With over two dozen spiritual centers and a nearby UFO watchtower, this old mining town is full of surprises
The first time I visited the small mountain town of Crestone and its many spiritual centers, the area took my breath away. Partly because it sits in a beautiful valley on the western slope of the magnificent Sangre de Cristo mountain range. And partly because the air is mighty thin when you are 8,000 feet above sea level. Crestone’s spiritual centers dot the landscape.
A step back in time
The town has not changed much since it was established in 1880. Streets are unpaved. Dogs sit outside one of the two grocery stores, waiting for a friendly pet from whoever is going by. There are no traffic lights, but you may have to wait for the deer to cross Main Street before you can go to the Elephant Cloud for your organic veggies or the Mercantile for some ground yak.
The Crestone Artisans Gallery is filled with unique jewelry, paintings, photographs and sculptures created from the unfettered imaginations of the locals.
There are one or two restaurants in town, but they never last long. They open during hot summer days filled with tourists. They close in the dark and icy days of winter. The town’s population was recorded as 141 in the 2020 census. Crestone’s spiritual centers are mostly in the adjacent Baca, which is home to about 5,000 seekers, hippies and nature lovers.
What is Crestone, Colorado, known for?
At first glance, Crestone looks like many other Colorado mountain towns. It is only when you pause to take a closer look that you may notice the woman sipping tea in the back of the Elephant Cloud has a shaved head and is wearing the flowing saffron and maroon robes of a Buddhist nun.
Or that the man walking in front of you smells strongly of incense, having just come from chanting at the nearby Hindu ashram.
What you are seeing and smelling are just a glimpse into the magic of Crestone. For when you venture out into the Baca, you will be transported from a sleepy mountain town to a spiritual mecca with mile after mile of spiritual centers.
Endorsed by the Dalai Lama, the Miyo Samten Ling Tibetan Buddhist Center offers retreats and practices to help individuals discover the potential of their consciousness. They believe when we fathom what our minds are capable of we can heal the world.
A Japanese philosophy known as Shinji Shumeikai has its international headquarters in Crestone. Their appreciation for art and beauty can be seen throughout the Sheumei retreat center, which is open to the public. They practice spiritual healing known as Jyorei, which they offer freely to visitors upon request. You can also take a tour of their crops, which are grown using a technique they call natural agriculture. That means no fertilizers, chemicals or additives are used ever.
Is there a Crestone Vortex?
Crestone sits in the San Luis Valley, an area viewed as sacred by indigenous people for thousands of years. Vortexes are geographic places said to amplify spiritual energy. It is believed by some that Crestone and the surrounding area is a powerful vortex. Other vortexes are thought to be Sedona, Arizona, and Mt. Shasta, California. Some believe it is the vortex energy that accounts for so many spiritual centers being in Crestone.
Many people who are not spiritual at all note that their dreams are disturbed when they visit Crestone. Friends have told us they were given insights into their futures while visiting. Others said they felt unusually aware of the colors, tastes and smells around them. More alive. It is said that Crestone pulls in the people who need healing, be it spiritual, mental or emotional.
Crestone, Colorado, is Weird
When darkness falls in Crestone, visitors and locals alike turn their eyes to the sky. A designated Dark Sky Community, the stars seem close enough to touch and yet stretch into infinity. The Milky Way and constellations form a bright canopy overhead and you can spend an evening counting the falling stars. But it isn’t just the stars people are looking for.
Perhaps because it is easier to see the sky in this designed Dark Sky Community, there have been numerous UFO sightings. In fact, the UFO Watchtower, one of the most unusual tourist sites in the U.S., is about 30 miles from Crestone. And Westcliffe, Colorado, which sits just 15 miles northeast of Crestone, has been the subject of numerous UFO investigations spurred by experiences had by the locals.
Whether are you interested in visiting one of Crestone’s spiritual centers, hunting for UFOs, or just want to be in the mystery of the mountains, one thing is for sure. Only one road leads to Crestone. No one gets here by accident.
Getting to Crestone, Colorado
Nearest Airport: San Luis Valley Regional Airport in Alamosa, Colorado
Nearest Big Cities: Crestone is a 2.5 hour drive from Colorado Springs and 3.5 hours from Santa Fe, New Mexico
Places to visit in Crestone, Colorado
Crestone Artisans Gallery – 120 S. Cottonwood Street. 719-298-3003. Open daily 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Elephant Cloud Market – A full-service market/health food store with a café. 200 Cottonwood Street. 719-496-0966. Open daily 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Crestone Mercantile Grocery – 182 E. Galena Avenue. 719-256-5887. Open daily 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Crestone Spiritual Centers featured in this blog
Miyo Samten Ling Buddhist Retreat Center
Shumei International Institute
Places to visit near Crestone, Colorado
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve – Known for its towering sand dunes.
Joyful Journey Hot Springs Spa – Soak in their natural hot springs. Health and fitness classes including yoga and Qi Gong available. Or opt for a relaxing massage and facial.
Sand Dunes Recreation – Features a pool, natural hot springs soaking tubs, and saunas.
UFO Watchtower – Offers tent and RV camping (no hook-ups) and a viewing deck to watch for unidentified flying objects. 719-378-2296.
Colorado Gators – Because who doesn’t have a hankering to see live alligators when they are in Colorado?
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