OJAI WOMEN’S
WILDERNESS RETREAT
BACKPACKING + MEDITATION + NATURE + COMMUNITY
Spring 2027 | Ojai, CA
AWAKEN
YOUR WILD
Connect to yourself through the rhythm of the trail.
Being human in a time of upheaval is no small thing. It’s easy to lose yourself in the grind of life, get sucked into screens, or be discouraged by the weight of systems that feel too big to change.
The trail offers something different.
It's a chance to step away from the noise, breathe in the vastness of the wild, and remember who you are when the distractions fall away.
Shed what no longer fits and step into possibility
Find grounding and wisdom with nature
Rekindle the fire of your creativity and aliveness
This isn’t an escape—it’s a reckoning with the parts of you that are ready to grow, grounded in the wisdom of the land.
GUIDED BY EXPERTS
GROUNDED IN COMMUNITY
Co-led by a Licensed Therapist and Healing Arts Practitioner, this retreat goes beyond the trail, offering spaces to share stories, forge deep connections, and rediscover the rhythm of your untamed Self.
Much More Than Just a Backpacking Retreat
This journey doesn’t start when your boots hit the trail — it begins weeks before and continues long after, ensuring you feel prepared, connected, and supported every step of the way.
3 group calls before the retreat to set intentions, connect with your fellow adventurers, and make sure you feel ready for the trail
An integration call post retreat to remember and connect
Videos and lessons covering what (and how) to pack so you can step onto the trail with confidence
1:1 check-ins on the trail to offer personal guidance
This is more than a trip—it’s a built-in support system. A space where shared experiences turn into lasting bonds, and where the journey continues long after the final mile.
“You are in the best hands possible, it is worth every penny and more, you can't put a price on soul work and community. I love the pairing of physically being challenged mixed w/ the mindfulness, mental, spiritual and emotional work. Be open to the journey, be open to yourself. You are in safe capable hands with Wild Minds. I would do it again in a heartbeat.”
- Dana
WE PRACTICE
MINDFULNESS
Reconnect with Presence
Let go of overthinking and mental noise as you learn practical tools to quiet the mind, ground yourself, and live with greater intention. This is your time to cultivate a calm, centered way of being—one you can return to long after the retreat ends.
CONNECTION
Ancient and Deeply Human
The practice of gathering in circle is ancient—and deeply human. In council, we bring our questions, not to solve them, but to speak them aloud into the open air. It’s an invitation to be witnessed, to listen deeply, and to allow the land, the group, and silence itself to respond in their own time and way.
NOBILE SILENCE
Listening Without Words
One of the magical elements of retreat is the 24 hours you’ll spend in noble silence. You will be invited to let go of conversation with others and enter into a deeper connection with yourself and the world around you.
THE EXPERIENCE AT A GLANCE
LOCATION
Sespe Wilderness
near Ojai, California
RETREAT DURATION
Spring 2027
(hotel pre & post trip)
GROUP SIZE
8 Women
Two Facilitators
INVESTMENT
$3,850
Payment Plans Available
TERRAIN
High Desert Hot Springs
Climb, Descend, Repeat
GUIDENCE
Led by a therapist, meditation teacher & wilderness guide
INDIVIDUAL & 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 by engaging in land based practices
RECEIVE SUPPORT
Get feedback and guidance from a licensed therapist and your fellow adventurers.
ALL INCLUSIVE
To make this a once-in-a-lifetime experience you’ll talk about for years, your retreat investment covers everything:
✓ Six unforgettable wilderness days immersed in the wild beauty of the Sespe Wilderness
✓ Two nights in curated luxury hotels for deep rest & integration
✓ Private airport transportation so you can arrive grounded, supported & fully held
From the moment you land to the moment you fly home, every detail is taken care of, so you can devote your energy to transformation, connection and creative renewal in nature.
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Zachari Dunes Oceanfront Oasis
Unwind after traveling, explore the coast, enjoy a nourishing meal, and gently prepare for the days ahead. Just 60 miles from LAX, this oceanfront, all-suite resort offers cabana-lined pools, tennis courts, beach gear, and easy access to kayaking, hiking, and the Channel Island Harbor. It’s the perfect place to settle in, review your retreat details and outdoor gear, and let your body land before the adventure begins.
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Pierpont Inn on the Ventura Coast
Before we conclude our wilderness journey, you’ll spend a restorative night at The Pierpont Inn, Ventura’s premier historic boutique hotel. With charming suites boasting spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and the scenic California coast, this stay is intentionally designed to give you space to unwind, integrate, and gently transition back from the wild into reality. Wander the rose garden, breathe in the ocean air, and let your body arrive in a soft, grounded way before heading home.
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Private Airport Transportation
A private group shuttle is included both before and after your wilderness immersion, ensuring a seamless, fully supported journey from start to finish. You’ll be personally driven from LAX to our luxury coastal hotel to land gently before we head into six days of backpacking, camping, connection, and awakening, and brought back again once we return to civilization. Every transition is handled so you can stay grounded, centered, and held the entire time.
