July 31 – August 4, 2026

Friday – Tuesday

Yoga Classes Taught by Leah Gillman & Gordon Jonas

Assisted by Karen Johnson

Escape to a remote mountain town at the base of the Sierra Buttes in Tahoe National Forest. Sierra City is a charming old gold mining town, population 225, and a 3.5 hour scenic drive from Oakland.

OUR HOMEBASE

The Sierra City Community Hall is a sweet, rustic venue located just off Main Street. It’s a grand, 40′ x 50′ room and its ceilings are 22′ high in the center, 13′ at the side walls, so you’ll never feel cramped. It has impressive log construction and beautiful wood floors.

YOGA

In a week of balanced practice that includes asana, movement, breathwork, and relaxation, we’ll have more physically active morning classes and more restful, rejuvenating evening classes.

Classes will accommodate all levels with the expectation that students are in relatively good physical condition and familiar with the asanas and transitions common to vinyasa yoga. Students are (always) encouraged to modify the practice to meet their needs.

HIKING, LAKE SWIMMING (& OTHER GREAT IDEAS)

By mid summer the local lakes, fed by snow melt, are inviting and usually just warm enough to swim in. On each full day of the retreat we will go to the Lakes Basin Area, an easy 10 – 20 minute drive from Sierra City. Some of our destination lakes have parking lots for easy access, others require a hike. Though these hikes are relatively short, the terrain can be challenging and at 5 to 8500’ feet elevation.

Swimming is a fun option that requires minimal equipment. Maybe you’d also like to bring up a paddle board or small boat? Inflatable ones can be relatively inexpensive and easy to transport. There is an option for boat rental at Lower Sardine Lake. Many lakes are directly accessible by car, boat-able, paddle board-able and on our route.

Want to hike or bike more than swim? No problem, Leah can help you pick a trail.

NOTE: There will be no lifeguard on duty, so bring and use flotation devices as needed, swimming or partaking in any activities, specifically water activities, is at your own risk.

NOTE: The tuition for this retreat is not “all inclusive”, read on!

ACCOMODATIONS

The Buttes Resort is a quaint cluster of cabins that sits above the North Yuba River just two blocks from the Community Hall. The cabins, most with a fully stocked kitchenette, are being held for our retreat. All cabins may appear as booked for July 31 – August 4 because they’re reserved for our retreat. We will have a special link soon for you to use to make your reservation. Or, contact Jim & Rosa directly.

MEALS

Except for dinner at Leah’s on Thursday, meals are not included in the cost of the retreat, but the two sit-down restaurants in Sierra City are expecting you! The Red Moose Cafe, located just one block from the Community Hall will be open 8:00am – 3:00 pm. The Sierra Pines Resort restaurant is 1/2 mile from the Community Hall, or from Buttes Resort. It’s open for breakfast 8 – 11:00 am and from 5 – 8:00pm is the restaurant in town serving dinner. Also, the General Store, right next door to the Community Hall, sometimes serves at their deli counter.

Even if you plan to dine out for every meal, you might like to bring light breakfasts, and you’ll surely want snacks for the hikes!

BODYWORK

Leah will offer two, one-hour bodywork sessions at 10:00 & 11:00 a.m. for $100 per session on Friday, Saturday & Sunday.

SCHEDULE (subject to change)

Friday

4:00 – 5:00 pm Yoga Class with Gordon

5:00 Burrito Bar dinner at Leah’s house

Saturday

8:00 – 9:30 am Yoga Class, with Leah

10:00 – 11:00 Available Bodywork Session

11:05 – 12:05 Available Bodywork Session

12:30 pm Meet at the Buttes Resort parking lot for the Suggested Activities

7:00 – 8:00 Restful Yoga, led by Leah

Sunday

8:00 – 9:30 am Yoga Class, with Gordon

10:00 – 11:00 Available Bodywork Session

11:00 – 12:00 Available Bodywork Session

12:30 pm Meet at the Buttes Resort parking lot for the Suggested Activities:

7:00 Restful Yoga, Led by Gordon

Monday

8:00 – 9:30 am Yoga Class with Leah

10:00 – 11:00 am Bodywork Session (BOOKED)

11:00 – 12:00 Available Bodywork Session

12:30 pm Meet at the Buttes Resort parking lot for the Suggested Activities:

6:00 pm Group Dinner at Sierra Pines Resort (cost not included in tuition)

Tuesday

8:00 – 9:30 am Yoga Class with Leah

Four quick steps to sign up…

1) REGISTER

2) TUITION

Tuition covers the cost of classes, hikes, Friday’s dinner and general retreat facilitation. Accommodations, all other meals, travel insurance (required), bodywork sessions, boat rental, travel and any other costs are not included in the tuition. Need a payment plan? Let Leah know what will work best for you!

$400 When registered and paid (at least a $100 deposit) by June 19th

$500 When registered and paid (at least a $100 deposit) after June 19th

Payment Options:

Venmo: @Leah-Gillman-1 (Last four digits for confirmation: 3450)

Zelle: 510leahg @ gmail.com (without the spaces)

PayPal

CANCELLATION POLICY

After June 19, 2026 tuition payments are non-refundable, regardless of the reason.

3) BOOK YOUR STAY

Book your stay at the Buttes Resort, there will be a special link for reservations during our dates coming soon. Or, contact Jim & Rosa directly.

4) TRIP INSURANCE

You are required to purchase trip insurance for this event by June 19th. This is the most affordable way for us to keep the cost of the retreat down while ensuring that you’ll be covered in the event of a medical emergency, or if you’re unable to attend.

OTHER ITEMS

Book bodywork with Leah ahead of time, if you like. Choose from the “Available Bodywork Session” days/times listed in the schedule above, they do tend to fill up.

You’ll be required to sign a Release of Liability Form prior to the retreat.

Want to bring someone with you who won’t be participating in the yoga, bodywork and/or the hiking? a partner? maybe a kid? a dog? Great! Fill out your registration form accordingly!

Closer to the retreat date, you’ll receive an email regarding what to bring and how to get here.