Most cottages generate electricity through solar panels. This provides reliable power for lights and small electronic devices, but it cannot support appliances with heating elements or high energy demands.

Please:

• Turn off lights, fans, and inverters when not in use
• You can only charge your phone and laptop during the day. Please unplug during the night
• DO NOT use hair dryers, rice cookers, power banks, these will use up all your electricity you need for your water and lights

Diamond Mountain well water is clean, mineral-rich, and tested regularly. Your cottage also includes a Berkey water filtration system for additional filtration and improved taste.

Please do not overfill the Berkey system. Allow adequate time for water to filter before use.

Watch: How to Use the Berkey Water Filter

Many cottages use environmentally friendly composting toilets. These systems are simple to use but require specific steps to function properly.
Key reminders:

• Use the toilet as normal and turn the drum 21 times once per day
• Add half a scoop of compost after No. 2. For foreign speakers, this is the polite way in English to refer to poop. 🙂
• Do not add extra water
• Please place feminine products in the waste bin, not the toilet

Watch: How to Use the Compost Toilet

Cottages are equipped with propane stoves, which may vary by model. Some stoves use pilot lights or manual ignition.

For safety:

• Follow lighting instructions carefully
• Do not leave burners unattended
• Contact staff if you detect a strong smell of gas (smells like rotten eggs) or are unsure how to operate your stove

Watch: How to Use the Propane Stove

Cottages are equipped with propane refrigerators designed for off-grid living. These fridges cool differently than standard electric refrigerators and may take time to adjust.

For best use and safety:

• Each refrigerator has a thermostat inside the fridge, use this to gauge the temperate to ensure proper refrigeration
• Propane Refrigerators (cont.)
• If the fridge feels warm or is not cooling, this may indicate low propane
• Contact staff if the fridge is not cooling properly or if you are unsure how to adjust the setting
• Do not try to repair or troubleshoot propane systems yourself

Watch: How to Use the Propane Refrigerator

Cottages may be equipped with propane heaters or wood-burning stoves.
Please:

• Use heaters only in rooms you are occupying
• Turn heaters off when leaving the cottage
• Ask staff for guidance if you are unfamiliar with a wood-burning stove

Watch: How to Use the Propane Heater ..coming soon

Watch: How to Use the Wood-Burning Stove

Your cottage is equipped with smoke and carbon monoxide detectors for safety.

If an alarm sounds:

• Open windows or doors to ventilate
• Check for low batteries if applicable
• Contact staff immediately if the alarm continues or you are unsure why it triggered

To protect wildlife, all trash must be stored securely.

• Place trash in the designated bear-proof box on Wednesday morning.
• Weekly checks and trash pickup are done on Wednesdays around noon.
• Do not leave food or trash outside, or overnight in the bearbox.

Diamond Mountain is home to a rich and diverse ecosystem. Sharing this land means learning how to live alongside wildlife with awareness, respect, and calm presence. Most animals want nothing to do with humans and will avoid you if given space. 

Airhorns are provided in each cottage, and are for emergency use only if an animal comes too close and does not move away. Do not shout, chase, or try to scare wildlife.

The guidance below, with do’s and don’ts for the most commonly seen animals, is here to help you feel informed, not afraid.

In general, always step back and give animals space, let them go their way, use a flashlight at night, and never put your hands or feet where you cannot see.

Living in the desert is about awareness, not fear. With simple habits and respect for the land, encounters with wildlife are usually brief, peaceful, and memorable in the best way.

Other Animals You Will See While Here…

Birds
Diamond Mountain is home to many bird species. You’ll often hear them before you see them.

• Completely harmless
• A sign of a healthy ecosystem

Butterflies & Pollinators
Seasonal visitors that support desert plant life.

• Safe and beneficial
• Please do not disturb or handle

Spiders
Including cellar spiders and occasional tarantulas.

• Mostly harmless
• Help control insects
• More afraid of you than you are of them

Lizards
Common on rocks and paths, especially in warm weather.

