Visitors are now able to access Esalen as well as other businesses and trails in northern Big Sur via twice-daily convoys on Highway 1 operated by Caltrans.
Convoys run only at 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. each day. These are the only opportunities to travel into and out of Big Sur, so visitors must plan accordingly.
Welcome to Go Within, an immersive winter series at Esalen, where the quiet rhythms of Big Sur’s coastline blend with practices that encourage deep introspection, creative exploration, and inner alignment. Drawing on the essence of George Leonard’s Silent Pulse, this program integrates the concept that within each of us is a unique, vibrant rhythm — a silent pulse — that, when accessed, aligns us with ourselves and the world around us. Through sound, silence, and community, our annual winter festival is a chance to access this inner pulse and rediscover the spaciousness that winter brings.
Experiencing Esalen through the Go Within series offers a rare and transformative way to connect with the essence of this remarkable place beyond the traditional workshop setting. Unlike more structured programs, this ceremonial experience, with its meditative practices, interactive workshop sessions, and communal gatherings allow participants to naturally attune to Esalen’s potency at their own pace.
At a moment when connection to self and community is more vital than ever, this experience in the breathtaking sanctuary of Big Sur offers not only personal renewal but also a chance to reclaim our creativity and authentic presence, equipping us to meet life’s challenges with a renewed sense of clarity, groundedness, and purpose.
Known for her innovative “arctic beatbox” and rooted in the shamanic traditions of her Siberian ancestors, Snow Raven’s teachings invite participants to explore the voice as a primal instrument of connection and expression. Her sessions delve into deep listening, guiding participants to mimic the sounds of nature — birdsong, animal calls, the whisper of wind — awakening a playful, childlike curiosity within. Snow Raven’s presence is a bridge between the ancient and the present, her voice echoing ancestral rhythms that reconnect us to the land and our origins. Through her artistry and wisdom, participants are led into a space where voice becomes a tool for both personal expression and collective resonance, fostering a sense of unity, creativity, and profound reverence for the natural world. Join Snow Raven for workshops on unlocking connection to your own voice, and to multiple performances, including a sound ceremony at the baths.
Go Within offers a profound antidote to the fast-paced, distraction-filled lives so many of us lead, especially in a world that rarely pauses to honor the need for stillness and self-reflection. In a time when external noise often drowns out our inner wisdom, this series provides a rare opportunity to access the quiet, healing power of our own inner rhythm. You’ll be guided through meditations, rhythm-based breathwork, sound ceremonies, and deep listening practices to reconnect with this inner pulse. Join our resident faculty for embodied practice and immersive workshops that invite you to deepen your connection to self, explore the wisdom of the body, and unlock new layers of creativity and awareness.
Savor three hearty, healthy meals per day. Our kitchen draws on global culinary traditions, using the fruits of the Esalen Farm & Garden and other local Big Sur providers to create delicious meals that support holistic health — for you and for the earth.
In our cliffside baths, in the early morning reflections, and through guided explorations of rhythm, sound, and breath, you’ll have the chance to cultivate this deep connection to self. Join us this winter, and rediscover the beauty and wisdom of your own inner pulse, bringing newfound inspiration and alignment back into your life.
Some elements of the schedule may be subject to change.
See general schedule information including arrival, departure and meal times.
The schedule will be posted soon.
Price varies with the length of stay and type of accommodation. All reservations include lodging, meals, workshop, and use of the baths and other campus amenities.
Click Register Now and scroll down to Choose Your Accommodations to view availability of lodging and all-inclusive, date‑specific tuition.
Please note: On Wednesday September 20, online registration may be unavailable for up to 15 minutes while system maintenance is performed. If the 'Register Now' page does not load, please wait about 15 minutes and try again.
Esalen Institute
55000 Highway 1
Big Sur, CA 93920
US: 1-831-667-3000
info@esalen.org