pictured rocks
meditation + nature + Community
A Base Camp Backpacking And Mindfulness Retreat
September 4th - 7th, 2025
return to the water,
remember who you are
A space to be still, be seen, and Answer the Call of something deeper.
Every so often, life taps you on the shoulder and whispers:
“Hey. Put the phone down. Take off your ‘productive’ pants. Go cozy up to a tree and soak up the sun.”
Whether you're in the thick of a transition, running on fumes, or just craving space to feel something besides the pressure of your to-do list, this base camp retreat is your permission to hit pause.
No need to disappear for a week or hike 30 miles. In fact, this retreat is just 3 miles in and 3 miles out. Set your tent beneath the trees, cold plunge in Lake Superior, let your body slow and your mind soften.
Co-led by a Licensed Therapist and Healing Arts Practitioner, this experience blends gentle adventure with intentional reflection. It’s not about pushing your limits, it’s about remembering who you are when you finally give yourself room to slow down and listen.
NATURE + MINDFULNESS + GROUP MENTORSHIP
individual and collective healing happens when time is spent with intention in nature and with community
DEVELOP MINDFULNESS
Learn what meditation is all about (hint, it’s not just about clearing your head).
CONNECT WITH NATURE
Cultivate a deeper relationship with nature with multi day immersive wilderness retreat.
RECEIVE SUPPORT
Get feedback and guidance from a licensed therapist and your fellow adventurers.
Guided by Experts, Grounded in Community
With a small group size of 10 and guides with decades of experience navigating both the wilderness and group dynamics, this retreat offers something rare: real connection, honest conversation, and the kind of quiet that brings you back to yourself.
More Than Just A Wilderness Retreat
You’ll receive pre- and post-adventure guidance including:
2x group calls leading up to the retreat
1x group integration call post retreat
3 months of free access to the Wild Minds Wilderness Guide course, where you can find videos on what and how to pack and downloadable packing lists.
Co-led by Zoe, a licensed therapist, and Caitlin, a healing arts facilitator, you can expect practices that invite you to slow down and reconnect with your inner wisdom throughout.
“This was a trip of a lifetime for me. I loved meeting all the women who were in our group. We supported each other and had such a blast. It was incredible how beautiful the scenery was. Being out in nature was awesome and much needed. Zoe and Caitlin are incredibly wise and know exactly what to do and know how to support you through the whole journey.” - Sam B.
THE program AT A GLANCE
LOCATION
Pictured Rocks
Munising, Michigan
DURATION
4 Days/3 Nights
September 4 - 7
GROUP SIZE
2 Guides
10 Participants
Difficulty
Hike 3 miles in to basecamp
Carrying 35-40 lb pack
Terrain
Forest, Beach, Cliffs
Minimal elevation change
Virtual
3 Live Group Sessions
Mindfulness + Personal Growth
WHAT’S
INCLUDED
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All backpacking meals and snacks. Have restrictions? No worries, we got you!
Find more about the food in the FAQ section below.
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Expert backpacking guides trained in Wilderness First Response and master group facilitators (see bios below).
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2 virtual group calls before our adventure begins so you can show up feeling connected and prepared and 1 group call post retreat to help with the integration.
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Ask questions and deepen relationships.
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Any big gear items you might need (tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad) can be provided for an additional cost of $300
All group gear will be provided (stove, water filtration, maps etc).
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For this 4-night retreat, your accommodation and access to the campsite are fully covered once the trip begins.
However, please note: You will need to arrange your own lodging for Wednesday night to ensure you're in the area and ready for a prompt Thursday morning start.
NOT INCLUDED:
Personal items and gear
Trip Insurance
Transportation
Pre + Post trip accommodations
COST
$2,750 or 4 payments of $700*
*cost goes up by $200 July 1st
SIGN UP
PAY IN FULL
$2,750
OR
4 MONTHLY PAYMENTS
$700
retreat Itinerary
backpacking + mindfulness + star-filled nights — Beginners welcome!
Swim in Lake Superior, rest amongst the trees and the stars, and howl at the full moon. This retreat includes evenings spent in circle engaging in meaningful reflection, and a day set aside for a guided solo experience. Together we will meditate, journal, move, play, and explore.
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The retreat begins Thursday, September 4 at 10 AM at Twelvemile Beach Campground.
We’ll start the morning by organizing food and gear, then take a slow 3-mile hike to our group campsite—our home for the next three nights.
