Beginning September 4, The Barefoot Trail — a nonprofit outdoor recreation park nestled in the forests just outside Flagstaff — invites visitors to experience yoga as it was arguably intended: barefoot, grounded, and surrounded by pine trees.

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Mindful practice guided by certified instructors

In an expansion of its mission to help people reconnect with the Earth and themselves, The Barefoot Trail is launching 30-minute, forest yoga classes twice weekly. The sessions integrate mindful movement, deep breathwork and the therapeutic practice of grounding.

“Yoga and grounding go hand in hand,” says Leah Williams, founder of The Barefoot Trail. “Combining them creates a powerful synergy for physical, mental, and emotional well-being.” 

Led by the park supervisor and certified yoga instructor Betzy Spiro, each class is held in a forest grove off the main trail. Mats, blocks, bolsters and props are provided. All levels are welcome.

Class Schedule:

• Thursdays – Gentle Flow Yoga at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Slow, soothing sequences for all bodies and experience levels.
• Sundays – Grounding with Nature at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. A meditative blend of yin, restorative and yoga nidra.

Need-to-know details:

• Start date: Sept. 4
• Duration: 30 minutes per session
• Ages: 14 and up
• Cost: $20 combo ticket (includes trail admission and yoga class)
• Max class size: 10 participants
• Register at: thebarefoottrail.org/tickets 

How The Barefoot Trail inspires whole-body healing

Yoga is widely known to reduce anxiety, improve flexibility and support heart health, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. Grounding — direct skin contact with the Earth — has been linked to better sleep, reduced inflammation and lower stress levels. Combining both in a forest setting offers a potent, research-backed formula for whole-body healing, according to Williams. 

“We’ve had so many visitors request yoga classes at the park, so we listened, and now offer a dual combo ticket that includes the trail experience along with a yoga class to enhance your experience,” Williams says. “The ground becomes your mat. The trees are your ceiling. The breath of nature, your rhythm.”

The Barefoot Trail is not your typical nature walk. It’s the country’s first dedicated grounding park, a gently winding one-mile trail designed to be experienced entirely barefoot. Carefully curated with textures like wood, brick, pavers, mud, water, river rock, and sand — designed to stimulate the feet, awaken the senses, and support natural movement. The trail encourages visitors to slow down and reconnect with nature through the soles of their feet. Along the way, guests encounter 35 different sensory experiences and adventure stations.

Gentle flows and grounding sessions offered weekly

The Barefoot Trail is open Wednesday through Sunday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., through Oct. 13. Flexible pricing starts at $14 for adults and $12 for children when booked online. Walk-up admission is $15. Children under 2 are free. Group rates, seasonal passes, and gift cards are available.

“Feel better physically and emotionally, come try a class to boost your balance, flexibility, and strength, both on and off the trail,” Williams says. 

To reserve your spot in the next yoga class or for more information, visit thebarefoottrail.org or follow @thebarefoottrail on socials. The Barefoot Trail is located at 17440 Forest Service Road 146W, Bellemont, AZ 86015.