At the foot of Thunder Mountain in West Sedona, Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park is an outdoor place for prayer, meditation and quiet walks. Its main landmark is a 36-foot Buddhist stupa, with a smaller white Tara Stupa, a mahogany Buddha statue and a Native American medicine wheel along the paths. Red-rock views and juniper trees frame the grounds. People of all faiths are welcome, and the park is free to enter. Leave time to pause, walk quietly and take in the setting.
The stupas and their setting
Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park is a 14-acre outdoor site in West Sedona, at the base of Thunder Mountain. The park opened in 2004 as a place for contemplation, prayer, meditation and spiritual renewal. Its two Buddhist stupas are sacred structures associated with prayer and meditation.
The larger Amitabha Stupa stands 36 feet tall. Prayer flags flutter above it, and visitors leave offerings nearby. A smaller, six-foot white Tara Stupa sits along a side trail. Tara is a female deity in Tibetan Buddhism. The park is open to people of all faiths, whether they come to pray, meditate or walk quietly among the trees.
Paths, statues and the medicine wheel
A short path leads from the parking area to the main stupa, winding through juniper trees. Other paths pass the Tara Stupa and a mahogany statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, then continue toward a Native American medicine wheel. Red rock formations, including Thunder Mountain, form the backdrop to the grounds.
Prayer wheels stand beside the main stupa. Visitors may spin them as part of Buddhist practice. The paths also offer places to sit and reflect, and birdsong can be heard among the trees. Wildlife, including javelinas, may be present in the area; give animals space and leave the grounds undisturbed.
Visiting with care
This is an active spiritual setting, so keep conversations quiet and move gently along the paths. Visitors are welcome to walk clockwise around the stupas. Take time to read the signs and learn about the features you encounter, rather than treating the grounds as only a scenic stop.
The park is free to visit, and donations are accepted to help maintain it. Parking is available near the entrance, but spaces are limited. The site is in a residential neighborhood, so follow the approach to Pueblo Drive carefully. The paths are short, though some sections cross uneven, rocky ground.
FAQ
Is Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park free to visit?
Yes. Entry is free, and donations are welcome.
How long should I spend at the park?
Allow about 30 to 60 minutes for the paths and time at the stupas. You can spend longer if you plan to meditate or sit quietly.
What can you see at Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park?
The grounds include a 36-foot Amitabha Stupa, a smaller Tara Stupa, a mahogany statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, prayer wheels and a Native American medicine wheel.
Can people of any faith visit?
Yes. The park welcomes people of all faiths for quiet walks, prayer and meditation.
What should I wear for the paths?
Wear shoes with good grip because some of the ground is rocky. Keep your voice low and walk gently out of respect for people praying or meditating.
