What to Expect and How to Prepare

Apparel

Casual summer clothes such as t-shirts, shorts, and sneakers are suitable for day-to-day wear outside the zendo and other formal practice areas. Skirts, pants, and other casual dress attire may be worn for dinner. Please bring a bathing suit for the swimming pool and wear clothing over bathing suits in the public areas. Clothing is optional in the bathhouse. Please help support the monastic setting by not wearing revealing clothing outside the bathhouse and the pool area. Slip-on shoes or sandals are useful at Tassajara, as shoes are not worn in the guest rooms or meditation hall.

What to bring (and not to bring):

Clothing: Dark clothing that covers shoulders and knees for Zendo (meditation hall) activities; warm sweater or jacket, as mornings and evenings can be cool (particularly in May and early June); swimsuit and large towel for sunbathing, if you plan on using the pool area (a towel for the bathhouse is provided in your room); slip-on shoes or sandals (shoes are not worn in guest rooms, meditation hall, or bathhouse); hiking boots and shoes that can get wet for the rugged trails and crossing the creek; hat for shade.

Miscellaneous: Flashlight/headlamp for traveling to the bathhouse in the evening (in addition, some guest rooms have no electrical outlets); battery-powered clock; water bottle (also available for purchase in the Stone Office); insect repellent (available for purchase in the Stone Office); sunscreen (available for purchase in the Stone Office).

What Not to Bring: Because Tassajara is off the grid and generates all its own electricity, we discourage the use of computers and all other electrical equipment. We are not able to provide charging for electric vehicles so please plan accordingly. In order to preserve the quiet atmosphere, we ask that you do not bring musical instruments, radios, or other audible musical or electronic devices.

Children

It is strongly advised that guests experience Tassajara for themselves before deciding whether to bring children. Due to the remote nature of Tassajara, we advise against bringing sick children or children with special medical/dietary needs. There is no childcare or designated children's play area, and children must be supervised by an adult at all times. Staff, students, and guests strive to maintain the quiet and tranquil atmosphere of Tassajara, and may request that a child's volume level is moderated. Certain cabins are more suitable for children; please inquire when making a reservation.

Fire Risk

During the summer months, there is always the possibility of fire in the wilderness, and especially in and around Tassajara. No open flames are permitted in the forest except in authorized campsites. Smoking is not permitted in any buildings, on porches or decks, or on the trails. Please check with the Stone Office regarding directions to our designated smoking area. Do not burn candles or incense in cabins or rooms. Tassajara is exceptionally well-prepared for fire with fire crews and equipment.

Hydration

Please do not drink the creek water—like in many other wilderness areas, Giardia intestinalis has been found in the creek in recent years. Tassajara's drinking water is from a spring and is thoroughly tested and safe.

Hiking Safety

The Los Padres National Forest, where Tassajara is located, includes some of the most rugged terrain in the country. Guests are asked not to go hiking alone, and also asked to write in the hiking journal at the Stone Office what trail they will be hiking and what time they expect to return to Tassajara. Please bring eco-friendly containers that animals cannot get into easily. Do not keep food, not even coolers, in cabins. There is a guest refrigerator for all food storage. Hiking concerns include loose boulders, mosquitoes/mucous flies, slippery rocks, and standing water. It’s rare to encounter rattlesnakes on the trails, and there are no venomous water snakes in the creek. The Stone Office is a great resource for more information about local interests, vistas, and other questions. For further details on the Los Padres National Forest, please visit this link for the USDA Forest Service.

Animals and Plants: There are various potential dangers in the surrounding wilderness. There is poison oak on the trails as well as ticks, scorpions, and the very rarely seen mountain lion. There are several waves of insects throughout the summer season, depending on the time of year and other natural rhythms, that may cause discomfort. Please bring protection if needed, and an open mind for our natural neighbors.

Tassajara is home to birds, squirrels, mice, raccoons, and skunks. Do not feed any animals, no matter how friendly they may appear. Animals may pester those who eat outside.

Hot Springs, Bathhouse, and bathing facilities

California law states that people who identify as trans, nonbinary, and/or gender fluid may bathe on whichever side of the bathhouse they feel most safe and comfortable in.

The bathhouse is clothing-optional (including communal showers, a private tub room, steam rooms, sauna, indoor and outdoor plunges, deck space for sunning, and creek access). No coed bathing is permitted. Two individual showers/tubs with private access are available.

The bathhouse is open to visitors from 6 am–9 pm, except during the resident students' bath time (4:15–5:35 pm). An additional, private, cold water shower is located in the pool area. There are no private showers in individual accommodations.

Unscented and environmentally safe bath products: Tassajara is located in an important watershed. Please use only the bath products that we offer, as the bathhouse drains directly into the creek.

Meals

Three vegetarian meals are served daily to our overnight guests and are included in the accommodation rate. Breakfast is served at 7:30 am, lunch at 12:00 pm and dinner at 6:00 pm in our dining room. Our meals are served buffet-style and are best enjoyed close to serving time. A "bag lunch" will be offered on Sunday, departure day.

Coffee and tea are always available at the beverage service station in the courtyard. Fruit and simple snacks are also available throughout the day. We recommend bringing your own water bottle or thermos to keep a delicious beverage nearby.

