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.



Mother, mentor, poet, artist, volunteer, bestselling author, and podcast host, Elena Brower is a celebrated international yoga and meditation teacher on Glo, guiding transformative practices since 1999. Her new book, Hold Nothing, was published by Shambhala Publications in November 2025. Her column on Substack by the same name, Hold Nothing, supports girls and women, through On The Inside, Girls on Fire Leaders, Women for Women, and Free Food Kitchen.
Her debut book, Art of Attention, was published in 2012 and has been translated into seven languages. Her bestselling journals Practice You and Being You, her collection of poetry entitled Softening Time, along with courses, classes, and talks, explore stages of studentship, practice, life, and listening.
She hosts the acclaimed podcast Practice You, a series of deep, compassionate conversations with teachers, artists, and thinkers, intended to support you through life’s transitions, encouraging presence, care, and openness. Offering new virtual classes weekly on Glo.com, Elena weaves body, breath, art, and contemplative mindfulness into practice. Bridging ancient yogic precision with creative depth and emotional intelligence, she serves individuals in cultivating resilience and inner alignment.
In 2023, she received Jukai (lay Buddhist vows) from Roshi Joan Jiko Halifax at Upaya Zen Center, and is a student in Upaya’s Chaplaincy Training. As part of her service, she volunteers in hospice and penitentiary settings.
Mother, mentor, poet, artist, volunteer, bestselling author, and host of the Practice You podcast, Elena Brower is a celebrated international yoga and meditation teacher on Glo, guiding transformative practices since 1999. She is now a candidate for Zen Buddhist chaplaincy.