The Integratron is one of my favorite places to go for an adventure in the upper desert. It is a white dome located in Landers, CA, with a very interesting story. The structure is built on an intersection of geomagnetic forces and boasts out-of-this-world acoustical properties. It is known for the world famous sound baths held inside. Read on to find out more.

How the Integratron Came to Be

The saga starts when George Van Tassel, an aeronautical engineer who worked for Lockheed, Douglas Aircraft and was a test pilot for Howard Hughes, moves his family to Giant Rock in 1947. George was big into UFO’s and hosted many Interplanetary Spacecraft Conventions at Giant Rock. He even opened an Interplanetary Airport at the site. In 1953, a spaceship from Venus visits George, and a being named Solgonda shares with him the exciting secrets to extend human life and facilitate high speed time travel. All he needs to do is build the Integratron!

Construction Began in 1957

In 1957, George began construction on the 38-foot high, 55-foot diameter wood building. George’s former boss, Howard Hughes, was a large contributor to the project with all funding coming from donations.

The site of the Integratron was not a random choice. It is set upon an intersection of powerful geomagnetic forces that were believed to be necessary to aid in cell rejuvenation to extend human life and advance time travel. Magnetometers have confirmed a specific spike in the earth’s magnetic field in the center of the Integratron.

George passed away suddenly in 1978 and never finished the project. His proprietary electronic equipment, notes and diagrams mysteriously disappeared from the property shortly after his death. His FBI file is still classified. Coincidence? I don’t think so.

What is a Sound Bath?

A sound bath is a meditative experience where those in attendance are bathed in sound waves. Healing instruments, such as gongs, singing bowls, percussion chimes and rattles, produce these waves. Experts believe a sound bath helps with stress, fatigue and depression. Other benefits include improved sleep, heightened focus and energy and a feeling of rejuvenation.

Arriving at the Integratron

Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled sound bath. Make sure to book your sound bath online as they sell out quickly. I usually reserve mine at least two months ahead. The courtyard is cute and hosts a hammock village, comfy couches and cornhole games. Bathrooms are available. The area sits on top of a spring, so fill your water bottle up with crystal clear water from their well.

A gift shop offers drinks and snacks for sale. In addition, find unique jewelry, branded clothing, fragrances and candles. I always pick up a pretty pendant or bracelet. This is also where you check in. While you won’t be able to enter the Integratron until right before your sound bath, there is plenty to explore and keep you entertained.

What to Expect Inside the Integratron

Your ticket from the gift shop gets you through the door. Shoes must be removed, but there are cubbies to store them in. Friendly staff members give a brief introduction and a few instructions to the crowd. The sound baths occur on the second floor. A wide ladder takes you upstairs. For safety, only one person may climb it at a time.

Comfortable mats line the floor in a circle. A sheet is provided to cover the mat for hygienic purposes. Once you settle in, the sound bath practitioner shares the history of the Integratron complete with tales of aliens. Then, the bath begins and warbling waves of sound wash over you. The music doesn’t have a melody or rhythm that your brain recognizes. It is more of a variety of sounds keyed to each chakra of the body to bring peace, awareness and relaxation. You may feel you are drifting above your body. It can be an emotional experience for some.

Once back downstairs, look for the yellow triangle on the center post. This is where the energy was to flow to provide humans extended life. Take a moment to browse the interesting artifacts and articles adorning the walls.

The Acoustics are Amazing

Because of the all-wood dome, which resembles a Chinese puzzle, the acoustics in the building are amazing. If you stand in the center of the floor upstairs and speak out loud, the sound rushes through your body, and you swear Solgonda is speaking! Another neat trick is to stand directly across the room from a person and whisper their name. As the sound travels, it amplifies. By the time it reaches the person, it is no longer a whisper. Make sure to give it a try.

A Few Tips

• Check their website for open days and hours. As mentioned above, slots sell out quickly, so plan your trip at least a month out.

• No pets allowed.

• No alcohol is allowed, but you are welcome to bring food and non-alcoholic drinks to enjoy in the courtyard.

• Bring a blanket. The building is climate controlled, but can still be a little chilly when laying on the floor.

• Bring socks if you don’t like walking around barefoot.

• Dress comfortably as if you were about to take a nap.

• Have an open mind to thoroughly enjoy the experience.

Directions to the Integratron

GPS may try to take you down a dirt road. Do not go that way! The Integratron is off of a paved road. From Interstate 10, take CA-62 towards 29 Palms/Yucca Valley. Turn left onto Old Woman Springs Road (CA-247). Go 11 miles and turn right onto Reche Road. There is a sign for the Integratron. Turn left on Belfield Blvd. The Integratron is 2 miles down on the right hand side.

For more fun ideas of things to do in the area, check out my blog here.

Have you experienced a sound bath? Let me know in the comment section below.