• Harmless
• Fast-moving and non-aggressive

Kissing Bugs
Kissing bugs are insects found in parts of Arizona and the Southwest. In rare cases, they can carry Chagas disease, which has been found locally in Arizona, though infections are uncommon. Kissing bugs are most active from late spring through early fall, especially May–September, and are typically active at night.

What to Know

• • Kissing bugs are attracted to lights at night
  • They may enter buildings through open doors, windows, or gaps

• You may wake up with a swollen, itchy, reddish bump, often near the mouth or eyes, similar to a mosquito bite. It is important to clean the area before scratching, as scratching can increase the risk of infection, even though the overall risk of Chagas disease is low.

• Most bites do not result in illness, but awareness is important

How to Reduce Risk

• Keep doors and windows closed or screened, especially at night
• Use a flashlight when walking after dark
• Do not sleep near open windows without screens
• Keep wood piles and clutter away from living areas
• Do not touch insects with bare hands

A Few Final Reminders for Living with Wild Animals at Diamond Mountain

• Use a flashlight after dark
• Store all food securely (including offerings)
• Never feed wildlife
• When in doubt, give space and notify staff

Living in the desert is about awareness, not fear. With simple habits and respect for the land, encounters with wildlife are usually brief, peaceful, and memorable in the best way.

Hiking at Diamond Mountain is a chance to slow down, breathe deeply, and experience the desert as it truly is – quiet, expansive, and alive. Whether you’re walking for reflection, movement, or simple enjoyment, the land here offers many gentle and meaningful ways to explore.

Where You Can Walk

There are several areas on the property that are well-suited for walking and hiking:

• The Retreat Valley
  Open, rolling hills that are spacious, and grounding. Whether you are walking from your cottage to the lower campus, or exploring the property, walks here can be a way to take meditative hikes, and for taking in wide desert views.
• The Path of Hope and Healing
  A contemplative walking path that can be enjoyed as a gentle hike. Many guests choose to walk this path slowly, pausing for reflection along the way. Click here for more details.
• Nature Trail
  The Nature Trail is a gentle walking path that connects the Retreat Valley to the Lower Campus and feeds into the Path of Hope and Healing . This trail offers a quieter, at times shaded walk through the landscape and is often used as a transition between areas of the property.

Guests enjoy this path for mindful walking, short reflective walks, and moving between campuses at an unhurried pace. Most areas are hikeable and accessible, and you’re welcome to choose what feels right for your body and energy on any given day.

Basic Hiking Wisdom:

The high desert is beautiful, powerful, and deserving of respect. A few simple practices help keep both you and the land safe:

• Go slow. The terrain can be uneven, and there’s no rush here.
• Stay aware of your surroundings. Especially on quieter trails.
• Let someone know where you’re going, particularly if you’re heading out alone or for a longer walk.
• Turn back if needed. Listening to your body is part of the practice.

Wildlife Awareness

Diamond Mountain is home to a wide range of wildlife. Most animals prefer to keep their distance, but awareness is essential, especially after dusk and before dawn, when it’s dark and many animals are more active.

• Use a flashlight or headlamp when walking in low light.
• Make gentle noise so animals are aware of your presence.
• Never approach or feed wildlife.
• If you encounter an animal, give it space and calmly move away.
• During snake season, using a walking stick can be helpful to signal your approach to snakes and other ground-based animals

Snake Season in Bowie, AZ

• Most active: April through September
• Peak activity: May–August
  
• Snakes are more likely to be active:
  • On warm days
  • At dawn and dusk
  • After summer rains

   

Please remember: we are visitors in their home. 

Sun & Weather Protection 

The desert sun is strong year-round, even on cooler days.

• Wear sun protection (hat, sunscreen, long sleeves if needed).
• Bring water with you on every walk, no matter how short.
• Pay attention to temperature changes — mornings and evenings can be cool, while midday sun can be intense.

Good to know:
We have hats, walking sticks, and reusable water bottles available for guests. If you need any of these, just ask.

Walking as Practice

Many guests find that hiking here becomes more than exercise. Walking can be a form of meditation – noticing breath, footsteps, sounds, and the subtle life of the desert around you. Whether you walk in silence, with intention, or simply for enjoyment, we invite you to let the land set the pace.

