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
Event venue & nearby stays
Piestewa Peak Trails, 7232 Piestewa Peak Drive, Phoenix, United States
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