Tassajara HS Zen Retreat

Category: Hot Springs-soakable

GPS GeoCoords: 36.233339, -121.550258

This historic hot springs is operated by the American Zen Monastary in San Francisco. While not clothing-optional the retreat does offer quiet and meditative soaking with lodging and meals.

The retreat is only open during the summer months and reservations are required.

Tassajara is located approximately two hours by car southeast of Carmel in the Ventana Wilderness Area. The last 14 miles of the road require special precautions, and there is no direct public transportation.

DIRECTIONS
➣ From the north, take Hwy 101 south to the Hwy 156 / Monterey Peninsula exit at Prunedale. Follow Hwy 156 to Hwy 1 south. From Hwy 1 turn left at Carmel Valley Road and follow it until you reach Tassajara Road on the right.
➣ From the south, take Hwy 101 north to Greenfield. Turn left onto G16 (Elm Avenue). Follow G16 until you reach Tassajara Road on your left.
➣ Turn onto Tassajara Road and continue until you reach Jamesburg, where you can
park your car and board the stage or continue driving into Tassajara.

THE STAGE
A four-wheel-drive eight-passenger vehicle is available to transport overnight guests over the last 14 miles of the road. We particularly recommend taking the stage if this is your first visit to Tassajara. Passengers may board the stage at Jamesburg at 10:30 a.m. daily, and the trip takes approximately one hour. Departure time from Tassajara is usually 3:00 p.m., although occasionally Tassajara may have to run the stage at different times.

Reservations are required. The non-refundable round-trip fare is $35.

DRIVING PRECAUTIONS
For the last 14 miles, Tassajara Road is a winding dirt road with sheer drop-offs and a steep, narrow descent over the last five miles. Four-wheel-drive or standard transmission is recommended. We urge you to observe the following precautions if you choose to drive this road:
➣ Make sure your car is in good working order, paying special attention to brakes, fuel, and cooling system. Fuel and repair services are not available at Tassajara or Jamesburg. The last gas stations are at Carmel Valley and Greenfield.
➣ Travel during the cooler hours of the day if possible to avoid overheating the
engine.
➣ As you begin your descent over the last five miles, shift into the lowest possible gear and PUMP your brakes as needed. DO NOT apply steady pressure to your brakes or they will overheat.
➣ If your brakes begin to overheat or feel mushy, pull over immediately and allow them to cool for at least 20 minutes before continuing.