Saratoga Springs in the Snow

Snow soothes the wounds of footprints
on Saratoga’s most tolerant cleavage;
she savors brief icy camouflage
while subtly archiving each heart-circle veteran.

She’s seen so many now harried, now happy humans
trudge, run, skip and limp along her trails;
no other cozy canyon ever felt half this weighty human cargo
nor soothed such heart-felt tears of grief and joy
in mineral water’s sulfurous steam.

Saratoga holds us with equal graciousness
be we spry or cane-dependent, jovial or grumpy;
she stores inviolate our shares and indiscretions
asking only, through her stewards, mindful use of land and water.

Coyly rich in hidden history, both animal and plant,
Saratoga never upstages; she is glory understated;
she’s hard to know, nay impossible
for those forgetting to gaze at her in quiet.

She tends wounds with shade from time-gnarled oaks,
tempts the hormonally-hyped with paths to sensual abandon,
tests primate jocks with breathless treks to her crowning crests and
turns through the years many a head in tear-streaked departure.

For to tarry even a day or two at her curvaceous bosom
is to glimpse her in day-dream through a life-time
of unforgettable montaged foliar vignettes.

Saratoga Springs would seductively sprawl just as un-flustered
if her name were Native American, Spanish, or non-existent
for her charms have long transcended mere human monikers;
her brood is wily rodent, cagey quail, phantom puma, stoic deer.

We call her ours in but sweet delusion:
Her allegiance is solely Earth’s and Great Spirit’s.
We but sputtering finale in her lexicon of suitors,
cloaked in snow, kissed by rain, warmed by sun, or tucked in by night;
our thirst for Saratoga, like a mirage, shall hover always unquenched.

- Newton Butler, December 2014

The Land and Surroundings

Gardens at the Heart Lodge

Saratoga Springs provides a safe and supportive place for you to follow your own path and nurture your body, mind and soul. It is a place where you can simply be present. This sacred site has been used for centuries by Native Americans to connect with nature and their inner-self. Most everyone who visits Saratoga Springs leaves with a renewed spirit and improved health just from walking our grounds.

The land at Saratoga Springs features:

Hiking Trails ~ with views of Clear Lake and beyond
Fire Circle Area ~ great for drumming circles
Saratoga Springs Stone Labyrinth
Plateaus on Hills & Mountains ~ For ceremonies, meditation or star gazing
Camping ~ additional 250, making our full capacity approximately 300.
Commercial kitchen & dining room
High speed wireless Internet access
Hot soaking pool ~ great relaxation
Large swimming pool ~ clean, clear and refreshing!
Stone Labyrinth plus numerous hiking trails
Massage ~ a massage therapist is available by appointment
Acres of hiking trails with spectacular views
An antique 19th century round house mineral pool
Yoga and Exercise classes upon demand
Indoor and Outdoor showers
Sweat lodge upon demand
Fire and ceremonial circle
Large common grounds which are perfect for outdoor concerts or shows
Ancient native American natural power spot used often for weddings and group celebrations

Walk the land, relax, and renew yourself!

Pool and Spa	"Powerpoint" View of our Valley
The Stone Labyrinth	Valley Vista
The Retreat Center Commons	Tenting in the Meadow

More photos >>