Entry No. 13 — the Monterey file — filed under: hot springs

Tassajara Zen Mountain Center hot springs

America's oldest Zen monastery outside Asia, reachable only via a hair-raising one-lane dirt road that climbs over 5,082-foot Chews Ridge from Jamesburg. The monks piped a natural hot spring into stone Japanese-style plunge pools and a steam room built directly over Tassajara Creek — some areas clothing-optional, segregated by gender — and open to overnight guests only during the April-to-September guest season.

The move: Drive the dirt road together for a guest-season overnight, soak in the creekside hot spring baths at first light before the crowds of day hikers arrive, then share the monastery's family-style vegetarian dinner.

📍 Ventana Wilderness / Los Padres National Forest, Carmel Valley backcountry
💸 $$
⚡ Low-key
🌗 Indoor or outdoor

Where: 39171 Tassajara Road, Carmel Valley, CA 93924

Hours: Added 2026-07-20 — confirm current hours before you go.

⚠ Seasonal or scheduled — always check before you go.

#hot springs #zen monastery #remote soak #steam bath #clothing-optional

Plan a visit & invite your people →

Further reading: Wikipedia · sfzc.org · Official site

last checked: 2026-07-20