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Moab Mindful Running Retreat

Maximize running’s stress-reducing effects with Mindful Running

Guided Mindful Trail Runs | Restorative Yoga | Desert Beauty | Farm-to-Table Dinner | Riverfront Lodge

During the four-day, three-night Moab Mindful Running Retreat, situated in a stunning desert landscape of red rock, soaring cliffs and delicate natural arches, you’ll tune in to what drives you—in running and in life—and make sure that your energy is going into the activities that most feed your soul.

If you’re curious about what mindfulness can do for your health, anxiety and sense of wellbeing, but can’t stand sitting on a meditation cushion, then this retreat is for you! You already value running for keeping you healthy and connecting you to a community of like-minded women, but perhaps you still wonder if there’s more to running than just another finisher’s medal. Then join us in Moab to uncover additional benefits from running mindfully for your mental health, spiritual growth and other layers of meaning.

While it’s not necessary to have run trails before, this retreat is recommended for runners who can comfortably run 8 miles or more on the road. With the support of your retreat leader and running guides, you’ll be able run at your own pace, without needing to keep up with anyone else. You’ll stop frequently to soak up the views, snack and hydrate and savor each mindful moment.

Through our practical clinics, informative discussions, mindful movement and free time for quiet contemplation, you’ll stop the energy drains and divert your energy back into your running. Immerse yourself in the powerful healing energy of this vibrant desert landscape as you run scenic, challenging trails at a pace that is playful, relaxed and social.

Participant Photos + Testimonials

Great Experience

“Our longest run along the Colorado River was something I would have never had the courage to try solo and it was great. I felt challenged yet able to enjoy the amazing scenery. I came away clearly understanding the importance of the Power Posture for my running, and the importance of telling myself a more positive story about my running.”

— Ann Marie W, Denver, CO

Best Things I Have Done for Myself

“This retreat was one of the best things I have ever done for myself. It was a great opportunity to learn from such a knowledgeable and compassionate coach and share my love of running with a fun-loving group of women. I returned home more motivated and inspired about my running. It was very enjoyable running with other women of all ages and hearing others talk about the challenges they were facing. In many cases, we face the same types of challenges so it was comforting to discover this and not feel so alone.”

–Patricia H., Boulder, CO

Retreat was a Dream

“This last week has been a dream. Run Wild Retreats put together a fantastic trail-running trip that improved my form and solidified a lot of what I’ve been thinking about running more mindfully.”
–Tracey S., Atlanta, GA

Organic and Relaxed

“I was concerned about going on a ‘scheduled’ vacation, but it didn’t feel scheduled at all. Everything was so well planned and coordinated, one experience just rolled into the next and I didn’t have to think about anything except having fun. I actually didn’t even realize anything was scheduled or coordinated, it just felt so organic, relaxed and fun!”
–Patricia J.

Glimpse of What's Possible

“Since my return home I have not been able to stop thinking about how much I enjoyed running on the trails in Moab. So much so that I have decided to celebrate my 50 birthday by running a 50 miler. Thanks again for giving me a glimpse into what is possible!”

–Meg G.

Camaraderie, Encouragement and Support

“Before the retreat, I was struggling with low motivation if I wasn’t training for an event and was hard on myself when I didn’t meet my goals. At the retreat I learned how to apply self-compassion to my running.  I loved the camaraderie, encouragement and support.”

–Leslie H., Charlotte, NC

Spectacular Scenery

“It was a wonderful, peaceful four days filled with spectacular scenery, laughter and friendship and physical challenges. It was truly a fabulous experience!”

–Che S.

Eager to Practice Mindful Running

“After spending last weekend on a Run Wild Retreat, I returned home eager to practice mindful running. Today I paid attention to my posture, breathing and any negative thoughts that began to creep in (all part of the body’s response to stress). But managing how I responded to these symptoms allowed me to push past any negative thoughts and I finished feeling strong and well.”

–Nancy U, Washington, D.C.

Running For Me

“I learned to find joy in running again. I also learned to run for me and not worry if I was slow or fast, and also to take care of myself as I run. It was really valuable to learn to run efficiently without wasted energy up hills! Small strides, small strides!”

–Loretta O.

