Join us for 5 days and 4 nights on the magnificent Green River through Gates of Lodore as it winds its way through Dinosaur National Monument. We’ll partner with OARS, the premier outdoor travel company since 1969, as they guide and support us for an unbeatable wilderness adventure.
Set aside as an American treasure in 1915 under the National Park Service, Dinosaur National Monument is an open-air archive of ancient Native American sites and dramatic fossils unearthed by wind, water and time. This very special retreat offers fun splashy Class II and Class III whitewater, scenery that rivals Grand Canyon, gorgeous side hikes, comfy beach campsites, and plenty of time for contemplative practice.
Tuesday to Saturday
September 9 - 13, 2025
Gates of Lodore on the Green River
Dinosaur National Monument
Begin & End in Vernal, Utah
River Rafting & Hiking
Meditation & Movement
Delicious Meals
Peace & Quiet
Drawing on the perspectives of contemplative practice, secular mindfulness, and the wisdom of the natural world, each day begins in peaceful silence with early morning movement and meditation before breakfast, followed by a day of exciting rafting, quiet hiking and delicious meals, all in good company. At the end of the day we'll hang out and camp on pristine beaches, enjoy fabulous meals, then gather beside the river for a talk and meditation before we settle back into silence for the night.
Experiencing intentional silence in the wilderness is a rare and special opportunity that supports the letting go of the natural stresses of everyday life.
Join us for an incredible wilderness adventure, accessible and relevant contemplative practice, and deep peace as you strengthen your connection with the yourself, each other, and the natural world.
This retreat is suitable for both new and seasoned practitioners, you’ll just need your curiosity and enthusiasm to enjoy this retreat.
Check out this OARS interview with Heidi for a little more about this special trip: There's Power in Silence on the River.
Come experience the beauty of the Green River, the magnificence of this ancient land, and extended time in the wilderness!
In support of our contemplative practice and our time together, this trip will be free from alcohol and drugs and includes extended periods of silence from the end of the evening through breakfast the next day.
Trip Fee: from $1,849
$1,889 with Optional Sleep Kit
Deposit: $400 to hold your spot
Required Reading:
Before You Go! - including the full trip details & itinerary, complete packing list, cancelation policy and much more.
Trip begins at 6pm the evening of Monday, September 8th with a required pre-trip meeting and retreat orientation at OARS Warehouse in Vernal, Utah. We'll get on the water Tuesday morning and our trip ends on Saturday, September 16th arriving back in Vernal mid afternoon. Please make your travel plans accordingly.
To Register: Contact Caitlin Levitz at OARS or 209.753.4800
For Other Questions: contact Heidi Bourne at 707.498.5562
Heidi Bourne is a meditation teacher in the Insight Meditation tradition and is the founder and guiding teacher of Pacific Mindfulness. She has been teaching since 2005 offering classes, series courses, nature retreats, trauma-informed and resiliency-focused professional programs, and teaches regularly for Spirit Rock Meditation Center. Heidi is especially interested in the integration of the common sense, accessible and timeless teachings of awareness, ethics, and compassion into the complexity of our everyday lives. She is known for her grounded, down-to-earth humor and presence. Heidi holds certification in mindfulness facilitation from UCLA, trauma resiliency from the Trauma Resource Institute, and is a member of the International Mindfulness Teachers Association. She has a background in nursing and over 35 years in small business leadership.
I have done many river trips in the past, but this was my first coupled with yoga and meditation. It was sublime. The trip was carefully crafted with consideration of all aspects - adventure, excitement, exploration and relaxation in equal proportions. - J.B.
I would like to give my great appreciation to Heidi and OARS for making this retreat possible. It was superb. - K.M.
I'm still feeling waves of happiness remembering every moment of this phenomenal experience. Being in a such a secluded, natural environment is always spiritual, but this particular trip provided our group with a deeply reverential experience. I highly recommend this life-affirming trip! - N.K.
There are times in your life you say am I really doing this? This rafting adventure is beyond words. I recommend this trip and hope to go again as life is too short to not live the life you love and love the life you live. - J.O.