Summertime Yoga, Meditation, and Nature Retreat Near Yosemite Valley

Midpines, CA, USA

CP
Christie Pitko
  • Email address verified
39 reviews
Jul 13 - 16, 2023
Group size: 9 - 18
Summertime Yoga, Meditation, and Nature Retreat Near Yosemite Valley
Midpines, CA, USA

Christie Pitko
  • Email address verified
39 reviews

Jul 13 - 16, 2023
Group size: 9 - 18

About this trip

Deepen your yoga and meditation practices, enjoy unlimited time in the resort spa, and visit the infamous Yosemite Valley.  Enjoy delicious meals, relax in the hot tub or sauna, and experience the amazing outdoors. 


This 4 day retreat takes place at the Yosemite Bug, a rustic resort in Midpines, California, 27 miles from Yosemite Valley that dates back to the 1930s. Freshly prepared breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served at the June Bug Cafe. Practice yoga (vinyasa and restorative), meditation, and pranayama (breath work) with a dedicated and experienced teacher. 


Visit the Yosemite Valley taking a scenic bus ride to and from the park, or driving your car on your own. (You can request a packed lunch to bring with you on your visit to the park!) The spa is part of your retreat package with unlimited access to the hot tub and sauna. Leave our retreat blissed, refreshed, and inspired. 

Retreat Schedule

Subject to Minor Changes


Day 1 

Check in  +  Get Settled - 3:00pm

Dinner  - 6:00pm. Aim to arrive 5 minutes early if possible

Opening Circle + Welcome - 7:30pm


Day 2 

Vinyasa Yoga and Meditation - 7:30am

Breakfast - 9:00am

Free time - Visit Yosemite Valley, relax in spa, explore the Bug trails, etc.

Lunch can be packed to bring to Yosemite or eaten in the restaurant

Dinner - 6:00pm (order packed lunch for following day)

Gentle Practice (eg. Yoga Nidra, Meditation, Restorative)  - 7:30pm


Day 3

Vinyasa Yoga and Meditation - 7:30am

Breakfast - 9:00am

Free time-  Visit Yosemite Valley, relax in spa, explore, etc.

Lunch can be packed to bring to Yosemite or eaten in the restaurant

Dinner - 6:00pm (order packed lunch for following day)

Gentle Practice (eg. Yoga Nidra, Meditation, Restorative)  - 7:30pm


Day 4

Farewell Yoga and Meditation - 7:30am

Breakfast- 9:00am

Check Out - 11:00am

Lunch- anytime. You can even take it to go with you!


About Christie Pitko

Christie Pitko, ERYT 500 is an expert at leading retreats both in the U.S. and abroad. She guides 5-6 retreats per year, and has been hosting retreats since 2014.


Christie is a dedicated student and full-time yoga and meditation teacher in San Francisco, California. She has taught over 3000 hours of yoga classes. She is part of the faculty at Yoga Garden San Francisco for their 200 and 300 hour teacher training programs. She teaches alignment-based yoga, restorative, as well as meditation. Her biggest influences are Annie Carpenter and Richard Rosen whom she studies with frequently.


Learn more about Christie Pitko here: https://www.christiepitkoyoga.com/about

What to Bring

Water bottle - July will be hot!

Backpacks

Funds for transportation and entrance fee to Yosemite

Yoga mat

Bug spray

Comfortable shoes for walking and hiking

Bathing suit for hot tub

Tips for restaurant and housekeeping

Important Things to Note

We require you to travel insurance in case you need to cancel for any reason, including Covid 19. Deposit is non-refundable. There will be no refunds 60 days prior to start of retreat.


Please do not come if you are not feeling well or if you test positive for Covid.  Part of the yoga practice is caring for the well-being of yourself and others. 


We encourage all levels of practitioners, from beginners to advancing, to join our retreat. Please do have basic yoga knowledge. 


Note that most cell phones will not work in the rooms. There is WiFi in the restaurant.


Remainder of balance must be paid by Monday, April 24th.


Guests 18 years of age and older are welcome.

Transportation to Yosemite

The transportation and the fee to enter the park is not included in this package. The Yosemite Bug Rustic Mountain Resort is 27 miles from Yosemite National Park. It will take about 45 minutes to an hour to get there by car.


One way to visit the park is to drive. You'd pay separately for park admission as well as parking. Here are the details: Yosemite Park Entrance Website

Single vehicle entrance fee = $35  (not per person per car/ truck/ RV or Van w 15 seats or less)

(HWY 140)

Another way is to take the YARTS scenic bus, which picks up at the Bug and takes you directly to the park. I have personally done this, and really enjoyed it. The ride is about an hour and 20 minutes due to the stops the bus makes.

Please visit the YARTS website for the schedule and to purchase tickets.

