Finding peace and quiet in the 21st century is almost impossible with GPS devices, cellphones, and satellite phones, but there are still locations where you can find solitude and rejuvenate. Check out some of these peaceful places where you can recharge your inner Zen.
Gardner Canyon, Tucson, AZ
In the Colorado Mountains outside of Tucson, you will find a lonely road that seems to go on forever, until it stops at a primitive campground along a stream. You can hike on the Arizona Trail at the base of the Mustang Mountains or relax in the icy stream. It’s so peaceful that the sound of a whippoorwill might startle you, but rest easy; it’s not your cell phone ringing.
Mystic Hot Springs, Monroe, UT
Step back in time to the 1960s at this remote hot springs resort that is funky, yet functional. This 100-year-old property offers tent and RV camping and 15 refurbished pioneer cabins. You can’t get much closer to nature than sitting in these ancient hot pools once used by nomadic bands from the Ute, Shoshone, or Piute tribes. Find your hippie-spirit in this remote hot springs resort, but keep your clothes on, as nudity is against the rules.
Pecos Benedictine Monastery, Santa Fe, NM
You don’t have to be religious to stay in a monastery, and just maybe it’s the change of pace you need. The peace and quiet you will find here is designed to keep out the sounds of the city. For more than 1500 years monasteries have been providing hospitality to travelers and this retreat is nestled in a scenic valley of the Pecos River at the base of the Santa Fe Mountains You will be invited to pray—but there’s no pressure. Wallow in the quiet and open your mind to all things peaceful.
Cliff River Springs, Ojo Caliente, NM
Only four miles from the famed Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs is a small bed and breakfast on 1,200 acres with a spring-fed pond. There are seven casitas that have kitchens, private baths and a patio where you can practically hear the sound of a hummingbird’s wings. There is no cellphone service, but you’d probably drop your phone in the pond or hot springs anyway—you’ll be that relaxed. This is the perfect place to rethink your career path or relationship or just not think of anything at all.
Oxbow Campground, BLM Lands, AZ
Colorado River campgrounds can be filled with party animals most weekends in the spring and fall, but there are still a few off-the-beaten places where you can put in your boat and camp without anyone bothering you. Oxbow Campground is adjacent to the Cibola National Wildlife Refuge and has its share of campers, but you can push your boat into the reeds and float away. Campsites are not marked or designated and use is on a first-come-first-served basis so try and get here on a Thursday to find the most peaceful river site.
Red Mountain Resort, St. George, UT
Practicing yoga among the red rocks of Southwest Utah can relax your core and mind, but if unwinding to you means an adrenalin rush, you can also use the zip line with a view of Zion National Park in the distance. If you are in the mood, there is also a spa, because what’s more relaxing than a massage?
Sedona Mago Retreat, Sedona, AZ
People from all over the world come to Sedona to have their soul hugged by the swirling vortexes. In other words, this is the place to put on your Birkenstocks and rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit. This retreat is no Hilton Hotel—it’s a retreat sitting on 160 acres the Coconino National Forest and operated by the by Tao Fellowship, whose mission is “Love Humanity, Love the Earth.” You’ll find classes on stress reduction and meditation. If Mother Earth took a vacation, this is where she could be found.