Long referenced as The Range of Light, the Sierra Nevada has illuminated the hearts and minds of those that have traveled across its massive granite surfaces and through its towering redwoods. Giving rise to a legacy of inspired nature artists and mystics including painters, poets, and philosophers, Yosemite has served as a fountainhead for America’s nature-spirit movements, and East and West philosophy. These personalities include the great India guru Paramhansa Yogananda, transcendental writer John Muir, American Buddhist beat poet Gary Synder, Japanese Zen and painter Chuire Obata. Join Ananda College as we retrace the steps of these seekers and sages who journeyed to and from the high country, bringing its eternal wisdom and light back home.
This 9-day journey combines the daily yogic and meditative practices of an ashram in one of the world’s largest natural cathedrals. Days will be spent traveling by foot from one breathtaking campsite to another with stops for creating original poems and paintings. Evenings will pass by under stars and around campfires as we read aloud the literary works written from these high realms. Studies in geology and ecology will bring to light the intricate communities of the park. The route will take students from the high snowy peaks of the Tuolumne region down to Yosemite’s Valley of waterfalls and meadows. Stops at redwood groves, dome hikes, and educational centers will showcase the best of the Sierra Nevada. This daily engagement of the mind, body, and spirit on the high mountain tops will awaken in each student their own sense of mysticism and artistry.
Proposed Itinerary
Each Day
Each day will include 2 meditations & yogic exercises. There will be daily walking/hiking an average of 2 to 7 miles.
September 21
9/21- Pickup in Reno at 1 pm and drive to Tuolumne Meadows
September 22
9/22- Day hike and backpack prep, Tuolumne Meadows Campground
September 23
9/23 – Backpacking with day hikes and layovers (see potential daily activities below)
September 23-30
9/23-28 – Daily activities may include:
Backpacking through mountain meadows
Camping at treeline
Peak hiking
Swimming in alpine lakes
Traveling off trail
Writing, painting, and singing
Natural history interpretation
September 29
9/29- Finish backpack and visit iconic Yosemite sites
September 30
9/30 –Scenic drive along the Eastern Sierra and arrive in Reno for a 12:00 p.m. departure
Participants not taking the entire GAP Bundle should arrive at the Reno airport before noon on 9/21 and plan to leave no earlier than 12 pm on 9/30
Ananda College Staff will do an airport pickup and drop off at the start and end of the trip and may be able to do hotel pick-ups and drop offs.
Reno is a large city and is well equipped to meet the needs of young travelers flying and in and out of its international airport. There are several local hotels that offer free airport pickup and nearby restaurants.
Participants are responsible for obtaining personal camping gear (please see attached list), please follow the list closely, there will not be much gear selection upon arrival in Reno
Participants should be in ‘good’ physical shape (hike up to 7 miles with an elevation gain of 2,000 feet in day, carry a pack of 45 lbs) – anyone who regularly exercises should be able to successfully complete the course
Late September is a fantastic time to enjoy the park, crowds are thinning, wildlife is more active, and fall colors are peaking …. Participants should expect a variety of temperatures and weather conditions. Temperatures can swing between 80F – 20F in a day. There may be sunshine, rain, and/or frost/ snow. Participants should come prepared to enjoy this dynamic time of year.
Shower facilities and flush toilets will be available the first two and last two nights of the trip. While backpacking there will be a mix of primitive toilets or minimal impact waste disposal. Instructors will coach participants in effective use of these techniques.
All meals will be vegetarian and can easily be adapted for most food allergies and intolerances. Meals are well balanced and follow yogic principles of healthy eating. Participants will be involved in preparation and cooking of meals on camp stoves.
Participants will live, play, and work together in a small group. Everyone is expected to help with group tasks and work harmoniously with others.
Participants traveling by personal vehicles will need to make arrangements to leave these in Reno (or nearby) prior to the trip. Due to park restrictions and maintaining group cohesion, participants are not permitted to bring personal vehicles on the course. There are local RV storage facilities who may be able to accommodate your vehicle.
Due to the spiritual emphasis of this experience, all participants are required to refrain from alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, misuse of prescription or over the counter drugs, entering into romantic relationships.
Cell phone service is unreliable and non-existent in most parts of the park. To maintain focus and presence, Ananda College asks that participants minimize the use of electronic devices while on the trip. Instructors will carry satellite communication devices for emergency use only.
Lessons in Meditation and Raja Yoga. Readings from Lessons in Meditation & Raja Yoga
(Including Yoga Philosophy, Hatha Yoga, Energizing Exercises, Veg Diet). Excerpts from Yogananda’s writings from his travels and Whispers from Eternity.