We recommend purchasing YARTS tickets ahead of time.  Note that the walk from your room at the Bug to the bus stop is about 15 minutes. $10 each way and it includes day use access to the park.


Covid Protocols

*Please do not come if you are feeling sick. Travel insurance required in case you need to cancel.*


Proof of negative test 24 hours before event

Large yoga room to spread out

Outdoor dining available

Air purifier in yoga room

Masks welcomed



Delicious Meals

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner is included. We will do our best to accommodate special requests. The cafe has both indoor and outdoor seating.. Beer, wine, and dessert can be purchased separately.


The June Bug Cafe is the only restaurant for miles, so dinner will get busy. Please do your best to get to dinner by 6pm. If you cannot make scheduled meal times, just let us know. Meals are still included, you might just miss the evening yoga session.


Request a packed lunch to take with you to Yosemite. Orders for packed lunches must be placed at dinner the night before.

What’s included

  • 3 nights accommodations
    Single or shared rooms in the rustic Yosemite Bug Resort. Rooms come with mini fridges.
  • Freshly made meals
    Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served at the June Bug Cafe. Packed lunches available by request when you are going to the Yosemite Valley!
  • Daily yoga
    Mix of alignment-based vinyasa flow and restorative or yoga nidra in the evenings.
  • Daily meditation
    Mindfully guided meditations
  • Unlimited spa access
    Enjoy the hot tub and sauna at the resort
  • Towels, linens, soap
    Your room will have towels, linens, soap, shampoo, and conditioner..

What’s not included

  • Transportation to Bug
    Fresno airport - 2 hours drive. Oakland, San Francisco, and San Jose about 3 hours drive. We recommend renting a car to drive to the resort.
  • Entrance fee for park
  • Travel Insurance
    This is required as there are no refunds if you need to cancel for any reason.
  • Transport to Yosemite
    Our venue is 27 miles from the famous Yosemite Valley. You can drive (about 45 minute drive) or take the scenic shuttle.
  • Alcoholic beverages
    The Cafe sells beer and wine.

Available Packages

Private Room, Private Bath

We have filled all of our rooms at this time. Please message me to be put on the waitlist.

$1,375

Your Organizer


CP
Christie Pitko
39 reviews
Christie Pitko, E RYT-500, began practicing yoga in 2001, and since then, it has healed her spirit, ignited creativity, and encouraged her to take her time. She enjoys helping students stay curious about the inner landscape of their bodies and minds through yoga and meditation. Christie is grateful for all that she has learned from her teachers, Annie Carpenter, Richard Rosen, and Leah Gillman. Christie hosts multiple yoga retreats per year.

Reviews

My sister and i really enjoyed this yoga retreat.. we met new and old friends. Christi accommodated all levels of experience. The weather was fantastic and the hiking awesome.
By Susie S for 4 Day Yoga, Meditation, and Nature Retreat Near Yosemite Valley on Oct 25, 2022
The yosemite bug is close to Yosemite National Park and there was plenty of time during the yoga retreat to spend time in Yosemite National Park. There is a spa and sauna and some great hiking close to the Yosemite Bug. Great location. The restaurant onsite serves amazing food. The yoga every morning was as always invigorating to prepare for the busy day in Yosemite. Meditation or relaxation yoga at night helped to wind down for the night. Great Location and Great yoga instructor.
By Pamela M for 4 Days of Nature, Yoga, and Meditation Near Yosemite Valley on Apr 28, 2022
Yosemite is one of my favorite places in the world and April was the the perfect month for it. This was our 2nd yoga retreat with Christy Pitko and we look forward to more in the future!
By John B for 4 Days of Nature, Yoga, and Meditation Near Yosemite Valley on Apr 26, 2022
I'm not sure exactly what I was looking for, but I know my expectations were met and then exceeded. The location, the people, the food, everything was just incredible. I was ready to book my next trip before I left.
By Dacia W for Yoga On and Off the Mat: A Costa Rica Retreat on Mar 10, 2022
DC
This yoga retreat was fabulous. Christie provides excellent yoga instruction. She always gives suggestions for modifications and the use of blocks so that all participants can safely practice. We learned more about the history of yoga and had some group discussion and meditation practices. The large windows in the yoga room allowed us to enjoy the outdoors and even watch a family of monkeys during one of our practices. RipJack Inn is an excellent location for this type of retreat. The grounds are lovely and the yoga studio is spacious and comfortable. The restaurant is lovely and the food amazing! The staff at RipJack are a wonderful group of people who served our high energy group with kindness and professionalism. The beach is just a short stroll away and there are beautiful shells to check. The sunsets are amazing! RipJack provided boogie boards and beach chairs at no charge. I have already put next year’s retreat on my calendar.
By Deborah C for Yoga On and Off the Mat: A Costa Rica Retreat on Mar 09, 2022
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