Workshops & Special Events
Spirit Mountain offers year-round programs and retreats at our historic facility in Idyllwild and off-site across Southern California. We host writing and songwriting workshops, recovery programs, and more, as well as the Idyllwild community’s annual solstice and equinox celebrations.
To find out about our weekly programs, check out our Community Gatherings schedule.
Join our email list for notifications of events sent to your inbox!
Fall-Winter 2025
Celebration of
Dia de los Muertes
Saturday, November 8, 2025 3:00-5:00pm
The origin of the Days of the Dead reaches into the ancient Aztec and Mayan cultures. Celebrated mainly by people of Mexican heritage, it is a time to honor death, the fall harvest and the New Year.
Traditionally, Day of the Dead occurs on the lst and 2nd of November and is connected with All Saints' Day and All Souls Day of the Catholic tradition!
The tradition of building altars remembering the deceased, using photos, flowers, candles, skulls, marigolds, favorite foods as gifts of love is ancient and precious.
We will create an altar in the Spirit Mountain Main House. We will ask you to share about the people whose lives you are celebrating - show their pictures, tell us about their favorite food, describe their hobbies, sharing what they always said, etc.
Return to Yourself
Virtual Support Group for Women Vets with PTSD
Tuesday, November 11, 2025 6:00-7:00pm
Zoom
This meeting is for women veterans have expressed an interest in joining our retreats or who have attended the Return to Yourself Resiliency Retreats in the past.
This is a chance to grow, to remember how to reconnect with yourself in a safe and supportive environment without having to relive any trauma.
Callie Wight and Mary Morse will facilitate the Zoom meeting. Email us or call 951-634-4048 if you would like to join or have any concerns about using Zoom.
Energy Healing
with Suzie and Janette
Saturday, November 15, 2025 1-3p
Hill House, Spirit Mountain
Come relax and get nurtured with a complimentary individual mini-energy healing session (20 minutes) with local healers, both of whom have many years of healing experience.
Suzie Bennett is a licensed massage therapist certified in energy medicine. Suzie has held workshops in vibration healing, energy healing, infant massage, and energy healing for babies.
Janette Johnson is a seasoned licensed psychotherapist and was a licensed Minister at Agape Spiritual Center in Los Angeles. Both have many years of healing experience, including working with female veterans with PTSD.
No appointment necessary. First come, first served. Donations appreciated.
For more information, contact us at 951-634-4048 or via email.
How to Settle with
the Unsettling Holidays
Sunday November 16, 2025 10am-4pm
Let's talk about our best and worst times, and what we'd like to experience if possible, and through that and by simply putting pen to paper release our feelings.
We recognize that we essentially are all One, and Belong Together!! As Garrison Keillor said: "The Holidays are like a Thunderstorm. We all go through it Together."
Katya Williamson, MFA, Facilitator,
has helped to empower countless writers
$30 - $50 Sliding Scale
In the comfort of your own home
Zoom link will be sent to you once you have registered.
Recent Events
Return to Yourself
Virtual Support Group for Women Vets with PTSD
Tuesday, October 28, 2025 6:00-7:00pm
Zoom
This meeting is for women veterans have expressed an interest in joining our retreats or who have attended the Return to Yourself Resiliency Retreats in the past.
This is a chance to grow, to remember how to reconnect with yourself in a safe and supportive environment without having to relive any trauma.
Callie Wight and Mary Morse will facilitate the Zoom meeting. Email us or call 951-634-4048 if you would like to join or have any concerns about using Zoom.
Change
Monday, October 27, 2025 9:30am -3:00pm
Zoom
We will gather via Zoom from 9:30 am to 11:00 am and then we will reconvene at 2:30 pm to share the gleanings of the day.
Share in a day of contemplative stillness, mindfulness practice, and soulful sharing.
$25 suggested donation
Launch Your Writing in the Wisdom of Words
Friday - Sunday October 24-26, 2025
Join a community of women's voices as we gain strength and awareness that will manifest in our writing, led by Katya Williams and featuring guest writer Denise Diamond.
Katya Williamson, MFA, Facilitator, International and national group leader, Writer-in-Residence at Spirit Mountain Retreat, UCR/UCLA Extension Instructor focusing on the power of women
$375 Weekend Program and Overnight Accommodations
$225 In-Person Program only (No overnight accommodation)
Registration: $50 deposit due by October 18, 2025
Note: Register ASAP, space is limited
Energy Healing
with Suzie and Janette
Saturday, October 18, 2025 1-3p
Hill House, Spirit Mountain
Come relax and get nurtured with a complimentary individual mini-energy healing session (20 minutes) with local healers, both of whom have many years of healing experience.
Suzie Bennett is a licensed massage therapist certified in energy medicine. Suzie has held workshops in vibration healing, energy healing, infant massage, and energy healing for babies.
Janette Johnson is a seasoned licensed psychotherapist and was a licensed Minister at Agape Spiritual Center in Los Angeles. Both have many years of healing experience, including working with female veterans with PTSD.
