October 21 – 25, 2026
Wednesday – Sunday
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 five days 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
Afternoons are free time. There are wonderful opportunities to sit by the river or a lake for writing, reading, or contemplation. Leah is happy to share recommendations for local hikes and other ways to enjoy the surrounding area during your free time.
October is the locals’ favorite time of year; the weather is typically cool and comfortable, making it an ideal season to explore the mountains and enjoy the outdoors.
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 October 21 – 25 because they’re reserved for our retreat. Use this special link for to make your reservation. Or, contact Jim & Rosa directly if you’re interested in sharing a cabin with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a shared kitchen, to save on cost.
MEALS
Except for dinner at Leah’s on Wednesday, 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 & 11:05 a.m. for $100 per session on Thursday, Friday & Saturday.
SCHEDULE (subject to change)
Wednesday
4:00 – 5:00 pm Yoga Class with Gordon
5:30 Burrito Bar dinner at Leah’s house
Thursday
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
Friday
8:00 – 9:30 am Yoga Class, with Gordon
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 Restful Yoga, Led by Gordon
Saturday
8:00 – 9:30 am Yoga Class with Leah
10:00 – 11:00 am Available Bodywork Session
11:05 – 12:05 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)
Sunday
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, Thursday’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 September 9th
$500 When registered and paid (at least a $100 deposit) after September 9th
Payment Options:
Venmo: @Leah-Gillman-1 (Last four digits for confirmation: 3450)
Zelle: 510leahg @ gmail.com (without the spaces)
CANCELLATION POLICY
After September 9th, 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 September 9th. 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.
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Leah Gillman 