by Garrett McAuliffe
Nestled among the redwood cathedrals of the Santa Cruz Mountains, at the western edge of Forest of Nisene Marks State Park, the Land of Medicine Buddha (LMB) offers its own alluring vision of provincial Tibet. Sounds of children playing leak out from the small Tara Redwood school on the property and mingle with the occasional low hum from a gong. Brightly cast memorials and golden bodhisattvas embellish the forest’s emerald hush. You may come across an occasional dog walker or a mountain biker split from the main circuits of the neighboring state park as you stroll around, but the trails are just as often deserted.
LMB offers workshops, meditation sessions and overnight retreats for individuals and groups. Guests stay in simple cottages or yurts.
A GREAT PLACE TO take a quiet walk with your dog and figure out some stuff.
NOT SO GREAT FOR noisy packs of cyclists.
Trails
Land of Medicine Buddha Loop
5.8 miles (or a shorter 1 mile loop); 2.5 hours; moderate
A meander through redwoods and up a ridge takes in shrines, prayer flags and a series of Buddhist meditation stations.
Directions
From Santa Cruz, head south on Highway 1 and take the Porter St./Bay Ave. exit. Turn left under the freeway, then make a quick right onto Main Street, which merges onto Glen Haven Road. Follow Glen Haven for half a mile and turn right onto Prescott Road. After a mile, cross the wooden bridge and follow signs up the hill to the Land of Medicine Buddha. There is also parking just before the bridge. The trail is open to the public (and their well-behaved, leashed dogs) during daylight hours. If you wish to make a donation, you can stop at the bookstore.
5800 Prescott Rd, Soquel, CA, 95073. 831.462.8383. Learn more at the Land of Medicine Buddha website.
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