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6 Nights in the Ojai, CA Wild
You’ll spend six unforgettable nights deep in the Ojai wild … backpacking through sacred landscapes, sleeping beneath starlit skies, and reconnecting with the truest parts of yourself. This is a rare chance to step out of the noise of daily life and into a world where time slows, clarity returns, and connection becomes effortless. Guided by Zoe & Caitlin, you’ll backpack, hike, camp, explore, reflect, and awaken to the strength and wisdom that only the wilderness can reveal.
RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY!
Spaces are limited. Flexible Payment Plans Available.
Select from regular enrollment or VIP mentorship
VIP: Retreat + 1:1 Mentorship
$5,500 (Savings of $850)
(ONLY 3 SPOTS)
➔ Retreat + month-long support
➔ PLUS 3 months of private 1:1 coaching with Zoe (valued at $2,500)
Regular Enrollment
$3,850
➔ Includes 2 hotel stays, private airport transportation, retreat week + month-long support
COST OF THE RETREAT
$3,850
EMBRACING THE CHALLENGE
This is one of our more difficult itineraries.
You’ll be carrying a 35–45 lb pack, hiking long distances with elevation gain, and crossing rivers on uneven terrain. It’s a physically demanding route, and it’s important to be prepared. That being said, If you’re comfortable carrying weight on your back and going on long hikes, you can do this trail.
JOURNEY BEFORE DESTINATION
This isn’t about crushing miles or getting to the perfect campsite. It’s about being immersed in the land, noticing the small moments, and moving together as a group.
You might find this retreat pushes you physically, or you might find the challenge in slowing down and moving as a group. Either way, the invitation is the same: to meet whatever comes up with curiosity and care.
This is the perfect opportunity to show yourself that you can do hard things, and that doing them in good company makes all the difference.
MEET YOUR GUIDES
Zoe Gillis, MFT
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’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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Any big gear items you might need are included (tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad).
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Zoe and Caitlin bring a blend of wilderness expertise and group facilitation to every retreat. Both are trained in Wilderness First Response and have years of experience guiding backpacking expeditions, holding space for reflection, and fostering meaningful group dynamics. Their skill as facilitators ensures that the journey is not only safe and well-supported, but also deeply connective and transformative.
(See bios above for more about each of them.)
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We Take Transitions Seriously! Don’t worry about where to stay before or after our time in the wilderness — we’ve taken care of it so you can simply show up and focus on the inner work.
The night before our trip, we’ll meet at a simple hotel in Ventura or Oxnard. This is our staging ground — a place to organize gear, re-pack packs, and ease into the journey together as a group.
On the back end, you’ll have a night at Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach, giving you a day to settle in and relax before heading home.
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To keep things simple, we’ll provide one group shuttle each way:
Arrival: A pickup from LAX on (date and time TBD) to bring the group to our hotel in Ventura/Oxnard for the night.
Departure: A shuttle from our hotel back to LAX on (date and time TBD) in the morning.
Please plan your flights accordingly. If you’re traveling from the East Coast, some participants choose to book a hotel near LAX the night before departure. Most are able to make it home Sunday evening thanks to the time difference, as long as flights are booked after 11am.
NOT INCLUDED:
Trip Insurance
Flights
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Zachari Dunes at Mandalay Beach
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Relax Oceanfront - Oxnard Beach
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Enjoy scenic California coast
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Dining Poolside to Oceanside
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Embracing Your Wild
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Evenings around the fire
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Camping with a view
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![Desert Mountain Rivers]()
Desert Mountain Rivers
COST OF THE RETREAT
$3,850
Embark On a Journey, Discover Yourself Along the Way
ITINERARY
BACKPACKING + MINDFULNESS + HOT SPRINGS + STAR FILLED NIGHTS
Immersed in the rugged beauty of the Los Padres National Forest, you’ll hike along the Sespe River, navigating climbs and descents that reward you with stunning views and quiet, untouched wilderness.
DAILY SCHEDULE:
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ORIENTATION: 4-6pm PT outside of our accommodations in Ventura, CA.
We have booked a beautiful hotel for Saturday evening as our launching pad before hiking in on Sunday.
On arrival day, our retreat will officially start in the afternoon at 4pm. However, you are welcome to show up before that if you want more time to transition.
During orientation we will arrive and ground together, go through gear and food, and prepare to head into the wilderness Sunday morning.
After orientation you are free to enjoy the evening. Walk into town for dinner or rest after a day of travel. Take the time to settle in and organize before we head out.
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Wake up on your own time and take the morning for yourself.
We will meet in the lobby around 10am for any final packing needs and a morning meditation and movement before we hop in the van & shuttle 60 minutes to the trailhead.
Hike 5 miles to our first backcountry campsite. Wahooo!
Set up camp, community circle around the fire, rest into the dreamtime.
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Morning meditation & stretching.
Pack up camp & hike 5 miles with breaks for snacks, lunch & community check-ins along the way.
