Spring Forest Immersion Walk

This walk is all about wellness - a chance to slow down and clear your mind. Give yourself permission to take a break and immerse in the natural beauty. Forest immersion is a growing wellness practice that involves taking a guided walk in a natural setting to help reduce stress and anxiety and boost your health. Research shows that spending even 2 hours in nature can lead to better heart health, improved blood pressure, a boost of creative thinking, or simply a sense of feeling relaxed and at ease.

Whether you're a seasoned hiker or just getting started, this walk is for everyone. While we’ll walk for about 1.5-2 miles, with some hilly sections, we will take it slow and pause often to appreciate the surroundings. Please arrive early to allow time for parking and using the restroom, if needed. Restroom facilities are only available at our meeting location.

What happens during the walk?
A forest immersion walk involves taking a slow, meditative walk through a natural setting. The guide's role is to offer ways for attendees to interact with the natural surroundings and to help them slow down, both physically and mentally. The walk will consist of a general introduction by the guide, several invitations/activities to encourage relaxation, an optional opportunity to share with fellow attendees, and wrap up with a shared snack.

What will the guide provide?
The guide will have some sit pads, hand sanitizer, sunblock, a first aid kit, and some snacks available. The guide is also certified in CPR and Wilderness First Aid, should a need arise.

What should I wear/bring?
Dress in layers and bring a warm jacket/hat (if a cooler morning)

Sunglasses and a sun hat

Water and personal snack

A portable chair (if sitting on the ground is not preferable)

An epi pen or any other vital medicine

A small blanket (optional, for warmth or laying down)

An open and welcoming attitude

Sturdy shoes or hiking boots are recommended. Heavy rain cancels.

Participant Limit: 12 people

Land: Save Mount Diablo

Rating: Easy/Moderate

Distance: 2 miles

Elevation change: 300 feet

Leader: Anya Starovoytov of Viburnum Forest Immersion. Anya is a forest bathing guide certified by the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT) and has guided walks in the East Bay and Sonoma County. You can learn more about her and forest immersion walks on her website: https://www.viburnumfi.com/about-forest-immersion

Meet: California Riding & Hiking Trail Trailhead, 5307 Crystyl Ranch Dr, Concord, CA 94521

GPS Coordinates: 37.930923897897294, -121.97365127503966

Directions: From Ygnacio Valley Road, turn south on Crystyl Ranch Drive in Concord. Continue on Crystyle Ranch Drive for one and a half miles until you reach the hiker gate next to 5318 Crystyl Ranch Drive on the south side of the street.

(Photo by Alex Mistuloff)

FAQs

Are dogs allowed on Discover Diablo hikes?

No. Some Discover Diablo hikes take place on land owned by other organizations (such as Mount Diablo State Park & East Bay Regional Park lands) and many of the trails on these properties have a strict no-dog policy.

Are there ID or minimum age requirements to enter the event?

Anyone under the age of 18 will need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?

No. On the hike day, we will have a roster with your registration information on it. Please make sure to check in with the hike leader.

Can I update my registration information?

Yes. If you would like to change anything, please reach out to ZGlzY292ZXJkaWFibG8gfCBzYXZlbW91bnRkaWFibG8gISBvcmc=.

How can I contact the organizer with any questions?

You can contact us at ZGlzY292ZXJkaWFibG8gfCBzYXZlbW91bnRkaWFibG8gISBvcmc=.

Also check out other Trips & Adventurous Activities in Concord, Health & Wellness events in Concord.