Guests are welcome to bring their own meal supplements and store them in the Guest Refrigerator; please label them clearly for your use during your stay. Please note that space is limited. Because of mountain critters, please do not keep food in the cabins. Guest use of the kitchen is not permitted.

Dietary Restrictions: All visitors should inform Tassajara Reservations of any dietary restrictions, particularly severe allergic reactions, to determine if they can be accommodated. The daily menu board is labeled to indicate possible allergens for guests who have food intolerances, allergies, or other sensitivities. Tassajara may not be suitable for guests with severe allergic reactions due to its remote location. Please speak with the Tassajara reservations office staff for more specific information about meals.

Medical Conditions

Those with pre-existing medical conditions should be aware that Tassajara is in a remote location in the wilderness. The nearest hospital is four hours away. Please come prepared with any supplies you need, as well as extra supplies. Tassajara is equipped with emergency medical equipment and excellent emergency protocol. Those with special medical equipment needs should speak with the Tassajara Reservation Specialist when making a reservation; Tassajara may not be able to accommodate every medical need.

Pets and Service Dogs

Please do not bring pets to Tassajara; this includes the parking area. No animal can be left unattended in a vehicle, in the surrounding Ventana Wilderness roads or trails, or in/on/near Guest Housing. Anyone not complying with these rules will be asked to leave Tassajara with no opportunity for a refund.

Service Dog Requirements:

1. At Tassajara, a service animal is defined as a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability.
2. The task(s) performed by the dog must be directly related to the person's disability.
3. All service dogs must remain with their human needing service, at all times, while on-site.
4. Ideally, all service dogs should wear a service dog vest while moving among guests and in guest-accessible spaces (including but not limited to, guest housing, bathhouse, dining room, trails, and retreat hall).
5. Emotional support, therapy, comfort, or companion animals are not considered service animals and are not permitted at Tassajara.

** Religious institutions and organizations are specifically exempt from the ADA. The exemption covers all of the activities of a religious entity, whether religious or secular. ** https://www.ada.gov/taman3.html

Road Risks & Rockslides

Weather changes our road conditions drastically, and can result in hazardous conditions. This is particularly true after heavy rains, freezing temperatures, or snow. There are regularly occurring loose rocks, fallen trees, and wildlife.

Traffic on Tassajara Road is two-way; however, not all parts of the road accommodate two cars at the same time. Cars traveling uphill have the right-of-way, so please keep that in mind when negotiating tight spaces. The majority of traffic on the road happens between 11:00 am and 4:00 pm. Here is a link showing what it’s like to navigate the road itself.

Smoking

No smoking is allowed in any building at Tassajara, including the cabins, porches, and decks. It is against federal law to smoke on any of the trails. Please ask the office for directions to the designated smoking area.

Stone Office – Tassajara Store

The Stone Office is the central hub of Tassajara: this is where guests check in and out, obtain information about all the Tassajara amenities, find trail maps, check in and out for hikes, etc. The Stone Office is also the only store in the valley. Here guests can purchase books; Tassajara t-shirts, hoodies, hats, tote bags, water bottles and mugs; a variety of altar objects, incense, malas, and Buddhist statuary; pottery by local artists; basic toiletries and supplies; and an array of seasonal souvenirs. Only credit/debit cards are accepted (no cash).

Telephone and Electronics

Tassajara presents a unique opportunity to detoxify from the use of technology. There is no cellphone reception on the road to Tassajara and in the valley. Tassajara has only one public phone and there is no visitor access to WiFi (unless there is a medical emergency). Because Tassajara is off the grid and generates all its own electricity, use of computers and all other electrical equipment is discouraged. In order to preserve the quiet atmosphere of Tassajara, do not bring musical instruments, radios, or other audible musical devices.

Please take the following steps BEFORE you leave for Tassajara so that you can enjoy unplugged time during your stay:

• Notify Others: Inform family, friends, and colleagues of your unavailability. Tassajara's emergency contact number is 831-659-2229.
• Financial Preparations: Complete necessary banking transactions and bill payments before arrival.
• Offline Content: Download books, music, and any essential documents you might need.
• Out-of-Office Setup: Configure automatic email responses and update your voicemail. You may wish to make sure you know how to check your voicemail remotely using the Tassajara landline phone, as incoming calls do not reach Tassajara.

Temperature and Climate

Tassajara is located in the Los Padres National Forest which is in a semi-desert ecosystem including chaparral and forested land. In the early part of the summer season (April), Tassajara weather is highly variable. It could be cold and rainy, or warm and sunny. Be prepared for nighttime lows in the upper 30s.

At the height of the summer season, Tassajara is very dry and hot. The warmest months are generally July and August, with usual highs in the 90s to 100s. Usual lows are in the 50s with occasional 40s. Those who come during these months should be prepared for the heat. Rainfall is unlikely after May.

Zendo (Meditation Hall)

Guest arrivals are coordinated with orientation sessions of the zendo led by the Ino, the staff member who takes care of the mediation hall. Attendance is highly recommended for all guests who may like to utilize the zendo during their stay. In general, the zendo is open throughout the day. Guests are welcome to participate in the residents’ early morning and evening meditation periods. When using the zendo, please wear dark and comfortable clothing.

The Tassajara zendo summer schedule is as follows:

6:00–7:00 am    Zazen (Zen Meditation)
7:00–7:20 am    Service (Zen Liturgy)
5:40–5:50 pm    Service
8:00–8:40 pm    Zazen