Itinerary
Flexible schedule
Wednesday
4:00 pm – 8:00 pm | General arrival and camp setup
6:00 pm – 7:30 pm | Dinner in McCloud (meet at 5:45 in camp to carpool)
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm | Campfire
Thursday
6:00 am – 6:30 am | Sunrise River Dip
9:00 am – 11:00 am | Morning Campfire
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm | Lunch in Mt. Shasta City
3:00 pm – 4:30 pm | Pilgrimage to Squaw Creek
7:00 pm – 8:30 pm | Deer Dance Ceremony
Friday
6:00 am – 6:30 am | River Dip
9:00 am – 10:30 am | Prayer Arrows
2:00 pm – 8:00 pm | Pilgrimage to Mt. Shasta
9:00 pm – 10:00 pm | Campfire
Saturday
6:00 am – 6:30 am | River Dip
9:00 am – 10:00 am | Campfire
11:00 am – 5:00 pm | Pilgrimage to Medicine Lake (bring a lunch)
8:00 pm – 9:00 pm | Campfire
Sunday
6:00 am – 6:30 am | River Dip
9:00 am – 11:00 am | Campfire
11:00 am – 2:00 pm | Pilgrimage to McCloud Falls
7:00 am – 9:00 pm | Closing Ceremony
Monday
6:00 am – 6:30 am | River Dip
8:00 am – 9:00 am | Campfire
10:00 am – 11:00 am | Hugs and “see you laters!”
Everyone must depart camp by noon. Thank you!
Travel
Information for your journey
Where is the gathering located?
The gathering will be held near the towns of McCloud and Mt. Shasta in Northern California at the Fridays RV Retreat
Address: 6 miles South, Squaw Valley Rd, McCloud, CA 96057 Get Directions →
By Air
We do not provide transportation. If you plan on flying, the nearest airport is Redding Regional Airport (RDD), about a 2-hour drive from the camp. San Francisco (SFO) and San Jose (SJC) airports are alternative options. It is approximately a 5-6 drive from the San Francisco area. We recommend renting a car if you are flying into a nearby airport.
By Bus + Train
Amtrak: Dunsmuir Amtrak station is located approximately 30 minutes from the camp, where you can catch the northbound or southbound Coast Starlight passenger train from Los Angeles, CA, to Seattle, WA, via the San Francisco Bay Area.
Bus: There is Greyhound Bus service to Weed, CA, which is located about 30 minutes from the camp.
FAQ + Guide
Tips to ensure a great experience
What are the accommodations?
There are a variety of lodging options for this gathering, though most people choose to camp. RV/Car Camping spots must be booked and paid for separately with the venue. Venue contact information will be provided upon registration.
Meals are not included
What is the activity level of the program?
You can set your own pace, but attendees should be in good health and comfortable walking on level terrain. It can get very warm, and there are options for swimming in rivers + lakes.
What is the weather typically like?
Generally, the typical climate is hot and dry during the day and cooler at night.
The heat adds a unique intensity to the program, though we like to meet in the shade whenever possible. There is a creek that runs along the property with cold mountain water that you can enjoy during breaks.
Do I need to bring anything?
Here is a list of items to bring:
- Anything special you would like to have blessed on the ceremonial altar
- Blanket or camping chair to sit on outdoors
- Tent + sleeping bag (if camping)
- Personal toiletries
- Bath towel + beach towel for swimming
- Layers of clothing (it can get hot in the day and cold at night)
- Hat + sunscreen (we make an effort to meet in the shade)
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Flashlight
- Pocket knife (for making prayer arrows)
Are dogs allowed at this program?
For the well-being of all attendees and our beloved animal friends, dogs are not permitted at our event sessions. Our program includes drumming and rattling sounds that may be unsettling to them.
If you’re considering an RV spot, the venue may accommodate your dog, although breed-specific regulations apply. Kindly inquire with the venue when reserving your spot.
Are there any prerequisites to attend?
This gathering is invite-only. If you are invited, you may inquire about family or friends joining.
When does the program start and end?
The Gathering will begin on Wednesday (July 15, 2026) as an arrival day and conclude on Monday (July 20, 2026) as a departure day.
You may join Part-Time and can select your arrival and departure dates when registering.
Do I need to attend the entire time?
We would love for you to join the entire time, but feel free to come for whatever timeframe works for you.
Will plant medicine be offered?
No, this gathering does not include any type of plant medicine. Although this is indeed an integral part of shamanic traditions, this gathering will focus on the use of pilgrimage, chanting, and the simple profound connection with nature to achieve similar altered states of consciousness.
Will I become a shaman by attending this program?
No, our programs do not provide any type of certification and are not designed to teach people to become shamans, as this requires years of complete dedication through a traditional shamanic apprenticeship. Instead, we aim to provide opportunities to practice shamanism, learn the ancient exercises for spiritual development, and celebrate life in sacred ceremony and ritual.
The practices of shamanism can be integrated into your everyday routine to empower yourself, your community, and all that lives on Mother Earth.
Can children attend?
Yes, any age is welcome.
Children (anyone under 18 years of age) must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
What is Shamanism?
Shamanism is a way of honoring nature. Practiced in various forms around the world by different indigenous tribes, the methods of shamanism are diverse; however, they are unified in their inherent basis in the natural world.
Wixárika Tribe
The Huichol (Wixáritari) are a small indigenous tribe of approximately 35,000, living in the Sierra Madre Mountains of Mexico. They are considered one of the last cultures in North America to have maintained their pre-Columbian traditions to this day.
Shamanic Healing
Inherent to the spiritual traditions of shamanism is the art of healing. Although our programs do not aim to teach people to heal or become shamans, they most definitely provide the tools for personal healing and transformation.