Esalen has reopened effective Monday, March 27! CalTrans is authorizing local residents and registered guests of Esalen to pass through the Road Closed sign as a “soft” closure is still in place to the north of us, while crews complete road work. A hard closure boundary, meaning no public traffic permitted, is still in effect just south of Esalen.
Please plan to arrive between 2:00pm and 5:00pm. You will need to notify the CA Highway Patrol officer at the closure barricade that you are staying at Esalen Institute. All workshops and programming will continue this week as scheduled.
We appreciate your patience and understanding as we manage through these weather challenges, and look forward to welcoming you to Esalen!
Nacimiento-Fergusson Road is a rural, mountain road that connects Highway 101 to Highway 1 and is an approximate hour-long drive. At some points the roadway narrows to one lane and a half, so please drive with caution.
Also be advised that cellular service is unreliable once you exit Highway 101, and non-existent while driving over Nacimiento Road.
Please note: this route may be impassable during winter months and may be closed at other times of year.
From the North
Drive on Highway 101 south and take exit #283 for Jolon Rd toward Fort Hunter Liggett.
When you exit the highway, there will be a gas station on your right. Please consider filling your tank as there are no other gas stations or services en-route to Esalen.
Continue on Jolon Rd for about 17.5 miles.
Turn right onto Mission Rd.
Follow the rest of the directions for All Travelers, below.
From the South
Drive on Highway 101 north.
Consider filling your gas tank in either Paso Robles or San Miguel, prior to exiting Highway 101, as there may be no other services after this point.
Take exit #252 in the Bradley area for Jolon Rd toward Fort Hunter Liggett.
Continue north on Jolon Rd for 21 miles.
Turn left onto Mission Rd.
Follow the rest of the directions for All Travelers, below.
All Travelers
Continue on Mission Rd for 4 miles. You will pass through Fort Hunter Liggett (see top photo, below).
Turn left onto Nacimiento-Fergusson Rd. You will cross over a green bridge (bottom photo, below).
Continue on Nacimiento-Fergusson Rd for about 19 miles until you reach the coast and Highway 1.
At Highway 1, make a right turn and drive north to Esalen Institute located at mile marker 32.4.
Entrance to Fort Hunter Liggett Army Base
Turn onto Nacimiento-Fergusson Road