First Things First
Before you arrive, please ensure you have completed the following tasks on WeTravel:
- Fill out and sign the Walker Wellness Retreats Waiver
- Update participant information (phone number, dietary preferences, arrival information, departure information, etc.)
In addition to these tasks, please ensure you have completed your final payment. This payment is due 30 days before the retreat departure date. You will receive an email reminder before the due date, but you can make payments anytime. To make payment by credit card or bank transfer, visit your account in WeTravel (click here for instructions).
To view our complete Payment & Cancellation Policies, click here.
Air Travel
When booking your airfare, please schedule your flight to arrive at the Salt Lake City International Airport in Salt Lake City, Utah, no later than 11:00 AM on the first day of the retreat.
When picking a return flight back home, please select flights that depart after 7:00 PM on the final day of the retreat. We will be driving back from Southern Utah that day and will not be back at the airport in Salt Lake City before 6:00 PM, so please plan accordingly.
Many of our guests choose to extend their trip by arriving a day or two before or departing a day or two after the retreat to include more time in Salt Lake City. If you choose to do so, we can provide pick-up and drop-off at hotels near Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) or in the Salt Lake City area on Day 1 and Day 5 of your retreat.
For a list of SLC Airport hotel recommendations, please review the PDF below. All of these have a free shuttle to and from the terminal, so no additional transportation expenses should be necessary.
TRAVELING TO AND FROM THE RETREAT HOME
We will be traveling in a large 12-passenger van as a group. Space is limited, so please pack light in smaller suitcases. We have washers and dryers available in the home, as well as laundry detergent.
It is approximately a 4 ½-hour drive from Salt Lake City to the retreat home. We’ll make a grocery store/lunch stop and additional restroom stops as needed. We will also stop by a liquor store if you wish to purchase something.
We plan to arrive at the retreat home between 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM. We will do a welcome orientation as a group, where we will get to know each other, review retreat information, and go over the day-by-day schedule (including hiking opportunities). This will be followed by a restorative evening yoga session and then dinner.
Driving Directions (Optional)
Some of our guests choose to drive on their own to the retreat home. If you choose to do so, please arrive between 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM on the first day of the retreat. There will not be access to the house prior to 5:00 PM. The house address is below:
555 S. Zion Ridge Dr.
Orderville, UT, 84758
We recommend putting the address above into your GPS. When you get about 5 minutes away, you will see a large metal gate on your left that reads ZION RIDGE. Go through that gate (the GPS will most likely try to take you a longer route to bypass the gate, so disregard the GPS and enter this gate). The gate code is 2590#. Drive into the gated community and you will soon see Lot 7 on your left.
If you decide on driving to the retreat home from Southern Utah or Las Vegas, you will need a National Park Pass to drive the highway portion that goes through Zion National Park. If you have an annual or lifetime pass, bring that. Otherwise, you can purchase a 7-day park pass or an annual pass at the park entrance in Springdale, Utah (visit the Zion National Park website for the latest prices).
Retreat HomE
We will be staying at a large, fully furnished retreat home within the Zion Ridge community just outside the east entrance of Zion National Park. The home has a hot tub, two washers (with detergent), two dryers, a full kitchen, games, WiFi, yoga mats, and props for you to use. There are also hair dryers and towels in each bathroom, body wash, shampoo, and conditioner. For larger groups, we do have access to additional retreat homes in the area.
Packing List & What To Wear
You are welcome to wear what you like and to dress casually and comfortably. The retreat home is in the mountains, so bring layers so you can be prepared for warm days and cool nights. Here is a recommended packing list:
CLOTHING
- Exercise clothing
- Swimsuit for hot tub (towels are provided)
- Jacket or sweatshirt
- Long sleeve shirt
- Rain jacket or poncho
- Hat
- Seasonal winter weather apparel (gloves, long pants, coat)
SHOES
- Athletic exercise shoes
- Flip-flops and/or slippers (for walking around home or to hot tubs)
- Light hiking or walking shoes (trail runners)
OTHER
- Sunglasses
- Lotion (Utah has a dry climate)
- Insect repellent (if you plan to be outside in the evenings)
- Camera
- Hydration backpack (ex. Camelbak, etc.)