Selected readings from others (Tagore, Lazo, G, Synder, Han Shun, Emerson, Thoreau, Muir)
Outdoor Education and Group Living:
Hiking, Backpacking, and Camping in the Rockies (pack packing, camp set-up, cooking, animal safety, map reading, route finding, minimal impact camping, self-care)
Small Group Dynamics (decision making styles, harmonious group living, application of Yogic Principles for times of challenges, leadership development, effective communication)
Natural and Cultural History:
Geology of Yosemite (granite geology, orogeny/ mountain building, glaciology, fluvial and hydrological processes)
Flora (vegetative communities, tree and identification, weather systems)
Fauna (mammals, birds, animal identification)
Human history of Yellowstone (Indigenous, settlement, concepts of nature and ‘wilderness’)
Environmental Humanities:
Literary traditions of Yosemite (Transcendentalism and Vedic Roots, Hinduism/Buddhism/ Zen, Contemporary Eco-spiritualism)
Visual Artists (Obata, Ansel Adams, etc.)
Mountain Sages (Himalayan Masters, Judaic Traditions, Zen Masters, Mewok/ Mono)
Activities:
Daily Meditations & Yogic Exercises at various park features
Group Chanting, Satsang, and Community Events
Academic readings, group discussions, lectures, naturalist outings
Visits to iconic spots such as Tuolumne Meadows, Lambert Dome, Cloud’s Rest, Yosemite Valley, Mist Falls, El Capitan Meadows, Mariposa Redwood Grove
6 Day backpack through the High Country of Yosemite and down to the Valley
Class III Peak Attempts
Reflect journaling and art projects
Leader of the day opportunity and student decision making
On and off trail travel
Alpine lake swimming
Cooking camping meals
Meeting with various park employees
Spiritual and life mentoring from teachers
Costs
Location: Yosemite National Park, USA Minimum Age: 18 Group Size: 12-14 Cost: $1,381*
* College Credit: Instructors work individually with students to create a learning portfolio that may be used to apply for college credit at their current or future home college. Students interested in this option should confirm with their institutions that learning portfolios are accepted. If so, there is a minimum $350 additional charge paid to the instructor for help with portfolio creation.
Your Hosts
Organizers Nayaswami Nischala & Nakula Cryer, co-founders of Ananda College of Living Wisdom.
Nayaswami’s Nischala and Nakula Cryer have been leading tours for Ananda College of Living Wisdom for nearly 20 years. They have led tours to Northern India, Southern India, Egypt, Greece, Peru, Italy, France, and England. They are the co-founders of the Ananda College of Living Wisdom. For 18 years they lived at the Ananda Meditation Retreat in Northern California where they managed the retreat and the college, and where they raised their son. Nakula is a builder of sacred temples, creating the Temple of Light and Moksha Mandir at Ananda Village, as well as other sacred buildings. Nischala is also an author of two books, Reflections on Living 30 Years in a Spiritual Community, and the Amazon best-selling, The Four Stages of Yoga.
Instructor & Guide Laura Beebe has been a college professor, outdoor educator, and park ranger.
Laura has been a college professor, outdoor educator, and park ranger. For the last 17 years, she has worked as a college professor and undergraduate instructor for Sterling College, Prescott College, and the University of Alaska. Laura’s educational philosophy is steeped in experiential and self-directed learning. To this end, Laura has designed and led wilderness and international college courses that integrate the disciplines of cultural studies, ecology, spirituality, and education. Additionally, Laura has 25 years leading multi week expeditions in the outdoor pursuits of mountaineering, sea kayaking, white-water canoeing, and technical backpacking through NOLS, the University of Colorado, and Manito-wish. Laura has led outdoor and cultural courses on four different continents and is particularly drawn to the high mountains of the world, especially the Rockies, Sierra Nevada, and Himalayas. She has also worked as a park ranger and naturalist guide throughout the Alaskan and western Park Systems. Laura’s ultimate passion is helping college aged students discover their unique path and purpose for life.
Laura is a certified Wilderness First Responder, Leave No Trace Master Educator, Avalanche Rescuer, and Naturalist Interpreter. She has a M.A. in Geography and a B.A. with double majors in Environmental Studies and Adventure Education from Prescott College.
Laura has been following the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda for close to twenty years and is a practitioner of Kriya yoga. She has studied both the traditions of Christian mysticism and Vedic philosophy.
What’s Included
Dinner on 9/21, 3 meals a day from 9/22-9/29; Breakfast on 9/30
Snacks for 10 days
Transportation* once picked up in Reno (or from Ananda Meditation Retreat) on 9/21
Lodging (tenting) from 9/21-9/30
Group camping gear (tents, stoves, kitchen supplies, bear spray, etc)
