We do not require proof of vaccine and masking is optional. Anyone who exhibits cold symptoms (such as coughing or sneezing) is strongly encouraged to use a mask in public spaces. Masking is welcome in all spaces. Please bring your own supply. 

A negative COVID test result is not required, however self-testing is strongly encouraged prior to arrival on opening-day, mandatory if symptomatic, and if you become symptomatic while on retreat. We do have tests onsite. Anyone who tests positive must leave the retreat.

Our decision to no longer require testing is in alignment with other retreat centers and in consideration of CDC guidance which states that testing is appropriate when individuals show symptoms of COVID.

The land at Big Springs is a mix of gravel roads and forest paths, some with boulders and roots, at varying degrees of slope. The paths traverse various mountain terrain from soft and winding through conifer forest to steep rocky steps and exposed shale slopes. The path that connects the Meditation Hall and the Dining Hall has a staircase with 12 stairs and handrails. The picturesque Monet bridge has one handrail. Please use it. Sturdy shoes are highly recommended for walking on these paths and around the center. If you use hiking poles, we recommend bringing those as well. If walking on this terrain or using stairs is an issue or if you have other mobility limitations, please let your retreat registrar or manager know immediately, so we can assist you with your participation in the retreat.

Big Springs is located at approximately 5,200 feet above sea level. For those not used to high altitudes, it's important to be aware of how your body might respond. While many people experience no issues at all, it's a good practice to be prepared.

What to Expect

At this altitude, you may feel some minor effects as your body adjusts, such as:

• A slight headache

• Mild fatigue or shortness of breath

• Changes in sleep patterns

• Increased need to use the restroom

These symptoms are usually temporary and typically resolve within a day or two.

How to Prepare and What to Do During Your Stay

To ensure you have the most comfortable experience possible, we recommend the following:

• Consult Your Doctor: If you have any pre-existing health conditions (such as heart, lung, or blood pressure issues), we strongly recommend consulting with your doctor before traveling to a high-altitude environment. Please advise your registrar or retreat manager of any pre-existing conditions and medications that you take.

• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water before you arrive and throughout your stay. It's easy to get dehydrated at this altitude, and proper hydration is key to feeling well. We have electrolyte packets available in our small general store.

• Avoid Caffeine: In the first 24-48 hours, consider limiting your intake of caffeine, as it can contribute to dehydration.

• Take it Easy: Listen to your body. Plan on moving at a slower pace, especially on your first day. Save strenuous activities like long hikes for once you've acclimated.

Emergency Phone Number

If you need to be reached in an emergency during the retreat, the Office number is 530-862-1005. 530-862-1333 in the residence may be used as a back-up. We’ll be checking the answering machine regularly. For emergencies, there is Wi-Fi at the retreat site.

Every cabin has emergency information posted by the door. There is an air horn to signal for help and a red emergency phone to dial 911. Next to the phone, there is a walkie talkie to reach a staff person in case of an emergency. Please reserve these for emergencies only. There will always be a First Aid, CPR, AED trained emergency staff member on call.

Information About Health and Safety and Nearby Medical Services

Big Springs is a remote retreat center at an elevation of 5200 feet. We highly recommend that anyone who has pre-existing conditions talks to a medical professional about how altitude can affect their health. In the event that you need medical attention, the nearest medical clinic is about 30 minutes away in Downieville and is only open on weekdays:

• Western Sierra Medical Clinic, 209 Nevada St, Downieville, CA 95936 (16.2 miles away/approx. 30 minutes)

The nearest hospitals are between an hour and an hour and a half away:

• Tahoe Forest Hospital, 10121 Pine Ave, Truckee, CA 96161 (44.6 miles away/approx. 1 hour)

• Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital, 155 Glasson Way, Grass Valley, CA 95945 (61.7 miles away/approx 1.5 hours)

• Renown Regional Medical Center, 1155 Mill St, Reno, NV 89502 (75.7 miles away/approx 1.5 hours)

If you are concerned about your ability to get to an emergency medical center, we recommend that you purchase an AirMedCare membership so you can get air medical transport to the nearest hospital in the event of an emergency. For more information and pricing, you can visit their website: https://www.airmedcarenetwork.com/air_ambulance-service/coverage-area-pricing.

The property does not receive cell service. Wi-Fi is available in the Office. If you are on a silent meditation retreat, noble silence does not include using your phone. More information will be provided at arrival. The Office is available if use of technology or calls are necessary during your retreat. Please check in with your retreat registrar or manager on these allowances.

Important

Meditation retreats typically begin in the afternoon of the first scheduled day, with check-in between 1:00pm and 4:00pm. Please confirm these times with the retreat organizer of which you are attending as they are subject to change.

