Wanderlust Squaw Valley

Load up your RV and head to the Wanderlust Festival in Squaw Valley for a one-of-a-kind experience featuring world-class music and yoga.

Event information

The Wanderlust Festival is an annual event that showcases music and yoga. It features some of the most well-known musicians and prominent yogis in the world. The venue is spread out in the breathtaking Sierra Nevada mountain range, offering gorgeous views of nearby Lake Tahoe.

It was conceptualized as a small summer festival in the year 2009 and first took place in Squaw Valley. It has been well-received by the community and has grown from in strength over the years. It now takes place at different locations in the United States and Canada.

Some of the music bands and artists who have performed at Wanderlust Festival in the past include Broken Social Scene, Sonya Kitchell, Bhi Bhiman, Vusi Mahlasela, Rachel Goodrich, Girl Talk, and Jamestown Revival. The event has also featured well-known yoga instructors like Schuyler Grant, Christy Nones, Seane Corn, Katchie Ananda, and Shiva Rea.

Guests can participate in a range of yoga sessions which cover different styles and cater to different levels. Wanderlust is a truly unique music festival where you can enjoy one of a kind experiences like mountain-top pool parties, thrilling downhill bike rides, magical sunset hikes, calming meditation sessions and moonlit concerts.

Tickets

General admission tickets are available for single days as well as all three days of Wanderlust Squaw Valley. You also have the option of purchasing music-only tickets. They range in price from $30 (single night music ticket) to $420 (three-day Wanderlust ticket). Passes for the various Immersions and training programs can also be purchased on the website, as well as RV camping passes.

Discounted rates are available for locals, military personnel and their families, and students. Guests under the age of 18 can enjoy the festival for free as long as they are with a ticket-holding adult. You can find more information on tickets and pricing on the official event website.

Explore Wanderlust Squaw Valley RV Rentals


Transportation

Driving

The Squaw Valley edition of the Wanderlust Festival takes place at the Squaw Valley Ski Resort which is about an hour away from the City of Reno and two hours away from Sacramento. Be sure to check if any road alerts have been issued in Olympic Valley or the surrounding areas before starting on your trip. Driving through Tahoe National Forest brings plenty of beauty to the eye; be sure to take turns driving, so everyone gets a turn staring out the window.

Parking areas

All festival pass holders will have access to free day parking at the resort. Spots are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Guests who choose to carpool to the event with three or more passengers will have the ability to select from premium parking spots. Paid overnight parking is also available for vehicles and campers and may have different restrictions than camping locations.

Public Transportation

You can get to the venue by hopping on the Amtrak California Zephyr train. The nearest train station is in Truckee, about eleven miles away from the festival grounds. Another option is to take a bus operated by the Tahoe Area Regional Transit (TART). This will likely get you within walking distance of the resort.

Where to stay

Onsite

Wanderlust Squaw Valley offers a couple of onsite camping options. Overnight paid parking is offered for RVs in primitive fashion but in the land of beauty. Shuttle services are available from the lots to the festival grounds. Guests will not have access to additional facilities like electrical or water hookups. Be sure to fill your tanks and cabinets with fuel and supplies before entering the national forest areas to ensure that you have what you need for the journey.

Nearby

If having conveniences like full-hookups, laundry facilities, and Wifi is essential to you, you may be better off picking one of the RV parks or campsites near Lake Tahoe or Donner Memorial State Park. These will give you access to the natural beauty of the region. Several campgrounds are situated near the water, so you'll be able to enjoy activities like swimming and boating. Note the length of your rig when planning your trip; so campgrounds in this area may not be able to accommodate the largest of rigs.

Getting around

Bikes, skateboards, scooters, ATVs or other motorized vehicles of any kind will not be allowed on the festival grounds. The organizers can be contacted in advance for any information related to the accessibility of the venue or special requests. Patrons are requested to get in touch at least 30 days in advance if arrangements need to be considered.

What to pack

Clothing

The vibe of the Wanderlust Festival is casual and chilled out for the duration. Since yoga takes center stage at the event, you'll see plenty of people dressed comfortably in their workout clothes. It's a good idea to wear or carry an extra layer like a light jacket since the mornings and nights can be chilly, with the mercury even dropping into the 30s overnight.

Gear

Sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a reusable water bottle, and a valid photo ID are a must. You can pack all your essentials in a small backpack and carry it with you as needed. Be sure to take a yoga mat and any props you'll need for the yoga sessions and other outdoor activities. Not sure what type of yoga gear you like best? Wanderlust Squaw Valley is a great place to discover some new favorites.

Health & Safety

Since the venue is at a high altitude, it's important to wear plenty of sunscreen and a hat to protect your skin. Free filtered water stations will be available throughout the venue, so be sure to fill up your bottle frequently to stay hydrated. This is particularly essential if you're going to be participating in some of the more intense yoga sessions.

Where to eat

Cooking

Cooking via open flames of any kind like campfires and grills is not permitted, and even candles will have to stay at home. Patrons are requested to avoid leaving any food or trash in their tents or vehicles at night since the region is home to bears. Area campgrounds in the area may allow outdoor cooking and campfires as long as there is no fire ban in effect.

Restaurants

Because of the valley's reputation as a premier tourist destination, you'll find plenty of excellent restaurants to eat at near the lakes, Truckee, and Tahoe City within 20 minutes by car. Many of them offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains, so you can enjoy the scenery while you grab a bite. Apart from the hearty, comforting American food, there is some delicious Mexican and Asian food to be had.

Vendors

You'll find plenty of delicious food and beverages in an area called the Kula Market at Wanderlust Squaw Valley. The emphasis is on fresh, locally sourced fruits and vegetables. You can also head to one of the eateries within Squaw Valley Mountain Resort. There will be several vegan and vegetarian options on offer.

Safety

Security

The safety festival patrons is taken very seriously at the Wanderlust Squaw Valley. Security guards will be stationed at a central security office and will also be making rounds. Swift action will be taken against anyone seen breaking the rules. There will also be a lost and found area where guests can go if they misplace something.

Weather

Wanderlust Festival is a rain or shine event. The weather is typically pleasant and mild with cold mornings and evenings. If it does rain, some of the yoga sessions may be moved indoors or even canceled. If this happens, guests will be offered an opportunity to reschedule any classes they miss.

Medical

There will be a centrally located onsite first aid center staffed with trained medical professionals. You can head there if you or someone you know requires assistance. ADA-accessible facilities will be available to patrons with disabilities, and every effort will be made to make the experience enjoyable for them. Pharmacy services may be easiest to locate in Truckee or Tahoe City, both under a 20-minute drive, but these options may still be limited on short notice.