FAQ’s
On this page you will find some answers to common questions about Wildtender day-hiking retreats at Tassajara. If you have a specific question that is not answered below, or question about your own physical health/ability, please don’t hesitate to e-mail us. Thank you for your interest.
How difficult are the hikes?
The retreat will feature a variety of hikes, with varying levels of difficulty up to a strenuous level. Daily hikes will be 3-7 miles in length and include significant elevation gains and losses (up to 1,500 feet). The hiking terrain around Tassajara is often steep, rugged, uneven and sometimes requires pushing through light brush. Hikes may require crossing logs, bridges, or wading through shallow water with uneven footing.
Am I fit or young/ old enough?
Our workshops are open to individuals over 18 years of age, with varying fitness and experience levels. Our workshops can accommodate different hiking paces, whether you are a fast or slow hiker. However, participants should be free of bodily injury or impairment, comfortable with the description in the above section, and willing to get sweaty and a little dirty! If you have specific questions about your health or ability, please email us.
What kind of physical training do you recommend?
Regular exercise and preparation leading up to our week together will likely mean you get more out of the experience. Here’s what we recommend…
Exercise. We suggest 45-60 minutes of cardio exercise 3-4 times a week – swimming, running, biking, etc. Get that heart pumping!
Take a hike! Take as many 5+ mile hikes as you can in your planned hiking boots/shoes and socks! That said, listen to your body and don’t work out so much that you’re exhausted before our week together.
Stretch. Make sure you stretch 5-10 minutes before and after hiking, paying special attention to your legs, hips, shoulders, and back.
Eat healthy food, drink lots of water. Proper hydration actually takes a few days, so make sure you are drinking lots of water a few days before our program begins.
What will the weather be like?
Summer in the Tassajara is usually hot and dry, but temperatures fluctuate greatly depending on time of day. Morning temperatures could range in the low 50’s, with temperatures climbing in the afternoon, perhaps peaking in the 90’s, evenings cool down significantly. Rain is not likely. We will offer hikes rain or shine, as long as it is deemed safe. Please check the projected forecast for the weather a few days before packing.
What will we eat on the trail?
All meals will be provided by Tassajara. For 5-day workshops, we will have picnic lunches on the trail every day. All meals at Tassajara are vegetarian.
What should I pack?
A program specific packing list will be sent to you several weeks before your workshop. Below is a list of items needed for all hiking programs.
Hiking Boots or Shoes – appropriate footwear is essential for safety and comfort; hiking boots should be broken-in, lightweight, supportive and have good tread.
Socks – Technical hiking socks are excellent for wicking away moisture. Make sure they fit well in your hiking boots/shoes.
Sun Protection – hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
Day Pack – large enough to carry your layers of clothing, water, and some shared food (Tassajara will provide us with ingredients to assemble picnic lunches).
Water Bottle(s) – able to hold at least two liters.
Long Pants – lightweight, comfortable, and breathable. Please no jeans or shorts.
Shirts – lightweight long-sleeves or t-shirts.
Warmer Top Layers (for cool mornings) – lightweight fleece, down jacket or sweater/sweatshirt.
Second Pair of Shoes or Sandals – best not to wear your hiking boots except when hiking to prevent tiring out your feet. A second pair of shoes or sandals will be necessary for your time at Tassajara.
Do you have recommendations for psychospiritual preparation?
Some thoughts on how you could begin to prepare your mind and spirit for our week of practice and wilderness:
Start to unplug yourself from media and technology, less screen time.
Take some time to reflect on why you signed up for this workshop, on your hopes, concerns, and intentions for your time at Tassajara and in wilderness.
Sit in silence outdoors for five minutes everyday and open your senses to what you see, hear, smell, taste, feel.
Make space for the practices that nourish you and make you feel more connected with yourself and the Earth.
Set appropriate boundaries with work and relationships so you can take proper care of yourself before, during and after our workshop.
Plan your days so that you can have a spacious packing and travel experience.