About Big Springs Retreat Center

Big Springs’ 118 forested acres, ranging in elevation from  5100’-7200’, rests up against the backdrop of the Sierra Buttes in Northern California. The nearby Lakes Basin recreation area offers numerous alpine lakes and hiking trails and is traversed by the Pacific Crest Trail.  

At the lower elevation, on approximately ten acres of gently sloping land, our beautiful center has a naturalized Japanese garden surrounding a one acre spring-fed pond. Belted kingfishers, dippers, tanagers, flying squirrels, and other year-round and seasonal inhabitants pass through the surrounding woods. 

The waters of Big Springs meander downslope beneath tree roots through a glacial moraine, emerging to form pools and small cascades, eventually terminating in a waterfall. The natural terrain of Big Springs invites guests to restore, refresh and reflect in a deeply immersive relationship with nature.