When asking yourself about something to do near me in Phoenix with a group of friends or family, consider
Mount Claret Center
Why Mount Claret Center is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Mount Claret Retreat Center offers a unique and peaceful setting ideal for reconnecting with faith, friends, and oneself. Located on 15 acres of beautiful Sonoran desert landscape in Phoenix, Arizona, just north of Camelback Road, the center provides an inspiring backdrop of majestic mountains and bright blue skies that invites visitors to reflect and pray in a serene environment. Established originally as La Fonda Fiesta Guest Ranch, the property was transformed into a Catholic retreat in 1963 and has since been operated by the Diocese of Phoenix to serve its spiritual, educational, and community needs. The Center specializes in hosting parish, school, and Catholic organization events such as RCIA retreats, confirmation preparation, prayer groups, and staff retreats. The Mission-style architecture, ongoing renovations to enhance the chapel, and commitment to preserving a sacred atmosphere make Mount Claret a distinguished place to gather for spiritual growth and fellowship. Its history and continuous development demonstrate a deep dedication to fostering faith within a supportive community setting, making it a great venue to meet friends and engage with spirituality in a tranquil desert oasis.
Here's what people think of Mount Claret Center
As of recent, Mount Claret Center holds a 4.9-star rating based on 87 reviews.
Visitors and users of Mount Claret Retreat Center consistently praise its peaceful atmosphere, beautiful natural surroundings, and welcoming community spirit. Many reviews highlight the center’s well-maintained facilities and the sense of calm and spiritual renewal it offers. Positive feedback often notes the helpful and kind staff, the sacred and contemplative environment, and the suitability of the venue for religious retreats and group gatherings focused on faith development. Users appreciate the location’s accessibility within Phoenix and its role in supporting various Catholic programs and events. On the other hand, some critical comments mention limited accessibility features and occasional scheduling constraints due to its popularity and focus on diocesan events. A few reviewers desire more modern amenities or expanded event spaces but recognize ongoing improvements funded by recent capital campaigns. Overall, the reviews reflect a high level of satisfaction and a strong endorsement of Mount Claret as a valued community retreat center dedicated to spiritual enrichment and fellowship.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Jess Meeth
I visited for the first time last month for a work event, and the grounds are very serene and peaceful, especially looking out at Camelback Mountain. It's definitely a desert oasis. I love the bright rose bushes surrounding the Sacred Heart of Jesus shrine to add a pop of color. As it's the Advent season, the Christmas tree and holiday decorations are very beautiful. And the fireplace makes everything more cozy! We had Mass in the newly renovated chapel, and it is both a stunning and sacred space. I captured several photos to share with my Catholic circles, and everyone was commenting on how beautiful it is. In addition, Tom and all the staff were extremely helpful. They stuck around the entire evening to make sure everything was running smoothly and taken care of. I cannot wait to have more events here for work!
Ann Garcia
Always a beautiful center to frequent for events! Nice chapel and well maintained landscaping. The facilities are clean and well kept. Peaceful place to retreat!
Pao
This is such a darling chapel. It's nestled at the base of Camelback Mountain. Beautiful grounds that offer outdoor spots to pray. The only Sunday mass offered is at 10am.
John Noble
This is a fantastic place. It has board meeting rooms, full kitchen, multiple event spaces, Stations of the Cross outside, lots of beauty and peace and quiet spaces throughout the campus. A great opportunity for visitors, a library with relics and historical items, and a very active schedule, of events.
James Kubicki
I participated in a special event in which we prayed for peace in the Holy Land. It was followed by a delicious dinner. My very brief experience tells me that this must be an awesome place for a retreat.
How to reach Mount Claret Center
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Why Mount Claret Center may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Mount Claret Center with your friends?
Mount Claret Center is an exceptional place to gather with friends, offering much more than just a meeting space. Nestled at the base of the picturesque Camelback Mountain in Phoenix, Arizona, this retreat center combines natural beauty with a peaceful, contemplative atmosphere perfect for meaningful connections. The 15-acre site is surrounded by stunning Sonoran desert landscape, providing a serene backdrop to unwind and recharge away from the hustle of daily life. With a near-perfect rating of 4.9 from numerous reviews, it clearly earns praise for its welcoming environment and top-notch facilities. Whether your group is looking for a spiritual retreat, a reunion, or a place to celebrate milestones in a calm setting, Mount Claret Center is designed to facilitate deep conversation, reflection, and joyful fellowship. The calm and holy surroundings attract groups who seek both relaxation and a chance to reconnect with each other and, for some, with their faith. When rallying here, your friends benefit from the tranquil environment, versatile rooms, and opportunities for shared prayer or meditation, making any meetup both memorable and rejuvenating.
What activities and facilities make Mount Claret Center ideal for group meetups?
