"A culture that alienates itself from the very ground of its own being from wilderness outside (that is to say, wild nature, the wild, self-contained, self-informing ecosystems) and from that other wilderness within is doomed to a very destructive behavior, ultimately perhaps self-destructive behavior."

—Gary Snyder

WHAT WE OFFER

 

WILDERNESS TRIPS for CHANGING TIMES

The Wilderness Within offers wilderness trips that seek to expand awareness around our relationship with nature, and to explore life's deeper questions in a fun and meaningful way.
        For centuries we have set out into the unknown reaches of the earth's beautiful wilderness to seek understanding and explore deeper parts of ourselves. In today's fast and complex world, it is easy to lose connection with who we are. Through setting out on a journey into the wilderness, we may cross a pyschological threshold into a wilderness within.
        Participants begin by learning how to live in the wilderness. They journey into some of the earth's wildest places together. The magnitude and power of the wild compels us to look deeper within. The mystery of life calls us into action.
        We offer trips for adults, families, parents, schools, graduating seniors, university students, youth, businesses, fraternities, individuals seeking therapy interventions, professionals seeking training, and private groups. Our programs are unique because the participants play an active part in the design of their own adventures. Clients work with their guides and peers to co-create their personalized wilderness experience. Many options and activities are available, for example:

The soloMusicTeam-buildingArtSports and gamesMeditationPrimitive skillsRock climbingJournal writing exercisesRopes coursesAdventureDeep wilderness explorationCeremonyBackpackingPaddling

 

UPCOMING TRIPSview full events calendar

Graduating Into the Wild The Lost Coast

June 21st—29th

This backpack into the black sands and driftwood huts of the Lost Coast is designed for those who are just out of high school (though we will consider applications from anyone between the ages of 16-22). The trip is an opportunity for young men and women to participate in a rite of passage and play in nature as they move beyond high school towards a more independent, adult world. Perhaps college is the next step? Perhaps travel or work? Perhaps there is nothing but a blank slate ahead?         There is no greater challenge before young people today than that of discovering and expressing their authentic self. Youth are in need of constructive ways to push their boundaries, mark transitions, and find their own voices. This trip is just that. Graduating Into the Wild is about having fun while marking transitions in our life and setting intentions and exploring the wisdom and reflections in Nature.
        The trip focuses around a 1-2 day solo fast experience. There is a rugged and real beauty to the Lost Coast -- one that cannot be explained, only experienced. We tend to find the same sort of quality in the eyes of our participants when they return. Come see for yourself.
        $660 per person includes all dinners and transportation expenses. (Parents, if you would like to learn more about the trip or ways to get involved please contact us).


California High Country Adult Quest

August 10th—18th

This wilderness experience emphasizes the solo as a rite of passage. Many of us seek a method of incorporating important events into our lives. How do we grieve losses, celebrate achievements, or honor major changes? What methods do we have for claiming our elderhood, parenthood, or grandparenthood?
         The solo experience is an opportunity to personally honor what is at hand, and to refresh one's own life path. It is a chance to slow down and meet the ground beneath your feet, and from that place, to take an invigorating breath of life. Participants will join together to undergo a 3 day/2 night solo fast in a secluded wilderness setting. There are many ways to spend this time, and yours will be all your own.
         The trip includes a short, beginner-level backpack to our base camp location. No prior experience is required. $675 per person, includes transportation and all dinners. Ages 18 and up welcome.


California Desert Adult Quest

December 14th—22nd

Throughout many cultures for thousands of years humans have gone out alone to remote places of power to sit and contemplate the reflections in nature. Come bring in the new year with a rite of passage designed to mark the great transitions in life. This trip centers around a 2 night solo where participants are invited to grieve, celebrate, play, set intentions, and mark the coming of the new year. No previous wilderness or backpacking experience is neccesary. Trip cost is $675 and includes dinners and transportation. The trip begins and ends in Santa Cruz, California. 18 and up.


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