Tassajara Hot Springs, Natural hot springs in Ventana Wilderness, California, US.
Tassajara Hot Springs are thermal springs flowing from the ground along a creek bed in the Ventana Wilderness, with water temperatures between 100 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. The grounds feature historic buildings, soaking pools, and trails winding through steep terrain.
European settlers discovered these springs in 1843 and established one of the earliest hot springs resorts in the United States. Over time the property transformed to host a Zen Buddhist monastic community that shaped its modern character.
The Esselen people valued these waters as a spiritual center for healing ceremonies and community gatherings that remain part of local history.
Reaching the site requires hiking a 4-mile trail, so wear sturdy shoes and come prepared for physical activity. The grounds operate as a Zen Buddhist monastery in winter and welcome day visitors and overnight guests from late May through late August.
The 1886 sandstone building was constructed by Italian stonemasons and Chinese laborers using stone quarried locally. This multicultural workforce reflects an unusual partnership in the construction history of rural California.
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