Balanced Rock

Balanced Rock inspires health and wellbeing through deep connection to nature and spirit.

Who We Are

Balanced Rock is a Yosemite-based non-profit that has been inspiring health and wellbeing through our programs and classes since 1999. Yosemite National Park is a world-heritage site celebrated as one of the most sacred places on earth. We are honored to offer backpacking journeys, weekend camping retreats, day-hikes, workshops, and lodge-based programs that focus on inward reflection, coupled with outward exploration of this incredible place.

Our compassionate, personable, and expert staff share a rare and unique combination of local Yosemite knowledge and passion for its natural history, with a spirited dedication to contemplative practices including yoga, meditation, and the creative arts.

Our courses are generally appropriate for all levels of experience. Join us in the wilderness this year to cultivate holistic health and wellness, rejuvenate yourself, and transform your life!

What We Do

At Balanced Rock, we’re devoted to providing opportunities for mindful living, self-care, and community involvement in connection with the natural world. Our core programs are nature-based retreats, workshops, and transformational adventures in Yosemite. Balanced Rock experiences offer a setting to cultivate personal balance, and to support our personal and community health. This is inspired by the wisdom found in spending quality time with the natural world. Balanced Rock courses pair the outdoors with contemplative and creative practices (yoga, meditation, art, music, Ayurveda, and self-care) to foster compassion, and facilitate personal empowerment. A Balanced Rock journey can transform your life!

Yoga in Yosemite

Yoga means union, and at Balanced Rock we focus on the union of our experienced connection with the natural world. Yoga in Yosemite is our breath as we walk along the trail, our posture and awareness as we share a delicious backcountry meal, our challenges with unforeseen obstacles, and our comfort in telling our story around a campfire. There are many reasons to practice yoga asana (postures) in the wilderness and all of our programs offer optional, mostly outdoor yoga classes with instructors registered through Yoga Alliance. We believe that any form of connection with the natural world is so important at this time in history, and yoga asana (postures), pranayama (breath-work), and meditation are particularly good tools to access this connection. Not to mention standing strong and stretching tall on top of a granite dome in is unbeatable!