Summer Wilderness Vigil

Immerse yourself in the glorious high country of aspen trees and ponderosa pine forests for a group wilderness experience.

Book Now

La Sal Mountains, near Moab, Utah
August 1-8th, 2024

7 day group La Sal Mountains on 40 acres of pristine mountain wilderness 8,000ft in elevation,
30 minutes east of Moab, Utah.
12 participants max., 21 and older

Guides:  Sarah West & Lauren Bond,
Pricing: $2000
Registration Deposit: $1000

The deposit and cost are non-refundable. We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance through our partner Outward Travel to protect your investment.

The wilderness vigil, or wilderness solo, is a cross-cultural ceremony that has been practiced for millennia. In societies deeply connected to the earth, it served as a powerful ceremony, guiding individuals and communities through life’s stages, fostering connection and revelation. In our current era of immense uncertainty, this act of solitary connection within wilderness feels more vital than ever. It offers a path to reconnect with our most essential nature, reminding us of the gifts and wisdom residing within. It’s time to come into an embodied remembrance, that awakens us to the profound interconnectedness we share with all living things. Through this vigil, we can step into our place within the greater web of life, shifting our focus towards what truly matters.
Our wilderness vigil will be structured into 3-parts. We’ll begin with 2 days dedicated to preparation and setting intentions. This will be followed by a 3-day solo fast in the wilderness.

Finally, we’ll spend 2 days reconnecting with the group, sharing experiences, and integrating what we’ve learned.

As your guides, we’ll provide extensive support, addressing your physical, emotional, and spiritual needs throughout the whole process. First, we’ll guide you through an intention-setting process and lay the groundwork for your upcoming solo time. Fully prepared, you’ll then embark on a three-day solo wilderness fast. This period of solitude and self-reflection will be a powerful mirror, allowing you to reconnect with your inner wisdom and the natural world. Upon your return, we’ll guide you in reflecting on your experience, mirroring the story of your time in nature, and offer you ways to integrate the wisdom gained from your vigil into everyday life.

TIMELINE

Preparation
August 1-2nd

We’ll begin with 2 days dedicated to preparation and intention-setting.

3-Day Solo
August 3-5th

Fully prepared you will go out for your solo time.

Integration
August 5-7th

We’ll spend 2 days reconnecting with the group, sharing and integrating.

Meet Lauren Bond

Lauren Bond is a naturalist, transformational wilderness guide, founder and lead guide of the River’s Path.

Meet Sarah West

Sarah West is a therapist, nature guide, writer, artist, and naturalist, living in the wild beauty of Moab, Utah.
Her work bridges several disciplines, weaving together trauma healing, somatics, mindfulness, nature therapy,  soul work, depth psychology, wilderness vigils, ritual and ceremony, and expressive arts healing.
Her diverse academic background in archaeology and human evolutionary ecology, along with her immersion in indigenous wisdom traditions, contributes to the depth and richness of her work.