Friends and Lifetime Memories

“It’s more than a running experience. If you allow it to be, it can be a life-altering experience, making friends and lifetime memories. We all have struggles and challenges, but we also have amazing support from each other, nature, universe and so much more strength within us – in mind, body and soul.”

–Stacy G.

Found Confidence

“Sign up! It’s a great opportunity to step outside your comfort zone and surprise yourself.”

–Cristina M.

In Good Hands

Our retreat leader Charlotte was warm, helpful, and so perfectly genuine in her care of all of us and the different challenges we were facing. Incredibly generous on and off trail – I felt we were in such capable hands. Run Wild Retreat’s commitment to their mission and to creating a wonderful experience for all participants is so clear.”

–Dinah B.

Left Feeling Proud

“It’s a retreat for runners – but it is a whole lot more than that. I learned I am a much stronger runner than I gave myself credit for.”

–Wendy G.

Magnificent

If I could give more than 5 stars I would! This trip and experience was magnificent!! Every detail was well thought out and well explained. The leaders and trail guides were phenomenal, kind women who created an environment of support and encouragement and joy. I never did trail running before – but I run on the road at least 4 miles 3-4 times a week. I never felt “less than” or out of place. It was challenging, but doable and fun for me. Moab is ridiculously gorgeous. Ridiculously. And the other participants were amazing and we are still keeping in touch! It was a luxurious and legit retreat – all I ever had to worry about was getting myself where I needed to be on time. Everything else was taken care of. If you’re wavering, stop and book it!! It’s worth every penny and second of time.

–Teresa S.

Highly Recommend

Highly recommend! I attended the Run Wild Retreat in Moab and it was truly amazing. Our retreat leader was phenomenal, and every detail was anticipated and attended to during the entire 4 days. All I had to do was show up and be open to learning from a fantastic group of women, challenging myself to think and run differently, and enjoy the amazing scenery. There were all ranges of running, allowing folks to comfortably run at their own pace. I would definitely book with Run Wild Retreats again!

–Eve L.

Empowering and Unforgettable

I can’t say enough wonderful things about this trip. Empowering, unforgettable, and mentally/emotionally powerful, if I could sign up for each and every one of these retreats I would do so! Between the stunning landscapes, challenging trails, and incredible camaraderie, this trip has been a highlight of my running experience. Thank you to our incredible guides and our wonderful group.

–Caela P.

Start Planning Your Retreat

Moab Mindful Running Retreat (Level II)

• Three nights’ accommodation at the Red Cliffs Lodge
• Daily buffet breakfasts
• Red Cliffs Lodge resort fee
• Three lunches (picnic or casual BBQ)
• Three high-quality restaurant dinners
• Private transportation between the lodge and trails
• Exclusive farm-to-table dinner
• Daily guided mindful runs
• Dedicated Retreat Leader
• Private Restorative yoga class for runners
• Trail snacks/energy food and drinks
• Run Wild Retreats gift bag

Excluded

  • Flights
  • Transportation to/from the airport
  • Alcoholic drinks
  • Other incidentals and personal purchases
  • Guide gratuity
  • Some ground transportation
  • Travel/cancellation insurance
  • Anything else not listed under “What’s Included”

Deposit: $800

Balance Payment Deadline: 90 days before retreat begins

Max Group Size: 16 women

Shared Room Package (per person): $2,795
Private Room Package (per person): $3,295

*Shared room packages have two beds. Solo travelers may choose this option and will be paired with another retreat participant.

If traveling with a friend, you may list your friend as your preferred roommate on your Retreat Participant Intake Form.

You may customize your retreat package with various add-on services.

😊 Find our full booking terms and conditions here. 
😊 This retreat is eligible for Refundable Bookings. Learn more here.

This retreat is rated Level II, which means we recommend you have a base fitness level that allows you to run up to 8 miles at a time on roads. It doesn’t matter how fast or slow you run–really!

  • Daily runs at this retreat range from 5 miles to 9 miles on singletrack trails.
  • Two guides accompany the group to support the different pace groups, so there’s no pressure to run faster than you’re comfortable.
  • Trail running experience isn’t necessary. Your retreat leader provides trail-running tips for running in this terrain.
  • You’ll encounter trails with loose rocks, and some exposure to heights. You can walk/hike trail sections as you need.
  • The trail surfaces are a mix of loose sand, sandstone rock and dirt trail. None of the trails are truly flat–you have to focus on your footing, which is why we stop often to take photos and soak up the views.
  • Trail running shoes and a hydration pack that can carry at least 1.5 L of water are required.