Some retreaters take a vow of silence during their stay, please keep this in mind in case you cross paths with someone and they happen to look away.

If you have any questions about trails, conditions, or recommendations, our team is always happy to help.

Diamond Mountain offers spaces intentionally created for reflection, study, and connection with the land. The heart of this experience is the Path of Hope and Healing, a walking path lined with sacred stupas, designed to support contemplation, prayer, and mindful movement.

Along the retreat land, you’ll also find simple, beautiful places to pause and take in the desert landscape. Guests often enjoy quiet moments at scenic viewpoints, walking the Nature Path, or sitting on the swings scattered throughout the valley.

Notable places to explore

• The Path Hope of Healing– a guided contemplative walking path
  Click here for more details.
• Sunset Viewpoints – especially near cottages 4, 10, and 17
• Tree Arch on the Nature Trail Path
• Swings placed throughout the retreat area

Please explore all spaces mindfully and with respect for the retreat environment and other guests. If you happen to take a photo and share it on social media, feel free to tag us — we’d love to see it. @DiamondMountainRetreat on IG and Diamond Mountain Retreat Center on Facebook.

Time in retreat often invites deep rest, and for many guests, massage is a beautiful way to support that process. Bodywork can help release physical tension, calm the nervous system, and integrate the effects of retreat, meditation, and time in nature.

Massage sessions are offered by appointment and are designed to be gentle, grounding, and aligned with the quiet rhythm of retreat life.

What to Expect

Massage at Diamond Mountain is offered as a supportive wellness service, not a spa experience. Sessions are held in your cottage and are intended to complement your stay rather than distract from it.

Many guests choose massage:

• during or after retreat
• on rest days
• to support recovery from hiking or long sits
• as a way to reset and reconnect with the body

Time in retreat often invites deep rest, and for many guests, massage is a supportive way to deepen that process. Bodywork can help release physical tension, calm the nervous system, and support integration from retreat, meditation, and time in nature.

Massage sessions are offered by appointment and are designed to be gentle, grounding, and aligned with the quiet rhythm of retreat life.

Practitioners & Types of Massage. How to Request a Session

Massage sessions must be requested in advance by contacting the practitioner directly using the information above. Once you reach out, the practitioner will confirm availability, timing, and any additional details.

Click here to see the details of our practioners, types of massage they offer and how to request a session.

A Few Gentle Notes

• Let your practitioner know about any injuries, sensitivities, or preferences
• Massage is optional, listen to your body and choose what feels supportive
  

If you have questions or are unsure whether massage is right for you during your stay, feel free to reach out to the Diamond Mountain team.

To help you settle in and move around with ease, we provide several maps that show the layout of Diamond Mountain and the nearby area. These are especially helpful if it’s your first visit or if you’re exploring on foot.

Retreat Valley Map

This map shows:

• All cottages, clearly numbered
• Roads and walking paths
• Shuttle stops

Lower Campus Map

The Lower Campus map highlights:

• Je Tsongkhapa Student Center
• Main Temple
• Parking areas
• Shuttle access points
• Main footpaths

This map is especially useful on teaching days or when attending events on the Lower Campus.

While Diamond Mountain feels wonderfully remote, there are a few nearby towns you may visit for supplies, meals, or day trips.

Bowie
The closest small town to Diamond Mountain. Bowie offers basic amenities and a glimpse into quiet rural life in southeastern Arizona.

• Wellness and Outdoors
  • Fort Bowie National Historic Site (approx. 4-minute drive, 32-minute walk)
    Fort Bowie National Historic Site preserves an important piece of Southwestern history and offers a quiet, reflective walking experience. Visitors reach the site via a scenic trail that passes through open desert landscape, making it a good option for those interested in history, gentle hiking, and time outdoors.
    📍 Directions from DMRC

Willcox
Many guests stop here before or after arriving at Diamond Mountain for supplies and groceries.

