Tassajara Hot Springs
Also known as Tassajara Zen Mountain Center Hot Springs
100–110°F
Pool temperatures
4WD road
Moderate access
Paid
Fees apply
Tassajara is a Zen monastery with Japanese-style, gender-separated bathhouses fed by natural hot springs. They have indoor and outdoor plunges of about 100 to 110F, a steam room and a creek for cooling off. The public can visit only in the summer guest season by reservation, via a long, steep dirt road. The 2026 season ended early because of wildfire smoke.
01 · Before you go
Plan your visit
What to expect on the ground: rules, facilities and when to go.
- No dogs
- Clothing optionalCommon here, not official policy
- Showers & lodgingAlso food, parking
- HoursDay guests (2024 policy): July and August, Wednesday to Saturday, 9 am to 6 pm. The bathhouse is open to guests during the summer guest season only.
- Reservations required
- Good for kids
- SeasonClosed to the public from September to April. The road can be inaccessible in winter because of snow and rain. The summer guest season runs from about late April or May to early September.
- FeesBathhouse use is included with retreat or overnight reservations. Day visits were $35 per adult and $15 per child in the last published year (2024). The SFZC page says 2024 day visits sold out. One third-party guide says day passes ended in 2022.
Best time to go. Summer guest season only. One guide suggests September is cooler, but the season usually ends in early September.
02 · Live
Conditions
Access status, weather and hazards. Closure feeds are checked automatically every morning.
Access
Check before you go
The Timber Fire (25,350 acres, 97% contained) is 7 km away. Roads and trails nearby may be closed.
Checked 14 Oct · updated daily
The zendo burned down on 26 March 2026, which delayed the start of the 2026 guest season to 13 May. On 23 Aug 2026, because of smoke from the nearby Timber Fire, SFZC canceled the rest of the 2026 guest season and began evacuating students. The center was not under an evacuation order at that time. Check sfzc.org for 2027 season dates and the current status of the Timber Fire and the road. Fall and winter 2026 to 2027 are practice periods that are closed to the public.
The access road is narrow, steep and has sheer drop-offs. Wildfire and smoke are a recurring risk. There is no cell service. The 110F plunge can cause lightheadedness if you stay in too long.
03 · Route
Getting there
Nearest town: Carmel Valley.
- 1
From Carmel Valley Road, take Tassajara Road to Jamesburg, where the pavement ends. From there a narrow one-lane dirt road of about 14 miles crosses Chews Ridge and descends steeply to Tassajara.
- 2
The last 5 miles are very steep. Guests can drive themselves or ride the Stage (a shuttle) from Jamesburg.
- 3
GPS and cell service are unreliable, so use the official directions.
36.2340, −121.5460 · nearest town Carmel Valley, CA
04 · Where to stay
Stay nearby
Start early and stay close. Places to stay near Carmel Valley, from campgrounds to cabins.
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