photo: Molly Steele
The wilderness pilgrim's step-by-step breath-by-breath walk up a trail... carrying all on the back, is so ancient a set of gestures as to bring a profound sense of body-mind joy. – Gary Snyder
photo: Brandon Scott Herrell
Embark on an intentional wilderness journey through the sublime and seldom-traveled backcountry of Big Sur, concluding at the coastal grounds of the Esalen Institute. Among the fleeting gifts of Spring – free-flowing creeks, boundless wildflower fields and vibrant wildlife – immerse in the wild with an intimate cohort (up to twelve participants), practice awareness and community, and learn fundamental skills to feel at home on the earth.
Over the course of five nights and four full days on the trail, we will embody a contemporary form of pilgrimage, traveling as reverent guests through this sacred wilderness (historic Esselen tribal territory). We will rise with the sun, carry only what we need, wander with presence and curiosity, and gather meaning from our inner and outer landscapes. Much of our time on the trail will be spent in spacious, contemplative, and challenging hiking. As the sun sets behind the mountains, we will share stories and meals by the fire, and sleep beneath a blanket of stars.
Inspired by Esalen’s co-founder Dick Price, who found healing and transformation wandering the Big Sur wild, we will engage Gestalt practices from the Esalen lineage – including group check-ins to help us connect with ourselves, each other, and the land. As we hike and camp, we will engage with what the landscape reveals, encounter philosophies and poetry of the wild, and learn foundational wilderness ethics and backpacking skills.
After our trek, we will arrive at Esalen for a weekend of rejuvenation and integration of our wilderness time. Through the ardor and intentionality of our trek, may we shed some of what no longer serves us, and connect deeply with the sacred, living world.
Please Note: Experience with backpacking or Esalen/Gestalt is not required. Please see eligibility criteria below, and let us know if you have questions about your ability to participate.
Photos from the 2023 Pilgrimage
all photos by Molly Steele
Testimonials
“Profound connections with others, the land, plants and animals in a pilgrimage of self-discovery…” — Anna, 2023 Pilgrimage
“One of my most meaningful and memorable experiences in recent years… What stands out are the deep connections made with all the people on the hike…” — John, 2023 Pilgrimage
“An exquisite, challenging, nourishing, nurturing, beautiful experience.” – Lani, 2023 Pilgrimage
Program Itinerary
Two separate Wild Pilgrimage groups (of 12 people each) will occur over the same timeframe, taking different trail routes. The pilgrimage routes will be decided closer to date, based on early Spring conditions. The hiking itinerary below is offered as a sample, and is subject to change. Regardless, the hikes will unfold over four nights and five days, and conclude at Esalen for a weekend of shared retreat. The thru-hike below covers ~28 miles; we expect any pilgrimage itinerary to be an equivalent level of (moderate to strenuous) difficulty through rugged terrain, in the range of 25-30 miles total.
Photo of Esalen hot spring baths: Amanda Marsalis
Monday, April 29th | Meet in Big Sur at 9am for orientation and to begin our pilgrimage backpacking through the Big Sur Wilderness and beginning to ascend the western slope of the Santa Lucia Mountains. We’ll hike steeply through ancient redwoods to camp beside the river.
Planned mileage for the day: ~5.2
Planned elevation gain/loss: +1695’/-1259’
Tuesday, April 30th | After a morning check-in and awareness practice in Esalen’s Gestalt tradition, we will complete our ascent of the Santa Lucia mountains. This is a rigorous hiking day, so we will mostly be getting into step with the rhythms of the place.
Planned mileage for the day: ~6.6
Planned elevation gain/loss: +2449/-2034’
Wednesday, May 1st | Descending into a new watershed and verdant backcountry ecosystem, we’ll arrive early at camp for more exploration of Gestalt & nature connection practices.
Planned mileage for the day: ~7
Planned elevation gain/loss: +2835’/-2364’
Thursday, May 2nd | Continuing along historic trails, we’ll have a steep climb out of the river valley, responding as we hike to the teachings of the land.
