Stunning Wilderness, Striking Views, and Deep Peace

Westwater Canyon Rafting & Meditation Retreat on the Colorado River

Begins: September 11th, 2026

Join us for 4 days and 3 nights on the magnificent Colorado River, floating through Ruby Horsethief Canyon before entering Westwater Canyon. We'll partner with OARS, the premier outdoor travel company since 1969, as they guide and support us for an unbeatable wilderness adventure.

The River
Our adventure begins in the tranquil waters of picturesque Ruby Horsethief Canyon. An abundance of wildlife, including great blue herons, bald eagles, peregrine falcons, mule deer, and desert bighorn sheep add additional interest to the stunning desert scenery. Ruby Horsethief also offers some fantastic hiking to natural arches in the Entrada Sandstone and Mee Canyon in the Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness Area.

Then, traveling through Westwater Canyon’s towering walls, we'll have striking views of a Precambrian time-capsule with geologic formations of nearly two-billion-year-old black Vishnu Schist and pink Zoroaster Granite topped by red-gold sandstone. Our final day will be topped off with a 4-mile stretch of thrilling Class III-IV rapids, including the ever-popular Sock-It-To-Me and infamous Skull.

The Retreat
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. After savoring breakfast in silence, we'll gather up camp, get back on the river for a day of exciting rafting, quiet hiking, delicious meals, all in good company.

At the end of each day we'll relax and camp on a beautiful beaches, enjoy a fabulous meal, 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.

Everyone is welcome - both new & seasoned practitioners. All you need is your curiosity, enthusiasm, and love of the natural world!

SCHEDULE & REGISTRATION
September 11 - 14, 2026
Friday to Monday
Colorado River through Westwater Canyon
Begin & End in Moab, UT
Note: Trip begins at 6pm the evening of September 10th, 2026 with a required pre-trip meeting and retreat orientation

Click Here to Register with OARS

Trip Fee: from $1589
$1,628 includes optional Sleep Kit
Deposit: $300 to hold your spot

Check out this OARS interview with Heidi for a little more about this special trip: There's Power in Silence on the River.

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.

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 September 10th, 2026 with a required pre-trip meeting and retreat orientation at The Gonzo Inn in Moab, Utah. We'll get on the water Friday morning and our trip ends on Monday, September 14th arriving back in Moab by mid-afternoon. Please make your travel plans accordingly.

Click Here to Register with OARS

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/sensitive 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, trauma resiliency, and Trauma Sensitive Mindfulness. 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.