Seasonal Pilgrimages - Benet Hill Monastery

Hosted by Benet Hill

Seasonal Pilgrimages

Two June - Oct 2026 Pilgrimage Offerings

Imagine what might become possible

Come into the Quiet

What might happen if you intentionally slowed down for a season? How might it feel to be gently guided by a Benedictine sister into a deeper relationship with yourself, your God, and nature?

Find peace and awaken your inner joy among gently swaying pine trees by practicing ancient meditative practices.

Pilgrimage Reservations

Two Pilgrimage Paths - The Labyrinth & Culturally Modified Trees

Come into the quiet on a labyrinth pilgrimage | Highlights

Journey on a meditative tool from the Middle Ages

  • Labyrinth in the pine forest
  • A series of themed guided experiences
  • Facilitated by Sister Jan Ginzkey, OSB
  • Overnight retreat
  • Each experience a “mini” pilgrimage, in total a rich journey

Come into the quiet on a Culturally Modified Trees pilgrimage | Highlights

Journey among ancient, living artifacts | A culturally modified tree (CMT) is a living or dead tree that has been visibly altered by Indigenous peoples or early settlers for traditional, cultural, or practical purposes. They serve as living historical artifacts, preserving evidence of historical forest use, navigation, and resource gathering.

  • Culturally Modified Trees in the Black Forest area
  • A series of themed guided experiences
  • Facilitated by Sister Jan Ginzkey, OSB
  • Overnight retreat
  • Each experience a “mini” pilgrimage, in total a rich journey.
Pilgrim Passport Shell Symbol

A pilgrim for a season

Collect your passport

Most pilgrims journey for a long time to a holy place for religious or spiritual reasons or to reclaim their life’s purpose. The Camino de Santiago (The Way of St. James) is a popular pilgrimage with its seven to nine main paths through Europe. Camino pilgrims pick up their mandatory pilgrim passport before setting out and collect sellos (daily stamps) to document their journey, access pilgrim hostels, and obtain the Compostela certificate upon completion in Spain.

The Seasonal Pilgrimages hosted by Benet Hill are designed for those who are drawn to embark on a local pilgrimage. We invite you to pick up your pilgrimage passport and take a journey close to home. Centered in the pine forest surrounding the monastery, pilgrims will create openings through quiet time in nature and meditative practices to explore their spiritual lives more fully.

Explore the Labyrinth Pilgrimage

Come on a pilgrimage through a series of designed experiences, June - September. Each guided walk and the retreat are standalone “mini” pilgrimages. For those who would like to go deeper into understanding and appreciating the gift of labyrinths, consider using our passport and receive a stamp for each attended walk and retreat.

This labyrinth pilgrimage opportunity includes four themed walks and one overnight retreat. Retreat packages are available for overnight guests and commuters. The suggested minimum donation for each walk is $25.

Themed Walk • Sat, Jun 13 • 9am – 11am

We Are All One

Explore the universality of the labyrinth across cultures and religions and the spiritual concept of oneness.

Themed Walk • Sat, Jul 18 • 9am – Noon

Labyrinth as a Pilgrimage

Deepen your understanding of the history of labyrinths and their symbolism for pilgrims yesterday and today.

themed Walk • Sat, Aug 8 • 9am – Noon

Sacred Geometry Intro

Learn how the beauty of mathematics is integrated into each labyrinth and how ancient people understood sacred numbers.

themed Walk • Sat, Sep 12 • 9am – Noon

More Sacred Geometry

Discover the importance of sacred numbers found in the labyrinth and how the Chartres Labyrinth was possibly a Lunar calendar.

themed overnight Retreat • Sep 26 • 9AM – Sep 27 • 1:30PM

Pilgrimage to Awaken Joy Retreat

The culminating event of this pilgrimage. Learn how the “Masters of the Compass” created the labyrinth, experience forest bathing, and enjoy journaling time.

Retreat options

Package Details

In addition to the workshop, the overnight package in our cozy retreat homes includes meals, single / double lodging for one night, and all speakers / activities. Friday lodging may be added.

Commuters may add meals to their workshop fee.

Explore the Culturally Modified Trees Pilgrimage

Come on a pilgrimage through a series of designed experiences, June - Oct. Each guided walk and the retreat are standalone “mini” pilgrimages. For those who would like to go deeper into understanding and appreciating the living artifacts, consider using our passport and receive a stamp for each attended walk and retreat.

This Culturally Modified Tree pilgrimage opportunity includes three themed walks and one weekend retreat. Retreat packages are available for overnight guests and commuters. The suggested minimum donation for each walk is $25.

themed Walk • Sat, Jun 27 • 9 – 11am

One with Creation

Learn how the forest is sacred ground to ancient and contemporary people and visit a few of these living artifacts on the monastery grounds.

themed Walk • Sat, Jul 25 • 9am – Noon

Wisdom of Trees

Discover how trees communicate with one another to share nutrients and to protect one another. Learn how to identify culturally modified trees on the monastery grounds.

themed Walk • Sat, Aug 22 • 9am – Noon

Gifts of the Forest

Gain skills to identify types and purposes of Culturally Modified Trees. Experience how the forest offers physical, emotional and psychological benefits and enjoy a forest bathing experience.

Themed overnight Retreat • Oct 10 • 9 AM – Oct 11 • 1:30 PM

Deepening Your Roots With Creation

The culminating event of this pilgrimage. Learn about the history of the Ute people in the Pikes Peak Region, visit Fox Run Regional Park to identify Culturally Modified Trees, and spend time journaling and forest bathing.

Retreat options

Package Details

In addition to the workshop, the overnight package in our cozy retreat homes includes meals, single / double lodging for one night, and all speakers / activities. Friday lodging available for an additional fee.

Commuters may add meals to their workshop fee.