Arrival

Please give yourself ample time to get here and allow time to enjoy the beautiful drive. Please review the directions page carefully for important information about getting to Big Springs. Upon arrival, drive past the Office and park in the lot just above. There will be staff to direct you. Check in is at the Office. After check in, staff will help direct you to your cabin or camping spot and alternate parking if applicable. Please remove all food or scented products from your car as they can easily attract mice and bears. This includes lip balm, lotion, toothpaste, chewing gum, etc. Bags left on the ground may invite an unwanted visitor into your car or cabin. No food is allowed in the cabins or at your camp site. Please store any food items in the small refrigerator in the Dining Hall.

Departure

The majority of retreats end late morning of the last scheduled day, typically no later than 11:30am. Please check with the organizer of your specific retreat for the exact timing. We ask that all retreatants stay on the property once your retreat has started. If an emergency or extenuating circumstance has arisen, please find a retreat manager or staff member to check in with. Please do not leave without notifying a staff member. It is essential that we have accurate information on who is on campus for emergency safety. Please plan on staying on campus during your entire retreat and contact your retreat registrar or manager if you foresee any issues.

If someone you know is attending the retreat, we encourage carpooling to minimize environmental impact.

What to Bring

• A variety of loose, comfortable, casual, layered clothing

• Warm clothing/jackets/beanies as we are at elevation with cold nights

• Rain attire and umbrella

• Sturdy outdoor walking shoes and hiking poles if you use them

• Slip-on shoes and indoor slippers if you need them. No outdoor shoes are allowed in the Meditation Hall or cabins.

• Sun hat and unscented sunscreen

• Unscented bug repellent

• Flashlight or headlamp with fresh batteries. Our campus is quite dark at night. We do have down-facing “moon lights” that go off at 10pm.

• Wristwatch or battery-operated clock, if you intend to hike and/or are camping. Clocks are provided in guest rooms.

• Earplugs, if you’re a light sleeper

• Water bottle and reusable thermos for hot beverages

• Prescription medications and Epi Pen, if you require one

Optional

• Bathing suit and towel, if you wish to take a cold plunge in our small pool (temperature is low 40s)

• Sitting cushion(s) or bench, shawl or lap blanket. If you have special sitting supports or you require a large number of pillows, consider bringing some of your own supply so there are enough cushions for everyone. The Meditation Hall has zafus (round sitting cushions), zabutons (floor mats), blankets, chairs, and back jacks available.

• A sitting cushion that you can use to sit outdoors. Please do not remove cushions from the Meditation Hall.

• Personal unscented soaps, if you prefer. We provide unscented shampoo, conditioner, and body soap in each shower.

• Sleeping bag or your own personal linens, if you prefer. We provide towels, bed sheets, blankets, and a pillow in guest rooms.

• For silent meditation retreats, a checkbook, cash, or credit card, for dāna contribution. 

What Not to Bring

• All technology besides phones*, including computers, tablets, and other devices (we recommend you leave them in your car). Turn off or silence all notifications on smartphones and smartwatches if you bring them.

• Scented personal hygiene products**

• Intoxicants: plant, chemical, or alcohol (Please do bring your prescription medications)

• Candles or incense

• Food and beverages (unless medically necessary) 

• For silent meditation retreats: printed books, ebook readers, magazines, clunky jewelry, which can be noisy in the Meditation Hall

* Many silent meditation retreats have a renunciation ceremony where you can relinquish your smartphones and smartwatches for the duration of the retreat.

** We ask that all retreatants not use chemically scented products during their time on retreat, including chemically scented shampoo, conditioner, body wash, soaps and abstain from use of perfumes and colognes. This helps those that are affected by these products in the shared spaces. 

Camping at Big Springs is a delightful experience. You will be camping on a large tent platform in the forest and will have an umbrella for shade. Platforms are at least 12 x 10, and some platforms are larger.

What to know:

• A platform will be assigned to you upon arrival.

• There is a bathhouse with one indoor shower and toilets. There is also an outdoor shower available.

• Absolutely NO food, snacks, beverages, or scented things that might attract bears or other creatures to your tent  A whistle and bear repellant will be provided.

• Absolutely NO smoking of any kind at camp platform. Smoking is only allowed at designated site by parking lot.

What to bring:

• Tent, sleeping pad, pillow and sleeping bag/bedding. Bring extra blankets as temperatures can drop significantly at night.

• Bath towel, washcloth, and personal toiletries. We have unscented shampoo, conditioner, body wash and lotion available for campers in the bathhouse.

• A battery-operated clock or wristwatch with an alarm

• Headlamp or flashlight will be needed since there is no trail lighting to the platforms

If you leave anything behind, please let your retreat registrar or manager know or email us at: info@bigspringsretreat.org. We will keep items for 30 days before giving them to charity. Big Springs will ship items, but you will be responsible for all the costs related to shipping your item.