Journey through the Sacred Southwest
Journey through the Sacred Southwest
Up to 10 in group
September 17 - 25, 2026
Retreat Highlights
- A private day at the Sacred Land Sanctuary in Crestone, CO with renowned shaman and Way of Nature founder John Milton
- Autumn Equinox at Chaco Canyon with indigenous guide Kialo Winters
- Rare access to Ute Mountain Tribal Park and its ancestral cliff dwellings with indigenous guide Rickey Hayes
- A private tour of the extraordinary Tara Mandala Tibetan Buddhist Retreat Center
- Soaking in pure healing waters at Joyful Journey Hot Springs, the most beautiful hot springs in North America
- The historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad through the beautiful Rocky Mountains during the golden Autumn time
- Sacred landscapes, ancient cultures, and some of the Southwest's most stunning natural beauty
- Meaningful connection, ceremony, and cultural immersion that few travelers have the opportunity to enjoy
About this Retreat
Founder of Mystical Nature Journeys, Author of Why The Sunflower Smiles, Spiritual Guide, And Pilgrimage Leader. For over 14 years, Kristina has run a sacred travel company leading others on pilgrimages to connect with nature and ancient indigenous wisdom including journeys to Egypt, Bhutan, Peru, Ireland, and beyond. Learn More About Kristina here.
One of the founding fathers of the environmental movement, John P. Milton has studied extensively many of the world's great spiritual traditions with enlightened masters and in deep communion with Nature. John's love of Nature led him to do his first vision quest at the age of seven. Through Way of Nature, John introduces students to the power of immersing oneself alone in Nature and Spirit, and allowing the innate wisdom of our Three Natures (Outer, Inner and True Nature) to emerge. John is a frequent lecturer, workshop/retreat leader, meditation teacher, T'ai Chi, Qigong and Tantra Master and author of many books.
Kialo Winters is a Diné (Navajo) cultural guide, entrepreneur, artist, and educator based in Northwest New Mexico. As the founder of Navajo Tours USA, he shares the history, traditions, and sacred landscapes of the American Southwest through the lens of Indigenous culture and lived experience.
A traditional fancy dancer, beadwork artist, and photographer, Kialo is passionate about helping visitors develop a deeper connection to the land, its stories, and the wisdom it holds.
At Chaco Canyon, Kialo will share his deep knowledge of Indigenous astronomy and the profound significance of the Autumn Equinox within the Ancestral Puebloan worldview — a perspective rarely accessible to outside visitors.
Rickey Hayes is the highly respected head interpretive guide at Ute Mountain Tribal Park in southwestern Colorado, near Towaoc. A member of the Ute Mountain Tribe, he is celebrated for his patience, infectious personality, and deep knowledge of Ancestral Puebloan and Ute history.
Rickey has a rare gift for coaxing history from the stones themselves — sharing spiritual oral traditions, creation stories, and family histories that bring these ancient landscapes to vivid life. On this journey, he will guide us into remote cliff dwellings, rock art sites, and ancient kivas rarely seen by the general public, and will teach us his own practice of listening to and communicating with the stones — a profound transmission that few outside visitors have ever been offered.
Details of this retreat
An intimate pilgrimage through sacred landscapes, ancient civilizations, and living Indigenous traditions.
Guided by Kristina Wood
(Founder of Mystical Nature Journeys & Pilgrimage Guide)
Plus special guest guides:
John Milton from the Way of Nature
+ Indigenous Diné Guides Rickey Hayes & Kialo Winters
This is more than a sightseeing tour of the American Southwest. It is an exclusive, carefully curated pilgrimage through sacred landscapes, ancient cultural sites, and hidden spiritual treasures—many rarely experienced by the general public.
Guided by Kristina Wood
(Founder of Mystical Nature Journeys & Pilgrimage Guide)
Plus special guest guides:
John Milton from the Way of Nature
+ Indigenous Diné Guides Rickey Hayes & Kialo Winters
This is more than a sightseeing tour of the American Southwest. It is an exclusive, carefully curated pilgrimage through sacred landscapes, ancient cultural sites, and hidden spiritual treasures—many rarely experienced by the general public.
Getting Here
Accommodation
Program Price
What's Included
- Ground transportation from Denver International Airport to the Hilton hotel in hotel shuttle van
- All ground transportation in our private, air-conditioned 15-passenger van
- 8 nights in charming hotels and Airbnb lodging from Sept 17 - Sept 25, 2026
- Meals as described in the Itinerary — 7 breakfasts, 1 brunch, 4 lunches, 4 dinners
- Joyful Journey Hot Springs soak
- All-day shamanic program with John Milton in Crestone, CO
- Rare access & guided experience through Ute Mountain Tribal Park with elder Rickey Hayes
- Chaco Canyon tour with our Native, Navajo guide Kialo Winters
- Visit to Tara Mandala Tibetan Temple
- Chimney Rock National Monument
- Historic Durango & Silverton narrow-gauge train ride
- Tips for helpers: All group tipping to hotel and restaurant staff, bus drivers, and guides* is included. The price does not include tipping for personal items. *Note: Although we give a group tip to the Navajo guides, it is also customary to tip your guide at the Parks individually, but at your discretion, it’s not mandatory. Recommended tips to Navajo guides are between $5.00-$25.00 per day tour.
- Time for reflection and integration
- Travel with like-minded companions
What's Not Included
- Flights or ground transportation to the Denver International Airport on Sept 17 and from Durango
- Airport on Sept 25.
- Visa costs
- Alcoholic beverages
- Any item of a personal nature (Laundry, drinks, telephone calls)
- Any item not specifically detailed on our website
- Trip Cancellation/ Travel Insurance, which is REQUIRED
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