Visitor Guidelines for Meher Mount
Use these helpful guidelines to make your visit to Meher Mount more enjoyable.
BABA’S TREE at Meher Mount on the brow of the hill known as Avatar’s Point. The Santa Monica Mountains, the Oxnard Plain, and the Pacific Ocean are in the distance. (Photo: Juan Mendez, July 2021)
All Visitors Are Welcome
Meher Mount welcomes visitors of all faiths or of no faith at all. It is a place of pilgrimage in honor of Avatar Meher Baba. Meher Mount is a universal center because Meher Baba is universal — accessible to all.
SPECIAL NOTE: Highway 150 connecting Santa Paula to Meher Mount is closed indefinitely at St. Thomas Aquinas College due to mudslides. Use Highway 150 from Ojai to reach Meher Mount.
THE RECEPTIONIST SQUIRREL may be there to greet when you as you check in after your arrival. (Photo: Juan Mendez)
Hours
OPEN: Thursday-Sunday, Noon to 5:00 p.m.
CLOSED: Monday-Wednesday
Landline: 805-640-0000
Mobile & Text: 805-798-7597
Email: info@mehermount.org
Any special visitation hours need to be arranged 48 hours in advance and be confirmed by the Caretakers before you arrive.
Special Open Days
Amartithi — January 31st
Avatar Meher Baba’s Birthday — February 25th
Silence Day — July 10th
Visitor Center
The Visitor Center is open, and the restroom is inside. There is free information available about Avatar Meher Baba.
Registration & Orientation
There are signs posted outside and in the Visitor Center with a QR Code you can use to register or go to the online Guest Book.
Parking
After turning into the entrance to Meher Mount and going through the gate, please park in the designated parking area on the left.
Vehicles are allowed near the main house as appropriate to special needs, work projects, and for the loading and unloading of large items.
Please speak to a Caretaker about parking large vehicles or RVs.
Handicapped Access
Please contact the Caretakers before visiting Meher Mount or upon arrival at 805-798-7597 for instructions regarding handicapped access.
Day Pilgrimage
Meher Mount is designed for day pilgrimage, and there are no overnight facilities. Visitors to the area can select from a number of places to stay in the nearby towns of Ojai or Santa Paula. (See Area Information.)
Spend time at Baba’s Tree
When Meher Baba visited Meher Mount in 1956, He spent time alone under Baba’s Tree. It is a touch point for many visitors who find inspiration, solace, and rejuvenation by spending time there.
Baba's Tree is to be shared by all. Please respect Baba’s Tree by maintaining tranquility and quiet when visiting. Please honor the roped areas to allow continued recovery of Baba’s Tree from the 2017 Thomas Fire.
Have a Picnic
Visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the views from the Topa Topa Patio. The patio is perfect for individuals and small groups who want to take advantage of this natural setting for a picnic.
Please be extremely careful with regard to food storage, preparation and cleanup. Dispose of garbage only in trash cans with lids; wash food preparation areas, dishes and utensils carefully, both for sanitation and control of bugs and pests. Due to the presence of mice and other small animals, do not leave food out.
Wilderness Setting
One of the attractions of Meher Mount is its natural setting and accessible wilderness. Thus, one of the objectives is to preserve as much of that wilderness feeling as possible. Therefore, facilities are limited – both by design and by circumstance.
Fire Danger & Smoking
Fire is a serious, year-round danger to Meher Mount and the entire area. Candles, open fires, and incense are not permitted anywhere on the property. Immediately report any sign of fire or smoke to the Caretakers.
Smoking is discouraged on the entire property and may be allowed only on the patio attached to the Visitor Center. Please do not smoke anywhere else at Meher Mount due to the great danger of forest fire. Never walk anywhere with a lit cigarette.
Safety Hazards
Avoid potential safety hazards such as old farm equipment, old building foundations, maintenance equipment in the open and in enclosed storage areas, and the fenced-in and covered pool.
Wildlife
Do not feed or approach any wildlife. Bears and bobcats have been sighted on the property. Meher Mount is a habitat for poison oak, poisonous snakes, and insects. Be alert and keep close watch on children. Report any problem wildlife to the Caretakers.
No Pets
No pets of any kind are allowed at Meher Mount. If you are traveling with your pets, they are to remain in your vehicle during your visit to Meher Mount.
No Drugs, Alcohol & Firearms
Visitors are not allowed to bring alcoholic beverages, drugs, or intoxicants for use at Meher Mount. Firearms are not permitted on the property.
Wireless Devices, Drones & Filming
Use of electronic devices must be as limited as possible. Ringers should be turned off. Calls should not be received or made in any area where other visitors are within hearing distance, particularly around Baba’s Tree, during an event, and near Baba’s Fireplace and the Darshan Courtyard.
No drones of any type are permitted at Meher Mount, unless specifically authorized. Any form of filming requires prior approval along with the appropriate authorization forms.
Children & Teens
Children are welcome. There are no special facilities for children on site. There are wild animals (generally not seen during the day), snakes, and poison oak.
For safety reasons, children under nine years must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times. For children nine through 14 years, there should be a responsible adult at Meher Mount who is actively engaged in the supervision of their activities and whereabouts at all times.
Children are welcome to attend programs as long as they can remain quiet and not distract others. If children do not attend programs, parents must be responsible for their whereabouts and behavior. Young people 15 years and over are expected to know and obey the Visitor Guidelines for Meher Mount.
Weather
It is always advisable to check the weather report. Summers and early fall can be quite warm, and visitors should come prepared with a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and extra drinking water.
The weather can be cool in late fall and through winter and early spring. The days can be sunny with temperatures dropping near the end of the day. Jackets and layers are recommended. Sometimes gloves and hats are appropriate.
Meher Mount can be enshrouded in the clouds during winter and spring, in which case a rain jacket is needed. It is advisable to check the weather report ahead of your visit.
Trails & Paths
Meher Mount is a semi-wilderness area containing natural hazards, such as rough potted roads, gopher holes, and uneven terrain. Closed-toed walking shoes are recommended. Please stay on the paths, watch for snakes, and do not smoke. It is strongly recommended that visitors do not go alone on the more isolated trails, such as the Well Road and Prasad Orchard Trail.
Group Visitation
All groups that are planning to visit Meher Mount with more than 10 people should contact the Caretakers at least 48 hours in advance at 805-640-0000 to make sure the group can be accommodated. Once on site, all members of the group must have a group orientation. Each member of the group must sign in and is responsible for following the Visitor Guidelines.
General Events
Meher Mount is not an event venue for the general public. No workshops, discussion groups, or scheduled group activities are to be held without prior approval.
Visitors have a responsibility to help maintain the serene atmosphere. Proselytizing of any form is prohibited.