Evening:
We'll cook our first shared meal and gather around the fire for an opening community circle.Let yourself exhale. Settle in. Rest into the dreamtime.
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Morning
We’ll begin with a quiet, spacious morning. Wake slowly. Sip something warm. Let the view of the lake begin to soften your edges.At 9 AM, we’ll gather for guided meditation, gentle movement, and reflective prompts designed to help you release what’s ready to be set down whether that’s tension, old stories, or just the habit of rushing through it all.
Midday
You’ll have space to wander, nap under the trees, journal by the water, or wade into Lake Superior and let it carry some of the weight you’ve been holding.This isn’t just free time, it’s where insights land, bodies unwind, and the nervous system gets to finally exhale.
Evening
We’ll share a meal and circle up around the fire, tending whatever’s surfaced and gently making room for more clarity to arrive.Then it’s off to bed, where you can rest deep in the knowing that you don’t have to carry it all.
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Morning:
We’ll begin the day with meditation, movement, and reflection centered around deep listening and opening to what’s calling from within.Afternoon:
Let the day be light. Swim, stretch, explore, connect. You’ll have time to integrate, rest, and follow what feels good, because sometimes presence looks like play.Evening:
Our final fire circle will be a space of reflection, truth-telling, and witnessing under the stars.You may not leave with all the answers. But you’ll leave with a deeper trust in yourself and a sense that you’re not walking alone.
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Morning
We’ll wake slowly, share a final cup of something warm, and begin the gentle process of preparing to transition back.After packing up camp, we’ll hike out the same 3 miles—taking our time, honoring the shift, and noticing what feels different now.
Late Morning / Early Afternoon
Back at the trailhead, we’ll sort gear, share any final reflections, and say our goodbyes.
MEET YOUR GUIDES
Zoe Gillis, LMFT
Zoe is a licensed therapist with a degree in Outdoor Education. She specializes in group facilitation and supporting creative professionals through transitions.
With over 15 years of guiding experience, she brings a grounded, soulful presence to every trip, blending her love of nature, mindfulness, and emotional honesty. Zoe is the founder of Wild Minds, where she creates intimate, wilderness-based experiences that help people reconnect with themselves, each other, and what truly matters.
Caitlin Ludlow
Caitlin is a community circle facilitator, nature connection guide and retreat curator devoted to creating brave spaces to rest, re-source and re-connect. In 2016 she answered the call to backpack 2,000 miles over 3-months on the Pacific Crest Trail which brought her alive in a way she previously did not know was possible. As someone who navigates ongoing invisible disability in the form of autoimmune illness, Caitlin is devoted to (re)learning how to trust herself & offer herself unconditional kindness & compassion. She believes deeply in the essentialness of taking time out of time — or entering the liminal realm — where all manner of things become possible. The backcountry is her favorite place to be.
What others are saying
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Kerry K.
The AZ backpacking trip was an amazing experience in every way. From start to finish, everything was taken care of with the best experience in mind. The location was gorgeous and the hiking not too strenuous, even with a pack. It was the perfect blend of nature, mindfulness, intentionality, and connection. Our group was all very different but we all came together in our shared experience and had an amazing time together. It was something that I will remember always, and I can't wait to go on another trip with Wild Minds.
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Alexandra C.
“Backpacking was something I’ve always wanted to do, but I knew I didn’t have all the info and resources to do it on my own. Zoe’s retreat was a great opportunity to learn the basics of a backpacking trip. Besides the amazing opportunity to meet some lovely women that I can now easily call sisters. It was one of the most beautiful experiences of my life!”
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Colby P.
Being in a leadership role for many years at work (and at home as a Mom) it was so freeing to let that go and just be fully authentically me! Being a novice and learning to backpack was a fun experience. I can’t wait to do it again! The blending of mindfulness and yoga into the experience felt inspired and the nightly fire ritual was mesmerizing. The experience was transformative for me. I felt loved by Mama Earth and by the container our group energy created. Before this journey I felt like I might be missing “my life” because I really want to live more immersed in nature, simply …. off-grid etc . And what I realized from this experience is that my true life is lived inside my heart, where the sweet nectar flows and I carry that with me everywhere and therefore I’m always living and I’m always home.
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Jimmi W.
“I would recommend this experience to anyone looking to reconnect with the natural world but also reconnect with themselves. Zoe and Stephanie created a safe and supportive environment for us to learn the ins and outs of backpacking basics. But most importantly they provided an uplifting and meaningful experience I will forever treasure.”
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Nina B.
