Perched high in the rugged Colorado Rockies, a hidden world of contemplation and spiritual solitude awaits the intrepid traveler. While many flock to the state’s famed ski resorts and national parks, few are aware of the secret mountain monasteries tucked away in remote valleys and forested peaks. These sacred retreats offer a glimpse into a tranquil realm where time seems to stand still, and the noise of modern life fades into the whisper of mountain breezes.
The Benedictine Sanctuary: Benet Hill Monastery
Nestled near the Black Forest in Colorado Springs, Benet Hill Monastery stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Benedictine tradition. This haven of peace, founded in 1965, welcomes visitors seeking respite from the chaos of everyday life. As you approach the monastery, the majestic Pikes Peak looms in the distance, setting a backdrop of natural grandeur for spiritual contemplation.
Sister Maria Theresa, a long-time resident of Benet Hill, shares her perspective:
“Our monastery is more than just a place of prayer. It’s a living community where we strive to embody the Benedictine values of hospitality, stewardship, and spiritual growth. We open our doors to all who seek a deeper connection with themselves and the divine.”
The monastery grounds invite exploration, with winding paths through native gardens and meditative spaces. Visitors can attend daily mass, participate in retreats, or simply enjoy the serenity of the surroundings. For those interested in giving back, the sisters operate a thrift store in Colorado Springs, where proceeds support their ministries and social justice initiatives.
Harmony of Faith and Nature: St. Benedict’s Monastery
In the pristine Snowmass Valley, St. Benedict’s Monastery offers a unique blend of spiritual retreat and working ranch. This Trappist monastery, established in 1956, sits on 3,000 acres of breathtaking Colorado wilderness, where prayer and labor intertwine in the daily lives of the monks.
Father Thomas, the monastery’s guestmaster, explains the allure of this special place:
“Here, the mountains themselves become teachers of silence and stillness. Our guests often remark that the sheer beauty of the landscape opens their hearts to a deeper spiritual experience.”
The monastery welcomes visitors for retreats, offering a chance to participate in the monastic rhythm of life. Early risers can join the monks for Vigils at 4:00 AM, followed by a day of work, prayer, and contemplation. The surrounding meadows and forests provide ample opportunities for solitary walks and reflection.
A Tapestry of Traditions: Crestone’s Spiritual Mecca
At the foot of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains lies Crestone, a small town with an outsized spiritual presence. This remote community has become a sanctuary for seekers of all faiths, hosting over two dozen retreat centers and sacred landmarks. From Zen centers to Carmelite hermitages, Crestone offers a unique tapestry of spiritual traditions set against a backdrop of stunning natural beauty.
Local resident and interfaith advocate, Sarah Johnson, describes the town’s unique energy:
“Crestone is like nowhere else on Earth. Where else can you hear Buddhist chants, Hindu mantras, and Christian hymns carried on the same mountain breeze? It’s a place where boundaries between faiths dissolve, and a true spirit of unity emerges.”
Visitors to Crestone can explore a variety of spiritual practices, from extended meditation retreats to sweat lodge ceremonies. The town’s remote location and lack of light pollution also make it an ideal spot for stargazing, adding a cosmic dimension to the spiritual journey.
The Silent Watchers: Discalced Carmelite Nuns of Littleton
In the Denver suburb of Littleton, the Discalced Carmelite Monastery stands as a bastion of contemplative life. Founded in 1947, this cloistered community of nuns dedicates their lives to prayer and meditation, rarely leaving the monastery grounds.
While the nuns themselves maintain a vow of silence, their presence is a powerful testament to the enduring value of contemplative life in the modern world. Visitors can attend daily mass in the monastery chapel, where the nuns’ ethereal singing adds a transcendent quality to the service.
A Journey Through Time: The Historic Churches of San Luis Valley
While not monasteries in the strict sense, the historic churches of Colorado’s San Luis Valley offer a window into the state’s rich spiritual heritage. The valley, settled in the 1850s by Hispanic pioneers, is home to some of the oldest continuously used churches in Colorado.
