Welcome to Yellowstone!

Experience the wonder of the world's first national park on a 5-day, 4-night all-inclusive hiking and yoga retreat. From the thundering eruption of Old Faithful and the rainbow colors of Grand Prismatic Spring to the golden cliffs of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, you'll explore the park's most iconic sights by day.

Each evening, you'll return to a private riverfront retreat home on the Henry's Fork of the Snake River for yoga, chef-prepared meals, and quiet evenings by the fire.

What to Expect: This retreat is designed for those who love a balance of adventure and relaxation. Two full days in Yellowstone National Park take you from the geyser basins around Old Faithful to the waterfalls of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and the wildlife of Lamar Valley.

In between, a slower river day keeps you at the retreat home with time to relax, recharge, and take in the scenery without time in the van. There will be an optional paddle on the Henry's Fork when water conditions allow. Daily yoga, scenic hikes, and plenty of wildlife spotting round out the week.

All hiking is self-guided with plenty of support and recommendations from your retreat guide, and participation in every activity is always optional, so your experience is entirely tailored to you.

Accommodations & Inclusions: Stay at River Stone Retreat, a beautifully designed luxury waterfront home on the Snake River in Island Park, Idaho, just 30 minutes from Yellowstone. Many bedrooms feature private balconies overlooking the river, and the property includes a hot tub, riverside fire pit, private dock, and game room.

Round-trip transportation from Salt Lake City, all transportation during the retreat, Yellowstone National Park entrance fees, and kayak and paddleboard rentals (when water conditions allow) are included. All meals are prepared by your private chef, and daily yoga classes are led by your retreat guide.

Let Us Help You Plan: Need assistance booking your flights? Amy Walker, Owner of Walker Wellness Retreats, is happy to help arrange your travel. Reach out directly at info@walkerwellnessretreats.com for personalized support.

Trip Style: Active and restorative, ideal for those who want to experience Yellowstone's most iconic landscapes on foot while enjoying the comfort of a private riverfront home and all-inclusive conveniences. Get ready for geysers, waterfalls, wildlife, and a week of peace on the river.

Transportation from Salt Lake City International Airport to the retreat home is included, as well as all planned activities and meals during your stay, except lunch on Day 1. Don't worry about any extra costs or hidden fees. Just sit back and relax.

We take food very seriously, and we know our guests do too. All meals except lunch on Day 1 are included during your stay, as well as snacks for your activities. We also offer gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options upon request. 

Every retreat features a private yoga instructor who offers multiple classes during your stay. All classes are optional, which means you can choose what you feel is right for you. 

Yellowstone National Park contains some of the most spectacular hiking trails in the country. There are endless trails and absolutely breathtaking scenery.

While we aim to provide an incredible experience on our retreats, we want to clarify that we are not permitted to operate as official tour guides within Yellowstone National Park or similar protected areas. National Park regulations require specific permits and certifications to guide hikes, which we do not hold.

Instead, all hiking on our retreats is self-guided. We provide detailed information, recommendations, and resources to help you enjoy the trails safely and confidently. This approach allows us to focus on creating a holistic retreat experience, including wellness activities, accommodations, and other unique offerings, while respecting the park’s guidelines.

Our retreat home is located just outside of Yellowstone National Park near Island Park, Idaho. We take you into the park and drop you off where you need to go (no parking required). Entry to the park is also included with your booking.

You deserve a little "me time." That's why each retreat has built-in leisure time so you can relax in the hot tub, journal, or take a nap. All activities are optional so that you can enjoy your retreat at your own pace.

A note before you start packing: One of the best things you can do to make this trip easier on yourself is to pack light. Private van transfers throughout the itinerary work best when everyone is moving efficiently, so we ask that each traveler bring one suitcase and one personal item such as a backpack. You will find that with a little planning you can pack everything you need and still have room for a souvenir or two. The lists below will help you do exactly that.

