Plan Your Visit

Arrival / Departure

Arrival: Registration is between 3:00–5:00 PM on the first day of your retreat. Upon arrival, please park and proceed to the main building to register—it’s the large white building on your left as you drive in. Please aim to arrive close to 3:00 PM to allow time for check-in, receive your working meditation assignments, and settle into your accommodations.

Late Arrivals: If you will be arriving after 5:00 PM, please notify the office. Retreaters cannot check themselves in without a staff member. Arrivals after 6:00 PM must arrange accommodations elsewhere for that night; check-in will occur the following morning.

Departure: The retreat concludes after lunch on the final day (approximately 2:00 PM).

Note: Vajrapani’s natural terrain includes uneven ground, elevation changes, and moderate walking distances, which may pose challenges for individuals with mobility or balance concerns.

Carpooling for Group Retreats

If you are driving, consider offering a ride to a fellow retreater. Carpooling helps reduce parking congestion and supports retreaters without vehicles. Use this document to coordinate carpools: Carpooling Sign-Up.

King’s Creek Road

The first half of the road is paved, the last 3 miles are unpaved, please drive slowy. Please allow yourself plenty of time to get here, as Google Maps often underestimates the ETA to get to Vajrapani.

See Our Location  for more detailed information and directions.

Guest Transportation Policy

To preserve the peace and safety of our retreat environment:

No Personal Vehicles Beyond Parking: Driving to the ridge or cabins is not allowed.

Luggage Transport: Staff are available to help transport belongings at the start and end of your stay.

During Your Stay: Guests are responsible for walking between cabins and the main gompa; short walks are part of the retreat experience.

Arrival & Departure: Staff will pick up and drop off guests at the ridge.

These guidelines help us maintain a quiet, safe, and contemplative environment for everyone. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Electronics

We encourage leaving worldly distractions behind to focus on the retreat.

Notes: Use pen and paper or a non-keyboard device (tablet).

Laptops: If needed for physical or learning reasons, contact us in advance.

Cell Phones: Complete essential calls and messages by noon on arrival day. Take time to enjoy the scenery on your way to the center.

Vajrapani Packing List

Essential Items:

• Comfortable walking or hiking shoes
• Cozy shoes/slippers
• Bedding
  –Those staying in shared or semi-private dorms need to bring a sleeping bag or blankets. (Sheets and pillows are provided)
  –Those staying in private rooms or cabins have all their bedding provided.
• Flashlight
• Towel
• Toiletries (soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.)
• Jacket

Rainy Season (Oct–Mar):

• Waterproof jacket/poncho/raincoat
• Waterproof footwear or extra shoes/sandals
• Umbrella
• Suggested Items:
  Travel alarm clock (or meditation timer)

How to Find Us

Vajrapani Institute for Wisdom Culture is located in the Santa Cruz Mountains near Boulder Creek, CA at the end of a five-mile dirt road on the border of Castle Rock State Park. While secluded, we are relatively close to the San Jose and San Francisco airports.

More detailed directions can be found here