CowGirl Wild with Wolves in Southern California

CowGirl Wild:
All Ages
Women Rising Wild Retreat
with hiking, horses, and wolves
Julian, California
October 11–13, 2024
with extend your stay options

Welcome to CowGirl Wild– a multigenerational Women Rising Wild retreat with hiking, horses, and wolves in the rugged and scenic, SoCal town of Julian located just over an hour east of San Diego, California. This all ages event is for mothers with young daughters and adult women. Our retreat is an all inclusive 3 day / 2 night event with an option to extend your stay by booking accommodations for Sunday night. This event is hosted by Melissa Lynn Reed, a wildlife ecologist, retreat leader, and yogini with over 20 years of experience guiding transformational and therapeutic science and adventure programs for youth and adults outdoors.

While doing research and planning this all ages event, a very special vision arose for us. This retreat is like a fairytale. Venture with me into the mythical dreams of the inner heart where magical forests with horses, wolves, and courageous girls and women live wildly together with hearts wide open and ready for adventure, altruistic purpose, and joy. Awaken to remember, we are the heroes of the story. Join me and the horses and the wolves among the trees at the little castle in the woods in Julian October, 2024.

Event Details

Time: Meet in the town of Julian at noon Friday for caravan to our retreat site. Our time together concludes Sunday at 1pm. Women and girls may extend their stay by adding accommodations for Sunday night. Specific details and directions will be provided after registration.

Location: This retreat takes place in Julian, California. The town of Julian and surrounding parks encompass thousands of acres of protected natural areas with hundreds of miles of trail to explore. Julian boasts delightful eateries, charming shops full of local art, and live music on weekends. With extra time in Julian you can visit the historic mine and try your luck with gold panning. And when the weather is warm, paddle and play at Cuyamaca Lake or take a dip in Cedar Creek Falls. The closest major airports servicing the area are San Diego, John Wayne, and Ontario International Airports. The average daytime high in Julian in mid October is in the mid 70’s. The average nighttime low is in the mid 40’s. Weather this time of year is often sunny with little to no rain. Learn more and plan your extended stay at VisitJulian.com

CowGirl Wild Retreat Activities

♥ 3 full days of nature connection and multigenerational sisterhood
♥ Choose a private bedroom in our mountain castle estate, sleep under the stars on the deck, or tent camp in the forest for more adventure
♥ Tour California Wolf Center to learn about wolf conservation, ecology, and behavior. Participate in a staff-led enrichment encounter with wolf ambassadors. Volunteer in an ecostewardship project on the grounds.
♥ Visit Villa Chardonnay Ranch. Learn about their rescue work and the lives of the horses and domestic farm animals who have their home at the sanctuary.
♥ Horseback riding and animal playshops to inspire compassionate and meaningful connection with the more than human world
♥ Hiking, wildlife viewing, forest bathing
♥ Earth dance, yoga, and moving meditation
♥ Singing, drumming, restorative sound bath
♥ Campfire and s’mores
♥ Meditative archery
♥ Creative arts for reflection and integration of our experiences together
♥ Storytelling
♥ Afternoon Tea Service
♥ Sunday Wild Woman Fairytale Farewell Brunch
We are fairytale queens and princesses. We are the heroes of our stories. Together, we celebrate life and our individual and collective creativity, wisdom, and strength. We are compassionate, honest, playful, adventurous girls and women who help others, animals, and the earth to make a sweeter and happier world. It’s time to party then say farewell.

Investment for CowGirl Wild

♥ Private Room Registration: $1600 per adult
♥ Double Occupancy Registration: $1100 per adult
♥ Mother/Daughter Registration: $1500 plus $300 per child under 18. Mothers and daughters will be assigned to one room. Children may also have a slumber party in a common area of the home with adult permission.
♥ Optional Sunday night lodging puls meals: $330 per adult. Youth fee is waived.
♥ Prefer to tent camp or sleep unders the stars? $1080 per adult

What’s Included

♥ 5 organic meals prepared as a village. These include: dinner on Friday; breakfast, lunch, and dinner on Saturday; and brunch on Sunday. Vegan and gluten-free options are available.
♥ 2 nights camping or luxury lodging accommodations in a private castle-like home in the forest
♥ Private Telegram Group for connection, planning, and sharing reflections and photos
♥ $30 donation to Mary’s Grace Scholarship for single moms and survivors of domestic violence
♥ Membership donation to California Wolf Center
♥ Horseback riding with Integrity Stables

Our Private Castle Accommodations in the Woods

What’s Not Included

♥ Transportation to and from retreat is not provided.
♥ Optional massage, private healing sound bath, or spa treatment. Message for details.
♥ Sunday night lodging. This add-on is $300/adult.
♥ Travel Insurance is recommended for this event. Please review our cancelation policy before registering for this event. Though cancellations are rare they can happen. The deposit and registration fees paid for this event are non-refundable. Travel Insurance can cover non-refundable travel costs in case you or we cancel or postpone this event due to force majeure. Be sure to select the level of protection that is appropriate for your personal situation. Outward Travel can assist you in obtaining travel insurance for this event or you may purchase it elsewhere.
♥ Personal Travel Advisor: We have partnered with Outward Travel to help you coordinate all of your travel needs for our events. Jeoff at Outward Travel said “We are here to ensure that your logistics are well supported so you don’t have to worry about the details and you can focus on having a meaningful experience before, during, and after your retreat.” Please reach out to them for more information at 720-828-7665 or go@outward.travel

Personal Supplies and Equipment

♥ View packing list here soon

Inclusivity Statement

♥ This all ages event is for anyone who seeks to nourish their feminine qualities and deepen into embodiment of the wild spirit residing within us all. This experience is meant to be uplifting, friendly, playful, and most importantly safe for everyone. By attending this event, participants agree to inclusivity and co-creating a welcoming space for all people, plants, animals, and the earth. We agree to respect ourselves and each other at our intersections in all dimensions including mind, body, emotion, energy, and spirit. Read more…
♥ Individuals with mobility limitations are invited to contact us directly to discuss accessibility at our event locations.
♥ Wild Heart Revival events are substance free. Use of alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, and mind altering substances is prohibited. We welcome you just as you are, unaltered, and in your true nature while on retreat with us.

Meet our Founder and Visionary for Women Rising Wild

Melissa Lynn Reed is the visionary for Women Rising Wild and founder of Wild Heart Revival, LLC. She is a fourth generation healer and transformational wilderness guide. Melissa holds a BA and MS in ecology and she is presently pursuing her doctorate in psychology with a focus in consciousness and spiritual studies. Melissa has over 30 years experience as a wildlife biologist specializing in studies of rare and endangered mammals. Melissa is a seasoned tracker, master medicine weaver, yogini, and mystic with deep and intimate ties with nature. She has led more than 200 nature-based workshops and guided more than 80 multi-day science and adventure retreats for more than 2000 adults and children. Summer 2024 Melissa hosted her 24th transformational Women Rising Wild wilderness retreat.
Have Questions about Cowgirl Wild in California? Every registration begins with an email and discovery call. Schedule a conversation with our organizers.