Tassajara Hot Springs

## Overview Tassajara Hot Springs is a historic natural hot spring nestled deep within the rugged Ventana Wilderness of the Santa Lucia Mountains in Monterey County, California. Located at an elevation of roughly 1,500 feet along Tassajara Creek, these geothermal springs have been cherished for centuries. The Esselen people, indigenous to this region, are believed to have used the hot springs for bathing and healing long before European settlers arrived. In 1869, the springs were developed into a commercial resort, becoming one of the oldest hot spring resorts in California. The remote canyon location made access famously difficult — visitors originally arrived by stagecoach along a narrow, winding mountain road. In 1967, the San Francisco Zen Center acquired the property and established Tassajara Zen Mountain Center, the first Sōtō Zen monastery in the United States. During the summer months (typically late April through mid-September), the center opens its doors to day visitors and overnight guests, offering access to the hot springs, a creek-side plunge pool, and the serene monastery grounds. The springs themselves emerge at temperatures reported to be around 140°F (60°C) and are rich in sulfur and other minerals. The water is channeled into stone-lined soaking tubs and a bathhouse where visitors can enjoy the naturally heated mineral water at more comfortable bathing temperatures. The surrounding landscape is characterized by steep, oak- and madrone-covered hillsides, with Tassajara Creek providing a cool contrast to the hot mineral pools. Historically, the springs have survived multiple wildfires, including the devastating Basin Complex Fire of 2008 and the Soberanes Fire of 2016, during which monks and volunteers famously stayed behind to protect the buildings. The resilience of the community and the enduring draw of the hot springs speak to the deep significance of this place. ## Directions 1. From Carmel Valley Village, head southeast on Carmel Valley Road (County Road G16) for approximately 12 miles. 2. Turn left (south) onto Tassajara Road (a narrow, unpaved mountain road). This turn is well-signed. 3. Follow Tassajara Road for approximately 14 miles through the mountains. The road is steep, winding, and mostly single-lane with turnouts — high-clearance vehicles are strongly recommended, and the road can be impassable in wet weather. 4. The road ends at Tassajara Zen Mountain Center and the hot springs. **Note:** During the summer guest season, day-use visitors typically need advance reservations. The road is generally closed to the public during the winter retreat season (September through April). Check with the San Francisco Zen Center for current access information, road conditions, and reservation requirements before making the trip. ## What to Expect Visitors arriving at Tassajara Hot Springs will find a tranquil, monastery setting surrounded by wilderness. The hot springs feed into a traditional bathhouse with separate men's and women's sides, each featuring stone tubs filled with naturally heated mineral water. There is also a clothing-optional creek-side plunge pool where visitors can alternate between the warm mineral water and the cool waters of Tassajara Creek. The mineral-rich water has a mild sulfur scent characteristic of geothermal springs. The soaking experience is deeply relaxing, and the remote canyon setting — far from cell service and modern distractions — adds to the sense of retreat. During the summer guest season, day visitors can enjoy vegetarian meals prepared by the Zen Center's kitchen (included with some visit packages), walk the grounds, and explore short trails along the creek. The atmosphere is quiet and contemplative — this is an active monastery, and guests are asked to respect the peaceful environment. Be prepared for the drive: the 14-mile unpaved road is an adventure in itself, taking roughly 45 minutes to an hour. Bring plenty of water for the journey, and note that there are no gas stations or services along Tassajara Road. Summer temperatures in the canyon can exceed 100°F, so plan accordingly. The GPS coordinates (36.2336, -121.5487) mark the spring's location deep in the Ventana Wilderness.