Wild Lines: Hidden Valley Regional Park - Oct 19

Hidden Valley Regional Park lies within the Virginia Range, a stunning high desert setting. Looking west towards Reno and the Sierra Nevada, this park offers incredible views, a plethera of native plants, wild horses, and rugged trails. For our journey here, we will mix inspiration from this natural setting with a conversation based on Wild by Cheryl Strayed.

“I didn't feel sad or happy. I didn't feel proud or ashamed. I only felt that in spite of all the things I'd done wrong, in getting myself here, I'd done right.”

― Cheryl Strayed, Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail

Wild takes place in two environments: the Pacific Crest Trail and the author’s head (reviewing her past experiences). What made this book incredibly successful was its ability to flip from the backstory of her trauma (like death and drug addiction) to her present experiences hiking along the trail. She was able to blend so seamlessly that the story remained grounded and easy to follow. 

Based on Cheryl Strayed's Wild, we’ll use prompts to inspire writing centered on both present and past, getting more comfortable blending the two through the use of environmental cues. Does the scent of sage remind your character of their childhood? What scene pops into their head while walking through the brush? Join us for a chance to dive deeper into a character’s life that you’ve been writing about or invent a new character on trail –– either way, come with an open mind. The only rule is that there is no erasing!  

NOTE: The Highland Loop has places with narrowed tread and steep drop offs. Loose rocks should be expected along both routes. Wild horses might be sighted along both trails. 

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Distance: 2 mile loop

Elevation Gain: 300 feet

Trail Type: Natural surface with loose rock

Amenities: Year-round restrooms

Who is this for:

Wild Lines events are a chance to explore beautiful local landscapes with fellow writers, guided through the trails with discussions on scene, works of literature, and journal prompts to provoke inspiration and (hopefully) a means of getting unstuck in your current writing projects.

Aimed at writers from all genres, this event is great for those looking for a change in their writing routine, one that literally adds forward movement, gets them outside, and introduces them to a community of fellow writers to support, provide perspective, and cheer on. This workshop aims to be inclusive to people’s physical needs and is offered at varying ability levels. Check event specifics for more details of each event. All group members must be able to walk at least one mile and have the ability to be on their feet for up to an hour. These events are open to all ages (minors must be accompanied by parents or guardians) and all writing levels.

Group members who need special accommodation should reach out directly to our event host at [email protected]. Please don’t hesitate to reach out directly to our event host to request a slower or more challenging event.

Though these events are geared toward writers – with specific writing prompts to advance story ideas – artists from other mediums are welcome to join and encouraged to share their visual perspective to the writing prompts and challenged to translate their medium to the written word to better understand their craft.

Host or Publisher Helena Guglielmino