Hidden Valley Ashram – An Oasis of Peace
Hidden Valley Ashram is a Self-Realization Fellowship monastic community in Southern California where SRF monks live year-round, following the balanced life of meditation and spiritual service that Paramahansa Yogananda outlined for his monastic disciples.
For over four decades it has been our blessed privilege to offer thousands of SRF devotees and friends from all over the world an opportunity to step away from worldly concerns and pressures, and enjoy a restorative stay at Hidden Valley, in a spiritual environment conducive to overall well-being of body, mind, and soul.
Guests are invited to join the daily group meditations and weekly classes offered and partake of the regular meals served in the dining room/refectory. They are then free to use their time in ways they think will be most appropriate to achieving the goals they have set for their stay with us.
Whether you may feel a need for rest and relaxation, or to find inspiration and a new enthusiasm for the spiritual path, you are welcome as a guest at the Hidden Valley Ashram. We will be happy to have you with us, and will endeavor to make your stay enjoyable and spiritually uplifting.
Spiritual Program
Guests are invited to join the daily group meditations and weekly classes offered and partake of the regular meals served in the dining room/refectory. They are then free to use their time in ways they think will be most appropriate to achieving the goals they have set for their stay with us.
Saturday group study with discussion
Accommodations and Facilities
Guests are accommodated in spacious single occupancy, climate-controlled rooms with a private bathroom. Three vegetarian meals are served daily in our dining room; the cuisine is international, with a variety of menus served throughout the week. Meals are taken in silence.
Nestled among rolling hills of native oak and sycamore, Hidden Valley is home to scenic paths and expansive vistas across fifty acres of forest; as well as spacious meditation gardens; and a number of recreational areas, such as an outdoor swimming pool, a fully equipped
The guest library has a full selection of SRF publications including all of Paramahansa Yogananda’s books and also a selection of other inspirational literature.
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, and we very much appreciate whatever amount you are able 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:
Contact Us
