From archeological evidence we know that 'First Nation' people came to Crestone and performed sacred ceremonies long before European or Mexican settlers arrived. And before any human came here the silent power of the surrounding 14,000 foot peaks cast a spiritual presence.

The natural world has supremacy here. The San Luis Valley is a global flyway; deer walk among the town and backyards in safety. The Wildlife Refuge is a precious resource as is the adjacent Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. The area ranges from high desert to alpine life zones, hosting a great diversity of plants and animals, some species found nowhere else on earth. The rootedness in the land has evolved into living sustainably as seen in alternative building, permaculture and other ecologically sound living practices.

The human landscape consists of 2 areas. Crestone itself is an incorporated town-- Small but the basics: a bank, gas pump, post office, library, 2 grocery stores, including a general store, a video and coffee shop, a florist and several restaurants, not to mention a high quality newspaper.

The "Baca", or the Baca Grande subdivision to the south of town, is 200,000-acres and is where most of the spiritual centers, shrines, ashrams, monasteries, retreats, and people are located. In addition to the Sri Aurobindo Learning Center is the Crestone Mountain Zen Center, a Zen Buddhist Monastery & Retreat Center; Haidakhandi Universal Ashram, a spiritual center inspired by Sai Baba of India, dedicated to the Divine Mother, with devotional practices from the Hindu tradition; the San Luis Valley Tibetan Project (Kagyu lineage);Vajra Vidya Retreat Center; a Carmelite Catholic Monastery; Shumei International,whose spiritual practice is rooted the land, growing its own food, and natural agriculture; Samten Ling Retreat Center, a project of Mangala Shri Bhuti - a Tibetan Buddhist organization of the Nyingma tradition; Spiritual Master Shalanda Sai Ma, as well as SUBUD, Islamic Sufis, Jews, Hindus, and several Native American have become important community leaders here.

Activities
Crestone is easily accessible to visitors, located on Highway 17 between Alamosa and Salida. A National Forest Service campground is about a half mile north of town, and to the south a truly precious natural resource: The Great Sand Dunes National Park which is adjacent to our Wildlife Refuge. Since we are at the foot of the Sangre de Cristos, your retreat can also include being in the outdoor temple of this wonderous place. Hiking tours can be arranged to various sites as well as a visit to neigboring hot springs. a relaxing treasure for you to enjoy.