Finding Sanctuary in Nature: A Guided Hiking Retreat in Big Sur

Finding Sanctuary in Nature - A Guided Hiking Retreat with Gary Marcoccia

“Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is going home; that wilderness is a necessity; and that mountain parks . . . are fountains of life,” wrote John Muir.

We often hear nature described as being a sacred place or a place where we can retreat for sanctuary. In this workshop, you will learn specific techniques for allowing the softness of nature to re-center you and reconnect you to the calm, sanctuary, well-being, and wholeness that’s within you. You will also learn the approaches, warmups, and mindsets that will allow you to discover what John Muir calls our “home” and “fountain of life” in the wilds, amidst the wildflowers.

Our two four-mile hikes will traverse the undulating trails of the Big Sur coastline where we will be surrounded by Mother Nature’s teachers adorned in foliage, fur, and feathers -- we will find comfort in their presence and guidance in their lessons.

Come enjoy wholesome food, get your heart pumping in the pure sea air, and spend time hiking in the wild beauty of Big Sur and in the stillness of prayer and the sacred silence of New Camaldoli. Reenergize and renew in ways that only contemplation in nature can provide!

Please note that registration is for the guided hiking retreat only and does not include a room. To reserve your room, AFTER receiving your hiking retreat confirmation email, please contact the Guest Ministry at the Hermitage at : reservations@contemplation.com to reserve one of the rooms set aside only for hiking retreat guests.

You must provide your own transportation, or arrange to carpool with others to and from hiking trailheads.

Due to the high demand, limited space and extensive planning required, tickets for the hiking retreat are non-refundable. Refunds will only be issued if the event is canceled by the organizer.

This hiking retreat schedule is designed to allow for participation in much of the liturgical schedule of the Hermitage, as well as maximizing hiking time, allowing time for silence/solitude and personal reflection and avoiding Friday and Monday traffic:

Hiking Retreat Schedule

Saturday May 25th arrival, check-in @ 4:00pm

Evening group meeting at 7:05pm (immediately following Vespers/Meditation)

Sunday May 26th day hike departing after Lauds and 11am Mass. We may not be back in time for Vespers on this day.

Evening group meeting 7:05pm (immediately following Vespers/Meditation)

Monday May 27th day hike departing after Lauds and returning before Vespers

No evening group meeting on Monday

Tuesday May 29th departure, check out of room before 9am. Retreatants are welcome to stay on-property until 1:15pm, after lunch.

Morning group meeting 9am

*Group Meetings take place in the Chapter Room, behind the chapel; Although all hiking paces are welcome, participants must be able to complete two intermediate-level four-mile hikes. More information and a waiver will be sent upon registration, or you're welcome to email questions to: hikingintospirit@gmail.com

Hermitage Liturgical Schedule

Monday through Thursday:
5:30 am – Vigils
7:00 am – Lauds
5:00 pm – Vespers with Mass (meditation afterward)

Fridays:
5:30 am – Vigils
7:00 am – Lauds
11:30 am – Mass
6:00 pm – Vespers (meditation afterward)

Saturdays:
6:30 am – Lauds with Mass
12:10 pm – Midday Office of Readings
6:00 pm – Vespers (meditation afterward)

Sundays & Solemnities:
5:30 am – Vigils
7:00 am – Lauds
11:00 am –Mass
5:00 pm – Vespers (meditation afterward)

(On certain days and special occasions, the liturgical schedule may change. Visitors may want to call first to confirm times. The prior will adjust per absences and feasts at his discretion).

Evening Meditation:
Monks and guests are encouraged to practice thirty minutes of silent meditation together in the rotunda of the chapel each evening following Vespers.

Prayer and Meditation takes place in the Chapel

Questions? Contact:

NCH Program Director, Louise, at: louise@contemplation.com or

Retreat Guide, Gary, at: hikingintospirit@gmail.com

Retreat Guide, Gary Marcoccia

Gary is a long-time friend of New Camaldoli Hermitage. He is a tenured professor and an accomplished naturalist. Through his work with nonprofits, retreat venues, and adventure outfitters, Gary teaches people how they can heal and nourish their minds, bodies, and spirit by reconnecting with the sacred through time spent in nature.

For more info about Gary, please go to www.hikingintospirit.com