As city creatures, we're all quite used to practicing yoga in climate-controlled rooms that are off limits to bugs (and sometimes don't even have windows). It could be pouring outside, or even snowing for that matter—we'd still be oblivious to it all as we do downward dog on dry mats and meditate under a sort of fluorescent mood lighting that fluctuates depending on how one operates the dimmer switch. And yet there is something about yoga that just screams (or maybe chants?) nature. So what to do?

If you're a yogi who wants to get in touch with nature this summer, don't settle for another yoga retreat to a "rustic" cabin, complete with a hot tub, spa, and fancy food. (Though that kind of retreat is sometimes necessary.) Instead, dig up your trusty sleeping bag and favorite backpack, and set out on a trail to the Gold Lakes Basin in the Northern Sierras with yoga teacher Elizabeth Rosser and wilderness expert Aaron Jessup.

Being outside is such an important part of being connected to the human spirit, and we are so deprived of that connection in our daily lives! The backpacking yoga trip goes from July 26-31, and includes a night at the Sierra Hot Springs. There's hiking and yoga every day, and some swimming, too. All you need is your own basic camping equipment (tent, pack, and sleeping bag).

This sounds so cool to me. I love doing yoga in nature. My three favorite places have all been waterfalls: in Mexico, northern Thailand, and South Africa (that's where I am in the pic).

What about you? Have you done yoga out in any beautiful natural places? Do you know of any other summer opportunities to do yoga in the great outdoors? Write in and tell us about it!