This trip was one of the best times of my life. I had never camped out or hiked in the wilderness before. I am so, so glad that I did it. I learned a lot about camping and hiking, and thoroughly enjoyed the camaraderie of all of the participants. The pre-trip information was spot on. Once we all got together on the first day it was comforting to see that Zoe was extremely prepared and well organized. Her knowledge and attention to details and safety were impeccable. I will be looking out for more retreats in the future. If you are thinking about it, Just Do It. You are in great hands!!
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Melissa U.
After this trip I was able to see things from different perspectives and experiencing more gratitude. The highlights for me were the 24 hours of silence, talks by the fires every night, and the journaling.
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Jillian L.
“If you're thinking about this trip - just do it. It is tough in some ways but the beauty and support and your own inner strength and growth make it worth it in every way. Zoe and Jennifer are incredible guides that have experience, tenderness, humor, wisdom, and the ability to teach you all along the way.“
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Angie D.
“I can’t wait to go on more trips. Each time I feel like I get a little braver, a little more sure of myself, and a lot more confident that I can keep pushing my boundaries further and further out.”
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Carly B.
The Wild Minds experience was truly life-changing! I have always dreamed of being an outdoorsy person - but never really had the support or clarity on how to learn safely. Zoe's approach to backpacking AND mindfulness helped me learn not just the basics of safely navigating the wilderness but also how to be present and truly in the moment throughout our journey. Sharing our stories in community around a campfire under the stars - I always thought of such a notion as a dream, fiction in a good book or movie. But now those experiences are part of MY story - and I feel empowered as a wild woman to continue exploring and adventuring!
Thank you Wild Minds for helping me find my voice, my confidence, and my true wild self
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Nina W.
“I often crave the outdoors, a chance to escape LA, and experience a little adventure. But I don’t do it on my own because, you know, life, and a thousand other excuses. Wild Mind Retreats eliminated all my excuses and made it super easy for me to have the exact escape from the city and reconnection to myself and nature that I was craving.”
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Deb D.
“I went on a backpacking retreat with my wife, my daughter, and four other women I didn’t know before signing up. It was challenging yet fantastic. I used to backpack years ago and thought I’d never be able to do it again. I worried about being able to keep up with all of these younger people. But from the get-go, I felt supported and encouraged by the group. Zoe did a truly amazing job of connecting us to the reverence of where we were.”
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Abby T.
I have tears in my eyes thinking about another young woman thinking about becoming part of the Wild Minds tribe. You MUST sign up. It is one of the most wonderfully unique and life changing things you will ever do. The friendships, support, alone time, quiet time, full of laughter time - it will exceed your expectations.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Dear Fellow Wild Ones,
As we embark on retreat, we will be hiking, camping and communing on the ancestral lands of the Ojibwe peoples alongside Gichigami or the “Great Sea”. This area is now known as the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore along the coast of Lake Superior.
It is important to us that we acknowledge and bring our heart-full attention to the history of the peoples who have stewarded this land for millenia before colonialism disrupted the lifeways of their Earth-based cultures. The ancestors of these peoples are still here despite genocidal attempts and they are working to reclaim so much of what was nearly eradicated — language, rituals, ceremonial rites, medicine ways, etc.
Understanding the history of the lands and watersheds we will traverse and be nourished by is something we are working to incorporate more of into the retreats offered as we believe it is important.
We go out with the intention to be in right relationship with all of our other-than-human and unseen kin. This means engaging with practices and conversations that uplift and center reciprocity in addition to our interdependence and interconnection. We seek to remember that we are nature experiencing nature. We are not separate from the beauty and suffering we witness around us.
In honor of this trip and these lands, Wild Minds makes a financial contribution to Miigwech Inc. — a local 501(c)3 founded and led by Aniishinaabe Kwe that supports the tribal cultural reclamation efforts here in Michigan — as one gesture of reciprocity and solidarity.
We are open to any thoughts or suggestions around this topic.
In solidarity,
Zoe + Caitlin
FAQ
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If you cancel with 45 days of the retreat (by August 7th, 2025), you may receive a full refund minus the $500 deposit.
After August 7th, Wild Minds is unable to resell your reserved space. Therefore, we cannot make exceptions for personal emergencies.
For this reason, we strongly recommend you consider purchasing a travel insurance plan.
Please see next question about travel insurance.
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We strongly recommend you protect your adventure retreat by purchasing a short-term traveler's insurance policy that covers baggage loss, accidents, and trip cancellation. Wild Minds accepts no responsibility for lost, damaged, or delayed property.
