The Wilderness Quest: Solitude Retreat & Inspiring Community For Transformation

Stress, office work, excessive screen time, and spending most of the day indoors all contribute to a feeling of emptiness and lack of purpose. Without moments of stillness and natural connection, it’s easy to feel lost, disconnected, and unfulfilled. If you’ve been living in work-eat-sleep-repeat mode for a few years (or more than a few) and/or you’re feeling like you’re stuck in a rut, it’s time to do something about it. Spending time in the wilderness, whether through retreats or intentional solitude, is a powerful way to restore your inner balance and rediscover purpose.

For four decades, Rites of Passage has been helping people of all cultures and walks of life find meaning by reconnecting with nature, practicing solitude, and engaging in deep self-reflection. Inspired by the traditional vision quest, a rite of passage present in many Native American tribes, their Wilderness Quest will help you achieve personal insights or clarity about your purpose in life. The nine-day retreats are suitable for people of all faiths and cultural backgrounds, with special quests available for men, women, and youths.

Find out more about the life-changing Wilderness Quests at https://wildernessquest.org/why-a-wilderness-quest/

Connect with Nature

By stepping away from your daily routine and everyday distractions, you will be able to focus on your emotions, fears, and dreams, and establish a deeper connection with the natural world and your inner self.

“When we simply drift through life, we lose touch with a meaningful reason for being and connection to a larger purpose,” a representative for Rites of Passage explained. “Our mission is to bring about a healed relationship between the human world and the natural world, as well as the healing of individual, family and cultural wounds.”

Each Wilderness Quest takes place at a remote, scenic location, such as the Inyo Mountains, the Death Valley National Park, and the Eastern Sierras. The program includes guided ceremonies, meditation, singing, journaling, and other practices to help you confront your inner challenges.

Embrace Solitude

The journey begins at a campground where the group bonds, learns about safety, and prepares for the solo experience – the most important part of the quest. You will then find a location where you will spend three days and three nights in solitude.

During the last night of the solo, you will build a circle of stones to represent your life and will remain awake until dawn. This ceremony, known as the Night Vigil, symbolizes death and rebirth. Through deep reflection, you will decide what you’ll bring into your new life, and what you’ll leave behind. After reuniting with the group at base camp, you will share your experience and insights.

Return with a Renewed Purpose

Participants describe the experience as “intensely moving”, “heart-opening”, and “challenging”. In their reviews, many highlight the inspiring and empathetic community, which, through sharing and reflection, helped them to integrate the lessons learned into everyday life.

“This Wilderness Quest experience is life-enriching beyond any retreat, conference or seminar I’ve attended. It is a transformation on many levels,” one participant said. “What a healthy way to tackle and embrace growth and healing on such a significant level.”

Is it time for change? Break free from distractions and rediscover your inner strength. The call of the wilderness is an invitation to transformation—one that, when answered, can change the course of your life. Check the 2025 schedule and book your experience at https://wildernessquest.org/why-a-wilderness-quest/

Rites of Passage

PO Box 8454
Bend
Oregon
97708
United States