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 ALL RIDING LEVELS
Available to strong beginner to advanced riders. All riding is done at a walking pace. Prior horse riding experience is strongly recommended, but not required.
LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE
August 5th-9th, 2026
PRICING
$3,775
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 backcountry tent accommodation for four nights.
Price doesn’t include: travel to and from Virginia Lakes 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
Join us for a 5-day horsepacking journey into the heart of Ahwahnee territory in Northern Yosemite—where granite, water, and sky converge in a landscape that feels both powerful and deeply alive. We ride through high mountain passes and wildflower meadows, along alpine lakes and into a corridor shaped by the moving waters of the Tuolumne River.
There is a natural rhythm that emerges out here. Mornings begin quietly. The days unfold on horseback—asking for presence, softness, and trust. Time stretches. The nervous system settles. You begin to meet the land, your horse, and yourself with a different kind of attention and attunement. Along the way, we arrive into some of the most striking terrain in Northern Yosemite—Glen Aulin, White Cascade, and Tuolumne Falls—where cascading water moves with force through granite, shaping a landscape that is breathtakingly beautiful and expansive.
Our days are supported by practices of yin yoga, meditation, and breathwork woven to deepen the experience. Evenings are held under open sky, with the quiet of camp, the warmth of nourishing food prepared, and the subtle shift that comes from being fully immersed in the natural world. Held by a deeply skilled, all-women team, this journey offers something both rare and essential, a return to your body, your intuition, and a more grounded way of moving through the world. What remains is a deeper sense of clarity, vitality, and connection, carried forward long after the journey ends.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Virginia Lakes to Virginia Canyon
10 MILES
We’ll meet at the Virginia Lakes Pack Station in the early morning, ready to embark on our journey. The trail begins along the north side of Blue Lake and climbs steeply through open forest to Cooney Lake. Continuing past Frog Lakes, the path ascends shale slopes to a saddle providing stunning views of the surrounding peaks. The rocky descent leads to the Green Lake Trail junction, where we’ll climb 170 feet to Summit Lake. After entering Yosemite National Park, the trail descends through Virginia Canyon with its mix of lodgepoles, meadows, and occasional avalanche-downed trees. Our camp lies down the canyon from the Virginia Pass junction. In the evening, we’ll unwind and relax from the long days ride with somatic yin yoga and savor the serenity of the wilderness under the stars.
Day 2 - Virginia Canyon to Happy Jack
9 MILES
We’ll begin with a grounding meditation before setting off on a gentle descent through Virginia Canyon to the Pacific Crest Trail junction. The trail climbs steeply up Spiller Creek, gaining 1,000 feet to a saddle. From there, the path undulates to Miller Lake, a shallow swimming lake with panoramic views across the Tuolumne River canyon to the Cathedral Range. After exploring the area and enjoying a peaceful afternoon, we’ll return to camp along the same route and be guided in a nourishing somatic yin yoga + yoga nidra session.
Itinerary
Day 3 - Happy Jack to Glen Aulin
5 MILES
Starting the day with a grounding meditation, we’ll ride to Glen Aulin, a picturesque spot known for its cascading waterfalls and lush surroundings. Once we’ve set up camp we’ll hike to view the impressive Waterwheel Falls. The journey offers stunning vistas of the Sierra, making it a highlight of the trip. Camp will be set up near Glen Aulin, where we’ll practice somatic yin yoga + yoga nidra and celebrate the ending of our journey with a final evening under the stars.
Day 4 - Layover
LAYOVER
Held in the stillness of Glen Aulin, the day opens gently—anchored by the steady movement of the Tuolumne River as it carves through granite and spills into a series of cascading falls. The morning is yours to move with the landscape—walking the river’s edge toward Waterwheel Falls, feeling the cool mist rise, or settling into the warmth of sunlit stone as the water rushes past. There is a quiet spaciousness here that invites both exploration and deep rest. In the afternoon, we gather for a guided breathwork journey—an opportunity to release, reset, and return more fully to yourself. As evening falls, we celebrate a final dinner together held by the rhythm of the water and the vastness of the Sierra sky.
Itinerary
Day 5: Glen Aulin to Tuolumne Meadows
7 MILES
On the final day, we’ll start with a grounding meditation and closing circle before riding through spectacular vistas of Cathedral Peak and Tuolumne Meadows. This last stretch offers a fitting conclusion to our journey, blending breathtaking scenery with a sense of accomplishment. We’ll arrive in Tuolumne Meadows around early afternoon, where transportation will be provided back to the trailhead, concluding our unforgettable adventure.
Please note that this represents the planned itinerary. Weather or other factors may affect the choice of campsites 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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Ride over mountain passes, through lush wildflower meadows, past pristine alpine lakes, and alongside cascading waterfalls.
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Experience Glen Aulin, White Cascade, and Tuolumne Falls—a breathtaking stretch of Northern Yosemite where cascading water shapes a stunning awe-inspiring landscape.
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Experience daily practices, yin yoga, meditation, and breathwork, woven in with intention, supporting regulation, clarity, and deeper embodiment.
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Move at a pace that allows for real attunement, to the land, your horse, and the subtle shifts within yourself.
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Ride technical mountain terrain that asks for presence, trust, and partnership with your horse.
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Be supported by a capable, intuitive all-women team, handling horses, logistics, and the unseen details that allow you to fully arrive.
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Return restored—physically grounded, mentally clear, and deeply connected to the wild intelligence of the Sierra
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 Virginia Lakes Pack Station (near Bridgeport, CA) is Mammoth Yosemite Airport (MMH), located about 40 miles (a 50-minute drive) south of the pack station.
Other Nearby Airports:
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Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) – 120 miles (2.5-hour drive)
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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 (SFO) – 270 miles ( 5.5 to 6-hour drive)
Since Mammoth Yosemite Airport has limited commercial flights, Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) is typically the best option for travelers flying from major cities. From there, you can rent a car or coordinate a ride-share for the drive to Virginia Lakes 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
- 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
Virginia Lakes Pack Station
We have partnered with the Virginia Lakes Pack Station to provide an incredible adventure with their experienced guides, horses, and mules. Our crew comprises three female guides with expertise in guiding, wrangling, cooking, packing and farrier skills, making for a unique and memorable journey. This trip is operating under the permit of the Virginia Lakes Pack Outfit.
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!
