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Esalen Institute (PRIVATE)

CA Central West California Central West

(PRIVATE)


Esalen’s springs, are no longer open to the public, and are now only available to registered guests and staff. Mudslides from storms destroyed the integrity and safety of the old baths. “THE BATHS ARE OPEN and they are magnificent! After four and a half years, several million dollars and a series of challenges that were almost insurmountable, the restoration of the Esalen baths on their original site at the source of the hot springs is complete.”

several outdoor hot baths, mostly modern wooden structures, some bathtubs, some under shelters. Fabulous coastal views.
clothing optional
fee $$$ (must sign up for classes or be a worker/employee of the facility, or a local.)

notes: It’s worth signing up for a workshops and paying for lodging just to enjoy the hot springs. See the website for the latest updates on construction and access to the general public (which is currently 1am-3am!). Please see Esalen’s website for details on the extensively renovated website.

address:Big Sur, CA 93920

how to get there: On Hwy 1, about 45 miles south of Monterey.
phone:

(info and seminar reservations) 831 667-3000; (1am-3am public access to hot springs, by reservation only 831-667-3047).

shelter: lodging, simple bungalows in a row for about $100/night. Also common rooms where one brings a sleeping bag.

food: wonderful tasty and health bolstering buffet for participants, made from the organic garden.

payment accepted: unknown

massage: yes, plus wide range of health and healing arts.
BUT better call ahead and check on the availability of this. Mostly these
services are only available for participants of the institute’s programs.

temperature: adjustable

links: www.esalen.org

http://www.esalen.org/place/hot_springs.shtml

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Grover Hot Spring

CA Central West California Central West
outdoor swimming and soaking pools
bathing suit req
fee $

notes: Reservations for campsites recommended. Many nice
hiking trails nearby (esp Hot Springs Creek Trail to waterfall and Burnside
Lake). Nice year round, except during heavy snow.

address: PO Box 188, Markleeville, CA 96120

how to get there:
From Gardnerville: HWY 88 south 15 mi to Woodfords and HWY 89 intersection.
Turn left, and go south 5 mi to Markleeville and exit right on Hot Springs
Rd. Go 3 mi to Grover Hot Springs State Park entrance Station.
phone: 916-694-2248, (campground reservations through
MISTIX) 800-444-7275

shelter: camping at Quaking Aspen and Toiyabe (stoves,
cupboards, tables, water, rest rooms and showers) closed Oct – May. Camping
w less amenities yr round in picnic area nr park entrance.
food: picnic area
payment accepted: unknown
massage: no
temperature: 80F, 104F

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Harbin Hot Springs

CA Central West California Central West

P.O. Box 782, Middletown, California 95461
Phone: (707) 987-2477, toll free 800-622-2477
Email
Website: http://www.harbin.org

PRICES:
Mon-Thu / Fri-Sun,Hol / Weekly
24-hour Visit – Adult $25 $30 $170
24-Hour Visit – Child $15 $20 $115
6-Hour Visit – Adult $20 $25
6-Hour Visit – Child $10 $15
Accommodations: $35 – $230, depending on whether you share a common room or reserve a private room. There’s also a large group lodges and buildings for groups of up to 150.

Directions: About 2 hours NE from San Francisco. Once you arrive in Middletown…
Turn west onto Hwy 175. Drive three short blocks to BARNES ST. (Big Canyon Rd.) and turn RIGHT. Drive 1.2 miles to HARBIN SPRINGS ROAD (fork at the top of the hill), and turn LEFT. Follow road for 2 miles to the gate house.

Map: http://www.harbin.org/map.htm

RIDE SHARE BOARD: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/harbinrideboard

NOTES:

Harbin Hot Springs is a non-profit retreat and workshop center located in the wine region north of San Francisco. Natural spring pools, clothing-optional sun decks, massages with our certified therapists, workshops, 1160 acres of hiking. Food
The Harbin Market sells prepared food, fresh produce, bulk ingredients, snacks, phone cards, toiletries, etc. The vegetarian guest kitchen features basic pans, dishes, utensils, and limited storage (label your bags) and refrigerator space. In addition to the café’s and restaurant on Harbin property, nearby Middletown features a supermarket and numerous restaurants of varying quality. Internet access and lap top plug-in station is located near between the library and the Blue Room Café. A coin-operated Laundromat is located in nearby Middletown.

At least one person in your party must carry a membership to use the facilities.
One Month Trial Membership: $10, Full Year Membership: $30

Reservations for rooms are necessary, but are not needed for camping or day visits. Campers have full use of Harbin facilities, including the trails, pools, showers, guest kitchen, guest refrigerators, etc. Because of fire danger, no campstoves or fires are allowed.

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International Spa

CA Central West California Central West

hot mineral baths, mud baths
clothing optional
fee $

notes: reputed as one of the best Calistoga spas for sampling
hot springs culture and philosophy.
address: PO Box 856,Calistoga, CA 94515
how to get there: in the town of Calistoga
phone: 707-942-6122
shelter: none known on premises, but should be lodging
close by.
food: none known/picnic area/snack bar and grill/community
kitchen/grocery on premises/restaurant
payment accepted: unknown
massage: yes (acupressure, reflexology, swedish-Esalen),
plus Japanese enzyme baths.
temperature: unknown

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Orr Hot Springs (2004)

CA Central West California Central West

Developed, Small rustic Resort
Description: Rustic retreat nestled in a steep tree lined canyon. A little stream runs through it.
$$
Clothing optional? Yes
Accommodation: Small private cabins and a common sleeping room. Camping.
Address: 13201 Orr Springs Rd, Ukiah, CA 95482
phone: (707) 462-6277
Email:
Website:

DIRECTIONS: About 2 hrs north of San Francisco. Going N on HWY 101, Take the North State St exit – go 0.3 mi, Turn right at N State St – go 0.3 mi, Turn left at Orr Springs Rd – go 6.8 mi.

MAP: http://tinyurl.com/7f7r8

Details: Small, peaceful, no hype, rustic retreat visited mostly by locals and people from San Francisco who like to cook. Facilities include: 3 or 4 funky but clean private cast iron bathtubs with warm water, a small shallow warm outdoor moon view pool, one very hot gazebo hot tub seats about 4-6 (heater goes off around 10pm), new moderately large tile and wood steam or sauna cabins with a little natural light. Wonderful large community omnivore kitchen with great stove, basic cooking gear, utensils, and spices. Large refrigerator and individual food storage bins available. Casual dining room to eat your own cooked meals. Tiny library. Pot bellied stoves often used to heat rooms. Unsecured parking in area across the road from the property. Easy access.

Nearby hiking: Wonderful looped hike through the shady redwoods about 5-10 minute drive down the country road.

NOTES: Orr has gone through extensive renovation over the last several years, though it maintains its quaint charm. Best to check if construction will be going during your planned stay. They don’t seem to volunteer this information over the phone, or give discounts for the disturbance or reduced facilities. Last I heard they were planning to divert warm water to the cold outdoor pool.

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