Travel Essentials

• Government-issued photo ID

• Flight confirmations

• Travel insurance documents

• Credit & debit cards

• Phone & charger

• Small daypack for hikes and park days

• Reusable water bottle or hydration system

Clothing

Hiking and Park Days

• Moisture-wicking t-shirts or tops (3-4)

• Long-sleeve base layers for cool mornings (2)

• Hiking pants or leggings (2-3)

• Hiking shorts (1-2)

• Hiking boots or trail shoes, broken in to prevent blisters

• Moisture-wicking hiking socks (4-5 pairs)

• Sun hat or cap

River Day

• Quick-dry synthetic or wool layers, no cotton (1 set)

• Water shoes or strapped sandals (flip-flops are not recommended for paddling)

• Change of warm, dry clothes for after paddling

Yoga & the Retreat Home

• Yoga clothing (3-4 sets)

• Comfortable casual clothes for meals & evenings (2-3)

• Lightweight walking shoes for boardwalks & easy trails

• Flip-flops or slippers for the house & hot tub

• Swimsuit for the hot tub (1-2)

• Pajamas, including something warm for chilly nights

Outerwear & Layers

• Warm mid-layer, such as a fleece or light puffy jacket (1-2)

• Lightweight waterproof rain jacket

• Warm hat

• Lightweight gloves

• Warm socks for evenings (1-2 pairs)

Toiletries

• Toothbrush, toothpaste, & floss

• Shampoo, conditioner, & body wash

• Deodorant

• Hairbrush & hair ties

• Skincare products, including cleanser & a rich moisturizer for dry mountain air

• Sunscreen, SPF 30 or higher

• Lip balm with SPF

• Insect repellent

• Makeup, if desired

• Razor & shaving supplies

• Travel-size hand sanitizer

• Prescription medications in their original packaging

Extras & Travel Comfort

• Camera or smartphone

• Chargers & a portable power bank for long park days

• Small dry bag for your phone & valuables on the river

• Earbuds or headphones for the drive from Salt Lake City

• Travel pillow for the drive

• Light reading material or an e-reader

• Journal and pen

• Headlamp or small flashlight for evenings around the fire pit

Optional Items

• Compact binoculars for wildlife viewing

• Small first aid kit with bandages, blister care, & pain relievers

• Motion sickness medication for winding park roads

• Your own yoga mat (mats will be provided)

• Quick-dry towel for the river day

• Ear plugs for light sleepers

• Favorite snacks or drinks

Packing Tips

• Layer, layer, layer. September mornings can dip close to freezing, while afternoons often reach the upper 60s. Pack pieces you can add and remove throughout the day.

• Dress for the water, not the air, on river day. The water is cold, so skip cotton and bring a dry change of clothes.

• Plan to buy bear spray locally. It's recommended for hiking in Yellowstone, but it can't go in checked or carry-on luggage.

• Break in your hiking shoes before the trip. Park days include several miles of boardwalks and trails.

• Keep a warm layer and rain jacket in your daypack every day. Mountain weather can change quickly.

Our Yellowstone retreat home, River Stone Retreat, is a beautifully designed luxury waterfront home perched on the Henry's Fork of the Snake River in Island Park, Idaho, just 30 minutes from Yellowstone National Park. Many of the bedrooms open onto private balconies overlooking the water, perfect for morning coffee or a quiet moment at the end of the day. Here are some features of the home:

• Private and shared bedrooms are available

• Private balconies with river views in many bedrooms

• Full kitchen and dining area for chef-prepared group meals

• Spacious living room for gathering, relaxing, and yoga

• Private dock and deck overhanging the river

• Riverside fire pit

• Hot tub

• Game room above the garage with a pool table and large TV

• Washer and dryer

• High-speed wireless internet

Each of our domestic Hiking & Yoga retreats calls for a team of experts to ensure your experience is good. Joining us on this retreat will be a chef and a retreat facilitator/yoga instructor.

To see a list of our team members, visit the About Us page on our website. In the weeks before your retreat, you will be allowed to meet your specific retreat team on a video call. 

Payment Policy

All Walker Wellness Retreats require a 25% non-refundable deposit of the total retreat price to secure your booking. Should you need to cancel your trip, your deposit will not be refunded regardless of the reason for cancellation.
 