This will be our first full day in the backcountry and we will begin to orient more towards your intention for coming on the retreat. There will be journaling and deep listening practices woven in throughout the day.
Set up camp knowing it will be home for 2 nights. Perhaps another dip in the river, winding down, evening council & resting deep.
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Option to make an 8-mile round trip day hike to some natural hot springs. Leave camp set-up and carry only the snacks and water you’ll need for the day!
OR rest your bones and soul in the river near camp and take another day to stay slow.
Morning meditation. 1:1 check in’s and time to just be.
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Wake up with the sun & begin your solo, often one of peoples favorite days.
With the support of Zoe + Caitlin you will be fully held in crossing the threshold into noble silence and we are there if you need anything.
No need to make conversation or entertain, simple drop in and commune with the animals, nature, and yourself as we traverse 6 miles of trail.
In the evening, supported by your wild sisters, you will be invited to share your experience of solo around the fire before resting into the dreamtime.
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Another opportunity to start the day with functional movement and meditation.
Give your body what it needs, maybe rest, a stretch, or inner contemplation.
Share a final council in the backcountry together.
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At this point, you’ll know the morning rhythm!
Hike 5 miles out to our vehicles.
Shuttle 60-minutes to our oceanside accommodations near Ventura.
Indulge in a shower and the amenities of the “front country”! Well done!
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Say goodbyes and head home.
WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING
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Alexandra
“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. Wild Minds Retreats 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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Jillian
“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 is an incredible guide brining experience, tenderness, humor, wisdom, and the ability to teach you all along the way.“
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Sam
This was a trip of a life time for me. I loved meeting all the women that 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.
RELATIONSHIP WITH
THE LAND
Dear fellow wild ones,
As we embark on retreat, we will be entering into the Sespe Wilderness, hiking along the Sespe Creek which is in the Los Padres National Forest. These lands and waterways are the ancestral homelands of the Chumash people who have stewarded this land for millenia and continue to do so today.
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.
Wild Minds makes a monthly financial contribution to the Wishtoyo Chumash Foundation as one gesture of reciprocity and solidarity.
We are open to any thoughts or suggestions around this topic.
In solidarity,
Zoe + Caitlin
EMBARK ON A JOURNEY, DISCOVER YOURSELF ALONG THE WAY
FAQ
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If you cancel with 45 days of the retreat, you may receive a full refund minus the $600 deposit.
Once we are within 45 days of the retreat, Wild Minds is unable to re-sell 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 which 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 an unexpected issue. 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 air fair, but no later than a week before the trip.
Some travel insurance providers you can check out are:
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This is our most physically strenuous trip.
What does this mean?
We will have days where we will pack up camp and hike between 4-8 miles a day, with weight and significant elevation change.
This is also a technical trail with river crossings. The river is low but it makes the days longer.
Leading up to the trip it is a good idea to go on some longer hikes (10-15 miles) with a weighted backpack to get your body ready for the trail. We will offer suggestions for how to train if you don’t live somewhere you can easily access hiking.
If you have any questions or concerns, book an interest call here, and we can 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 peoples 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 your shoes/boots in 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 which we will send and receive messages on in case of an emergency. Included in your welcome packet is information about safety and communication.
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The group calls are a really important part of this experience.
In your welcome e-mail will be a link to fill out your availability so we can try and find a time that works best for everyone.
On these calls you will get a chance to
Connect with your new adventure friends
Practice mindfulness and self-compassion techniques that you will use during our trip
Plan how you would like to prepare mentally and physically
Ask questions about packing and gear
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This is a substance-free trip. There is a focus and emphasis on deepening your relationship with yourself and the land. It is also an opportunity to expand your capacity to be with the ups and downs without turning to substances.
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TRANSPORTATION / ACCOMMODATIONS
If flying, you will want to book your flights in/out of Los Angeles Airport (LAX) which is about a 90-minute drive to Ventura where we will gather.
We can arrange to have a shuttle to/from LAX once we know how many folks are interested in this option.
We have accommodations booked for the evening before and after our time in the wilderness where each person will have their own room.
We take transitions seriously and want to make sure you have time to settle and feel supported before heading out on our adventure.
Accommodation pre-and post our backpacking adventure are included in the cost.
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The beautiful thing about these trips is that it draws people from all walks of life and from all over the country that have a shared interest in backpacking, being in nature, and personal growth.
This a women’s trip and we put a lot of emphasis on creating an environment that feels supportive and where we are deepening mindfulness and collective care for ourselves, each other, and the planet.
If you are an introvert, don’t worry, we got you. The great part of being out in nature is that there is a lot of space!
You will have time to be in silence, to go find a rock to sit on, and to cozy up in your personal tent at night.
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In March, the average daily high temps range are in the high-sixties and low temps in the high-forties with minimal rainfall.
We hope to have access to an abundance of water flowing in the river (& hot springs!)
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Nope! We will all have our own tents, unless there’s someone you know that you want to bunk up with 😉.
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This trip is for those over the age of 18.
Have more questions?