August 12-16,
2026

A Gay Men’s Summer Retreat: Reclaiming the Wild Heart

What to Expect

This retreat brings together a circle of gay men seeking authenticity, mindfulness, and connection with the living world. Guided by the sacred energy of Mount Shasta, we move between stillness and adventure, from forest walks and mountain swims to shared reflection and quiet rest beneath the trees.

Here, the land itself is a teacher.

❋ Intention

Reclaiming The Wild Heart was born from a desire to create space. Space to breathe, to connect, and to remember what truly matters.

❋ Connection

Each sunrise, each shared moment, each breath becomes part of the journey home to self, to nature, and to one another in community.

❋ Facilitation

Stephen Baldonado, founder of Guru Sanctuary, is a land steward, herbalist, and spiritual host devoted to creating sacred spaces for healing and reconnection.

❋ Sanctuary

In the presence of this ancient mountain, we’ll shed the layers of expectation and connect with something deeper, the pulse of the earth and ourselves.

What’s included

Mount Shasta is a 5D landscape with multiple healing vortex sites. Around 60% of the area is protected forest land. It is a revered landscape known by locals as one of fresh mountain air, sunshine, verdant forests, and natural freshwater springs.
The region was created with volcanic forces that are still active to this day. The mountain holds sacred medicine for the soul.
Our private 8-acre sanctuary offers a variety of accommodations, creating a sense of home and community.
The Main House is the center of the retreat space and is graced with meditation gardens, a large, luscious meadow lawn, gathering spaces, and accommodation spaces, including beautifully designed wood cabins and canvas glamping tents.
Nourishing homemade breakfast, lunch, and dinner (plant-based options available) prepared by in-house chef and shared in community.
Unlimited fresh spring water, tea, and coffee.
Opening ceremony.
We intentionally gather as brothers to reconnect with nature, with one another, and with the most authentic parts of ourselves. A circle of gay men coming home to the wild, authentic self.
A sacred invitation for to step away from the noise of the world.
Let go of what no longer serves and rediscover the freedom of simply being.
Guided hike to enchanted waterfall – go for a wild swim and bottle up water directly from the source.
In the presence of the ancient mountains, we’ll shed the layers of expectation and rediscover freedom, joy, and soulful community.
Herbal plant walk – explore over 200 herbs and plants.
Access to a private outdoor soak tub – relax tired muscles and take in the surrounding nature.
Access to infrared sauna and sun deck.

Meet Your Host

Stephen Baldonado is the founder and soul behind Guru Sanctuary, a sacred retreat property nestled in the powerful energy fields of Mount Shasta, California. A natural herbalist, energy worker, and lifelong nature devotee, Stephen has dedicated his life to cultivating land and space where people can reconnect to the Earth and to their higher selves.

Through his stewardship, Guru Sanctuary has become a living ecosystem: a sanctuary for transformation and communion with nature. Each gathering on the land reflects his belief that healing happens most naturally when we align with the rhythms of the Earth and the simplicity of presence.

Stephen’s work blends ancient wisdom with grounded hospitality. Guests are drawn to his authenticity, laughter, and open-hearted care, qualities that make everyone feel instantly at home. Whether tending the forest trails, preparing nourishing food, or guiding a sunset circle by the fire, he embodies the essence of service, joy, and deep connection.

Guru Sanctuary isn’t just a place, it’s a vibration that Stephen holds and shares with everyone who visits: a space to slow down, awaken, and remember the sacredness of being alive.

Connect with stephen