Communal Ceremony
in the
Great Sand Dunes
San Luis Valley, Southern Colorado
September 15-18, 2026
All photos taken by us in Spring of 2026.
We are going somewhere rare and mystical — not only in our bodies, but also in our spirits.
It’s an adventure that tests body, mind, heart, and spirit.
A journey through shifting sands that will re-shape each of us.
Join us in one of North America’s most magical landscapes — a designated Dark Sky region — where our crew of six will leave civilization behind and enter into the wild and spirited unknown.
The Journey
We settle our bones in the rolling expanse of the Great Sand Dunes, open our spirits to the wide sky, and drop in deeper with one another.
A field of lucid presence emerges.
Inside the holding of this exquisite wilderness, ceremony takes place. We anchor in our prayers, our individual practice, and the joy and grace of being with one another.
Communal Ceremony
The communal container is set. A strong holding for you to enter into, with your prayers and your practice. A strong holding that knows the complexity of being a human being in these complex times.
We open with the breath. Honoring the land, this time in our lives, this moment on earth. Honoring the medicines. Honoring one another.
Everything is welcomed here, to be contacted, experienced, seen, felt. We flow between the inner and outer, the simple and the profound. In the liminal space, moving through, letting go.
We engage with hapé and kanna, among other medicines — all allies in opening, grounding, presencing, clarifying, heart-softening.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive 1:30pm to Great Sand Dunes National Park. Opening circle. Hike up and in, 2.5-3 miles. Set up camp for night one. Drop in and land together. Hapè service. Dinner. Sleep.
Day 2: Morning embodiment practice. Light breakfast. Hike to landing spot for all-day communal ceremony. Back at our camp in the early evening. Dinner and sleep.
Day 3: Sunrise dune yoga. Breakfast. Pack up and hike out mid-morning. Caravan to Crestone for a food shop and lunch. Then to Valley View Hot Springs for a mountainside soak and overnight stay. Shared supper.
Day 4: Early morning soak. Shared breakfast. Closing circle with cacao. Depart for home 11am (with the option to stay and soak more).
What’s Included
• Ceremony medicines.
• Backcountry camping permit for two nights.
• Hot Springs entry fee.
• Valley View accommodations.
• Supper on Day 3.
• Breakfast on Day 4.
• Holding and guidance from the two of us.
• Embodiment practices.
What You’re Responsible For
• Your transport to Great Sand Dunes National Park, Crestone, Valley View Hot Springs, and back home.
• Entry fee ($25) into Great Sand Dunes National Park.
• Meals/snacks for Day 1, Day 2, and Day 3 (excluding supper on Day 3).
• Personal drinking water while on the dunes.
• Personal backpack and camping supplies.
• Your physical safety.
Sleeping Accommodations at Valley View
We’ll have a house to ourselves, with two bedrooms — one with two double beds and the other with one double bed. The first three guests to sign up will be guaranteed a bed. The fourth guest will have floor-sleeping.
Cost
$2100
Your spot is secured with a nonrefundable $500 deposit.
Physical Requirements
The dunes average 8,500 feet above sea level, with elevation gain up to 698 ft. The 2.5-3 mile hike to our camp is through a landscape of steep loose-sand slopes and a lot of exposure (potential sun and wind). It could take up to 4 hours (includes rest breaks). We’ll each carry a backpack holding two gallons of water plus all personal supplies (tent, bedding, layers, food, etc).
This combination makes for a physical challenge! Guests need to be in solid shape to make this trek. Cardio and strength pre-training is highly recommended.
Preparation
Packing list here.
September Weather in the Dunes
From the National Park Service:
September averages a high of 71 F and a low of 42 F. Sunny, calm conditions generally prevail except during storms. The midday dune surface can reach very high temperatures.
“The communal ceremony was one of the most life-changing medicine ceremonies I’ve ever had — and I’ve sat in a lot of ceremonies.
I left feeling clearer and more congruent than I really ever have. A deep knowing of my life experiences. A deep trust in myself.”
~ V.L.
Inspired to join?! Contact us.
Let’s see if this expedition is right for you!