven blend of yin yoga, meditation, and breathwork incorporated throughout the journey.
Horseback travel offers a unique pace to attune with nature, your horse, and one another, restoring and revitalizing your nervous system while reconnecting with your purpose. Led by an incredible all-women team skilled in packing, farrier work, and cooking, this adventure breaks away from traditional gender norms, empowering participants to embrace their authentic selves.
Rejuvenate your senses with fresh mountain air, tranquil sounds of nature, and nights under starlit skies. Highlights include riding through the remote high country of Northern Yosemite, passing the striking turquoise waters of Peeler Lake, and camping at Benson Lake—often called the “Riviera of the Sierra” for its rare sandy shoreline and crystal-clear alpine waters. This one-of-a-kind adventure is designed to leave you feeling empowered and deeply connected to both nature and yourself.
Highlights
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Travel through mountain passes, lush wildflower meadows, and along pristine alpine lakes.
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Experience the thrill of riding breathtaking and challenging technical mountain trails.
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Experience yin yoga, meditation, and breathwork thoughtfully woven into the journey, enhancing your connection to nature, your body, and your inner self.
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Attune to nature, your horse, and one another at a pace that promotes deeper connection.
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Be guided by a skilled team of women proficient in packing, farrier work, and cooking, breaking away from traditional norms.
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Camp at Benson Lake, known as the “Riviera of the Sierra,” with its rare alpine sandy shoreline, and ride past the stunning turquoise waters of Peeler Lake, one of the most stunning lakes in the Sierra Nevada.
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Rejuvenate with fresh mountain air, tranquil sounds, and nights under starlit skies.
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Embrace a rare journey created for and led by an exclusive team of women, redefining tradition in the male-dominated world of horsepacking.
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 intermediate - advanced riders
Available to intermediate to advanced riders. All riding is done at a walking pace. Prior horse riding experience is required.
LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE
August 16th-22nd, 2026
PRICING
$4,125
If paying in two installments, your second payment will be due May 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 Kennedy Meadows 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.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Kennedy Meadows to Sheep Camp
8.5 MILES
We’ll meet at Kennedy Meadows Pack Station at 7:00 AM, arriving in your riding gear with your duffle packed and ready for the pack mules. We’ll begin the morning with breakfast together followed by a welcoming opening circle as we gather our group, meet the crew, and prepare to begin our journey into the Sierra Nevada backcountry. Once the horses are saddled and gear is loaded, we’ll set off on our first day’s ride, climbing gradually through fragrant pine forests and open granite slopes as we ascend into the high country near Sonora Pass. As the trail gains elevation, expansive views of the surrounding Sierra peaks begin to unfold before we arrive at Sheep Camp, a peaceful alpine meadow surrounded by lodgepole pines and flowing creeks, where we’ll settle into camp and unwind from the day’s ride with somatic yin yoga beneath the vast Sierra sky.
Day 2 - Sheep Camp to Dorothy Lake
9 MILES
We’ll begin the morning with a grounding meditation before setting off deeper into the high alpine landscape. Today’s ride brings us toward the northern boundary of Yosemite National Park as we follow rolling terrain dotted with granite outcrops and wildflower meadows. Our destination is Dorothy Lake, a serene alpine lake that sits directly along the Pacific Crest Trail at the edge of Yosemite. After arriving, there will be time to rest by the water, explore the surrounding shoreline, or take a refreshing swim before gathering for an early evening yin yoga session beside the lake.
Itinerary
Day 3 - Dorothy Lake to Stubblefield Canyon
13.3 MILES
Today is our longest and most adventurous riding day as we continue along sections of the Pacific Crest Trail into the remote northern reaches of Yosemite. The trail winds through expansive alpine basins before descending gradually into the rugged beauty of Stubblefield Canyon. Along the way we’ll pass through quiet forests, granite ridgelines, and sweeping views of the surrounding Sierra wilderness rarely seen by most visitors. By late afternoon we’ll reach our camp in the canyon, where the sound of flowing water and towering pines create a tranquil place to rest after a full day in the saddle.
Day 4 - Stubblefield Canyon to Benson Lake
9.5 MILES
We’ll begin the day with meditation before riding along the meadows and river corridors that lead toward one of the most beloved hidden gems of northern Yosemite—Benson Lake. Famous among backpackers and packers alike for its expansive sandy shoreline, Benson Lake feels almost like an alpine beach tucked deep within the mountains. After arriving and setting up camp, there will be time to relax, swim in the clear waters, or simply enjoy the rare stillness of this spectacular place. In the evening we’ll gather for somatic yin yoga as the sun sets across the lake.
Itinerary
Day 5 - Layover Day at Benson Lake
LAYOVER
Today we’ll slow down and fully take in the beauty of Benson Lake. Guests may choose to swim, explore the surrounding granite ridges, or simply rest along the wide sandy shore. This day allows us to integrate the journey, connect with the land, and enjoy time together in one of Yosemite’s most magical backcountry settings. In the afternoon we’ll gather for a restorative breathwork and meditation session before another peaceful evening under the stars.
Day 6 - Benson Lake to Middle Kerrick Canyon
8 MILES
After a grounding meditation, we’ll saddle up and follow Rancheria Creek as we ride through the broad meadows of Kerrick Canyon. This area is known for its sweeping valley floor, lush grasses, and abundant wildlife. The gentle terrain makes for a relaxed riding day as we move steadily through one of the most picturesque valleys in northern Yosemite. Our camp will be set along the creek in Middle Kerrick Canyon, where we’ll enjoy our final evening together with a combined yin yoga & yoga nidra practice and reflection on the journey.