For U.S. destinations, the next 25% is due 60 days before the trip, and the final remaining balance is due 30 days before departure.
 

For International Destinations, the next 25% is due 120 days before the trip, and the final remaining balance is due 90 days before departure.
 

Trips can be paid in full at any time. If booking after the final payment deadline, trip payment in full is due at time of booking. Invoices NOT paid in full within 7 days of the above-mentioned deadlines are subject to trip cancellation. No refunds will be issued for trips canceled due to lack of payment.  
 

Cancellation Policy

BEFORE the final payment deadline: If you cancel your reservation before the final payment deadline, any additional payments made beyond the non-refundable 25% deposit will be refunded. However, the 25% deposit remains non-refundable. 

AFTER the final payment deadline: If you cancel your reservation after the final payment deadline, all payments made (including the deposit and any additional amounts) are non-refundable due to financial commitments with our retreat venues, guides, and service providers. 

In the unlikely event that Walker Wellness Retreats cancels a retreat, you will be given a 100% full refund. 

We strongly encourage all guests to purchase travel insurance to protect your investment in case of unforeseen circumstances.  For additional details on travel insurance coverage and pricing, click the link below.

Travel Insurance 

The deadline to book a domestic retreat is 15 days before the retreat begins; however, some exceptions can be made based on availability. Please email us at info@walkerwellnessretreats.com to inquire about booking after the deadline has passed.

Your retreat begins in Salt Lake City, where we'll gather the group and make the scenic drive north through eastern Idaho to our riverfront retreat home on the Henry's Fork of the Snake River in Island Park. We'll settle in, get to know each other, and ease into the week with an evening yoga session and our first group dinner.

Scheduled pickups run from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) and area hotels. Please plan to arrive in SLC no later than 11:00 AM, and we strongly recommend flying in the day before if your schedule allows.

We will make a short stop to grab lunch and any last-minute items for the trip. We will also stop at the Utah State Liquor Store if guests want to purchase any alcoholic beverages for the journey.

We'll travel together by private van and arrive at River Stone Retreat around 5:30 PM. If you'd like to rent a car and drive on your own, please plan on meeting us at the retreat home no earlier than 5:30 pm.

Experience a stunning luxury waterfront escape located on the Henry’s Fork of the Snake River, only 30 minutes from Yellowstone. Many bedrooms boast their own private walk-out balcony with serene views of the water, perfect for savoring morning coffee, evening wine, or the breathtaking scenery that makes Island Park truly memorable. Spend your days discovering geysers, wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes, then return to the peace and comfort of your own private riverfront haven.

Join us for a brief and informal welcome orientation, where we'll review the weekend ahead as well as answer any questions about the house, the schedule, etc.

After orientation wraps up, we will enjoy an evening yoga session to stretch and unwind after the long van ride.

Tonight, we'll savor our first chef-prepared meal at the retreat home, where you can gather and socialize with your fellow travelers.

Meals

• Lunch: On your own at our grocery stop

• Dinner: Welcome dinner prepared by your private chef (included)

Evening Notes: After dinner, unpack, explore the property, and enjoy your first evening by the river.

Overnight: River Stone Retreat, Island Park

Today is our first full day in Yellowstone National Park, exploring the world's largest concentration of geysers. We'll catch an eruption of Old Faithful, wander the boardwalks of the Upper Geyser Basin, and see Grand Prismatic Spring from above and up close. Your guide will adjust stops throughout the day based on the group's pace and energy.

Start the day with a gentle, energizing flow to wake up the body before a full day of exploring. (included)

Enjoy a hearty breakfast buffet prepared by your private chef, then pack a picnic lunch and snacks for the park. Fill your water bottles and grab layers, since mornings in September can be chilly. (included)

We'll travel as a group through West Yellowstone and into the park, following the Madison and Firehole Rivers toward the geyser basins.

The drive is about 1.5 hours, and keep an eye out for bison and elk along the way. Park entrance fees are (included).

Watch Old Faithful erupt from the viewing area. It erupts roughly every 90 minutes, and your guide will check the predicted times the night before.

