Crestone: A Spiritual Oasis in the San Luis Valley
Crestone, Colorado, nestled at the foot of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in the picturesque San Luis Valley, is a captivating town that has become a haven for spiritual seekers and those wishing to escape the chaos of modern life. With a population of just over 100, it may seem unlikely to find a vibrant community of artists, healers, and entrepreneurs here. However, beneath its tranquil surface lies a place rich in creativity, resilience, and natural beauty.
The transformation of Crestone into a spiritual mecca began in the 1970s when a group of individuals purchased a large area of land intending to establish a sanctuary for people of all faiths to practice and study in harmony. They divided the land among various religious and spiritual organizations, leading to Crestone becoming home to an impressive array of centers and retreats, including a Zen monastery, a Carmelite hermitage, and a Shumei temple.
The allure of nearby attractions such as the Great Sand Dunes National Park, numerous hot springs, and the only Ziggurat in the United States — an ancient Mesopotamian structure — draws tourists and visitors to the area.
Crestone is a living, breathing community where the lines between the secular and the sacred appear to blur. A stroll down the town’s main street reveals delightful spots like the Crestone Mercantile, where residents shop for groceries, and the cozy Elephant Cloud Station, a café known for its nourishing meals made from locally-sourced ingredients.
In addition, Crestone Consignment stands out as a secondhand shop that acts as a community hub, donating a portion of its profits to local non-profits. There’s also Natural Heritage Enterprises, a business that has been crafting and selling Essiac tea, an Ojibwe recipe, for over thirty-five years.
“There’s a real sense of connection to the land here,” shares Janie R., an employee of Natural Heritage Enterprises. “It’s a privilege to work somewhere where we honor the spirits of the land we’re on and the plants that we work with.”
While the town is known for its positive community spirit, it has not been without its controversies. Recently, Crestone gained national attention due to the HBO documentary series “Love Has Won,” which explored the rise and fall of a fringe spiritual group led by Amy Carlson, referred to as “Mother God”. This group, which resided in Crestone, faced accusations of abuse and exploitation, culminating in the highly publicized death of its leader in 2021.
Despite these challenges, the deep sense of resilience and creativity permeating every aspect of life in Crestone remains striking. From a vibrant arts scene to a flourishing small business community, residents are dedicated to building something meaningful and enduring.
If you find yourself in southern Colorado, take a detour off the beaten path to explore the magic of Crestone. Wander its peaceful streets, bask in the breathtaking mountain views, and immerse yourself in the unique rhythms of this small town with a big heart. You might just find yourself transformed in ways you never expected.
