Guided Meditation Hike

Reconnect with nature on a women-only guided meditation hike through Scottsdale’s desert, blending mindful movement, stillness, and renewal.
About this Event

This sunrise experience blends mindful movement, stillness, and guided relaxation practices designed to calm the nervous system and encourage renewal.
Reconnect with nature during a guided meditation hike through the beautiful Sonoran Desert.
This is a women-only all-levels guided hike.

Start Time: 6:00 am (sunrise at 6:19)

Location: Piestwea Peak, Freedom Trail #302

Address: Piestwea Peak Trails

Parking: Enter the park & take Piestewa Peak Dr. until it ends (last parking lot on the road) - parking is free

Nervous System Reset Hike

Duration: 1.5 Hours

Distance: (TBD but no more than 2 miles)

Elevation Gain: (TBD but no more than 300 ft.)

Liability Waiver

Please complete and electronically sign our Liability Waiver prior to your experience: https://sweatandsunshine.com/sweat-sunshine-liability-waiver-and-release

Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire

Let's also take a few minutes to ensure you're ready to be physically active by answering 7 quick questions: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeRsnsjM6z5ZO3AME0ClISVcH4yW9gFtQwBuDTE3IRt9ciEOg/viewform?usp=sf_link

https://youtube.com/shorts/lV7KQD_M5tQ?si=VGkTrIXTYBVhEJCE

What to Expect

• Very little to no shade along the trail
• Expected Temperatures: 75 degrees F - 85 degrees F
• By venturing into a wildlife area the potential for an encounter with wildlife, like rattle snakes, exists
• Moderate pace with pauses for quiet movement
• Occasionally breathing deeply due to the incline of our hike is highly encouraged but not a requirement. The deep breaths help to engage the relaxation state of our nervous system, but the focus is relaxation rather than exercise

Agenda

🕑: 05:45 AM - 06:00 AM
Check-in

Info: Location: Piestewa Peak—Freedom Trail #302 | Once you enter the park, take Piestewa Peak Dr. until it ends (the last parking lot on the road) | Parking is free | Please arrive promptly at 5:45 am to check-in and meet up with other Desert Muse Festival event attendees

🕑: 06:00 AM - 07:30 AM
Guided Meditation Hike
Host: Janelle Sheppard

Info: Begin the final morning of Desert Muse Festival surrounded by the peaceful beauty of Piestewa Peak. During this guided sunrise hike, we’ll slow down, reconnect with nature, and engage the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS)—the body’s “rest and digest” state that supports relaxation and helps lower heart rate and blood pressure.

We’ll enjoy a serene desert stroll before pausing in a peaceful location for a restorative combination of Qigong, Tai Chi, gentle stretching, breathwork, and guided meditation. Along the way, you’ll be invited to take in the expansive views, notice the details of the desert, and become fully present in the moment.

The group will move at a moderate, comfortable pace with pauses for mindful movement and reflection. The intention is relaxation and renewal—not strenuous exercise. Join us to slow down, make relaxation easier in the future, and leave feeling grounded, restored, and more deeply connected to yourself and the natural world.

Additional Information

Info: Restrooms and a water fountain are available at the trailhead