- Water bottle
- Sunscreen and protective apparel
- Small first aid kit
- Journal
- Book or other reading materials
- Headphones
- Ear plugs (for light sleepers)
- Neck pillow (especially for the plane and van rides)
- Motion sickness medication or bag (if you are prone to motion sickness)
- Hiking poles (optional - can be bought/rented in Springdale)
- Yoga mat (optional - mats will be available)
- Any specific snacks and/or drinks of your choice
If you’re interested in hiking the Narrows, a few different gear packages can be rented through Zion Outfitter near the Zion Visitor Center. No reservation is necessary, and the equipment can be rented in the morning on the day that your hike. This is optional, but highly recommended.
Hiking
Hiking on this retreat is self-guided. You can choose your trail and how far you want to go, so long as you don’t miss the return ride back to the house. Our retreat team can provide recommendations while at the retreat. There are trails of all levels, from easy to strenuous. Here are some of our favorite suggestions:
- Angels Landing (5.4 miles roundtrip, strenuous): This trail is arguably the most talked about trail in Zion Canyon with a heart-pounding climb to a spectacular viewpoint. The trail has become so popular that the National Park System has instituted a permit system for the final 0.5-mile portion of the trail to help manage crowds. Do not let this deter you from the hike. You can apply for a permit a few months in advance or the day before on the Zion National Park website. You can find details about the permit process by visiting the official Zion National Park website here. A permit is not required to hike to Scout Lookout which is just before the permit section begins. This section of the trail is beautiful and covers most of the distance and elevation gain for the hike.
- The Narrows (up to 9.4 miles roundtrip, strenuous): This hike is like no other. On this unique route, the Virgin River is your trail, and you will be navigating through a narrow canyon in water that is ankle to waist deep. It’s spectacular, but yes, the water will be cold most of the year. Gear can be rented that includes neoprene-lined canyon boots, dry pants, and a hiking pole. This is optional and costs about $50 per day but is highly recommended.
- Navajo Loop & Queen’s Garden Trail (2.9 miles total, moderate): Descend deep into Bryce Canyon and discover a vast red rock amphitheater filled with beautiful and bizarre rock spires called hoodoos. Many of the formations have names or stories attached to them, and all can cast a spell. You might also wish to visit the historic lodge on our day visit to Bryce Canyon National Park.
Yoga Classes
Yoga (and/or meditation) will be offered daily as detailed within the retreat schedule. Our wellness retreats aim to have a balance between yoga, hiking, and downtime. Our yoga and meditation offerings are for all levels. We provide yoga mats, blocks, straps, and blankets, so bringing your own yoga equipment is optional, but not necessary. You are welcome to bring any additional yoga supplies if you'd like. All classes listed on the schedule are completely optional.
Meals, Snacks, & Beverages
All meals throughout the retreat are set up buffet style, and everyone can help themselves to whatever food they wish. We have lots of food and lots of options to choose from, so there is always something for everyone. Additionally, the retreat home is filled with healthy snacks, and you’re welcome to enjoy as many snacks as you’d like.
All meals and snacks at the house are included in the retreat. We provide coffee, tea, and water as beverage options. Guests provide their own soda drinks, energy drinks, and alcoholic beverages if desired. Some people also choose to bring special foods and snacks for their own use.
Please let us know immediately if you have any allergies or dietary issues of which we need to be aware. We want everyone to have a safe, healthy, and enjoyable trip.
Weather & Climate
Southern Utah typically enjoys over 300 days of beautiful sunshine each year. While sunny weather is common, Zion is known for a wide range of weather conditions. Temperatures vary with changes in elevation and day/night temperatures may differ by over 30°F.
Monthly Averages (Low - High):
- January: 30 - 54 degrees
- February: 34 - 59 degrees
- March: 39 - 66 degrees
- April: 45 - 75 degrees
- May: 54 - 86 degrees
- June: 63 - 95 degrees
- July: 70 - 100 degrees
- August: 68 - 99 degrees
- September: 61 - 91 degrees
- October: 48 - 79 degrees
- November: 37 - 64 degrees
- December: 30 - 54 degrees
Intro Call & Welcome Orientation
Approximately 2-3 weeks before your retreat begins, we will host a video call to introduce you to the team as well as answer any questions. The meeting will be recorded and sent out to all guests should you be unable to attend.
On the first day of the retreat, we will have a welcome orientation where we introduce ourselves and share our intentions for the retreat. This is a great opportunity to meet and greet your fellow retreat participants and get to know everyone. We will also go over details about the retreat schedule, the home, and hiking options. We will provide drop off and pick up in the park so you can choose whatever hike you wish to do.
