Discover the Magic of Wanderlust Festival Squaw Valley
Wanderlust Festival Squaw Valley is a vibrant summer celebration nestled in the heart of Olympic Valley, offering an unforgettable blend of yoga, music, and outdoor adventure. Set against the majestic Sierra Nevada mountains near Lake Tahoe, this renowned festival transforms Olympic Valley into a sanctuary for wellness seekers, adventurers, and families alike. Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or a first-time attendee, this immersive experience promises connection, creativity, and transformation in one of California’s most stunning alpine settings.
Getting There and Getting Oriented
Olympic Valley, formerly known as Squaw Valley, sits just 12 miles northwest of Lake Tahoe and is easily accessible from Reno-Tahoe International Airport, a short 45-minute drive. Renting a car is a convenient option, especially if you’re planning to explore the Tahoe region beyond the festival grounds. Wanderlust encourages eco-friendly travel, offering carpool forums and partnerships that support ridesharing to reduce your carbon footprint.
Once you arrive, the walkable village charms with cobblestone paths, mountain views, and inviting cafes. Lodging options range from ski-in/ski-out convenience at The Village at Palisades Tahoe to rustic lodges and vacation rentals nearby. Booking early ensures optimal availability during the festival’s peak season.
Yoga and Wellness: Find Your Flow
At the core of Wanderlust Festival Squaw Valley is its dynamic yoga and holistic wellness program. With hundreds of open-air classes led by world-renowned instructors, you’ll discover everything from powerful Vinyasa flows to calming restorative practices. Picture starting your day with sun salutations beneath swaying pines, or ending it with candlelit Yin yoga on a mountain deck as the sun dips behind the peaks.
Top names like Seane Corn, Shiva Rea, and Jason Crandell have headlined in past years, offering an enriching and inclusive environment. Beginners are warmly welcomed with foundational classes, while more experienced yogis can deepen their practice through workshops on advanced techniques like inversions, chakra work, and sound bathing.
Beyond the mat, wellness offerings expand into guided meditations, Ayurvedic consultations, and forest bathing excursions. Don’t miss the Mountain Top Meditation—a breathtaking hike culminating in silence and mindfulness at over 8,200 feet in elevation.
Music, Art, and Cultural Inspiration
As day transitions to evening, Wanderlust Festival Squaw Valley transforms into a soulful music and arts haven. Past lineups have included genre-spanning talents like Bonobo, MC Yogi, Moby, and Rising Appalachia, creating a diverse soundtrack for dance, relaxation, and spontaneous joy under the stars.
Venue spaces include intimate lounges and sweeping outdoor stages, giving each performance a unique vibe. The Speakeasy Series adds a cerebral layer to your experience with thought-provoking talks from bestselling authors, environmentalists, and mindfulness leaders, covering themes like self-empowerment and conscious living.
Families and creatives can explore Maker’s Row—an interactive outdoor market where workshops, live art, and kids’ crafts spark imagination and creative play. Expect to stumble upon impromptu drum circles, street performers, and mural painting that inspire connection through art and movement.
Adventures Beyond the Yoga Mat
While yoga and music ground the festival, the surrounding terrain invites exploration. Wanderlust Festival Squaw Valley incorporates outdoor adventures into its offerings, like invigorating trail runs and tranquil paddleboarding on Lake Tahoe. These nature-infused experiences highlight the region’s pristine beauty in a hands-on way.
One memorable outing is the Guided High Camp Hike, which rewards your effort with panoramic views and hot tub relaxation at the summit. Or take the Aerial Tram, offering a scenic ride and easier access to mountain vistas for families and beginner hikers alike.
Mountain biking trails crisscross the area, with rentals conveniently located at the base of the valley. Outfitters like Tahoe Adventure Company offer expert-led kayaking tours and educational nature walks. For a mellow day, float down the Truckee River—perfect for families and first-time rafters.
Pro tip: Hit the trails early for solitude and a chance to spot wildlife like chipmunks or the occasional black bear. Morning light in the forest adds a magical layer to every journey.
Family-Friendly Vibes for All Ages
What sets Wanderlust Festival Squaw Valley apart is its welcoming vibe for families. The Little Wanderlusters program offers kids’ yoga, storytelling, and hands-on crafts designed to enchant and entertain young festival-goers. Family yoga classes let generations stretch, laugh, and bond together in nature’s embrace.
Parents can take advantage of Kids Base Camp in The Village—a supervised zone for children aged 5 to 12, complete with structured games and creative activities. While your kids play, you can dive into advanced workshops or peaceful solo hikes nearby.
Nutritious and delicious food options are plentiful. Grab organic smoothies or fresh poke bowls at Mountain Nectar. Share a cozy pizza at Fireside Pizza Co. Vegan and gluten-free choices abound, along with locally sourced bites at pop-up food stalls and the weekend farmers market, which often features artisan kombucha and Ayurvedic snacks.
Planning Your Trip to Wanderlust Festival Squaw Valley
Wanderlust Festival Squaw Valley typically shines in July, when alpine wildflowers bloom and days average a pleasant 80°F. Evenings cool off quickly, so packing layers is essential. Expect sunshine, crisp mountain air, and spectacular sunsets—not to mention unforgettable memories.
Festival passes are released well in advance. Choose from single-day, weekend, or all-access Explorer Passes that include workshops and outdoor adventure options. Be sure to reserve lodging early and map your ideal schedule using the official Wanderlust app, which delivers real-time updates and lets you bookmark classes, talks, and performances.
Accessibility accommodations are thoughtfully handled throughout the village. Look for ADA-compliant lodging, and ask for assistance if needed—volunteers are knowledgeable and eager to help. Bring sturdy shoes, sun protection, a reusable water bottle, and a high-grip yoga mat to stay prepared and comfortable.
Explore More: Extend Your Tahoe Adventure
Turn your festival into a complete mountain getaway by staying a few extra days. Just 20 minutes away, Lake Tahoe’s North Shore offers swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding in clear alpine waters. Kings Beach, with its shallow shorelines and picnic areas, is ideal for families.
Historic Truckee is another nearby gem. Browse artisanal shops, grab brunch or explore the town’s colorful railroad and Gold Rush heritage at the Museum of Truckee History. Local brewers like FiftyFifty Brewing offer craft beverage tastings with mountain views.
For more serenity, visit Donner Lake at sunrise for a peaceful paddle, or head to Tahoe Treetop Adventures for zip-lining and ropes courses amid towering pines. Whether your style is zen or high-octane, the Tahoe region has something special in store for every traveler.
Why Wanderlust Festival Squaw Valley Belongs on Your Bucket List
Wanderlust Festival Squaw Valley offers a rare fusion of nature, movement, and meaningful community. With yoga as its heartbeat and music, mindfulness, and outdoor experiences as its rhythm, this event creates space to reconnect—to yourself, to others, and to the world around you.
The beauty of the Sierra Nevadas becomes both the backdrop and the inspiration, elevating every sun salute, conversation, and mountain hike. Whether traveling solo, wrangling the kids on a summer escape, or craving a reset, you’ll find your tribe and your purpose at Wanderlust.
This isn’t just a festival. It’s a transformative journey—and once you’ve experienced the magic of Wanderlust in Olympic Valley, you’ll understand why it’s one of summer’s most beloved wellness destinations.
