Embrace a slower pace amidst the wildness of summer this July at our Summer Yoga Retreat, an immersive escape into stillness, serenity, and mindful connection with nature.
Led by Wander Women guide and expert yoga instructor Michelle from Radiant Wellness Solutions, this retreat is designed to offer a sanctuary of deep rest and intentional movement. Slip into the comfort of your softest layers, and prepare to unwind with a weekend of gentle yoga and meditation, perfect for all levels. Michelle will guide us in reconnecting with our inner rhythms, all while honoring our bodies’ natural call for a slower, restorative pace.
Nestled in a beautiful cabin at Whiterock Conservancy—a private nature preserve just an hour west of Des Moines—this retreat provides an idyllic backdrop for relaxation and rejuvenation. You’ll enjoy multiple restorative, accessible, and trauma-informed yoga sessions tailored to your comfort level, tranquil meditation practices, and a scenic, guided nature hike along Whiterock’s expansive 40+ mile trail system. Between activities, savor the opportunity to rest, reflect, and immerse yourself in a slower pace than the summer season usually allows. This is a weekend to indulge in yourself, replenish your spirit, and root yourself in peace.
No yoga experience or flexibility is required. For all yoga sessions, multiple pose variations will be available.
Adventure Rating: Beginner
This trip is rated beginner because of our modern accommodations and slow, intentional pace of the weekend. The hiking will be casual on well-maintained paths, with little elevation gain.
ACTIVITIES
Four relaxing yoga sessions, including: Rise & Shine yoga, an outdoor yoga session session (while on our hike), a restorative hot stone session and a morning yoga/meditation session
A guided nature hike through Whiterock Conservancy’s 40+ miles of trails. The hike will be tailored to the group’s energy and ability.
Intentional built time for relaxing activities, like reading, journaling, playing games, puzzling and more
For those seeking an extra layer of intention, Michelle will also offer limited optional reiki sessions.
ACCOMMODATIONS & LOCATION
We'll be staying at the Log House at Whiterock Conservancy, an amazing cabin nestled in the woods of the private preserve. The Log House comes complete with a full kitchen, indoor fireplace, many cozy nooks to settle into and a perfect studio space in the basement. There are multiple bed and sleeping options available (see below).
About Whiterock Conservancy
Whiterock Conservancy was formed 10 years ago to manage one of the largest land gifts in the history of Iowa generously given by the Garst family. Today it stewards 5,500 acres along the scenic Middle Raccoon River Valley near Coon Rapids, Iowa. The gorgeous Whiterock landscape that attracts visitors from all over the state, region, and nation is a mix of savannas, rolling pastures, native and restored prairies, wetlands, riverside bluffs, fishing ponds, crop ground, and unique historic, geologic, and archaeological sites. Source: Whiterock Conservancy
GETTING THERE
If you are flying in from outside of Iowa, the closest airport is the Des Moines International Airport (DSM) (about an hour drive away). You’ll need to rent a car to get to the our cabin, or arrange carpool with a local Wanderer. Carpooling details are sent pre-trip in the private trip Discord channel. Carpooling arrangements can’t be guaranteed, especially for out-of-Iowa trips, but we try our best to connect Wanderers for coordination!
“What a fantastic combination of activities offered on this weekend! The hike was wonderful and the yoga sessions were very enlightening. I also loved the fact that we were given some free time to do our own thing. Getting to know more outdoorsy women is such a treat! The reiki session I received was awesome as well. Highly recommend this weekend gathering!”
WHAT’S INCLUDED
This is an all-inclusive adventure! Your registration provides you:
Expert planning and two Wander Women guides to help make the weekend as relaxing and fun as possible!
Two nights of comfortable lodging in a private cabin
All food for the weekend, including breakfasts, lunches, dinners and plenty snacks and beverages
Four yoga sessions led by Michelle of Radiant Wellness Solutions
Yoga supplies including bolsters, blankets, chairs and blocks provided for your comfort
A guided interpretive nature hike led through Whiterock Conservancy’s 40+ mile trail system
Wanderer swag bag full of goodies
A private trip Discord channel to connect with guides and fellow participants before & after the trip
Comprehensive pre-trip online guide with detailed logistics, packing recommendations, and trip tips
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
Participants are responsible for:
Transportation to/from the trip (we always encourage carpooling and can connect you with other participants to ride with!)
Reiki sessions may be purchased individually
INVESTMENT
There are multiple bed and room choices for this trip — pick which is best for you!
Twin in shared room: $455
Queen bed in shared room: $475
Queen bed in private room: $535
Optional Reiki session add on: $70
PAYMENT PLAN
We offer payment plans for all our trips, so you can pay a deposit now and the rest over time! WeTravel (our booking platform) easily lets you make a downpayment (this is also your non-refundable trip deposit!) and set up automatic payments for the remainder. For the payment plan schedule, just check the WeTravel page for details. There is NO fee for choosing the payment plan option!
Deposit for this trip: $235