Diamond in the Rough
Alumni “Flow” River Retreat
The Yampa River in Dinosaur National Monument, CO
May 23–27, 2027
Welcome
This alumni retreat is an invitation to return to the circle, the natural world and each other. For those who have walked this path with us before, the Yampa (one of the last undammed, free-flowing rivers in Colorado), offers a different kind of practice ground, shaped by current, canyon walls, and the steady company of friends. Being on a river is an intimate way to feel the dynamic flow of life and to experience wild nature without roads or cars.
This retreat is open to Diamond in the Rough alumni and a Plus One invite is being offered.
Each Day Includes
Traveling down the River · Connection in Community · Silent Meditation · Solo Time · Inquiry · Group Sharing
What to Expect
For five days, we'll float through the canyons of Dinosaur National Monument with experienced commercial guides from Mild to Wild Rafting, who provide all the river gear, safety equipment, and meals. Days on the water are woven with meditation, inquiry, and council, and nights are spent camping along the riverbanks.
Adventure Level: Intermediate – High
Class of Rapids: Low Water: III – IV; High Water: IV – V
No prior rafting experience is needed, and paddling is optional. Inflatable kayaks will be available for calmer stretches of river or you are welcome to simply float, relax and take in the canyon.
Good to know: Participants arrange their own travel to Vernal, Utah, where the trip begins with a gear orientation the evening before departure. Each person 16 and older will need a National Park visitor pass. Rafting isn't recommended for those with underlying heart or pulmonary conditions; if you have questions, we're happy to talk them through with you.
$2,260–$3,900*
*Sliding scale
Dates: May 23–27, 2027
Location: Yampa River, Dinosaur National Monument, CO
Outfitter: Mild to Wild Rafting (trip overview)
Accommodations: Riverside camping
Meals: Provided by the outfitter
Open to: Diamond in the Rough alumni
Deposit: $630
This trip is currently full. The link below will add you to the waitlist, and we'll be in touch if a spot opens up.
Questions? Contact our Retreat Coordinator.
Please read this overview for more details on the uniqueness of the Yampa and what a guided trip offers: https://mild2wildrafting.com/adventures/yampa-river-rafting
On the River
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![An aerial view of Steamboat Rock and Echo Park, where the Yampa River winds through deep canyon walls to meet the Green River.]()
Steamboat Rock from Above
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![Whitewater rapids on the Yampa River flowing through a red-rock canyon lined with green trees]()
Yampa River
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![iew from inside Signature Cave looking out over sandstone cliffs and a green valley in the Yampa River Canyon, Dinosaur National Monument]()
View from Signature Cave
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![A group of rafters on whitewater rapids on the Yampa River flowing through a red-rock canyon lined with green trees]()
Rafting on the Yampa
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![A group of people gathered in camp chairs around a campfire on a sandy riverbank at night, with a canyon wall and tent glowing behind them]()
Fireside Chats
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![A raft of paddlers floating on the Yampa River beneath steep, forested red-rock canyon walls]()
Cruising on the Yampa
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![Towering red-rock canyon walls rising above the Yampa River in Yampa Canyon, with a small raft floating near the shore]()
Yampa Canyon
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![Mild to Wild rafts loaded with gear and oars, tied up on a sandy riverbank beneath a tall sandstone cliff]()
Ready to Launch
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![Remains of an ancient circular stone structure in the sand of a sandstone alcove.]()
Ancient Granary
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![Two rafts drifting along the Yampa River beneath towering sandstone cliffs streaked with dark desert varnish.]()
Beneath the Canyon Walls
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![A raft of paddlers floating beside a stand of cottonwood trees below tall pale sandstone cliffs.]()
Drifting in the Shade
Your Guides
Marlena deCarion, CPCC, MCC
Marlena is a Master Certified Coach, a guest guide for The School of Lost Borders, and a student of the Diamond Approach since 2008. Floating rivers and paddling with friends is one of her favorite modes of travel.
Trip Leader
Nihar Shah
Nihar is a longtime Diamond Approach student and USRISNG seminarian who enjoys dunking his closest friends in water. He claims they taste "closer to their original essence" after a good wash. He also enjoys listening to and telling stories, some of which might even be true. He loves all animals, enjoys petting some, and keeps an "optimal distance" from others.
Trip Leader
If you feel the call
This retreat is currently full. Please register to be added to the waitlist.
We’ll reach out if a spot opens.