Calm. Cool. Connected.
As my feet sunk deeper into the warm Hawaiian sand anchoring my pose, the gentle ocean breeze seemed to whisper this mantra at the edge of my consciousness. I exhaled all of the stress from working extra hours to get ready for this vacation and inhaled a renewed sense of energy.
Destination classes are appearing all over the west. Few things are more fitting than moving through Sun Salutation on a mountain top as light peeks up over the trees, the subtle scent of pine lacing every inhale. Or steadily stretching on an SUP while viewing Insta-worthy scenery across the lake.
All vacations should start on a relaxing note. Yet traveling often brings stress—waiting in security lines, running to catch a connecting flight, cramped quarters in cars. Don’t let these things set the tone for your vacation. Instead, rejuvenate yourself both mentally and physically in one of these outdoor yoga classes and connect with your destination on a deeper level.
Snowbasin Resort | Huntsville, Utah
Nestled in the Wasatch Mountains above Ogden, Snowbasin doesn’t go to sleep when the snow melts and the skiers leave. This four-season resort offers a variety of activities in the summer, including Mountaintop Yoga. Every Saturday, mountain bikers and yogis alike ride the gondola up to Needles Cirque, enjoying the breathtaking view of the valley below before going about their preferred activities. Slow flow and vinyasa classes are both held on the patio of Needles Lodge. A glass railing stops the breeze from being bothersome without blocking the surrounding scenery. The gondola ticket is included in the $15 class fee.
Lake Tahoe Yoga | Zephyr Cove, Nevada
This small community on the southwest side of Lake Tahoe sets the scene for serenity. From the sandy shores you have picturesque views across the large, freshwater lake with pine trees and mountains as a backdrop. Lake Tahoe Yoga takes advantage of these natural features to bring you unforgettable classes. Test your balance on a stand-up paddleboard through a series of stable poses using two or four points. This type of practice slows your pace, increases your focus and really works your core. All-ability SUP classes run June through October and are limited to 15 participants. Prices range from $27 to $47, depending on if you need a board rental or not. If you’re not up to warriors on water, Lake Tahoe Yoga also offers an asana class on Nevada Beach for $17, starting in May. Adventure classes that include a peaceful boat tour are also available.
Outdoor Yoga SF | San Francisco, CA
Follow the prayer flags on the iconic Baker Beach—with rugged cliffs behind you and panoramic views of the Golden Gate Bridge in front of you—and find a unique outdoor yoga experience that uses music to move you through the practice. The instructors at Outdoor Yoga SF provide headphones to participants so it’s technically “silent.” Soulful sunset classes are held three evenings each week, while a Saturday morning class is set to groovy beats and ends with a dance party … in the ocean! A single class costs $28. Bring your own towel or rent a grippy beach mat for an additional $5.
Don’t see a class near your vacation destination? Many resorts also offer poolside or oceanside yoga classes reserved for guests staying there. Or, you can enjoy an outdoor practice on your own. Some of my favorite experiences have been impromptu, from a solo session on a flat spot atop lava cliffs in Kauai to a mother-daughter practice on Bear Lake.
