What is this Cowgirl Retreat?
Lavender Elephant Retreats
Cowgirl Retreat — The Origin Story
The Cowgirl Retreat began in 2012 with a small group of women who saddled up and rode deep into the wilderness. We practiced yoga under the open sky, lingered over slow mornings with coffee, shared stories by firelight, and laughed over wine as the stars appeared — unbothered by city glow or time. We slept in big canvas tents warmed by a wood-burning stove, surrounded only by nature’s soundtrack.
What started as an experiment became a tradition. Each year since, we’ve gathered to unplug from the hustle, reconnect with ourselves, ride into the wild west, and eat soul-nourishing food around the table like family.
2026 Colorado Cowgirl Retreats
Meet Your Guide: Abbey Samuelson
For over a decade, Abbey Samuelson has stewarded this experience with a whimsical balance of ease, confidence, and deep-rooted wilderness knowledge. She has curated a trustworthy, fun-loving crew — a team that blends horseback exploration, creative expression, embodied movement, yoga, sisterhood, and unforgettable meals into something unmatched anywhere in the country.
Abbey’s relaxed yet intentional leadership style — born from generations of her family’s ranching and outfitting history — has placed this retreat at the forefront of wilderness cowgirl experiences nationwide. Riding deep into the Troublesome Basin for an overnight #wilderbliss immersion, guests quickly discover what happens when horses, yoga, art, and nature are combined:
Something powerful awakens.
The Land: Troublesome Basin, Granby, Colorado
The retreat takes place in the Troublesome Basin Wilderness, part of the historic Medicine Bow–Routt National Forest — one of the most enchanting and storied landscapes in the American West.
A Region Steeped in Legend
The name Medicine Bow comes from Native tribes who gathered mountain mahogany here to craft exceptional bows, and who held ceremonies — “making medicine” — to heal, celebrate, and connect. Over time, these traditions echoed into the region’s name, forever marking this forest as a place where transformation begins.
A Forest Between Worlds
The Routt National Forest stretches between Rocky Mountain National Park and Dinosaur National Monument, offering rugged beauty, sacred quiet, and a landscape that insists you slow down.
The Troublesome Basin encompasses more than 80,000 acres of timber, wildflower meadows, river drainages, and high-alpine peaks ranging from 7,500 to 12,300 feet. Our retreat camp sits in a roadless section accessible only by foot or horseback — a rare gift in today’s world.
The journey begins with a 45-minute guided horseback ride from the trailhead on seasoned, mountain-savvy horses suitable for both new and experienced riders. Once at camp, there is no cell service, no obligation — just presence.
This is where the noise stops, and the real listening begins.
To reserve your space, a non-refundable deposit is required for each participant.
Retreat Terms & Conditions
In the event of teacher changes, unforeseen circumstances, or situations beyond our control, substitute arrangements may be offered. Lavender Elephant is not liable for travel expenses, including airfare.
Balances are due no less than 2 weeks prior to the retreat start date.
Bookings made within 4 weeks of the retreat must be paid in full.
If payment deadlines are not met, Lavender Elephant reserves the right to cancel the reservation and retain the deposit.
Cancellation Policy
Refunds apply minus the deposit, based on the timeline below:
- 0% refund — cancellation 6 weeks or less before retreat start
- 25% refund — cancellation less than 8 weeks before retreat start
- 50% refund — cancellation more than 10 weeks before retreat start
Deposits do not carry forward to future retreats.
Program Adjustments
Discounts
Occasional promotional discounts may be offered at our discretion. These do not apply retroactively to guests who have paid in full.
Insurance
We strongly recommend travel, cancellation, and medical insurance for all guests.
Natural Disaster Clause:
Should a natural disaster or National Forest closure render the retreat site inaccessible, deposits will be refunded.
Early Departures
Any non-emergency early departure from the retreat is subject to an $800 exit fee, due to the cost and logistics of safely escorting guests out of the wilderness.
In Short
This retreat is not a vacation — it’s an initiation.
Into quiet. Into courage. Into wilderness.
Into the version of yourself that only appears when the world falls away.
Lavender Elephant Cowgirl 