Let yourself be silently drawn
by the stronger pull of what you really love.
it will not lead you astray.
-Rumi
Join us for a transformative journey into the vast, otherworldly landscape of Death Valley National Park. A wilderness solo fast is a time and place to reclaim our silence from a world that is constantly vying for our attention. Who are we when the layers of distraction and noise have fallen away and we return to what is most essential? When we embark on this journey, we leave behind the familiarity of life’s routines to discover the desert’s simplicity, mystery, and beauty. Here, we find the space to once again hear our own hearts and be guided by nature back to ourselves. Ultimately, the teachings and personal significance of the solo fast cannot be taught by another, but are something for each of us to discover on our own.
Others before you have come to…
- Discover their intrinsic gifts
- Mark a transition into a new phase of life
- Reconnect with vitality and aliveness
- Overcome fears that keep them from living fully
- Move through loss or let something go
- Find deep belonging to nature
- Have the space to build self-knowing
During this 10 day trip, you will explore your intentions for the journey through storytelling, creative expression, and structured group sharing known as council practice. You will spend the first few days near Stovepipe Wells Campground becoming familiar with the landscape and reconnecting to yourself while living simply on the earth with a group of other seekers. We will address topics such as leave no trace camping, wilderness safety, practices to support your inner journey, and approaches for creating your own personal solo ceremonies.
Following these days of preparation, we will hike together into the timeless wilderness of Death Valley to a backcountry location. The guides will create a container of support to hold you as you find your place of solitude in the desert landscape. During this time, you also have the opportunity to go without food (for a total of 4 days), just as many others before you have done. You will cross a physical threshold to spend 3 days and 3 nights living alone, to discover the magic and power of turning to the Earth with the needs, yearnings, fears, and dreams of your life.
After your solo time, you will return to the sanctuary of our small group where we will spend the time bringing understanding to the teachings nature has offered you and how they fit into your life. In the last days of the trip, we will return to the campground area to continue our integration, closing our time together and beginning the transition back home.
The Details:
For Whom: This trip is open to adult participants of any gender. No prior camping or backpacking experience necessary. Limited to 8 participants.
When: Friday, March 1 – Sunday, March 10, 2024
Your Guides: Erin Carper and Aaron Bartley
Where: The trip begins and ends at Stovepipe Wells Campground next to the Stovepipe Wells Village in Death Valley National Park. The Village has some amenities such as gas, a restaurant, and a general store, but is otherwise fairly isolated. Plan to have what you need before you arrive.
What is Required: After registration, you will be given a list of required personal camping gear, hiking gear, and clothing. You will need to transport yourself, though we strongly recommend carpooling and sharing in travel costs with other participants. You will also need to pay the National Park Entrance Fee ($30 per vehicle or $80 for an annual National Parks Pass).
You must be able to carry 30-40 lbs. in a backpacking pack for one mile over rocky terrain.
What is Included: Meals and campground fees. Pre-trip and post-trip Zoom calls to support preparation and integration.
Fee: $1500-$2000, sliding scale. A deposit of $500 confirms your registration.
We ask that participants honestly reflect on what they can pay, knowing that the higher end of the scale supports those who may need to pay less. A payment plan is also available if needed.
ABOUT THE GUIDES
Aaron Bartley is a nature-oriented rites of passage guide, UC California Naturalist, and teaching guide in Wilderness Reflections’ Somatic Ecopsychology Quest Apprenticeship Program. Aaron brings 15+ years of experience facilitating men’s groups and supporting both men and women through rites of passage. He has guided wilderness programs in the Sierra Nevada, Death Valley, and throughout Central California and is a Wilderness First Responder. Aaron has a deep appreciation for birds and serves as a guide for a nature reserve, where his mission is to inspire the public to build deep, personal relationship with the lands they love. Above all, Aaron is passionate about connecting people with wild places, helping them embody their authentic voice, strengthen their belonging to nature, and find renewed vision for their lives.
Erin Carper is a contemporary rites of passage guide deeply informed by the wisdom of the body. In 2019, she completed the Somatic Ecopsychology Apprentice Program with Amy Biesemeyer and Dave Talamo of Wilderness Reflections. Erin has continued her studies to develop her skills in Hakomi, Earth-based wisdom, and holistic coaching to enrich her work as a guide. She serves on the guide team for the Women’s Earth Spirit Circle program with her mentor Amy Biesemeyer, and is a Wilderness First Responder (WFR) through the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS). Erin is following the call to bring others out into the wild to discover their connection to themselves and the Earth.
REGISTRATION
Registration is now closed for this trip.
Contact Us for more information.
