48th Annual Liberation Yoga Retreat | 2026
A Northern California Retreat
Pathways to Peace
Join us, online or in person, for our 48th annual summer yoga retreat as we explore the pathways to lasting inner peace.
The desire for freedom from suffering is as old as humanity itself. In pursuit of this freedom, ancient sages and teachers across traditions have devoted their lives to understanding and transcending suffering. From their direct experiences, rich teachings and practices have emerged, each offering a pathway to peace and liberation. Yoga is one such pathway: a living science in which each of us explores the teachings within our own lives and experiences. Liberation, Kaivalya, is the realization of our essential true nature — call it God, Reality, Peace, the Self — which results in the cessation of suffering.
Together, we will practice time-tested methods including breath control, yoga asana (postures), and meditation. We will reflect on classical teachings of liberation from the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and explore four doors to liberation as taught in the Yoga Vasishtha: Self-control, Self-inquiry, Contentment, and Satsang.
“The aim of sadhana (spiritual practice) is to realize the Truth.
But what is Truth?
It is God, Reality, Peace, the Self.”
Baba Hari Dass
At this five-day retreat you will experience:
- Opening and closing circles to ground and connect
- Morning and evening arati (ritual of light)
- Vegetarian meals shared in community
- Practices of pranayama (breathing techniques), asana, and meditation
- Presentations and reflections on the theme, Pathways to Peace
- Kirtan (devotional singing)
- Time for wandering the beautiful redwoods and meadows, visiting with old and new friends, or quiet contemplation at the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple
- A yajna (ancient Vedic ritual)
- Optional wellness treatment at Kaya Kalpa Wellness Center (advance reservations recommended)
Spend a long weekend away from the demands of daily life and step into a nourishing space supported by community, nature, and practice. Together, we will walk the pathways to peace and cultivate the inner clarity that opens the door to true liberation.
Ways to attend:
- In-person at Mount Madonna.
Tuition: $495 + accommodations & meals. Minimum 48-hours advance registration required. - Online: Enjoy a rich and engaging program from anywhere in the world!
Tuition: Sliding scale $100+. Advance registration required.
Still curious about what to expect? Take a peek at the preview below for the 47th annual Liberation Yoga Retreat.
Our Campus
The Environment
Northern California
Overlooking Monterey Bay
The Mount Madonna campus is centrally located in California, with close proximity to Silicon Valley, Santa Cruz, and Monterey, and near to the greater San Francisco Bay Area.
The property features miles of beautiful walking or jogging trails through redwood forests and serene meadows with magical sunset viewing points and clear skies for stargazing.
Basic Schedule
| Wednesday, July 1 | |
| 3:00 – 5:30pm | Arrival & Check-in |
| 5:15 – 6:15pm | Dinner |
| 6:00 – 7:00pm | Arati (ritual of light) |
| 7:15 – 8:30pm | Welcome Gathering |
| Thursday, Friday, & Saturday, July 2 – 4 | |
| 5:30 – 6:30am | Shat karma (yogic purification methods) |
| 6:00 – 7:00am | Arati |
| 7:15 – 8:30am | Yoga sadhana (breathing & meditation) |
| 8:45 – 10:00am | Yoga asana (postures) |
| 10:00 – 11:00am | Brunch |
| 11:00am – 1:30pm | Break |
| 1:30 – 3:00pm | Theme presentations |
| 3:30 – 5:00pm | Afternoon asana & meditation |
| 5:15 – 6:15pm | Dinner |
| 6:00 – 7:00pm | Arati |
| 7:15 – 8:45pm | Evening activities |
| Sunday, July 5 | |
| 6:00 – 7:00am | Arati |
| 7:00 – 10:00am | Yajna (ancient Vedic ritual) -or- |
| 7:30 – 9:30am | Yoga sadhana & asana |
| 10:00 – 11:00am | Brunch |
| 11:15am – 12:15pm | Closing Gathering |
| 12:30 – 1:30pm | Check-out of accommodations |
*Please note: Schedule subject to change. Registrants will be notified.
Rates & What's Included
Details & Useful Information
LIBERATION YOGA RETREAT RATES INCLUDING ALL NIGHTS
Adults
Tuition $495 + accommodations & meals. Rates are per person, and are inclusive for all days of the retreat. Rates stated here apply to this retreat only; other retreat and program accommodations pricing may differ. Please note: no unaccompanied minors.
Rates: Retreat rates depend on your choice of accommodations and include meals, registration fees, and access to the Mount Madonna campus.
Arrival & Departure: Plan to arrive and check-in between 3:00 – 5:30 p.m. Check out is at 11:00 a.m.; however, you may stay for lunch following the program closing.
Reservations: Retreats must be booked a minimum of 48 hours in advance.
Meals: Two vegetarian meals are served during retreats, including brunch and dinner. Breads, spreads, and a tea bar are also available between meals.
Accommodations & Meals
Make the Mountain Home
RAM cottages
two and three rooms
The Ram Cottages have easy access to the Wellness Center and many hiking trails. Ram Cottage #1 sleeps four and offers two bedrooms, a small kitchen, one shared full bathroom, and shared living space with an outdoor deck. Ram Cottage #2 sleeps six in three rooms and offers a kitchenette and one shared full bathroom. Ram Cottage #3 sleeps four maximum in two rooms, one queen bed per room, and offers a kitchenette and one shared full bathroom. Prices are based on stated occupancy.
Guest Rooms
Single, Double, or Triple
These simple, hotel-style guest rooms are located in three buildings across the campus. Some rooms include ensuite bathrooms; those that do not have access to nearby shared bathrooms and showers, private while in use. All rooms feature wifi and are furnished with single or queen beds. There are no phones or TVs in any of the guest rooms. Prices are based on stated occupancy.
Rustic Cabins
Single or Double
Our simple rustic cabins are located in the Oaks Campground. They are a short 10-minute walk uphill from the Conference Center, but have a feeling of being more remote. Cabins sleep two people and feature electricity and heat but no wi-fi or indoor plumbing. All beds are singles. A separate shower house is nearby, containing private showers and dressing rooms, and flush toilets. If this sounds a bit rustic, please consider booking a room in the Conference Center. Prices are based on stated occupancy.
Yurts
Single or Double
Located in the Oaks Campground, a 10-minute walk up the hill from the Conference Center, our yurts sleep 2 people and have electricity and heat, but no plumbing and no wi-fi. A yurt is a cozy, circular space provided by a wood structure and canvas walls. Each yurt is situated on a wooden platform, and is outfitted with a comfortable queen- or twin-size beds, linens, towels, warm comforters and blankets. A separate bathhouse with private flush toilets and shower rooms is nearby. The yurts are a short distance from the associated parking area. Note that high levels of rainfall November – April may affect yurt accessibility (walking path is available year-around).
Own Vehicle
Parking Space
Regular size parking spaces are available for your van, camper or other vehicle. Vehicles must not exceed 24 ft in length. There is no access to electricity. Showers and restrooms are available in campgrounds and Center buildings. To ensure a comfortable stay, please bring all personal items you will need, including towels, as these are not provided. Prices are based on stated occupancy.
Camping
Bring your own tent
Developed campsites are available for people who wish to bring their own tent. Sites offer access to showers and flush toilets. To ensure a comfortable stay, please bring all personal items you will need, including towels, as these are not provided. Although camping is usually available year-round, please be aware that we can receive significant amounts of rain from November through May.
Commuting
Drive yourself
Commute from off-campus each day and attend the full program, including all meals and activities.
