Visit Crestone for that peaceful, easy feeling

Nestled at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in southern Colorado is the spiritually and environmentally conscious community of Crestone, known fondly to many as “Shambala.”

Attracted by the area’s natural vortex energy and healing hot springs, generations of spiritual teachers and practitioners, Native Americans, shamans and others seeking healing, peace and enlightenment have visited Crestone since ancient times.

Today Crestone is home to an ashram, temple, monastery, retreat centers, environmental organizations, healers, artists, intuitives and others seeking a contemplative lifestyle.  Many forms of wildlife  including deer, antelope, elk, hawk and eagle  are also abundant.

Crestone’s signature views of mountain peaks rising to 14,000 feet from the high desert valley floor have inspired monks, priests, lamas, rinpoches, writers, artists and healers throughout the ages.  Natural snow-fed creeks rushing from the mountaintops add to the dynamic energy of this sacred landscape.

Located about halfway between Salida and Alamosa, Crestone attracts visitors year-round to enjoy this scenic environment in all seasons for recreation, relaxation, rejuvenation and retreat. 

For the adventurous, hiking trails offer a high-altitude challenge.  Families and individuals enjoy nearby attractions including Joyful Journey Hot Springs Spa, the Great Sand Dunes National Monument near Alamosa, Historic Downtown Salida, Zapata Falls and Mount Blanca, one of the four sacred mountains to the Navajo and Hopi.

Now under new ownership, the White Eagle Village Inn offers hotel accommodations and full-service conference and event facilities for large and small groups.  Unique bed-and-breakfasts throughout the community provide additional lodging.  Camp sites in the popular North Crestone Campground are managed by the National Forest Service and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Dining options in Crestone have expanded to include fresh organic, homestyle and ethnic favorites including American, Mexican, Thai, gourmet raw foods, organic pizzas and more.

Crestone presents a variety of festivals throughout the year, including the annual Fourth of July Celebration and Crestone Music Festival each summer.

Upcoming events include:

Crestone Metaphysical Fair and Star Path Conference, Labor Day weekend, September 4-6, at the White Eagle Village Inn.

The Star Path event features lectures and workshops on conscious living, transformational healing, metaphysics and the Earth’s transition, plus exhibits with crystals, metaphysical gifts, art, jewelry, books, music, clothing, handcraft, intuitive readings, astrology, numerology, tarot, massage, energy work, health and nutritional products.  Guided tours of Crestone’s spiritual centers will also be available throughout the weekend.

Now in its fourth year, the Crestone Metaphysical Fair is known for its vibrant yet peaceful healing energy.  The event draws attendance and exhibitors from the entire Four Corners region.

Free lectures will be offered throughout the weekend, including a channeling of Archangel Michael with Denice “Devi” Fearman, owner of Heaven on Earth metaphysical bookstore in Colorado Springs.

Featured workshops include “The Star Path: Journey of the Soul” and “Transcending Linear Consciousness” presented by author and spiritual counselor Allison Rae of Crestone,  “Recreating Eden” with author Julia Rogers Hamrick of Denver,  “DNA Activation and Karmic Healing” presented by therapist and energy healer Candess M. Campbell of Spokane, and “The Four Cornerstones of Sacred Spaces” with feng shui consultant Gary Hendrickson of Boulder.

For details, visit www.TheStarCenter.org, call (719) 256-5462 or write to info@TheStarCenter.org.

Crestone Energy Fair, Labor Day weekend, September 4-6, at Crestone Town Park.

Booths at the annual Crestone Energy Fair offer information and demonstrations of alternative energy and building systems, products and design, plus live music, food vendors and artisans in an outdoor setting.  A guided tour of homes featuring alternative building, sustainable architecture and energy systems will be offered on Monday, September 6.

For details, visit www.CrestonePeak.org or call (719) 256-4089.

Winterfest, November 26-27, at  the Desert Sage Restaurant, the Crestone Community Center and other locations around town.

Winterfest is a townwide event held the weekend after Thanksgiving each year.  Festivities include a Holiday Bazaar, an old-fashioned Christmas celebration, and special art galleries and shows throughout the town.  For more information, call (719) 256-4707.

In addition, internationally known spiritual teachers, humanitarians and experts in sustainable living offer public teachings in the Crestone area year-round.

Whether you’re interested in quiet retreat, outdoor adventure, educational opportunities, or a festive weekend party, the Crestone Area Visitors Agency (CAVA) invites you to explore the many reasons to choose Crestone as your destination.

Visit www.CrestoneVisit.com or contact Cal Michael Cali at CAVA, (719) 256-5210, for a free visitors packet.  E-mail: cava@CrestoneVisit.com.