Discover the transformative experience of a health and wellness retreat in Page, Arizona, featuring mindful hiking, sage ceremonies, and visits to stunning natural arches and canyons.
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My Health and Wellness Retreat in Page, Arizona: A Journey of Mindful Hiking and Meditation
In February 2021, I set out on my first health and wellness retreat in Page, Arizona, looking for a mix of adventure and mindfulness. Partnering with Hyatt Place Page and Monumental Meditation, Tim and I immersed ourselves in a transformative experience filled with guided hikes, meditation, and traditional mindfulness practices that deepened my connection to nature.
Monumental Meditation: A Unique Wellness Experience
The retreat was led by the incredible team at Monumental Meditation. Not only were they our guides, but they were also some of the most kind people we’ve had the pleasure of hiking with. Learning about each of their unique journey’s with the healing art of Reiki, and yoga for mental health inspired us. Their mindfulness techniques, especially mindful walking—where you focus on each footstep, the sound it makes, and its impact on the earth—have stayed with me on every hike since.
Exploring the Best Hikes on My Health and Wellness Retreat in Page, Arizona
This retreat wasn’t just about meditation—it was about immersing ourselves in the beauty of the Southwest through hiking. The trails we explored were beginner-friendly in terms of terrain but required 4WD access the trailheads. Here’s what you need to know about each hike:
Wire Pass Trail in Buckskin Gulch: A Mindful Walk Through a Slot Canyon
Located near Kanab, Utah, Wire Pass Trail serves as an entry point to Buckskin Gulch, one of the world’s longest slot canyons. The trailhead is accessible via House Rock Valley Road (4WD recommended), with parking lot coordinates around 37.0195° N, 112.0256° W. A map below will help with location and it is always advised to check the weather before heading out as this ares gets very muddy.
Hiking through these narrow sandstone walls was the perfect setting for mindful walking. As a result, I paid close attention to each step, the noises of the sandy texture beneath my boots, and the echoing voices along our walk in the canyon. It took my extra wide angle lens to capture this photo of this section of the canyon! Check the latest trail conditions on AllTrails.
Skylight Arch: A Hidden Gem for Reflection and Meditation
Skylight Arch offers breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Powell and is a fairly easy, flat hike. This spot wasn’t too far from our last stay at this unique Page Airbnb from another trip. However, the trailhead is unmarked, and reaching it requires a 4WD vehicle to access the trailhead start. I’ve listed the location for Skylight Arch in my map at the end of this post.
Since we had a local tour guide with us for this visit and they shared a wealth of knowledge about the area and current tourism information about Page Arizona. I highly recommend visiting the Page tourism website for more things to do in the area, including boating, and events. You can Find Skylight Arch details on AllTrails.
Birthday Arch: Solitude and the Rhythms of Nature
A stunning natural rock formation near Kanab, Utah, Birthday Arch is a hidden gem perfect for those seeking solitude and breathtaking desert scenery. The arch features a sweeping sandstone curve framing the expansive Utah sky, making it a spectacular photography spot. Accessing Birthday Arch requires a high-clearance 4WD vehicle, as the route involves sandy roads. However, for those without a capable vehicle, it’s possible to park farther away and hike in. The trail itself is relatively short but crosses some rocky and uneven terrain. Learn more about this spot on the National Park Service website here.
Here, we participated in a drumming meditation, a practice rooted in local traditions to synchronize our breath with nature’s rhythm. The sound echoed off the rocks, creating an almost trance-like state of mindfulness.
Standing on top the massive arch, we burned sage as part of a cleansing ceremony, taking in the vastness of the landscape. As the sun began to set, we watched on as the light left the landscape. It was one of the most peaceful moments of the trip.
Passing the Toadstool Hoodoos: A Preview of a Past Adventure
On our way between the first two hikes, we had passed the famous Toadstool Hoodoos, an iconic rock formation resembling giant stone mushrooms. Though we didn’t hike this trail during the retreat, I’ve marked it so you can read about our past adventure. Read more about the Toadstool Hoodoos.
What to Know Before Your Health and Wellness Retreat in Page, Arizona
Best Time to Visit: Early February gave us perfect weather. However, desert temperatures fluctuate, so be prepared. Dress in layers to accommodate sudden temperature changes. Our hikes were comfortable but in the canyons it can get a little chilly – I love my black puffer jacket and took it everywhere!
Must-Have Gear: Sturdy hiking boots (like my Danner boots), a wide-brimmed hat to keep the sun off, plenty of water, and a camera to capture the stunning landscapes. Read my post about my favorite camera gear.
Final Thoughts: Why This Wellness Retreat Left a Lasting Impact
As a website designer who works remotely, this health and wellness retreat in Page, Arizona, was more than just a trip for me—it was a reset for my mind and body. The landscapes, the mindfulness practices, and the connections I made have stuck with me, influencing how I experience nature to this day. If you’re looking for an adventure that nurtures both body and soul, this Arizona retreat is a must.
Have you ever done a mindfulness-focused retreat? Let me know and connect on Instagram at @ashleycheston.
Health and Wellness Retreat
in Page, Arizona
Location: Page, Arizona
- Transformative Mindfulness Retreat – This health and wellness retreat in Page, Arizona, blended guided meditation, mindful hiking, sage burning, and drumming to create a deeply grounding experience.
- Scenic and Beginner-Friendly Hikes – The retreat included hikes to stunning natural formations:
- Wire Pass Trail in Buckskin Gulch – Drive Distance: Approximately 8.3 miles south of U.S. Route 89 along House Rock Valley Road. Hiking Distance: Approximately 3.4 miles round trip.
- Skylight Arch: The trailhead is located near Stud Horse Point, accessible via a dirt road off U.S. Route 89 near Page, Arizona. Then there was approx 2-miles round trip hike to the arch itself.
- Birthday Arch: 4.3 miles roundtrip to hike from Route 89. Our tour guide had a drive-in method and hiking around the area was minimal.
- Travel Tips – Visiting in early February provided ideal weather, and dressing in layers was essential for desert temperature shifts. A 4WD vehicle was recommended for accessing certain trailheads. There are various ways in to some of these spaces, I always bring my Garmin GPS with downloaded .GPX files from a trusted and current source.
