Big Sur Wilderness Experience

With Steven Harper

May 17 - 21, 2027

Workshop Schedule

Monday
5:00 pm – 6:00 pm*How to Drop into Esalen*
7:15 pm – 9:30 pm
Tuesday
9:30 am – 5:00 pm
8:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Wednesday
9:30 am – 5:30 pm
Thursday
9:30 am – 5:00 pm
8:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Friday
10:00 am – 12:00 pm

See general schedule information including arrival, departure and meal times.

  • Sleeping Bag Space – $1,060.00
  • Bunk Bed Space – $1,396.00
  • Standard Shared Space – $1,728.00
  • Standard Queen Room – $2,240.00
  • Standard Room Two Beds – $3,476.00
  • Premium Queen Room – $3,328.00
  • Premium King Room – $3,568.00
  • Premium Plus King Room – $4,016.00
  • Premium Wooden Yurt – $4,016.00
  • Premium Wooden Yurt Two Beds – $4,016.00
  • Price House Suite – $5,384.00
  • Rolf Suite – $7,568.00
  • Point House – $7,568.00
  • Fritz Point House – $7,568.00
  • South Point House – $9,280.00
Register now
Register now

Esalen is the trailhead to one of the most spectacular mountainous coastlines in the world. With the Big Sur wilderness as the primary teacher, participants will explore the beauty of this alive and wild coast, from ancient redwood canyons and dramatic coastal beaches to rugged rocky mountains and soft grassy slopes.

Drawing from nature and guided by experiential awareness practices, individuals will be encouraged to open to the landscapes of both the natural world and their inner world. It is said that Big Sur is not just a place but a state of mind. This wilderness experience seeks to merge mind and place, and to embody what is discovered.

Participants in this weeklong workshop will venture out into the emerging springtime magnificence of Big Sur on day hikes. Steven will draw from a wide range of contemporary and age-old wisdom traditions, borrowing from psychology, meditation, aikido, and the natural sciences to weave together a holistic experience of self and the natural world.

Each hike will begin after breakfast and conclude in time to enjoy the hot springs and dinner at the Lodge. Evening sessions will include informal sharing and basic awareness practices with attention to integrating what we discover into our daily lives.

Please Note: Due to Big Sur’s rugged terrain, this workshop is best suited to participants with strong hiking fitness and recent experience on moderately strenuous trails. Expect 4–8 mile day hikes with elevation gain and loss on uneven, occasionally steep terrain. These are neither fast-paced, summit-driven treks nor leisurely walks. They balance physical challenge with unhurried time in nature, inner exploration, and opportunities to pause, listen, and rest in quiet reflection.

More information and a waiver will be sent upon registration. For an equipment list and frequently asked questions about Steven’s workshops, visit FAQs.

Recommended reading: The Practice of the Wild by Gary Snyder

This workshop has $80 of additional faculty tuition and $40 for park entrance fees.

About the Leader

Steven Harper

Steven Harper is a wilderness leader, author, personal and organizational facilitator, and Big Sur resident. A student of meditation since 1972, he weaves Buddhist psychology, mindfulness practices, and neuropsychology into his work. He is a long-time student and facilitator of Gestalt Practice in the tradition of Esalen’s co-founder, Richard Price. Email Me www.stevenkharper.com

Learn more about Steven Harper

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