International Kadampa Retreat Center Grand Canyon - Williams, Arizona

Michelle Blair

Visited during an open house and learned a lot. You don't have to be Buddhist to attend a class.
The temple is exquisite and might put others to shame.
People we met were very friendly and seemed genuine.
Hotel on the grounds. Cafe and gift shop in the main building of the hotel. Cafe is upstairs.
Decent amount of parking but parking could be limited during a large event.

Mindy Shively

This place says, "Everyone welcome", and that is certainly how it feels. Cute Cafe and Gift shop (check for open hours) and walking trails available in nice weather. Incredible Temple open for tours during posted hours.If you find yourself searching for some Peace, you could find it here.

Lisa Derrick

In July 2023, I attended a weekend retreat focused on teaching and meditation sessions on universal compassion by an incredible young woman Gen Demo who is the nun, teacher and director of the temple in our nation's Capitol. The sessions were conducted in the Temple itself. Truly a holy and sacred space. Beautiful and insprational. Plenty of comfortable chair seating and floor cushions and desks. Excellent sound system and headset accommodations for hearing impaired. Wheelchair accessible. Although the Temple is open and filled with natural sunlight, this 90 plus degree summer in Williams was cooled and comfortable during all sessions. Prayer books and other materials were available for anyone wanting to learn and participate. As a follower of Christ in the Episcopal tradition, I was always welcomed and felt comfortable in all places with all Buddhist monks and nuns, residents, practitioners and other retreat participants. Radical hospitality is practiced here. All meals were vegetarian with vegan and gluten free options available. Delicious simple shared meals are available...very balanced, healthy, free and mildly seasoned with plenty of add it yourself hot sauces on hand. 🙂 The community asks that no meat or meat products, tobacco or alcohol be brought onto premises. There is also a noise restriction after 830p each evening to assure a place of peace for rest. The guest rooms at the Center are simple, modest...no television or phones in rooms. Rooms very clean and large. Modern, in room bathroom with tub showers. Bed and pillows are very comfortable. Not lumpy or too soft or too hard. The rooms have air conditioning units and radiators for winter but I could not get my AC turned on. I had packed a portable, fan and I was just fine. No coffee makers in room so I suggest bringing your own portable kettle or maker if you can't wait to get your wake up coffee or tea before breakfast. The retreat is on the main highway between Williams and Flagstaff but no highway traffic noise was heard...nothing but peace and quiet. They have a wonderful bookstore and gift shop. Tours of the temple are offered daily. Pictures can be taken and questions are welcomed. I will most certainly return and retreat and hopefully visit new friends. May you find peace in your future visit.

Randi Taylor-Habib

Unbelievably lovely modern LEED compliant temple with heated floors and wrap around glass, against the dramatic backdrop of the San Francisco Peaks in the heart of the Arizona plateau. Must be seen to be believed—this meditation space is a must see.

Kind volunteer staff makes you feel at home immediately. The teacher is incredibly helpful and kind and meditations on Sunday are accessible and down to earth, and extremely practical.

Definitely recommend to anyone wanting to start a meditation practice to mitigate stress and anxiety. Added bonus, a charming bookstore and modern café which does have oatmilk lattes!

Judith Sweet

Stunningly beautiful Temple, lovely and friendly people, and great cafe with great espresso drinks, teas and a variety of baked goodies. Oh- and a great gift shop and Buddhist bookstore!

Madison Cole

I just spent a few nights here and found it to be a wonderful place to practice for a weekend, month or longer. Peaceful and genuinely kind people, great food and a beautiful and tranquil temple with retreat center nestled at the edge of the mountain forest. The sign out front says it all "Everyone Welcome!"

Tiffany Corkill

A very interesting place I found while searching for coffee on easter weekend. This place was beautiful and interesting with a hippie zen flow around. They have a very small limited item coffee shop with the very best coffee cake you will ever have and decent coffee for there very strange operating hours for 12:30- 3:30. Also check out the gift shop where they have some very interesting stuff. Definitely worth the stop to check it out and stretch your legs on your drive.

Karen Childers

Beautiful, peaceful, and serene are just a few words to describe the IKRC Grand Canyon. The community is friendly and welcoming. The teachings are inspiring.