Join us for 5 days and 4 nights on the majestic Green River as it flows through Dinosaur National Monument from Colorado to Utah. We’ll partner with OARS, the premier outdoor travel company since 1969, as they guide and support us for an unbeatable wilderness adventure.
Tuesday to Saturday
September 5 - 9, 2023
Green River through the Gates of Lodore
Dinosaur National Monument
Begin & End in Vernal, Utah
River Rafting & Hiking
Meditation & Movement
Delicious Meals
Peace & Quiet
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 far-out fossils unearthed by wind, water and time.
Within the monument, this Green River rafting trip winds its way through three distinct canyons: Lodore, Whirlpool and Split Mountain all of which contain geological curiosities and rich human history. Lodore was the first major canyon encountered by John Wesley Powell and his men on their 1869 expedition.
At its start, the river twists through a catacomb of scarlet slot canyons, yawning valleys and lush ledges of emerald evergreen and brush. Exploration is the mission of the day as the Green promises numerous exquisite side hikes, relaxing nights on the beach and moderate whitewater perfect for those new to rafting and laid-back vacationers.
Each day will begin in peaceful silence with early morning movement and meditation before breakfast, followed by a day of exciting rafting, quiet hiking and delicious meals. In the evenings we’ll gather beside the river for a talk and meditation before we settle into silence for the night.
Check out this recent 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 precious time in the wilderness!
Everyone is Welcome
The meditation and movement will be suited for both new and seasoned practitioners. Just bring your curiosity and enthusiasm.
In support of our contemplative practice and our time together, this trip will be free from alcohol and drugs as we connect with ourselves, each other and the natural world.
Trip Fee: - $1,749
$1,789 with Optional Sleep Kit
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 4th 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 9th 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 groups and individuals since 2005 in both public and private settings, offering courses, nature retreats, and resiliency-focused professional programs. In addition, she regularly teaches at 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 complexities of our everyday lives. She is known for her grounded, down-to-earth humor and presence. Heidi has a background in nursing, has been a small business owner since 1988, and lives in northern California with her family.
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.
