Sedona, Arizona has a strong history around its spirituality and a visit to the Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park is a great way to sample that culture.
Sedona not only caters to outdoor lovers, but also those looking for a more spiritual experience. This is evidenced by the numerous crystal shops, famous Sedona Vortices, The Chapel of the Holy Cross and my personal favorite, the Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park.
During my last visit to Sedona we took some time to explore this mysterious and spiritual area in town.
Even if Buddhism isn’t your spiritual cup of tea that doesn’t mean you can’t visit and enjoy the area in your own way. You can take part in the ritual of pacing around the Stupa three times, pray or meditate in the presence of the giant golden Buddha or experience the Peace Park as you see fit.
In this post I’m going to discuss everything you should know before visiting the Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park in Sedona, AZ. I’ll talk about some highlights from my experience and make sure you’re well informed on what to expect so you can decide this is a good fit for your travel itinerary.
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Where is the Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park located?
Covering 14 acres of pristine land, the Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park invites visitors to explore its numerous paths, meditation areas, and spiritual monuments, culminating with the crown jewel—the Amitabha Stupa itself.
This impressive Buddhist monument stands 36 feet tall, showering blessings and positive energy to all those in its presence, making it a true embodiment of spiritual harmony amid Sedona’s red rocks.
The easiest way to reach the Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park is by car. Located only a short drive from the heart of downtown Sedona, visitors can expect a convenient and smooth journey to the park’s entrance.
The close proximity to town means that travelers can easily squeeze a quick visit to the Peace Park into their travel plans. If you’re staying in Sedona, the Stupa is likely no more than a 10 minute drive from your accommodations.
Where is the best place to stay when visiting the Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park?
One of the best places to stay when visiting this spiritual landmark is the town of Sedona itself. Accommodation options in Sedona range from home rentals on VRBO to a wide range of hotels, catering to different travel personalities and budgets.
During my visit we rented a house that was walking distance to Sedona’s main strip of shops and restaurants. When I eventually return to Sedona, I’ll probably look to find something similar since we really enjoyed being able to walk into town.
For those seeking a slightly different experience, nearby towns like Cottonwood, Flagstaff or Camp Verde could also serve as suitable bases.
Cottonwood is approximately 20 miles (roughly 32 kilometers) away from the Peace Park, which translates to a drive of about 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, Flagstaff and Camp Verde are both somewhat farther, at around 29 miles away (47 kilometers), resulting in a roughly 45-minute drive.
While all of these options are a bit further away, you’ll generally find more budget friendly lodging options the further outside of Sedona you go. Lodging in Sedona proper is somewhat limited and in high demand which means it can be expensive during peak season.
We opted to stay in Flagstaff for Friday and Saturday night during our trip before spending a few nights in Sedona. This was a great strategy for lowering our hotel cost especially since weekend rates are the highest.
What is the Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park best known for?
The Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park is renowned for more than just the 36-foot statue and namesake stupa. The park is designed to inspire visitors and encourage them to reflect on and explore their spirituality.
Its tranquil atmosphere and natural beauty are complemented by several short trails that invite walking meditation as visitors take in views of the surrounding red rocks.
How much does visiting the Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park cost?
There are no admission fees to visit the Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park. It’s free for all visitors, allowing anyone to enjoy the serenity of the park. While there are no obligatory fees, the park does encourage voluntary donations.
Maintaining a space of this size, ensuring its continued accessibility, and upholding the statue’s grandeur all require funding which donations can help cover.
Whatever a visitor can afford is much appreciated. Each donation helps to keep the park up and running, ensuring that future generations can enjoy a spiritual experience at the stupa.
Are dogs allowed at the Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park?
Dog owners rejoice, your canine companions are also allowed to accompany you during your visit to the Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park. What better way to enjoy your spiritual experience than with the company of your furry friend!
When bringing dogs to the Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park, visitors must ensure that their pets are well-behaved, leashed, cleaned up after and supervised at all times during their visit. This will ensure a comfortable experience for you, your pet and other visitors.
How long does it take to visit the Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park?
While individual preferences may vary, spending up to 60 minutes at the park is generally sufficient to thoroughly explore its grounds and experience what it has to offer.
During this time frame, visitors can leisurely walk the park’s trails, take in the incredible red rock views and appreciate the spiritual atmosphere.
However, there is no one size fits all suggestion regarding the duration of a visit, as some people may prefer to stay longer and enjoy a more immersive meditative experience.
Are there bathrooms at the Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park?
It’s worth mentioning that there are indeed restrooms present at the park. Given that some visitors may spend hours at a time in the park, walking its trails, meditating, or reflecting in the serene environment, easy bathroom access is a must.
Do I need a reservation to visit the Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park?
A reservation is not necessary to visit the Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park, it is open to all individuals for reflection, meditation, or casual exploration every day of the year.
The policy of not requiring reservations or tickets makes it simpler for visitors to plan their trips and removes barriers that could prevent someone from experiencing the park’s peaceful atmosphere.
Is visiting the Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park worth it?
While the sheer beauty of this place, with stunning red rock formations and magnificent golden Buddha statue, is reason enough to visit, it’s the spiritual aspect that sets it apart.
Sedona has a storied culture and rich history when it comes to spiritual experiences. Spending some time meditating in the park and paying your respects to the Amitabha Stupa is a great way to experience that aspect of the town.
Throughout my travels I’ve had the opportunity to explore many historic churches and cathedrals, but the charm of the Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park is unrivaled when it comes to spiritual experiences with broad appeal.
Check out these activities available in the area
Looking for more ways to fill out your trip itinerary? Be sure to check out the list of activities below from GetYourGuide.
Read about my other favorite places in Sedona
If you’re interested in reading about some of my other favorite things to do in the area, I’ve put together a list of my favorite Sedona activities you can read here. Or if you prefer a video version, I have a Sedona Video Guide available on YouTube as well.
Those guides will cover some of the areas most popular landmarks like Bell Rock, The Chapel of the Holy Cross and the Crescent Moon Ranch Picnic Area.
Not only that but I’ll also delve into some of my favorite hikes located in Red Rock Country such as Devil’s Bridge, Soldier Pass or the West Fork of Oak Creek Trail.
Hopefully this post covering the Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park proves helpful in helping you plan your visit to Sedona Arizona!
