Colorado’s Premier
Nature-Based 

Plant Medicine Retreat Center

A Sanctuary in the Rocky Mountains

Nestled within the ancient granite cradle of Boulder Canyon, Boulder Canyon Retreat Center offers private and group plant medicine journeys, immersive retreats, and community-centered experiences.

All held within a rare convergence of Colorado’s wild natural beauty, intentional community, and a strong, grounded container. It is a living sanctuary for transformation, where the rhythms of the land, the wisdom of the body, and the power of collective healing meet.

Shane Young, Founder

Nature-Based Healer, Ceremonial Guide & Somatic Psychotherapist

Shane Young is a nature-based healer, ceremonial guide & somatic psychotherapist and with over two decades of experience in the healing arts working with and trained in - plant medicines, indigenous traditions, steeped in holistic health all within the framework of Yoga Science.

He has facilitated thousands of plant medicine ceremonies, guiding individuals through earth-based ritual and embodied practice in support of healing and transformation. His work draws from indigenous wisdom traditions and is held within a Classical Tantric framework that honors the earth, the body, the breath, and the interconnected nature of all-beings.

Here, the mountain itself holds you, Shane’s presence offers steady and strong guidance, and you are received with seamless hospitality. Plant medicines are thoughtfully prepared in service of your healing, in dialogue with the spirit of Boulder Canyon — where the living landscape is an essential collaborator in the work.

“The human spirit is uplifted through a deep relationship with nature, Spirit, and one another.”

—Shane Young

Born in Boulder Colorado + The Boulder Canyon Retreat Center

Our Story

Premiere Rocky Mountain Location

Located just outside the vibrant mountain town of Boulder, Boulder Canyon Retreat Center offers the rare combination of secluded wilderness and access to one of Colorado’s most beloved destinations.

Only a scenic 25-minute drive from town, the center sits on 34 acres of pristine canyon land where the air is crisp, the skies open wide, and the presence of the Rocky Mountains is felt in every breath.

This rare retreat setting invites guests into a deep relationship with nature; from the soothing flow of Boulder Creek to the quiet majesty of aspens and pine forests, and the frequent sightings of local wildlife that remind us we are part of a larger living world.

Our Philosophy

At Boulder Canyon Retreat Center, transformation begins in relationship with the Earth, the body, community, and with the sacred intelligence that lives within all things.

The natural world is not a backdrop to the work we do, but a living teacher. The mountains, forests, flowing water, and changing seasons guide our rhythm; reminding us that wisdom emerges through presence, reciprocity, and belonging to the web of life.

Our approach honors sacred plant medicines, used in ethical and ceremonial contexts, as teachers rather than cures. They become gateways that invite insight, reverence, and deeper coherence between body, heart, spirit, and life path.

The spiritual foundation of the center is rooted in Classical Tantra. Rather than seeking awakening beyond life, we walk a path of awakening within life — through relationship, embodiment, and reverent participation in the world as it is.

We believe healing happens in the field of the “me and the we.” Community offers the mirror, safety, and support needed for real transformation to take root.

“Heal yourself, with beautiful love and always remember…you are the medicine.”

—Maria Sabina

  • "No place I know offers the natural beauty, healthy food, and intense healing practices found at Boulder Canyon Retreat Center. This is a sanctuary for internal exploration with the solid support, long experience, and deep compassion provided by Shane Young. Highly recommended!"

    — Andrew L.

  • "The property is magical - set in a grove of Aspen trees with a number of spaces scattered around for personal and/or group work. I had a really productive session with Shane, working through intentions...I chose to have my journey in a shaded grove adjacent to a couple of hammocks. It was immensely nurturing and comforting."

    — David C.

  • "The magical land, the beautiful views, the skill, passion and experience that Shane brings to his healing work provide a unique and wonderful healing retreat center."

    — Chiara

“Just as fractals operate continuously in nature, so can be the case with self-discovery…it seems inevitable that this pattern can radiate spherically so that the inner circle touches a small community, other communities…and so on!”

Boulder Canyon Retreat Center’s sacred community devoted to integration, continued practice, and share learning.

Here, the fire of transformation is kept alive as the wisdom of ceremony is woven into everyday life.

Find out more!