Balanced Rock Foundation - El Portal, California

Paula W.

Balanced Rock is the BEST! Their donation-based community yoga classes in Yosemite are so much fun and offer a lovely wellness opportunity in an area without many yoga options. The guided hikes + yoga always offer a fresh perspective on Yosemite as a sacred place with potent transformational qualities. I first took Balanced Rock's yoga teacher training in 2012, and I'm still so grateful for all I learned and for the continued connection with this vitalizing community of wild yogis, adventurers and lovers of life!

Sarah O.

I participated in a Balanced Rock retreat in 2014, and I have only positive things to say about my experience! The facilitated meditation, yoga, reflection and writing was extremely meaningful and ushered me into a new season rejuvenated and with a refreshed mindset. The food was healthy and incredibly delicious (not overly healthy, just the right balance with tons of options). I was particularly impressed with the staff/instructors, who have wisdom and experience to offer and yet remain humble and playful. And who can complain about all of this IN YOSEMITE! What a gorgeous backdrop for a transformational experience!

Anna F.

I can write a book about how life-enriching Balanced Rock is. I first fell in love with this organization in 2010, after meeting the co-founders. I have never met healthier, more radiant, generous, genuine, self-actualized, or in-tune human beings! They are both healers, yogis, and climbers who are deeply connected to nature. Their presence alone is inspiring, and their classes, retreats, and trainings are transformational.

I have taken several classes from their community yoga program and have attended most of their all-day yoga workshops, and have loved them all. I have also been on three of their camping/backpacking retreats in/around Yosemite National Park, which are the absolute best. Balanced Rock has led me to the most breathtaking lands, with the most wonderful groups of people. They always serve delicious meals, usually around a fire, and guide yoga practices over glacially-polished granite and under wide-open blue skies. These retreats are the best kind of decadence -- the kind that nourishes one's entire being.

I am very grateful for all of my BR experiences. I've learned a lot about camping, backpacking, and yoga, but more importantly, I've learned how to really take care of myself. Spending time in nature, hiking and/or doing yoga with friends (new or old), with good food, is the one of the best recipes for a happy, balanced, and healthy life.

Looking forward to my next retreat!

Dre C.

Balanced Rock is a wonderful community ran yoga group that does everything possible to accommodate the needs of their students. They go above and beyond to make sure students have a positive and loving experience. I took the teacher 200hr training with them and I am truly impressed with how invested they are in the success of their students. I did an immersion program that included camping and backpacking, and I just don't know how they did it so well! They taught pranayama, asana, yoga history, and more while making sure everybody's basic needs were met in the front country and back country. Yosemite is the best yoga studio and we are lucky we are able to enjoy it. If you want an authentic and spiritual journey, signed up for a balanced rock program! Namaste

Anne B.

To do yoga amidst the grandeur of Yosemite National Park next to the Tuolumne River with incredibly skilled teachers is a gift. I did a camping and hiking and yoga program in the high country of Yosemite two summers ago. The food, the hiking, the group..all were superlative.

Nicole B.

The setting was beautiful, inspiring, and peaceful, the food was amazing, and the people were off the charts wonderful to spend time with! I felt nurtured and supported while I had space for my own journey. I have done a few courses with Balanced Rock and I look forward to partaking in more!

Melissa D.

Going through Balanced Rock for my yoga teacher training was food for my soul. The time I spent in the program deepened me as both a yoga teacher and a human being. I emerged transformed.

Eliza K.

Amazing instructors and food. And you can't beat Yosemite, especially with the local knowledge the staff bring to each course.