What to Bring

Vallecitos is a remote, high elevation retreat center with mountainous terrain.  Please be prepared!  Mornings and evenings can be quite...

Vallecitos is a remote, high elevation retreat center with mountainous terrain.  Please be prepared!  Mornings and evenings can be quite cold, even in mid-summer.  Pack accordingly, with the help of the list below.  Because of the high elevation of the retreat center, the sun is very intense. Sunscreen is a must!

Click here for current weather at Vallecitos.

Basic Packing List

  • Warm sleeping bag (rated down to +10)
  • Pillow case and bottom sheet for double bed (One casita, one yurt and the hermitage have a queen size bed. You are welcome to ask us ahead of time which room you are in or we are happy to provide you with a queen sheet if you end up in one of those rooms.)
  • Clothes that can be layered
  • Sun Hat (warm hat too in colder months)
  • Rain gear (raincoat or poncho)
  • Hiking boots or sturdy walking shoes (rain resistant is preferable)
  • Easy slip on shoes are nice to have as shoes are not allowed in the meditation hall or practice tent
  • Daypack
  • Battery operated travel alarm
  • Battery operated flashlight or headlamp
  • Extra batteries
  • Water bottle
  • Toiletries (Fragrance Free shower products are available on site. If bringing your own, please be sure its Fragrance Free.)
  • Towel and wash cloth
  • Sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher)
  • Bug Spray (We are newly experiencing mosquitos at the center during some summer months and you may wish to have this on hand. There is often extra at the center. Scent awareness is appreciated for bug spray but fragrance free is not imperative since it is so hard to come by for this particular item.)
  • Medications

Packing Tips (and items available at the retreat center):

  • You may bring your own meditation supplies, if desired. The center has zafus, zabutons, benches and chairs available.  You are NOT required to bring you own supplies, but are welcome to if you would like.
  • We have a small supply of yoga mats available. You may bring your own yoga mat if desired.
  • Please note that we do not have the electrical capacity to support charging and using personal devices such as ipads or computers. You are encouraged to leave these items at home, or at least in your car.
  • Candles are not allowed on site.
  • Vallecitos is a weapons, tobacco, and alcohol free facility. These items are strictly forbidden on site.

 

Rent a Comfort Pack

To help you pack lightly, we offer the option to rent a Comfort Package during your stay – a warm sleeping bag, fitted sheet, flat sheet and pillowcase, towel and wash cloth.

The cost to rent the Comfort Package is $50. This fee is for your entire stay and includes a cleaning fee.

Reserving a Comfort Pack: Comfort Packs may be reserved and paid for via your registration form.  If you need to cancel or add a Comfort Pack after registering, please email refuge@vallecitos.org.

 

Forgot something?

We have a few essential items available for purchase, including flashlights, batteries, sunscreen, shampoo, toothbrushes, travel alarm clocks, etc. Souvenir items are also available for purchase, including caps, water bottles, T-shirts, hoodies, books and other items. The sale of these items helps support Vallecitos.

 

Luggage

Please only bring luggage that you can carry a short distance (probably uphill) yourself. Even wheeled luggage often has to be carried given the rocky, uneven terrain.