Then explore the boardwalks of the Upper Geyser Basin at your own pace.

Highlights include Grand Geyser, Riverside Geyser, Chromatic Pool, and the vivid Morning Glory Pool. Stop by the historic Old Faithful Inn, where you can catch an eruption from the upper deck. (included)

Enjoy your packed picnic lunch near Old Faithful before continuing through the basin. (included)

Hike to the Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook for a bird's-eye view of the largest hot spring in the United States and its rainbow of colors. The overlook is about 1.6 miles round trip with a gentle climb. Hikers who want more can continue to Fairy Falls, a 200-foot waterfall, for a total of about 5 miles round trip. (included)

Walk the boardwalk through Midway Geyser Basin for an up-close look at Grand Prismatic Spring and Excelsior Geyser Crater. This is a shorter, easier walk, and a great option for anyone who skipped the overlook hike. (included)

Relax on the ride back as the afternoon light settles over the river valleys.

Unwind with a restorative practice to stretch out tired legs after a day on the trails. (included)

Gather for a chef-prepared dinner and share highlights from the day. Afterward, soak in the hot tub or relax around the fire pit. (included)

Meals

• Breakfast: Breakfast buffet prepared by your private chef (included)

• Lunch: Packed picnic lunch in the park (included)

• Dinner: Group dinner prepared by your private chef (included)

Evening Notes: After dinner, soak in the hot tub or relax around the fire pit and share highlights from the day.

Overnight: River Stone Retreat, Island Park

Today we slow down and trade the van for the river. Our retreat home sits right on the banks of the Snake River, one of the most beautiful rivers in the West, lined with meadows where moose, eagles, and trumpeter swans are often spotted. After a leisurely morning, we'll head out on kayaks and paddleboards from our private dock during the warmest part of the day if water conditions allow, then enjoy a restful afternoon to recharge before the second half of the week.

Enjoy a slower, grounding practice to start the day. (included)

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast prepared by your private chef. With no driving today, there's no rush, so linger over coffee and take in the river views. (included)

Take your time this morning. Journal by the river, read on the deck, or simply relax while the day warms up before our time on the river.

If water conditions allow, launch from our private dock and explore the Snake River at your own pace. Sit-on-top kayaks, tandem kayaks, and paddleboards will be delivered to the retreat home, along with paddles and life jackets. Your guide will start with a short safety briefing. The water is cold, so kayaks are recommended for most guests, and paddleboards are best for those already comfortable on one.

Dress in quick-dry layers and bring water shoes or strapped sandals. Keep an eye out for moose, eagles, and trumpeter swans along the banks. Water levels change through the season, so if the weather or water conditions don't cooperate, your guide will swap in a relaxed Island Park outing instead. Kayak and paddleboard rentals (included, water conditions permitting)

Enjoy a free afternoon at the retreat home. Warm up in the hot tub, read by the river, journal on the dock, or take a nap. This is your time to slow down and recharge.

Close the day with a gentle, restorative practice that helps you unwind and reconnect with yourself. This calming session is designed to ease tension, promote relaxation, and prepare you for a restful night ahead. (included)

Gather for a delightful, chef-prepared dinner that tantalizes your taste buds with exquisite flavors. As you savor each bite, share stories from your day by the river with fellow guests. Afterward, unwind and relax around the cozy fire pit, where you can gaze up at the twinkling stars above, letting the warmth of the flames and the soothing sounds of nature envelop you in a serene atmosphere. (included)

Meals

• Breakfast: Leisurely breakfast prepared by your private chef (included)

• Lunch: Lunch at the retreat home (included)

• Dinner: Group dinner prepared by your private chef (included)

Evening Notes: After dinner, gather around the fire pit under the stars.

Overnight: River Stone Retreat, Island Park

We return to Yellowstone National Park for our biggest day in the park. We'll start at the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, where the Yellowstone River plunges over two waterfalls into a canyon of gold, pink, and red rock. In the afternoon, we'll cross Dunraven Pass to Lamar Valley, often called the Serengeti of North America, where bison, elk, pronghorn, and even wolves and bears roam the open valley. Your guide will adjust stops throughout the day based on the group's pace and energy.

