Visiting the
Quan Am Statue
A 25-foot statue of Quan Am — the Bodhisattva of Compassion — stands beside US Highway 395 in the high desert of Adelanto, California. Chan Nguyen Zen Monastery is open to everyone, every day, free of charge.
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Everything you need
before you drive out
Adelanto, CA 92301
760-867-9113
Roughly ninety miles
from the coast
The monastery sits on the northbound side of US Highway 395. The statue is visible from the road, which is how most first-time visitors find it.
Little Saigon → Adelanto
About 90 miles. I-5 or I-15 north, then US-395 north. Roughly two hours without traffic — a morning drive out, an afternoon drive home.
Downtown LA → Adelanto
About 90 miles by I-15 north through the Cajon Pass, then US-395 north at Hesperia.
Victorville & Hesperia
A short local drive north on US-395 — the closest towns to the monastery.
Las Vegas → Adelanto
A common stop for travellers on I-15 heading toward Los Angeles; rejoin US-395 near Hesperia.
“Many believe the power of Quan Am at this desert shrine is stronger than anywhere else — pilgrims describe a white halo radiating from the statue, sometimes with a rainbow in the sky.”
What you will see
The 25-foot Quan Am statue
Dedicated on November 25, 2007 before more than 500 monastics and lay visitors. It has been the heart of the monastery ever since.
The Eighteen Arhats
Eighteen Arhat statues line the 450-foot concrete walkway that leads from the gate to the Bodhisattva.
Shakyamuni, Maitreya, Ksitigarbha, Bhaisajyaguru
Further statues stand across the 15-acre grounds, together with a pair of carved marble guardian lions.
Open desert quiet
Wind, sun and a very wide sky. Most visitors come simply to walk the path slowly and sit for a while.
From a mobile home
to a place of pilgrimage
Around 2003, Venerable Thích Đăng Pháp came from Đại Đăng Monastery in San Diego to this stretch of desert and lived in a mobile home without electricity or running water, with the vow to “establish the practice ground, restore the Three Jewels, and receive and guide the community.”
The Quan Am statue was dedicated in November 2007. By 2008 the Los Angeles Times, The Sun of San Bernardino County, The Press-Enterprise, Actual Life Publishing and local television had all reported on it. Today the monastery continues to build: a planned 8,700 sq ft main hall and two monastic residences of 32 rooms.
A few gentle notes
- Modest clothing is appreciated — shoulders and knees covered.
- The desert is hot in summer and cold and windy in winter. Bring water, a hat and sunscreen; the walkway has little shade.
- Photography is welcome. Please step aside for those who are praying.
- Offerings of flowers, fruit and incense may be placed at the shrine.
- There is no fee. If you wish to support the monastery, please ask on site.
- Ceremony days draw large crowds — arrive early if you would like a quiet visit.
Frequently asked
Is the Quan Am statue open to the public?
Yes. Chan Nguyen Zen Monastery welcomes visitors of every background — Buddhist or not — every day of the week. You do not need an appointment or an invitation.
Is there an admission fee?
No. Admission and parking are free. The monastery is supported entirely by the generosity of its community.
What are the visiting hours?
The grounds are open daily from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM, all year round.
Where exactly is the statue located?
At 20635 US Highway 395, Adelanto, California 92301 — on the northbound side of Highway 395, about 90 miles from Los Angeles and Orange County.
How tall is the Quan Am statue?
The statue of Quan Am (Avalokiteśvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion) stands 25 feet tall. It was dedicated on November 25, 2007 on a 15-acre desert property.
May I take photographs?
Yes, photography is welcome throughout the grounds. Please be considerate of people who are praying or meditating.
Do I need to be Buddhist to visit?
Not at all. Visitors of all faiths are received warmly. Several American, Lao and Thai visitors have taken refuge here over the years.
Is the site wheelchair accessible?
A 450-foot paved concrete walkway leads from the entrance to the statue, so most of the main path is on level, hard ground.
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