Planned mileage for the day: ~3
Planned elevation gain/loss: +2335 /-634’
Friday, May 3rd | Our last day of hiking will be marked by a very steep descent and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Arriving on the Big Sur coast in the late afternoon, we’ll drive to check into Esalen and share a celebratory dinner.
Planned mileage for the day: ~6.5 miles
Planned elevation gain/loss: +1218 / -2618
Saturday, May 4th | Full day and night at Esalen to enjoy the extraordinary grounds featuring cliffside hot springs, organic gardens, and sweeping ocean views. At Esalen we will meet twice to practice nature connection and awareness, explore the land together, share stories, and integrate our wilderness time.
Sunday, May 5th | Savor a half-day at Esalen, including breakfast and lunch. Meet mid-morning for a closing circle. Depart Esalen by 2:00 PM.
Program Tuition
Sliding scale: $1,750-$2,150
Some scholarship funds are available for Wildtender tuition; if interested, please see more details here. There is also the opportunity to apply through Esalen for scholarship towards your weekend retreat accommodations.
photo: Molly Steele
TUITION INCLUDES
Four-night / five-day guided wilderness pilgrimage
Instruction in Gestalt practice, Big Sur natural history & ecology, eco-philosophy, environmental stewardship, wilderness ethics and best practices, and backpacking essentials
Camp meals and beverages (breakfast & dinner each day)
Shuttling costs
Shared wilderness & safety supplies (maps, satellite communication device, water filters, cooking supplies, first aid, etc.)
Resource list & preparation packet
Preliminary phone call to address any questions or concerns
Guide fees (for Wilderness First Responder certified guides)
TUITION EXCLUDES
Esalen accommodations for the weekend must be booked separately. After registering through Wildtender, you will receive instructions on how to book at Esalen. Esalen’s all-inclusive pricing for the weekend (including meals, lodging, on-campus classes, and access to the hot spring baths) ranges per person from $430 for a sleeping bag space (shared with other participants), $905 for a shared room (two beds, shared with another program participant), $1,090 for a standard room, to $1,570 for a premium room. Accommodation types are currently limited if you have any questions about what remain available, please email us.
Travel to and from program
Lunches and snacks on trail
Personal backpacking equipment. A full packing list will be supplied upon registration, but here are the essential items you will definitely need to buy, borrow or rent: hiking boots, backpacking backpack, lightweight tent, lightweight sleeping bag, lightweight sleeping pad and headlamp.
Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Please read more details here.
Meet your guides
Fletcher Tucker (LEAD GUIDE FOR GROUP 1)
Wildtender Co-Founder Fletcher was raised by the foggy redwood ravines and fragrant chaparral bluffs of the Esselen tribal territory now known as Big Sur, California. Fletcher is a lifelong student of natural history, an ancestral skills practitioner, devotee of trail-craft and minimalist backpacking, an experienced teacher of adults and children, and a multidisciplinary artist.
Fletcher’s inner work includes ongoing exploration in Zen and Taoist practices/philosophy; over a decade of study in the Gestalt lineage of Esalen Institute co-founder Dick Price; and engagement with the Earth-reverent, spiritual practices of his own Celtic and Nordic ancestors.
Fletcher is a NOLS certified Wilderness First Responder.
EMILY LINDERS (LEAD GUIDE FOR GROUP 2)
Emily works as a nature-based psychotherapist under the oaks of Sonoma County. She is a long-term Gestalt Awareness practitioner in the lineage of Esalen Institute co-founder Dick Price, Christine Price and Dorothy Charles. Emily has been guiding with Wildtender since 2019. Her three treasures are: process, wilderness, and nonjudgemental awareness.
Emily is a NOLS-certified Wilderness First Responder.
Other Information
Terms & Conditions (including registration and cancellation terms, and program requirements)
Schedule a Call With Us
Interested in this program but have a few questions? Please use the calendar below to schedule a complimentary 20 minute exploratory call with us. We look forward to hearing from you!