FAQ’s
On this page you will find some answers to common questions about Wildtender day-hiking workshops at Esalen. If you have a specific question that is not answered below, or question or concern about your own physical health/ability please don’t hesitate to e-mail us. Thank you for your interest.
How difficult are the hikes?
Unless otherwise stated in the workshop description, each workshop includes a variety of hikes, with varying levels of difficulty. In general, our Big Sur hikes are of an intermediate / moderately strenuous level. Daily hikes will be 3-8 miles in length and include up to significant elevation gains and losses. Big Sur hiking is often steep, rugged and uneven. Hikes may include crossing logs, bridges, or wading through shallow water.
Am I fit or young/ old enough?
Our workshops are open to individuals over 18 years of age, with varying fitness and experience levels. Our workshops can accommodate different hiking paces, whether you are a fast or slow hiker. However, participants should be free of bodily injury or impairment, and willing to get sweaty and a little dirty! If you have specific questions about your health or ability, please email us.
What kind of physical training do you recommend?
Regular exercise and preparation leading up to our week together will likely mean you get more out of the experience. Here’s what we recommend…
Exercise. We suggest 45-60 minutes of cardio exercise 3-4 times a week – swimming, running, biking, etc. Get that heart pumping!
Take a hike! Take as many 5+ mile hikes as you can in your planned hiking boots/shoes and socks! That said, listen to your body and don’t work out so much that you’re exhausted before our week together.
Stretch. Make sure you stretch 5-10 minutes before and after hiking, paying special attention to your legs, hips, shoulders, and back.
Eat healthy food, drink lots of water. Proper hydration actually takes a few days, so make sure you are drinking lots of water a few days before our program begins.
What will the weather be like?
Weather changes hourly in Big Sur, alternating between sunshine and fog. Temperatures could range from the low 50’s to the high 80’s. Rain is possible but somewhat unlikely since we schedule our workshops during the drier months. We will offer hikes rain or shine, as long as it is deemed safe. Please check the projected forecast for the weather a few days before packing.
What will we eat on the trail?
All meals will be provided by Esalen. For 5-day workshops, we will have picnic lunches on the trail every day except on one half-day-hike and Friday (check-out day), when you can enjoy lunch in Esalen lodge. For weekend workshops, we will have picnic lunch on Saturday, and lunch at Esalen on Sunday. Dietary restrictions can be accommodated.
What should I pack?
A program specific packing list will be sent to you several weeks before your workshop. Below is a list of items needed for all hiking programs.
Hiking Boots or Shoes – appropriate footwear is essential for safety and comfort; hiking boots should be broken-in, lightweight, supportive and have good tread.
Socks – Technical hiking socks are excellent for wicking away moisture. Make sure they fit well in your hiking boots/shoes.
Sun Protection – hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
Day Pack – large enough to carry your layers of clothing, water, and some shared food (Esalen will provide us with ingredients to assemble picnic lunches).
Water Bottle(s) – able to hold at least one liter, more if you are a thirsty hiker.
Long Pants – lightweight, comfortable, and breathable. Please no jeans or shorts.
Shirts – lightweight long-sleeves or t-shirts.
Warmer Top Layers – lightweight fleece, down jacket or sweater/sweatshirt.
Rain Jacket – rain is unlikely, but is always possible in Big Sur, as is damp fog.
Second Pair of Shoes – best not to wear your hiking boots except when hiking to prevent tiring out your feet. A second pair of shoes or sandals will be necessary for your time at Esalen.
Do you have recommendations for psychospiritual preparation?
Some thoughts on how you could begin to prepare your mind and spirit for our week of practice and wilderness:
Start to unplug yourself from media and technology, less screen time.
Take some time to reflect on why you signed up for this workshop, on your hopes, concerns, and intentions for your time at Esalen and in wilderness.
Sit in silence outdoors for five minutes everyday and open your senses to what you see, hear, smell, taste, feel.
Make space for the practices that nourish you and make you feel more connected with yourself and the Earth.
Set appropriate boundaries with work and relationships so you can take proper care of yourself before, during and after our workshop.
Plan your days so that you can have a spacious packing and travel experience.
COVID-19 Related Questions
The Esalen Institute has its own guidelines and protocols listed here.