Hidden Valley Ashram for Men
Experience the Monastic Lifestyle
"That God has given me the privilege to serve is my blessed good fortune. I want nothing; my only desire is that I may establish this work as a divine oasis where aspiring souls may quench their thirst."
Paramahansa Yogananda
Build Lasting Friendships
"Greater than all riches is true friendship. If you can be a true friend to people, you will find God."
Paramahansa Yogananda
Take Time Out To Rejuvenate Your Soul
"Places and people have various vibrations. That is why places of pilgrimage are so wonderful, for in them many people have thought of God and have left there the uplifting vibrations of their spiritual thoughts."
Paramahansa Yogananda
Re-opening of Hidden Valley Ashram
October 2023
Dear Friends,
We are happy to announce that the SRF Hidden Valley Ashram Guest Program for men is now open! We have heard from many of you and know how eager you are to return to your “spiritual home” here in the rolling hills of Escondido, California.
What to expect:
Our new Guest Program combines the essential aspects of the previous programs that were offered at Hidden Valley, providing the opportunity for all guests to withdraw from the responsibilities of daily life and participate in the spiritual routine followed by SRF monastics. This includes:
Daily group meditations, led by the resident monks;
Periods for spiritual study, introspection, and silence;
Simple service opportunities, available for those who wish to help out with some of the ashram chores (however, this will not be required of anyone staying as a guest at Hidden Valley).
Making a reservation:
We anticipate a large number of devotees wanting to stay here over the first 3–6 months of our re-opening. To allow as many as possible to spend some time here, we initially are limiting stays to a two-week period. Eventually guests may stay for as long as two months. Accommodations include private quarters for each guest as well as vegetarian meals prepared by Hidden Valley kitchen staff.
The Guest Program will be offered on a donation basis, and we will be happy to provide you with more information when you make your reservation request. Your donation is greatly appreciated and will be used to meet the costs involved with running the guest program and maintaining the ashram facilities and grounds. Here is a link to the online reservation request form.
Joyous Reunion!
We are so excited to be able to welcome you back! It will be a joy once again to be able to practice our Guru Paramahansa Yoganandaji’s yoga sadhana with you in the natural setting of Hidden Valley Ashram, an ideal place for drawing closer to God. We look forward to seeing you soon! Jai Guru!
In divine friendship,
SRF Hidden Valley Ashram
Who We Are
Hidden Valley Ashram is a monks' ashram, part of Self-Realization Fellowship, founded by Paramahansa Yogananda. Nestled among rolling hills of native oak and sycamore, the ashram is an ideal setting for men seeking a deeper spiritual experience by immersing themselves in a monastic community.
The weekly schedule includes individual and group meditations, counseling with the monastics, service opportunities, recreation, and time for solitude and reflection.
Hidden Valley has been the gateway to monastic life for young men for more than thirty years. Guests have the opportunity to experience ashram life and follow the monk’s daily routine. During the course of your stay, the Hidden Valley monks are here to help you as you decide if this is the right choice for you.
Learn more about the Self-Realization Fellowship Monastic Order.
Ashram Facilities
Ashram Facilities
Guest Rooms
All guest rooms are single occupancy with a private bathroom. They are a short walking distance from all the primary facilities on the ashram property.
Meals
Delicious and nutritious vegetarian meals are served in our Refectory. All selections are based on Master's dietary principles.
Hidden Valley Ashram offers many opportunities for group meditation that benefit both those who are new to meditation as well as those who have meditated for many years. Meditating together helps each devotee by the power of united effort and concentration.
Reservations
Your stay at Hidden Valley Ashram includes a single occupancy room with a private bathroom, meals in our Refectory, and participation in all scheduled Guest Program activities: Group meditation in our Main Chapel, a weekly satsanga with the monks, a weekly group study class led by a monastic. Also, you can enjoy access to abundant recreational opportunities: a fully equipped gym, an outdoor swimming pool, and scenic walking paths on the grounds.
The suggested donation for your stay is $150 per day. Your donation is greatly appreciated and will be used to meet the costs involved with running the Guest Program and maintaining the ashram facilities and grounds.
How to Make a Reservation
Once you choose the “Request Your Reservation” button below you will be directed to submit your email address.
After entering your email address, for security purposes, we will send you a OTP (One Time Password) via email which you can use to continue the registration process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to Bring
Summer Months (May – October):
Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and swim trunks. Conservative shorts are acceptable for work, meals and recreation. Trousers should be worn to all chapel and Fellowship Hall activities, such as meditation and classes. No tank tops or cut-off shorts, please.
Winter Months (November – April):
Warm jacket, sweatshirt, rain gear. We have umbrellas for your use on rainy days.
Weather Info
The weather at Hidden Valley Ashram can vary significantly day to day. It is not unusual to have daytime temperatures in the high 80's and early morning temperatures in the 40's so please pack a jacket with your conservative shorts and trousers regardless of the season. 10 Day Weather forecast for Escondido
Photos of Hidden Valley Ashram
Garden Chapel
Front Office
Meditate in the 'South 40'
Sunset at Hidden Valley Ashram
Service Opportunities
Group Meditations
Koi Pond
For more than 30 years, Hidden Valley Ashram has welcomed our Guru’s disciples to this oasis of spiritual renewal. The Guest Program is sustained by your donations, which defray the cost of meals, lodging, utilities, maintenance, orchards, gardens and improvements.
Please take to heart that Hidden Valley is open to all, regardless of one’s ability to contribute financially. We are able to extend Guruji’s hospitality to all sincere seekers because of your generous donations.
Your prayers, generosity and loyal support, along with Guruji’s blessing, nurture and grow everything at Hidden Valley.
Thank you for your help!
Your Donations Make a Difference
Your Donations Make a Difference
We deeply appreciate and welcome your support of the Hidden Valley Ashram. Your gift enables us to fund the vital services and activities that we offer to our members and larger community, and to maintain our sacred facilities.
Please choose from the following two funds where you would most like to have impact today:
Your gift will help support the care of our Hidden Valley Ashram property, including costs associated with acquiring and maintaining the facilities, grounds, equipment, furniture, and vehicles, and those associated with related capital campaigns. Please click here to make your gift now:
General Operating Fund: Your gift will help us to meet the day-to-day and highest priority general operating needs of the Hidden Valley Ashram. Please click here to make your gift now:
