It is highly recommended that you check current traffic and weather conditions as you plan your trip, as these can significantly impact travel times and route choices.

Location:

1000 Sugarpine Road
Big Bear City
California 92314

Nearest airports:

• Ontario International Airport (ONT) ~ 1.5 hour drive

• Palm Springs Airport ~ 1.5 hour drive

• Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) ~ 2.5 hour drive

Driving Routes:

There are three (3) different routes that lead up the mountain to Big Bear Retreat Center:

1. Highway 330 from San Bernardino (off the 210 Freeway) – This is generally the fastest route up the mountain. However, it is also one of the steepest and windiest;

2. Highway 38 from Redlands (off the 10 Freeway) – This is slightly less steep and windy than Highway 330, but adds an additional 15–20 minutes to the trip;

3. Highway 18 from the High Desert (Antelope Valley / Lucerne Valley) – this route is the least steep of all of the mountain roads, but requires an approach from the northern side of the mountains (which can add time for those coming from the southern side (Orange County, San Diego County, etc.).

More info on how to get to Big Bear Retreat Center.

Vegan, meat and gluten free options are available. Guests are also welcome to bring their own snacks or particular ingredients for the duration of the retreat.

Meals are provided and served for all guests at the dining hall. Big Bear Retreat Center provides three freshly prepared, healthful, nourishing and supportive meals a day - breakfast, lunch, and dinner. In each cabin, as well as the dining hall, there is a refrigerator and pantry space to store your own snacks.

We ask that you not change your dietary plan after the retreat has started, unless it is absolutely necessary.

• We are a primarily meditation retreat center and our accommodations are nice, clean and modest.

• Each residence cabin has 3–4 rooms, sharing bathrooms, a kitchen, a living room, and a deck outside in nature.

• Each bedroom has 1–2 twin sized beds. There are sometimes a mirror and a small clothes-hanging area in your room.

• Two bathrooms are located in each cabin.

• Shoes are not allowed in residence cabins and the meditation hall.

• Every building offers outdoor decks to enjoy our natural environment and trails throughout the land, and adjacent national forest, for nature walks.

• It is not common to intersect with the local wildlife while on our trails but it can happen. Coyotes and wild Donkeys are the most common, we do not recommend that you interact or feed the wildlife (birds and squirrels too). 

• Please be aware that we are at 7,000 feet in elevation. If you are sensitive to altitude, we  recommend taking and bringing any necessary precautions to help you adjust to this  environment smoothly. This includes melatonin or aids for sleeping.

• “Altar” or sacred space item — that will act as an energetic, spiritual and/or emotional support for you and the collective over the course of the retreat. 

• Personal Food and Snacks — may be brought to support you during retreat but are not necessary. Meals at the center are generally vegetarian unless otherwise organized by your group. 

• Flashlight or headlamp — the retreat center is lit at night and we do typically offer extra flashlights and lanterns.

• Toiletries (shampoo/conditioner/soap) — the center has a limited amount available

• Bathrobes — are encouraged since most bathrooms are shared.

• Warm layers of clothing — for night and early mornings, temperatures drop year round.

• Warm layers, gloves, hats and winter jackets — in particular during winter months (Nov–May).

• Sunscreen and hat — at our elevation sun exposure is a greater risk and will remain high if there is snow on the ground. 

• Socks or slippers — for meditation hall and cabin 

• Shoes — that are easy to slip on/off for indoor spaces. No shoes are allowed inside cabins or the meditation hall. 

• Reusable water bottle — the center has filtered water readily available, we recommend staying well hydrated in order to combat the effects of altitude. 

• Reusable thermos — for hot beverages 

• Hiking boots or comfortable sneakers — for walking around center or trails

• Melatonin, sleep aid, or earplugs (if needed)

• Personal medication

• Anything that may help you acclimate to the altitude (7000 ft)

Big Bear Retreat Center does have some limitations, so if you are concerned about  your mobility or ability to navigate the retreat and the center, please reach out before the retreat. This way we can better understand what is needed to support you as we would like you to be able to participate in this retreat as fully as possible.

If you need support and you haven't yet let us know, please email us.

Please be sure to review Big Bear’s latest protocols.

Please reach out for any questions or specific requests to accommodate health and safety.

• Cancellation 30 - 60 days ahead of the retreat allows for full reimbursement.  

• Cancellation 15 days ahead of the retreat based on emergency allows for 50% reimbursement. 

• Cancellation due to emergency less than 15 days ahead of the start of the retreat, reimbursement up to the dissection of the organization.