La Capilla de Todos Los Santos (The Chapel of All Saints) in San Luis, built in 1853, stands as the oldest church in Colorado. Its adobe walls and simple wooden altar speak to the enduring faith of the valley’s early settlers. Nearby, Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Conejos, constructed in 1858, features stunning frescoes and a unique blend of Spanish Colonial and Native American artistic influences.
The Buddhist Refuge: Shambhala Mountain Center
Nestled in a valley surrounded by 600 acres of forests and meadows, the Shambhala Mountain Center offers a taste of Tibetan Buddhist tradition in the heart of the Colorado Rockies. Founded in 1971 by Tibetan meditation master Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, this retreat center has become a beacon for those seeking to explore meditation and mindfulness practices.
The center’s crown jewel is the Great Stupa of Dharmakaya, a 108-foot-tall traditional Tibetan structure that stands as one of the most significant examples of Buddhist architecture in North America. Visitors can participate in guided tours of the stupa, attend meditation workshops, or simply enjoy the tranquil surroundings.
Off the Beaten Path: Lesser-Known Spiritual Retreats
For those seeking even more secluded spiritual experiences, Colorado offers several hidden gems:
- The Nada Hermitage in Crestone: A cluster of small hermitages where individuals can experience deep solitude and silence.
- St. Malo Retreat Center near Estes Park: Although damaged by fire in 2011, the iconic Chapel on the Rock still stands as a testament to faith amidst nature’s grandeur.
- Yoga Retreats in Telluride: Nestled in the San Juan Mountains, various centers offer yoga and meditation retreats with breathtaking alpine views.
Preserving Sacred Spaces: The Challenges of Modern Times
As these mountain monasteries and spiritual centers face the pressures of modernization and changing demographics, efforts are underway to preserve their unique character and contributions to Colorado’s cultural landscape. Many communities are developing sustainable tourism practices that allow visitors to experience these sacred spaces while minimizing environmental impact.
Dr. Emily Hanson, a historian specializing in American religious architecture, emphasizes the importance of these efforts:
“These monasteries and retreat centers are not just relics of the past; they’re living, breathing communities that continue to offer vital spaces for reflection and spiritual growth in our fast-paced world. Preserving them is about more than just maintaining buildings – it’s about protecting a way of life and a set of values that can enrich us all.”
Planning Your Spiritual Sojourn
For those inspired to explore Colorado’s secret mountain monasteries, careful planning is essential. Many of these retreats have limited accommodations and specific visitation policies. It’s advisable to contact each location directly to inquire about overnight stays, retreat opportunities, or day visit options.
The best time to visit often depends on personal preferences and the specific location. Summer offers easier access and milder weather, especially for high-altitude retreats. However, winter can provide a uniquely serene experience, with snow-covered landscapes adding to the sense of isolation and contemplation.
Beyond Colorado: Expanding Your Spiritual Horizons
While Colorado’s mountain monasteries offer unique experiences, the quest for spiritual retreats need not be limited to the Rockies. For those seeking to broaden their horizons, consider exploring the enchanting Eastern European cities that time forgot, where ancient monasteries and churches offer glimpses into centuries of spiritual tradition.
If you’re drawn to island spirituality, the underrated Spanish islands that rival the Caribbean’s allure offer secluded monasteries and hermitages with stunning coastal views. For a completely different perspective, consider the charming Canadian villages that capture the essence of true adventure, where you can find remote spiritual retreats amidst pristine wilderness.
A Journey of the Soul
Colorado’s secret mountain monasteries offer more than just a retreat from the world; they provide a journey into the depths of spiritual tradition and personal reflection. Whether you’re seeking a few hours of peace or a transformative experience, these hidden sanctuaries invite you to step out of time and into a realm where the mountains themselves seem to whisper ancient wisdom.
As you plan your next adventure, consider veering off the beaten path to discover these sacred spaces. In doing so, you may find that the true destination is not a place on a map, but a state of mind – one where the noise of the world fades away, and the voice of the soul speaks clearly amidst the majesty of the Colorado Rockies.