No appointment necessary. First come, first served. Donations appreciated.
For more information, contact us at 951-634-4048 or via email.
Science Talk with Larry Kawano: The Search for Life in the Universe
Wednesday, October 15, 2025 5:00-6:30pm
Zoom / Hill House
For our special science presentation this coming Wednesday, you to have the option to join from home or come view it on the big screen at Spirit Mountain Retreat.
Return to Yourself
Virtual Support Group for Women Vets with PTSD
Tuesday, October 14, 2025 6:00-7:00pm
Zoom
This meeting is for women veterans have expressed an interest in joining our retreats or who have attended the Return to Yourself Resiliency Retreats in the past.
This is a chance to grow, to remember how to reconnect with yourself in a safe and supportive environment without having to relive any trauma.
Callie Wight and Mary Morse will facilitate the Zoom meeting. Email us or call 951-634-4048 if you would like to join or have any concerns about using Zoom.
Spirit Mountain’s
40th Anniversary Celebration Fundraiser
Sunday October 5, 2025 3-5p
Idyllwild Town Hall
Please join us to celebrate and honor our forty years of cultivating community, healing, and love in Idyllwild – and help us raise funds to ensure forty more! The event will feature refreshments, raffles, honorees, and more.
$40-120
Return to Yourself
Virtual Support Group for Women Vets with PTSD
Tuesday, September 30, 2025 6:00-7:00pm
Zoom
This meeting is for women veterans have expressed an interest in joining our retreats or who have attended the Return to Yourself Resiliency Retreats in the past.
This is a chance to grow, to remember how to reconnect with yourself in a safe and supportive environment without having to relive any trauma.
Callie Wight and Mary Morse will facilitate the Zoom meeting. Email us or call 951-634-4048 if you would like to join or have any concerns about using Zoom.
Autumnal Equinox Celebration
Sunday, September 28 4PM - 6PM St. Hugh’s Episcopal Church
Observe the change of the seasons with music, community, and great food. The Local Color Choir will be adding their color through their lovely music. Since this date is also the New Moon, we will have a drum circle as part of our celebration. (Bring your drum or use one of ours) There will be readings of poetry. Please bring finger foods to share after the our Celebration. Children are welcome.
For more information, please feel free to contact Mary Morse at (951) 634-4048 or via email.
Remembering and Celebrating Francis
Wednesday September 24, 2025 1pm
Your RSVP to Cathy at cathymauge4@gmail.com will be greatly appreciated to help with preparations.
To honor Francis, please consider making a contribution to Spirit Mountain Retreat
Expectations
Monday, September 22, 2025 9:30am -3:00pm
Zoom
We will gather via Zoom from 9:30 am to 11:00 am and then we will reconvene at 2:30 pm to share the gleanings of the day.
Share in a day of contemplative stillness, mindfulness practice, and soulful sharing.
$25 suggested donation
Energy Healing
with Suzie and Janette
Saturday, September 20, 2025 1-3p
Hill House, Spirit Mountain
Come relax and get nurtured with a complimentary individual mini-energy healing session (20 minutes) with local healers, both of whom have many years of healing experience.
Suzie Bennett is a licensed massage therapist certified in energy medicine. Suzie has held workshops in vibration healing, energy healing, infant massage, and energy healing for babies.
Janette Johnson is a seasoned licensed psychotherapist and was a licensed Minister at Agape Spiritual Center in Los Angeles. Both have many years of healing experience, including working with female veterans with PTSD.
No appointment necessary. First come, first served. Donations appreciated.
For more information, contact us at 951-634-4048 or via email.
Return to Yourself
Virtual Support Group for Women Vets with PTSD
Tuesday, September 16, 2025 6:00-7:00pm
Zoom
This meeting is for women veterans have expressed an interest in joining our retreats or who have attended the Return to Yourself Resiliency Retreats in the past.
This is a chance to grow, to remember how to reconnect with yourself in a safe and supportive environment without having to relive any trauma.
Callie Wight and Mary Morse will facilitate the Zoom meeting. Email us or call 951-634-4048 if you would like to join or have any concerns about using Zoom.
Practice These Principles in All of Our Affairs: A Day of Recovery for Men & Women
Saturday September 13, 2025 10am-4pm
Facilitator: Mary Morse, SMR Director, et al
Free for persons in 12 step recovery (AA, NA, CoDA, Al-Anon, OA, EA, SSA, ACA, etc.)
Please let us know ASAP if you’re coming and if you need overnight accommodations.
(lunch included)
Kimberly Cofer - Single Release Party
Saturday September 6, 2025 2p-5p
The Garden, Spirit Mountain
You heard her wonderful singing and original songs at the July Songwriters' Festival. Come help celebrate the release of her new single.
Kimberly Cofer is a local singer known for her sultry style and mastery of a wide variety of song styles, including jazz standards, pop classics, folk and classic rock. She has loved singing since a young age and loves being able to share her love of music with audiences throughout the Coachella Valley.
