Hidden Valley Ashram – An Oasis of Peace
"When you know God as peace within, you will realize Him as peace existing in the universal harmony of all things without."
– Paramahansa Yogananda
"See Him in the glorious colors in the dawn and sunset and moonlit heavens. It is His invisible hand that is painting scenery on the sky and in the faces of those who love Him."
God says, “Follow the trail of beauty. I am hidden somewhere in its heart. I am Harmony, I am Love, I am Beauty, I am Fragrance, I am Joy."
– Paramahansa Yogananda
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
The weekly spiritual schedule for our guests includes morning and evening one-hour group meditations with the monks, preceded by group practice of the SRF Energization Exercises.
Spiritual Program
The weekly spiritual schedule for our guests includes morning and evening one-hour group meditations with the monks, preceded by group practice of the SRF Energization Exercises.
Accommodations
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 gym. 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.
Reservations
Hidden Valley Ashram is closed on the following dates in 2025
Hidden Valley Ashram is closed on the following dates in 2025
| Description | From Date | To Date |
| Easter | 17-Apr-25 | 21-Apr-25 |
| Memorial Day | 25-May-25 | 27-May-25 |
| Convocation 2025 | 20-Jun-25 | 30-Jun-25 05-Jul-25 |
| Labor Day | 31-Aug-25 | 02-Sep-25 |
| Thanksgiving | 26-Nov-25 | 30-Nov-25 |
| Christmas | 20-Dec-25 | 02-Jan-25 |
Reservations
Male students and friends of Self-Realization Fellowship are welcome to stay with us for up to two weeks.
To make a reservation, please click the Request Your Reservation button below. You will be directed to submit your email address. For security purposes we will then send you a One Time Password (OTP) via email, which you can use to continue the registration process. (If you do not receive the One Time Password in your email inbox, please check your junk mail folder.)
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.
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.
What To Expect
Spiritual Program
The weekly spiritual schedule for our guests includes morning and evening one-hour group meditations with the monks, preceded by group practice of the SRF Energization Exercises.
Each Wednesday evening there is a three-hour meditation
Each Friday we have a satsanga class
Each Saturday evening there is a three hour group study class with discussion
Each Sunday morning there is a three-hour meditations
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 80s and early morning temperatures in the 40s so please pack a variety of garments regardless of the season. 10 Day Weather forecast for Escondido
Summer Months (May – October):
Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and swim trunks. Shorts are acceptable for work, meals, and recreation (but please no cut-offs). Full-length pants should be worn to all chapel and Fellowship Hall activities, such as meditations and classes. No tank tops, please.
Winter Months (November – April):
Warm jacket, sweatshirt, rain gear. (Umbrellas are provided in each guest room.)
Travel Directions
Driving Directions
Photos
Garden Chapel
Front Office
Meditate in the 'South 40'
Sunset at Hidden Valley Ashram
Your Donations Make a Difference
Our Guest Program is sustained by your donations, which help defray the cost of meals, lodging, utilities, maintenance, orchard and garden upkeep, and other site improvements. The suggested donation is $150/day, but please take to heart that Hidden Valley is open to all, and we very much appreciate whatever amount you are able to contribute financially.
You may make your donation using the Payment button located in the Check Out Email that will be sent to you at the end of your stay. We can then associate your contribution with your reservation. Thank you for your help!
Our Guest Program is sustained by your donations, which help defray the cost of meals, lodging, utilities, maintenance, orchard and garden upkeep, and other site improvements. The suggested donation is $150/day, but please take to heart that Hidden Valley is open to all, and we very much appreciate whatever amount you are able to contribute financially.
You may make your donation using the Payment button located in the Check Out Email that will be sent to you at the end of your stay. We can then associate your contribution with your reservation. Thank you for your help!
Additional ways to support Hidden Valley Ashram
Additional ways to support Hidden Valley Ashram
In addition to making a donation after attending our guest program, our friends can also support us by giving to either of the following funds:
In addition to making a donation after attending our guest program, our friends can also support us by giving to either of the following funds:
Building Fund: Your gift will help support the care of our Hidden Valley Ashram property, including maintaining the facilities and grounds; acquiring and maintaining equipment, furniture, and vehicles; and covering costs associated with related capital campaigns. Please click the Building Fund button below to make your gift now:
Building Fund: Your gift will help support the care of our Hidden Valley Ashram property, including maintaining the facilities and grounds; acquiring and maintaining equipment, furniture, and vehicles; and covering costs associated with related capital campaigns. Please click the Building Fund button below to make your gift now:
General Operating Fund:Your gift will help us meet the day-to-day and highest priority general operating needs of the Hidden Valley Ashram. Please click the General Fund button below to make your gift now:
General Operating Fund:Your gift will help us meet the day-to-day and highest priority general operating needs of the Hidden Valley Ashram. Please click the General Fund button below to make your gift now:
Mail your donation
Please make checks payable to Self-Realization Fellowship. Write "Hidden Valley Guest Program" or "Hidden Valley General Fund" in the memo line. Mail your check to Hidden Valley Ashram 16455 Old Guejito Grade Road Escondido, CA 92027
Call your donation in
If you prefer to call in your donation please call 818 549 5151 and indicate that your donation is for the Hidden Valley Guest Program or for the Hidden Valley General Fund
Contact Us
Office Hours
Weekdays : 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
1:30 pm to 04:00 pm
Weekend : Closed, no office staff available