Start the day with an energizing flow to prepare for our last full day in the park, where the beauty of nature surrounds us and invigorates our senses. This refreshing session will help us connect with our surroundings, enhance our mood, and set a positive tone for the exciting adventures that await us. (included)

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast buffet prepared by your private chef, featuring a delightful array of local specialties and fresh ingredients to kickstart your day. After enjoying this delicious meal, pack a picnic lunch along with a variety of snacks for your adventure in the park. Don’t forget to bring layers, as mornings in the park can be chilly, ensuring you stay comfortable while exploring the natural beauty that surrounds you. (included)

We'll travel by private van into the park, following the Madison and Gibbon Rivers through meadows where bison and elk often graze. Park entrance fees are (included).

A quick stop to take in Gibbon Falls, an 84-foot waterfall cascading over the rim of the Yellowstone Caldera. A short walk along the road leads to the viewing area.

Take in one of the most iconic views in the park from Artist Point, where the Lower Falls drops more than 300 feet into the canyon. We'll also stop at the Upper Falls Viewpoint. (included)

Continue along North Rim Drive, stopping at Lookout Point, Grand View, and Inspiration Point for views down the canyon. For a more challenging hike, the Brink of the Lower Falls Trail descends steeply to the edge of the falls, where you can feel the power of the river up close. (included)

Enjoy your packed picnic lunch before heading north to Lamar Valley. (included)

We'll travel by private van over Dunraven Pass, one of the most scenic drives in the park, with sweeping views from the slopes of Mount Washburn before descending toward Tower-Roosevelt and the Lamar River.

Explore Lamar Valley, one of the best places in North America to see wildlife in the wild. Herds of bison graze across the valley floor, and pronghorn, elk, and coyotes are common sights. Wolves and bears are spotted here more than anywhere else in the park. Bring your binoculars and camera, and we'll stop at pullouts along the way to watch and photograph the wildlife. (included)

Relax on the ride back by private van, keeping an eye out for wildlife in the evening light.

Celebrate our last evening together with a special farewell dinner prepared by your private chef. (included)

Meals

• Breakfast: Breakfast buffet prepared by your private chef (included)

• Lunch: Packed picnic lunch in the park (included)

• Dinner: Farewell dinner prepared by your private chef (included)

Evening Notes: Our final evening together is a chance to share favorite moments from the week. Gather around the fire pit or enjoy one last soak in the hot tub.

Overnight: River Stone Retreat, Island Park

After a final breakfast by the river, we'll say goodbye to the Snake River and begin our journey home. Before heading south, we'll make one last stop at Big Springs, the crystal-clear headwaters of the Henry's Fork, before making the drive back to Salt Lake City for drop-offs.

Enjoy a final breakfast prepared by your private chef, then pack a lunch for the road. Please have your bags packed and ready to load by 8:45 AM. (included)

Load up the private van and say goodbye to River Stone Retreat. We'll make the short drive to Big Springs.

Stretch your legs before the drive with an easy walk along Big Springs, one of the largest natural springs in the country and the headwaters of the Henry's Fork. Crystal-clear water flows out of the ground here at a constant temperature year-round, and you can spot giant trout from the bridge. It's a peaceful final stop to say goodbye to Island Park. (included)

Enjoy your packed lunch at the park before hitting the road for your next adventure. Take a moment to relax and soak in the beautiful surroundings, perhaps under the shade of a tree or on a cozy blanket spread out on the grass. Savor each bite of your delicious meal while listening to the cheerful sounds of nature around you. (included)

Sit back and relax on the drive south by private van. We'll make a short rest stop along the way.

We'll drop guests off at Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) and area hotels. If you're flying out today, please book a flight departing after 7:00 PM to allow for traffic and any delays along the way.

Meals

• Breakfast: Final breakfast prepared by your private chef (included)

• Lunch: Packed picnic lunch at Big Springs (included)

Evening Notes: Safe travels home. We hope you leave rested, inspired, and carrying a little bit of Yellowstone with you.