$25
New Moon Drum Circle
Thursday August 21 6:00PM
The Garden, Spirit Mountain
When it comes to the spiritual aspects of the new moon, many people participate in new moon rituals where they may meditate on their personal desires, dreams and intentions. The new moon is rich with symbolism and it represents a time of great self-awareness where hopes and visions for the future can be manifested.
If you have a drum, please bring it or use one of ours.
All our welcome. Donations are appreciated.
Science with Larry
Late Bronze Age Collapse
Wednesday August 6 7PM (note new time)
Find out about a time 3200 years ago when some of the greatest civilizations in the world at the time collapsed; find out about why this happened, that it was much more than the destruction caused by fierce invaders.
New Moon Drum Circle
Wed July 23 6:00PM
When it comes to the spiritual aspects of the new moon, many people participate in new moon rituals where they may meditate on their personal desires, dreams and intentions. The new moon is rich with symbolism and it represents a time of great self-awareness where hopes and visions for the future can be manifested.
If you have a drum, please bring it or use one of ours.
All our welcome. Donations are appreciated.
Beauty: Come Back to the Tender Reaches of Your Writing: A Women's Writing Workshop
July 22, 2025 10a-1p POSTPONED
New date and times to be determined after Katya's in-person workshop August 8-10, 2025
Join a community of women's voices as we gain strength and awareness that will manifest in our writing. Morning writing and discussion will be led by Katya Williams.
Katya Williamson, MFA, Facilitator, International and national group leader, Writer-in-Residence at Spirit Mountain Retreat, UCR/UCLA Extension Instructor focusing on the power of women.
Single session $60, or $100 for both sessions.
Please register below or via email or call 951-634-4048.
Idyllwild Songwriters Festival
The Garden at Spirit Mountain
July 12, 2025
Debuts of songs written from the week-long Songwriters Retreat will be presented during the Idyllwild Songwriters Festival — a free outdoor public event, benefitting the work of the Idyllwild Help Center.
The mission of the festival is to promote original singer-songwriters and wider awareness of Idyllwild as an arts community and destination.
For more information, call Spirit Mountain at (951) 634-4048 or via email.
Idyllwild Listening Room Songwriting Retreat
July 6-12, 2025
Writers at all levels of development, from first timers to pros, are welcome to experience ‘Community Through Co-Writing’ amidst the high mountain pines of Idyllwild during the July 6-12 Retreat at Spirit Mountain.
All Listening Room Retreats are facilitated by founder and internationally acclaimed songwriter Brett Perkins, past C.E.O. of the National Academy of Songwriters and Publisher of SongTalk magazine, whose voice and songs appear on numerous commercial releases, films, television placements.
Housing and meals booked separately by participants to provide greater budgeting flexibility. Housing assistance available upon request. Interest free monthly payments available.
Put Your Pride On LGBTQ+/Allies
June 28, 2025, 2pm onwards
St. Hugh’s, 25525 Tahquitz Dr, Idyllwild
Free Pride event for the entire Idyllwild community!
BBQ refreshments provided, but bring your best potluck sides or desserts. Music and Dancing! Open to all!
Return to Yourself
Virtual Support Group for Women Vets with PTSD
June 24, 2025 6:00-7:00pm
This virtual mini-retreat/support group is for women veterans who have attended retreats at Spirit Mountain or who plan to attend in the future.
Call 951-634-4048 prior to the meeting if you have any concerns about using Zoom.
Reclaiming Beauty as a Touchstone of Courage: Women's Writing Workshop
June 24 2025 10 am-1 pm
Online via Zoom
Join a community of women writers for morning writing, coffee and discussion led by Katya Williams.
Katya Williamson, MFA, Facilitator, International and national group leader, Writer-in-Residence at Spirit Mountain Retreat, UCR/UCLA Extension Instructor focusing on the power of women.
Please register below or via email or call 951-634-4048.
Energy Healing with Suzie & Janette
June 21, 2025, 1 pm - 3 pm
Hill House
Come relax and get nurtured with a complimentary, individual, mini-energy healing session (20 minutes) with local healers Suzie Bennett and Janette Johnson.
Suzie Bennett is a licensed massage therapist certified in energy medicine. Suzie has held workshops in vibration healing, energy healing, infant massage, and energy healing for babies. Janette Johnson is a seasoned licensed psychotherapist and was a licensed Minister at Agape Spiritual Center in Los Angeles. Both have many years of healing experience, including working with female veterans with PTSD.
No appointment necessary — first one, first served.
DONATIONS APPRECIATED
Summer Solstice Celebration
SUNDAY JUNE 22 4PM Idyllwild’s annual celebration of the Summer Solstice Honoring the Wonder of Mother Earth
Observe the change of the seasons with music, community, and great food. The Local Color Choir will be adding their color through their lovely music. There will be readings of poetry. Please bring finger foods to share after the our Celebration. Children are welcome.
It will all be happening in the garden (under the parachute) at Spirit Mountain.
For more information, please feel free to contact Mary Morse at (951) 634-4048 or via email.