Mount Claret Center offers a diverse range of activities and facilities tailored to groups of various sizes and purposes, making it perfectly suited for meetups. One of its central features is the beautifully maintained chapel, open daily for private prayer and hosting Sunday Mass, which adds a spiritual dimension to gatherings. Beyond worship, the center features multiple meeting rooms that accommodate anywhere from small groups of 8 to larger assemblies of up to 250 people. These include intimate spaces like the Small Meeting Room and Board Room and large versatile areas such as the Dining Room and the Full Conference Center. These spaces can be adapted to fit retreats, workshops, prayer groups, or celebrations. The availability of multiple room sizes provides flexibility, allowing groups to divide for breakout sessions or enjoy collective activities in larger halls. The center's outdoor spaces also invite quiet walks or group reflections, including the Station of the Cross pathway that encourages contemplation in nature’s embrace. Such variety ensures every group can craft its experience to meet intimate conversations, educational programs, or communal worship — all within a single, seamless venue.
Why is the location of Mount Claret Center perfect for meetups?
The location of Mount Claret Center contributes immensely to its appeal as a meetup destination. Situated on 15 acres of Sonoran desert land framed by Camelback Mountain, the scenery itself serves as a natural magnet for groups hoping to escape urban stressors and partake in a refreshing outdoor experience. The bright blue skies and the majestic mountain views provide a breathtaking and inspiring setting that energizes any gathering. Its position in Phoenix also offers convenient accessibility for attendees traveling from various parts of the city or surrounding areas. Despite being nestled in nature, the center is conveniently close to major roads, making arrival and departure smooth and stress-free. The natural environment encourages group members to foster connections through shared outdoor activities or peaceful solitude amidst native desert flora. This blend of accessibility with scenic isolation offers the best of both worlds for groups seeking both ease of travel and immersion in a tranquil environment conducive to bonding and reflection.
What types of groups and events does Mount Claret Center accommodate?
Mount Claret Center hosts a wide variety of groups, making it a versatile venue for many kinds of gatherings. It is primarily known as a Catholic retreat center but extends its hospitality to parishes, schools, and Catholic organizations looking for space for meetings, retreats, or prayer groups. This includes specific spiritual events like Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA), Confirmation retreats, youth and children’s retreats, and prayer groups for men and women. Additionally, it welcomes school staff retreats and parish staff meetings, facilitating professional development and community building in a spiritually supportive setting. While its core orientation is religious, the facility’s flexible meeting rooms and expansive grounds also support social, educational, and wellness events for family gatherings or community groups. The center’s ability to host overnight stays and multi-day retreats further underscores its suitability for extended gatherings that blend structured programming with downtime for personal connection and relaxation. This variety makes Mount Claret Center a dynamic hub for fostering community and spiritual growth among diverse group types.
How does Mount Claret Center support the needs of large groups?
Mount Claret Center is well-equipped to handle large group gatherings with its extensive on-site facilities designed for comfort and convenience. The full conference center can accommodate up to 250 attendees, with access to an adjacent kitchenette that participants can use to support their catering needs, as the center does not provide food service itself. This allows groups to organize meals according to their preferences, maintaining full control of their event planning while enjoying a spacious venue. The conference center is also divisible into three separate meeting spaces which provide further adaptability for groups who want to split into smaller sessions or host simultaneous activities. For groups requiring smaller meeting rooms, spaces like the Rollo Room for 50 people, the Upper Room for 30, and boardrooms for 8 to 12 ensure all participants have comfortable and appropriate environments. Whether it is workshops, lectures, religious ceremonies, or social events, the center’s rooms can be arranged to meet audio-visual setups, group discussions, or dining needs. This comprehensive infrastructure ensures that all logistical aspects of hosting a large group are covered under one roof.
What makes the outdoor environment around Mount Claret Center special?
The outdoor environment at Mount Claret Center is one of its greatest assets. The 15 acres of desert landscape offer visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the unique beauty of the Sonoran desert ecosystem. The grounds include peaceful gardens and natural areas that encourage reflection, prayer, and leisurely strolls. The availability of a designated Stations of the Cross pathway provides a meaningful opportunity for groups to experience spiritual meditation while moving through nature, enhancing the retreat experience. The desert climate, combined with the stunning backdrop of Camelback Mountain, creates an atmosphere that is both uplifting and calming. Many visitors find that the fresh air and beautiful views foster conversations and connections that are otherwise difficult to achieve in confined indoor spaces. This outdoor setting enriches every group activity by blending the physical and spiritual environment, making Mount Claret an ideal sanctuary for friends and family to reconnect and share quality time together.
Why should you consider Mount Claret Center for your next group meetup?
Choosing Mount Claret Center for your next group meetup ensures a unique combination of spirituality, flexibility, and natural beauty. The center’s nearly perfect 4.9 rating reflects the satisfaction of visitors who appreciate its welcoming spirit and well-maintained facilities. The variety of meeting rooms and large conference spaces accommodate groups of all sizes, while also supporting diverse types of gatherings from educational to spiritual retreats. The chapel and outdoor prayer areas elevate the space beyond a simple rental venue into a place of contemplation and renewal. Its accessible but serene location means groups can enjoy both convenience and escape, ideal for fostering lasting memories and meaningful connections. Whether you seek a quiet place for reflection or an energizing environment to celebrate with friends and family, Mount Claret Center’s combination of natural wonder and thoughtful design makes it a standout choice for group events that matter.