High up in the Eastern Sierra Mountain Range, near the shadow of Mt Whitney, camouflaged in the ridge, there lies an abandoned Ashram.
Also known as the Monastery, Stone House or Ashrama, this 1930s stone building, hidden from view, was once a mountaintop pilgrimage. People still trek to this beautiful structure today in pursuit of spiritual guidance.
At nearly 8,000ft, between the north and south fork of Tuttle Creek, this spiritual centre was built as close as possible to the highest elevation point of the lower 48 states – Mount Whitney.
Our hike starts at the trailhead near Tuttle Creek campground. The scenery is breathtaking, and the sound of the rushing water of Tuttle Creek adds to the draw of this delightful backdrop.
history of the abandoned ashram
In 1929, Philosopher Franklin Merrell-Wolf and his young wife, Sarah Merrell (Sherifa) – had the dream of building a summer school.
A student of esoteric Hinduism, Franklin, Sherifa and a host of volunteers spent the next 20 summers creating this mountain top retreat.
Building materials such as wood and natural stone were brought up the steep mountain road using mules.
During the summer days, everyone worked hard. The evenings were spent around a campfire with music, laughter, and philosophy.
transversing the mountain
The hike is gruelling and not for the faint-hearted. Transversing up through the glacially carved Langley Canyon, on a steep single track, you’ll cross a fast-flowing, narrow waterfall by the use of a rickety wooden bridge.
A hundred or so more feet and the reward is majestic mountain and valley views, peace and tranquillity.
Climb the stone steps leading to the 2,000 sqft devotional property, constructed in the shape of a balanced cross and orientated towards the four cardinal directions.
One side of the structure holds a huge stone fireplace.
There is a 32in square hole in the concrete floor called the cornerstone. This is where speakers would stand and converse with the congregation.
An alter, built sometime in the 1960s stands behind the cornerstone with an anonymous inscription;
Father, Into thy eternal wisdom, all creative love, and infinite power I direct my thoughts, give my devotion and manifest my energy That I may know love, and serve thee.
Anon
why is the ashram abandoned?
Work ceased in 1951 when Sherifa was no longer able to make the trip, and the Ashrama was never completed.
It sat deserted for over 13 years, and demolition was planned in the early 1960s. Fortunately, it became a part of the John Muir Wilderness. However, in the 1980s the sanctuary became threatened once again. Now, it is on the list of Historic Places. Its only enemies are vandals and time.
our takeaway
Is the trek up to Tuttle Creek Ashram worth it? Absolutely! Depending on your skill level, the terrain does get steep, and this area gets hot. Parts of the trail are shaded, and there are rocks along the way where you can rest and catch your breath.
The reward speaks for itself. and you feel peace and tranquillity wash over you..
If you are looking for some solitude and incredible surroundings, then you must put this hike on your list.
Rest for a while—breath in the clean, fresh air. Listen to the trees rustle, and the birds sing, while small lizards scuttle near your feet.
Leave your worries behind. Seek the answers to your questions. And return feeling vibrant and alive.
Check out our video to see more on the Abandoned Mountaintop Ashram
in a nutshell
Directions From 395: Heading north towards Lone Pine
- Turn LEFT on Lubken Canyon Road.
- At T Junction of Horseshoe Meadows Road turn RIGHT
- Turn LEFT on Granite View Drive. Stay LEFT at 1st fork this may be signposted for Turtle Creek Campground.
- At the next fork – take the RIGHT fork and follow the road as far as you can. At the turnaround point, park and walk
location map
I know this place very well. As part of a small, devoted climbing group, we used to trek to the Stone House as a training hike in the early Summer. The stream would be raging then (late May-early June) and the altitude, mountain air and amazing mountain scenery made any artificial enlightenment 😉 not really necessary … tho. Of course, we always brought some anyway. Best to start as early in the day as possible … the trail, like most eastern Sierra trails, will be scorching by 9am. Enjoy the view.