Colorado's Spiritual Mountain Town Offers Soul-Searching Retreats, Sangre De Cristo Hikes, And Starry Skies

Nestled against the serene backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo mountains in the San Luis Valley of Colorado is an eclectic inter-faith community inhabited by religious mystics, spiritual seekers, and new-age healers. This blossoming spiritual center has become a mystical magnet for individuals thirsty for introspection at one of its traditional Buddhist centers, Hindu temples, or more esoteric retreats. The small town of Crestone, located 3 hours from Colorado Springs Airport and 4 hours from Denver International Airport, pays homage to different world religions and attracts thousands of visitors each year, despite only having a population of 150 residents. 

Visit the Crestone Mountain Zen Center to experience some freedom from the daily karma of suffering, where you can dive into Zen Buddhist teachings and start your journey on the path to enlightenment. Those who wish to stay at the Zen Center have a variety of accommodations to choose from, including tents, yurts, cabins, and fully equipped guest houses. The Vajra Vidya Retreat Center is another option for seekers wanting a Tibetan Buddhist retreat offering meditation instruction, Buddhist philosophy courses, and other ancient mindfulness practices. The center's location amidst the sacred Sangre de Cristo mountains add to its spiritual significance due to it being a ceremonial center for Navajo and other tribal traditions. 

Weary travelers can find a variety of options in town for bodywork and healing, such as the massage services and adrenal baths offered at the Crestone Healing Arts Center; this is very reminiscent of visiting the world's most mindful escape destination of Sedona.  The town is also home to new-age shops like Crestone Artisan Gallery, where you can purchase wind chimes, jewelry, and other crafts on your hunt for souvenirs. 

Hiking enthusiasts will be pleased to discover the Sangre de Cristo wilderness at Great Sand Dunes National Park, located less than an hour from Crestone, where they can choose from a variety of winding trails like Humboldt Peak Trail, Lake Como Trail, and Wellington Ditch Trail to explore on their outdoor adventure. The Crestone Needle and Crestone Peak trails have received favorable reviews from visiting hikers, and some visitors have suggested people bring along an offline map in case connection is spotty. While some of these trails might be a little intense for amateur adventurers, novice hikers can explore the Crestone Ziggurat, an easier path through sandy dunes with a spectacular view of the mountain ranges at the top. 

The San Luis Valley has a rich cultural history dating back to Native tribes and early settlers, from Spanish conquistadores to Apache and Comanche tribes. Crestone is proud of its heritage, from its origins as a mining town during the Gold Rush era's boom, to prehistoric glacier findings that add to its lore. Visitors can stop by the Crestone Historical Museum, formerly the town's schoolhouse, to learn all about the town's colorful origins.

The Sangre de Cristo mountains got their name from observers describing how the crimson hue cast upon them at dawn and dusk looked as red as the blood of Christ, and thus the moniker remained. These mountains are a must-see for any traveler passing through the area, especially as the sun goes down and bathes them in those unmistakably rustic sunset colors. While Colorado boasts having some of the best small mountain towns, it's easy to see why Crestone is a favorite for those looking for a spiritual escape immersed in the breathtaking beauty of the Sangre de Cristo mountains.

Not surprising from its remote mountain location, Crestone is a proud member of the International Dark Sky Community. Each year, it celebrates its stunning celestial skyscape with drumming, Native dancers, astronomy presentations, and telescope tours. Attendees are welcome to bring blankets and lawn chairs while they gaze at distant galaxies and planets adorning the night skies. With a different lineup each year, amateur astronomers might catch a meteor shower or a planetarium show, or enjoy performances by Hopi dancers or local musicians. The town is serious about preserving its delicate ecosystem and has been a dark skies community since 2021. 

Dark Sky International is an association dedicated to reducing the harmful effects of light pollution throughout the world in order to maximize visibility of the night skies. Their mission is to educate others on the damage caused by light pollution, a disruptor of wildlife and ecosystems, and how it can adversely affect our health and safety. There are several communities like this, such as the charming 'starry skies' town of Sahuarita, offering clear skies for stargazers and galactic admirers. 

Visiting Crestone's spiritual hub can be a sacred experience for spiritual seekers looking to discover their purpose or nature-lovers who simply want to soak in all the beautiful sights the San Luis Valley has to offer. You can soak in the healing waters of a medicated spa or discover a new constellation you've never been able to locate before through cloud cover or visual clutter. Whatever your reasons for visiting this mountain community, be it for energy healing, silent retreats, or just meditating under a tree, Crestone is the perfect escape to find yourself or simply get lost in the quiet stillness of its starry skies.