Itinerary
Day 7 - Middle Kerrick Canyon to Twin Lakes
11.3 MILES
On our final morning, we’ll gather for a closing meditation before beginning the last stretch of our ride through Kerrick Canyon and over the ridge toward Twin Lakes. The trail gradually climbs through alpine forest, then traces the edge of Peeler Lake—one of the most breathtaking lakes in Northern Yosemite—before descending toward the sparkling waters of Twin Lakes near Bridgeport. As we approach the trailhead, the wide Sierra landscape opens around us, offering a fitting and beautiful conclusion to our journey. We’ll arrive in the late afternoon, where transportation will be arranged back to Kennedy Meadows Pack Station.
PLEASE NOTE
This represents the planned itinerary. Weather, trail conditions, or other wilderness factors may affect campsite locations and daily travel.
Meet your guides
Aniela Gottwald
CALIFORNIA, USA
Aniela Gottwald is the founder of Riding Wild, a 1% For The Planet nonprofit organization that takes women on transformative wilderness expeditions, com- bining personal and collective healing with intersection- al environmentalism. With over 20 years of experience in horsemanship, Aniela is a certified Equine Guided Empowerment® facilitator specializing in integrative somatic trauma and attachment therapy. Aniela’s lifelong connection with horses began in childhood, but it was her solo 1,300-mile backcountry expedition with wild horses she trained herself that deepened her understanding of the mirroring power of these animals in the healing process. Her work with Riding Wild stems from this understanding, offering equine-guided journeys that foster empowerment, personal sovereignty, and a sense of freedom. Through these immersive experiences, Aniela helps women, especially BIPOC and Indigenous communities, reclaim their voices and rediscover their inner strength. Guiding horse-riding expeditions throughout the world, Aniela has created a powerful program that seamlessly integrates tools for nervous system regulation and therapeutic practices into each journey. Her approach is grounded in the belief that individual healing contributes to collective well-being, creating a ripple effect of generational healing and transformation. Riding Wild’s purpose is to make these healing experiences accessible through scholarships, providing safe spaces for adventure, connection, and the discovery of new possibilities. Through her work, Aniela invites women to step into a journey of personal growth and resilience, supported by the essential connection between humans and nature. She believes that empowering women to heal, we also open pathways to advocate for the healing of nature - recognizing that personal and environmental restoration are deeply interconnected.
Trisha Hall
Patagonia, Chile
Originally from Oregon, Trisha Hall has been drawn to horses for as long as she can remember. It wasn’t until she arrived in Patagonia in 2012, however, that she found the opportunity to ride consistently and shape her life around horses and the land. Over the past fourteen years, she has spent much of her time guiding multi-day trekking and horseback expeditions through the wild landscapes of Torres del Paine National Park in Chilean Patagonia and its surrounding areas, mainly across the private family estancias of her partner. Living and working in this remote corner of the world deepened her connection to the rhythms of estancia life and the tradition of exploring the land on horseback. Together with her partner, she later founded Estancias Patagonia, offering full-day and multi-day horseback adventures that explore remote corners of the region. Alongside their tourism work, they are also sheep and cattle farmers, caring for a flock of around 3,500 sheep, roughly 100 cattle, a herd of 40 horses, and a team of loyal working and guardian dogs. Trisha feels most at home outdoors — riding through the mountains, working with animals, and living close to the natural world. When she is not on horseback, she enjoys playing music and spending time with her animals, and during her vacation time she loves exploring horse cultures in other parts of the world.
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 intermediate-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 Kennedy Meadows 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 Kennedy Meadows Resort & Pack Station (near Sonora Pass, CA) is
Reno–Tahoe International Airport (RNO), located approximately 105 miles away (about a 2–2.5 hour
drive).
Other Nearby Airports:
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Sacramento International Airport (SMF) — approximately 150 miles (about a 3–3.5 hour drive)
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San Francisco International Airport (SFO) — approximately 190 miles (about a 4–4.5 hour drive)
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Reno–Tahoe International Airport is typically the most convenient option for travelers flying from major cities. From there, guests can rent a car or coordinate a ride-share for the drive to Kennedy Meadows Resort & Pack Station.
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
- riding boots (or blundstones/hiking boots)
- chaps (optional)
- 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
Kennedy Meadows Pack Station
For this journey, we have partnered with Kennedy Meadows Pack Station, a beloved and historic gateway to the Sierra Nevada backcountry. Nestled near Sonora Pass, Kennedy Meadows offers access to some of the most pristine and breathtaking wilderness in California. Their experienced team, well-trained horses, and sure-footed mules make it possible to travel deep into the mountains while honoring the long-standing traditions of horse packing. For this expedition, we are especially honored to be joined by two of the owners’ sisters, who will be part of our crew. One of them is a veterinarian, bringing invaluable knowledge and care for our horses and mules throughout the journey. Their presence reflects the deep family roots of Kennedy Meadows and the generational knowledge that continues to guide their work on the land.
Our crew will be an all-women team — something that is unique to Riding Wild journeys and intentionally created as part of our commitment to women’s empowerment. In the historically male-dominated world of Sierra Nevada horse packing, gatherings like this are exceedingly rare. Bringing together a team of highly skilled women to guide, wrangle, pack, cook, and care for the animals in the backcountry is not only meaningful — it is quietly transformative. It allows women to step fully into roles that have long been closed or overlooked, while honoring the deep traditions of the mountains that have shaped this work for generations. Together, our crew brings a wealth of experience in guiding, wrangling, packing, backcountry cooking, and wilderness care. With a shared respect for the animals, the land, and the traditions of the Sierra, they are committed to creating a safe, seamless, and deeply memorable wilderness experience.
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
