This summary is based on Lori Erickson’s article, "The Surprising Spiritual Mecca of Crestone, Colorado," published in Spiritual Travels, 2016.

Nestled at the foot of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in southern Colorado, the small town of Crestone is widely regarded as one of the most spiritual places in North America. Home to more than two dozen retreat centers, monasteries, temples, and sacred landmarks, Crestone has emerged as a unique and powerful destination for seekers of all faiths. Despite its relative seclusion compared to more famous spiritual sites, Crestone's significance has steadily grown, attracting spiritual leaders, mystics, and travelers from around the world.

The Journey to Crestone
Like many sacred places, Crestone is not easily reached. Located at an elevation of 7,500 feet in the San Luis Valley, it is surrounded on three sides by towering mountain peaks, creating a sense of isolation and seclusion that has contributed to its spiritual ambiance. The valley itself is one of the largest high desert valleys in the world, stretching over 8,000 square miles and featuring a dramatic landscape of rugged mountains, rolling dunes, and vast open plains.

The town's location is part of what makes it special. The Sangre de Cristo Mountains—whose name, given by Spanish explorers, means "Blood of Christ"—are often bathed in a red glow at sunset, adding to the mystical quality of the region. The high desert environment is marked by extreme temperatures, strong winds, and an ever-changing sky, reinforcing a connection to the natural world that many spiritual seekers find deeply meaningful.

From Mining Town to Spiritual Mecca
Crestone’s history did not begin as a spiritual center. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the town was a booming mining community, attracting settlers hoping to extract gold and silver from the surrounding hills. When the mines dried up, Crestone shifted its focus to ranching, remaining a quiet and relatively unknown part of Colorado.
The town’s transformation into a spiritual hub began in 1977, when Canadian businessman and United Nations diplomat Maurice Strong and his wife, Hanne Marstrand Strong, purchased a large tract of land in the area. Originally intended for a retirement community, their vision changed when they encountered a wandering mystic who told them that Crestone possessed unique spiritual energy. This message was later echoed by Native American elders, reinforcing the idea that the land was sacred.
The Strongs responded by offering free land to religious and spiritual groups willing to establish centers in Crestone. To oversee this initiative, they founded the Manitou Foundation, which has since worked to preserve both the spiritual and ecological integrity of the area. Generous support from donors, including Laurance and Mary Rockefeller, helped make this vision a reality.

A Diverse Spiritual Landscape
Today, Crestone is home to an astonishing variety of spiritual traditions. Buddhist monasteries, Hindu ashrams, Carmelite hermitages, Native American ceremonial sites, and interfaith retreat centers coexist within the town’s small footprint. This rich diversity makes Crestone a one-of-a-kind place where practitioners of different faiths share common ground in their pursuit of enlightenment, peace, and understanding.
One of the most well-known sites in Crestone is the Vajra Vidya Retreat Center, founded by the Venerable Thrangu Rinpoche, a Tibetan Buddhist master. Drawn to the area by the striking resemblance of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to his homeland, Rinpoche established the center as a place for deep meditation and study. It is particularly famous for hosting intensive three-year meditation retreats.
Visitors to the Vajra Vidya Retreat Center are greeted by golden Buddhas, intricate murals, and a palpable sense of tranquility. The presence of so many devoted practitioners has led many to believe that Crestone’s spiritual energy is amplified by their collective prayers and meditations.
Another remarkable institution in Crestone is the Shumei International Institute, which promotes spiritual growth through interfaith dialogue, cultural events, and the practice of Natural Agriculture—a form of sustainable farming that integrates spiritual principles into food production. Originally founded in Japan, Shumei has three sacred centers worldwide, with Crestone being the only one outside of Japan.
For those drawn to Zen practice, the Crestone Mountain Zen Center offers a space for meditation, contemplation, and community. Founded by Dharma Sangha, the center follows the traditions of Japanese Zen Buddhism. The monastery is simple yet profoundly serene, with wooden platforms for sleeping and a carved Buddha presiding over the meditation hall. Even short visits to the Zen Center often leave a lasting impression on guests, as the monks emphasize presence and mindfulness in every moment.
Crestone’s spiritual diversity extends beyond formal institutions. Many independent practitioners, artists, and healers have made Crestone their home, contributing to the town’s distinctive energy. A strong sense of individualism and creativity permeates the community, reflected in its unconventional architecture, alternative energy projects, and vibrant arts scene.

Mystical Geography and Sacred Energy
What is it about Crestone that draws so many spiritual seekers? Some believe it is the natural beauty and remote location of the area, providing the perfect setting for introspection and communion with nature. Others suggest that the land itself holds special energy, a belief reinforced by Indigenous traditions and mystical experiences reported by visitors.
One of the more intriguing aspects of Crestone is its open-air cremation site. It is one of the few places in the United States where natural cremation is legally performed. The practice is rooted in both Buddhist and Hindu traditions, allowing individuals to return to the elements in a sacred and intentional way. This site has made Crestone a focal point for those exploring spirituality in relation to life and death.
The town is also known for its labyrinths, stupas, and sacred walking paths, many of which are open to the public. Among them, the Crestone Ziggurat stands out as one of the most unusual landmarks. Modeled after the temples of ancient Babylon, the Ziggurat was built as a meditation site and offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valley.

A Community of Seekers
Despite its deeply spiritual character, Crestone is not without its quirks. The town has a free-spirited and eclectic atmosphere, attracting a mix of monks, mystics, artists, and free-thinkers. With a population of only about 150 residents (and a total county population of around 6,100), Crestone is a small but dynamic community.
Building regulations in Crestone are minimal, allowing for an array of unique architectural styles. Solar energy is widely used, reflecting the community’s commitment to sustainability. The town also has a reputation for its alternative lifestyle choices, and it is not uncommon to see residents wearing tie-dye, practicing yoga in open fields, or engaging in spontaneous drum circles.
Visitors to Crestone often describe feeling a deep sense of peace and clarity upon arrival. Whether it is the high-altitude air, the silence of the valley, or the collective energy of so many spiritual practices, something about Crestone leaves a lasting impression.

The Future of Crestone
As word spreads about Crestone’s spiritual riches, more people are making pilgrimages to this remote town. While it remains a well-kept secret compared to places like Sedona or Mount Shasta, its reputation as a center for spiritual exploration continues to grow.
The Manitou Foundation remains dedicated to preserving Crestone’s unique character, ensuring that development is carefully managed to maintain the ecological and spiritual integrity of the area.

As more seekers arrive, the challenge will be balancing accessibility with the preservation of Crestone’s quiet and contemplative nature.
For those who yearn for a deeper connection to the sacred, Crestone offers an extraordinary setting. Here, among the peaks of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the vast openness of the San Luis Valley, visitors find a place where ancient traditions and new spiritual paths converge. Whether for a short retreat or a lifetime of practice, Crestone invites all who seek truth, transformation, and transcendence.
As Zenki Christian Dillo, a teacher at the Crestone Mountain Zen Center, wisely said, "The time we have together is what we have. Let us make it enough." In Crestone, every moment carries the potential for awakening.