• Groceries and Basic Supplies
  • Safeway (Willcox) (approx. 42-minute drive)
    Safeway is a full-service grocery store offering fresh produce, pantry staples, prepared foods, and household items. It’s a convenient stop for guests needing groceries or everyday essentials while off retreat land.
    📍 Directions from DMRC
• Restaurants and Cafés
  • Dos Cabezas Coffee Co. (approx. 40-minute drive)
    Dos Cabezas Coffee Co. is a small, locally owned café offering coffee, light food, and a relaxed atmosphere in a rural setting. It’s a nice stop for guests looking to enjoy a simple outing, take a break during travel, or sit with a cup of coffee outside the retreat space.
    📍 Directions from DMRC
  • La Única Mexican Restaurant (approx. 45-minute drive)
    La Única is a locally loved Mexican restaurant offering classic dishes in a casual, welcoming setting. It’s a good option for guests looking for a sit-down meal while visiting nearby towns or running errands off retreat land.
    📍 Directions from DMRC
  • RR Pizza, Willcox, AZ (approx. 42-minute drive)
    RR Pizza is a casual local restaurant offering pizza and simple comfort food in a relaxed setting. It’s a convenient option for guests looking for an easy, familiar meal while visiting nearby towns or running errands off retreat land.
    📍 Directions from DMRC
  • Tirrito Farm (approx. 45-minute drive)
    Tirrito Farm is a family-owned farm to table restaurant and market offering seasonal produce, locally made goods, and a small café-style food menu. Many guests enjoy stopping here to pick up fresh items, enjoy a simple meal, or take a short break while traveling through the area.
    📍 Directions from DMRC
• Wellness and Outdoors
  • Chiricahua National Monument (approx. 41-minute drive)
    Chiricahua National Monument is a protected landscape known for its dramatic rock formations, hiking trails, and wide desert views. Many visitors enjoy gentle walks, scenic overlooks, and quiet time in nature while exploring the area.
    📍 Directions from DMRC

Safford
A larger town with more stores and a strip mall that has a small movie theater and the following:

• Groceries and Basic Supplies
  • Safeway (Safford) (approx. 67-minute drive)
    Safeway is a full-service grocery store offering fresh produce, pantry staples, prepared foods, and household items. It’s a convenient stop for guests needing groceries or everyday essentials while off retreat land.
    📍 Directions from DMRC
  • Walmart (approx. 66-minute drive)
    Walmart offers a wide range of groceries, basic supplies, clothing, and household items. Guests often stop here to pick up essentials or items needed for longer stays.
    📍 Directions from DMRC
  • Thriftee (approx. 45-minute drive)
    Thriftee Super Market is a locally owned grocery store serving the Gila Valley. It offers fresh produce, pantry staples, and everyday food items, along with some specialty products that may not be found at larger chain stores. It’s a convenient option for guests looking to shop locally while picking up groceries or essentials.
    📍 Directions from DMRC
• Restaurants and Cafés
  • Cottage Bakery (approx. 60-minute drive)
    Cottage Bakery offers freshly baked bread, pastries, and light breakfast items in a small-town setting. It’s a pleasant stop for guests looking to pick up baked goods or enjoy a simple treat while visiting nearby towns.
    📍 Directions from DMRC
• Wellness and Outdoors
  • Essence of Tranquility,  (approx. 56-min drive)
    Essence of Tranquility  offers natural mineral soaking pools in a quiet desert setting. Many visitors find soaking helpful for relaxation, easing sore muscles, and unwinding after time in retreat or hiking
    📍 Directions from DMRC
  • Roper Lake State Park (approx. 60-minute drive)
    Roper Lake State Park is located south of Safford at the base of Mount Graham. The park offers a peaceful outdoor setting with opportunities for walking, bird watching, fishing, and spending time near the water. It is also close to the Mount Graham “Sky Island” mountain range and neighboring Dankworth Pond State Park.
    This is a good option for guests looking to enjoy nature, open space, and a change of scenery during time off retreat land.
    📍 Directions from DMRC

A Gentle Orientation Note

Diamond Mountain is intentionally secluded. Cell service may be limited in some areas, and distances can feel longer than expected. We recommend:

• • Reviewing maps before heading out
  • Letting someone know if you’re leaving the property
  • Planning errands thoughtfully

If you’re ever unsure about directions or distances, our team is happy to help.