Rites of Passage has announced dates for its Men’s Wilderness Quest, a nine-day program scheduled for June 20-28, 2026, near Salida, Colorado. Designed as a guided rite of passage for men of all ages, the program brings together group preparation, three days of solo wilderness fasting, and guided reintegration into daily life. Each cohort is limited to 10 participants to support focused guidance and a cohesive group experience.
More information is available at https://wildernessquest.org/schedule/mens-wilderness-quest-26/
The announcement reflects a long-documented connection between wilderness solitude and personal transformation. A USDA Forest Service study on wilderness vision quest participants found that all respondents said their experience would not have been as effective without natural surroundings and solitude, with nearly all identifying the wilderness setting as central to the benefits they gained. This perspective is evident in how Rites of Passage creates its Men’s Wilderness Quest, placing participants in the natural environment as a central part of the experience.
The 9-day program unfolds across three phases, the team explains. The opening days bring participants together at a base camp near Salida, where they prepare for time alone through safety guidance, intention-setting, and teachings such as the Four Directions framework. Participants also spend time exploring the surrounding landscape to identify their solo sites before the fast begins.
This is followed by three days and nights spent alone in the wilderness, where each participant fasts, journals, and remains in silence without phones or external distractions. The experience concludes with a return to group council, where participants share their experiences and work with guides to translate insights into practical direction for everyday life.
Rites of Passage has guided adults since 1977. Executive Director Mike Bodkin brings 35+ years of experience, and Munro Sickafoose has guided men’s wilderness programs since 1996. Scholarships are available for qualifying applicants, with the program fees covering base camp meals and pre- and post-trip online sessions to support participants from preparation through integration.
“These journeys into the heart of nature and the hearts of men have had a lasting impact on those who choose to step into the experience," a Rites of Passage spokesperson said.
Additional details can be found at https://wildernessquest.org/a-community-of-men/