Moab Mindful Running Retreat Itinerary

4 Days, 3 Nights

Day 1  |  Powerful Posture

Your Moab running retreat begins at 2:00 pm at  Red Cliffs Lodge. After checking in and settling into your room, we’ll have an official welcome orientation meeting, during which your retreat leader will review what’s in store for the upcoming days and answer your questions. After the meeting, we’ll carpool (kindly asking for volunteers) to a nearby trail for our first group run. After a short warm up, we’ll pause and practice the key elements of the Power Posture, after which we’ll put these tips into practice during our relaxed shake out run. After freshening up back at the lodge, we’ll enjoy a fresh-prepared meal at the Red Cliffs Lodge’s Cowboy Grill.
Time on trail (including stops and clinic): 60 – 90 minutes 

Day 2  |   Riverview Run

We begin the day with breakfast at the lodge, then meet our guides and drive to the trailhead of today’s run that will eventually take us along the Colorado River. Near the run’s start, our second Natural Running Form Clinic will give you the secret to using breath to regulate pace and efficiency while running uphill. These simple techniques will help us during today’s scenic and rewarding trail run past ancient petroglyphs carved into the rock by the Anasazi people. Today’s run, a 9-mile loop with a long climb in the first half, is actually the most challenging. But your efforts will be rewarded in the second half, which is largely downhill and includes some incredible views over the Colorado River (this run does include brief exposure to heights).
Upon finishing, we’ll enjoy a casual picnic lunch, then drive back to the Red Cliffs Lodge for some downtime. Late afternoon we’ll ask for new volunteers to help us carpool into town for a restorative yoga class for runners (no experience necessary!), followed by dinner at one of Moab’s trendiest downtown restaurants.
Time on trail (including stops): 3 – 4 hours

Day 3  |  Mindful Form at Navajo Rocks

After breakfast at the lodge, we’ll meet our guides again and drive to the Navajo Rocks Trails. Upon arrival at the trailhead, we’ll have our third Mindful Running clinic, then begin our run through some of Moab’s iconic landscapes, including cliffs, monoliths and sage brush. At the halfway point, you may opt to end your run here, or extend your run for another hour or so on rolling trails over sand and rock. Once we return to Red Cliffs Lodge, we’ll have a casual BBQ lunch on the River Deck, followed by free time to freshen up. This evening we’ll have a sharing circle followed by a dinner at Sorrel River Ranch (asking one last time for a few volunteers to carpool for the 5-minute drive), where we’ll enjoy a three-course farm-to-table gastronomic feast.

Time on trail (including stops): 2 – 3 hours

Day 4  |  Feeling Fine at Fisher Towers

After eating breakfast and checking out of our rooms (you can store your luggage in your vehicle or with the front desk), it’s a short drive with our guides to the final out-and-back trail run that is truly a celebration in the simple joy and adventure of running for our own health and happiness.

While it begins with a bit of an uphill hike and some brief exposure to heights (even a short ladder!), this rewarding run is worth the effort to soak up the views and see the soaring Fisher Towers. You can choose to all the way to the trail’s end or turn around at any point along the way. Upon our return to the lodge, you will have some free time to shower and change before we enjoy a catered picnic lunch before our final Sharing Circle, reflections and farewells, wrapping up our Moab running retreat by 12:30 p.m., leaving plenty of time for your airport transfers or travels home.

Time on trail: 2 – 2.5 hours

This program operates under a special recreation permit with the Bureau of Land Management Moab Field Office.
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The total run distance for this retreat will be between approximately 22 and 28 miles. Each day’s run in this itinerary is represented by  time spent on the trail rather than miles run because the mileage covered will depend largely on your run pace. Faster runners will cover more mileage than slower runners in some cases. These run times include breaks to enjoy the views, take photos, eat and drink. The precise route and trails run may change due to changes to trail routes, weather conditions, guide recommendations and other safety considerations.