How to Visit the Shrine of St. Joseph in Yarnell, AZ

The Shrine of St. Joseph features lifesize, carved statues of St. Joseph and the holy family set into a hillside. St. Joseph is the patron saint of happy homes, so some people make a pilgrimage here to celebrate the sale or purchase of a new home. The shrine is located in Yarnell, Arizona, about 2 hours north of Phoenix on Route 89. Because of its elevation, Yarnell is significantly cooler than Phoenix during the summer months, making the shrine an easy and cool day trip from the Valley of the Sun.

Instructions

1. View the Shrine of St. Joseph; there is no charge. Visitors may stay overnight at reasonable rates at the retreat house on the property. Four separate retreat houses on the grounds can hold up to 50 people. Each have communal kitchens and living areas. For rates and other details, call (928)-778-5229, or write to The House of Joseph. P.O. Box 267, Yarnell, AZ 85362.

2. Plan a hike through the wooded area surrounding Yarnell, or brose the town's art galleries and shops. In the last decade, the little town of Yarnell has grown into something of an artists’ colony. Today, there are seven galleries and gift shops lining the main road (route 89), as well as a little inn and a handful of restaurants.

3. Continue on to Prescott after visiting the shrine, and tour the old courthouse square, with its art galleries and quaint buildings. Yarnell is just 30 miles from Prescott, (once the state capital), which is rapidly growing into a mini version of Phoenix, albeit with much cooler temperatures.

Tips & Warnings

• Although not affiliated with any religion or sect, the center hosts nondenominational retreats as well as individual visitors in the retreat housing. There is also a separate chapel under construction on the site and a gift shop.