Trip cancellation insurance can reimburse you for any nonrefundable air and land expenses should you have to cancel your space due to family illness. It may also cover any emergency evacuation expenses should you become ill during the trip. Although every effort is made to ensure a safe trip, you should realize that in the event of illness or injury evacuation can be expensive. Please check your medical coverage to ensure it is adequate.
There are many travel insurance companies to choose from.
We recommend purchasing travel insurance when you purchase your airfare, but no later than a week before the trip. Purchasing early enough will provide you with a waiver of pre-existing conditions. Insurance acquired typically does not provide protection for pre-existing conditions.
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This is one of our most accessible trips, perfect if you're newer to backpacking or simply craving time in nature without pushing your physical edge.
We'll hike just 3 miles on the first day to reach our basecamp, where we’ll stay for all three nights. That means no daily packing up, no heavy mileage, and plenty of space to rest, explore, and take it slow.
While the terrain is relatively flat and the hiking distance is short, you’ll still be carrying a full pack, which can take some getting used to. In the weeks leading up to the trip, we recommend going on a few longer walks or short hikes (3–5 miles) with a weighted backpack to help your body adjust.
If you’re unsure whether this retreat is the right fit or have any questions, book a call here and we’ll talk it through together.
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We provide backpacking meals that are lightweight and easy to cook in a group.
Once the group is formed, we will work together to pick meals that are within different people’s food requirements.
Have restrictions? No worries. We can work with you to accommodate gluten-free, vegan, or any other adjustments you might need to feel good on the trail.
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The following backpacking gear is included upon request. Make sure to have your requests in by the deadline.
Backpacking Gear
backpack
tent
sleeping bag
sleeping pad
The rest will be your personal gear, which you will be responsible for. We will share a packing list that will include things like hiking clothing, a hydration pack, and warm jacket. The most important thing will be making sure you have footwear that is broken in.
Hiking Shoes/Boots
One of the biggest medical issues that shows up while backpacking is blisters.
This can be reduced by breaking in your shoes/boots early and going for hikes with weight before the trip.
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The great outdoors! Don’t worry, though, we will teach you everything you need to know in order to have a 5-star bathroom experience.
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There will not be service where we are going.
Part of this experience is going completely offline. During our group calls, we will talk about the value in going offline and ways to prepare for the trip and integrate back to cell service and email after the trip.
For safety, we will have a GPS tracking device that we will use to send and receive messages in case of an emergency. Included in your welcome packet is information about safety and communication.
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Our two virtual group calls are an important part of this retreat experience. They help us arrive more grounded, connected, and ready.
Mark your calendar:
📅 Monday, August 19 at 1 PM PT / 4 PM ET
📅 Monday, September 2 at 2 PM PT / 5 PM ETDuring these calls, you'll have the chance to:
Connect with your fellow participants
Practice mindfulness and self-compassion tools you'll use on the trail
Get clear on how you want to prepare—physically, mentally, and emotionally
Ask any questions about gear, packing, or logistics
Details and Zoom links will be in your welcome email. We encourage you to attend both if you can—these calls set the tone for everything to come.
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We intentionally hold this container as a space to deepen your relationship with yourself and the land. It’s also an opportunity to expand your capacity to be with the ups and downs of the experience, without turning to substances.
We ask that all participants honor this agreement to help create a safe, grounded, and connected group environment.
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Our starting point is Twelvemile Beach Campground in Grand Marais, Michigan.
If you’re flying in, here are a few nearby airports to consider, listed by distance from our meet-up location. While transportation is not included in the trip cost, we’re happy to help coordinate carpools or suggest shuttle options.
Sawyer International Airport (MQT) – 77 miles
Delta County Airport (ESC) – 100 miles
Chippewa County International Airport (CIU) – 119 miles
Sault Ste. Marie Airport (YAM) – 123 miles
Pellston Regional Airport (PLN) – 143 miles
Transitioning in and out of the backcountry can be tender. If possible, we recommend arriving the night before and staying nearby at least one night after the retreat to give yourself time to land and integrate.
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This trip is for those over the age of 18. There is no age limit on who can come on this trip.
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In September, the average daily high temperature is 65 degrees and the low is 49, with rain as a possibility.
By risking cooler temperatures and potential rain, we will likely be rewarded by fewer bugs and humans.
As we know, the weather is subject to change, so we will ensure we are prepared for all conditions!
Have more questions?