Hiking Zen Retreat

Donations are our main source of support, so every offering is greatly appreciated. Your contribution helps us to keep the monastery open to receive guests throughout the year.

We warmly invite you to join us for our Hiking Zen Retreat at Deer Park Monastery, our third camping trip held in the chaparral mountains of Escondido, CA. Together, we will walk mindfully through the mountains that hold and protect Deer Park, pitching our tents beneath wide skies and resting on the earth as our teacher.

Dates: March 1 - 7, 2026

This retreat is camping only—there are no dorm accommodations—offering a simple and intimate way to practice, breathe, and come home to ourselves through each step. For those who wish, there is the option to hike without carrying a backpack; some of our monastic siblings will lovingly transport your gear, allowing you to walk with greater ease and freedom.

Please note that hiking experience and self-sufficiency in managing your own camping, sleeping, and cooking systems is required. We estimate that there will be 4 to 9 miles of hiking per day.

The base price of the retreat is $630. You may add an additional contribution to your registration if you would like to help us offer financial assistance to those in need.

In the spirit of togetherness, simplicity, and joy, we invite you to walk with gentle steps and let the mountains support your practice.