7-Day Crestone Sacred Valley Journey
An immersive spiritual retreat in America's most concentrated spiritual community, nestled in the sacred Sangre de Cristo Mountains of Colorado.
Journey Seasons
Spring Journey
May
Experience the valley's awakening with wildflower blooms, mild temperatures, and crystal-clear mountain air perfect for meditation and outdoor ceremonies.
Autumn Journey
August - October
Enjoy comfortable temperatures, golden aspen leaves, and clear skies while avoiding the summer mosquito season for optimal outdoor spiritual practices.
*We schedule our journeys during these optimal seasons to ensure the most comfortable and spiritually conducive experience in the high-altitude mountain environment.*
Day 1: Arrival & Sacred Valley Introduction
Morning: Arrival in Crestone
Arrive in Crestone via Denver (4-hour drive). Check into the Crestone Conifer House or similar eco-friendly accommodation. Welcome lunch with panoramic mountain views.
Afternoon: Valley Orientation
Guided tour of Crestone's spiritual centers and sacred sites. Visit the Crestone Needle overlook for sunset meditation. Introduction to the valley's unique spiritual geography.
Evening: Welcome Circle
Group introduction and intention setting. Traditional Native American smudging ceremony. Organic farm-to-table dinner featuring local ingredients.
Day 2: Zen Mountain Center & Buddhist Practice
Early Morning: Zen Meditation
5:30 AM sitting meditation at Zen Mountain Center. Experience authentic Zen practice in America's premier mountain monastery. Walking meditation in the alpine gardens.
Morning: Dharma Study
Dharma talk with resident Zen teacher. Learn about the center's 40-year history and its role in bringing authentic Zen to the West. Tea ceremony practice.
Afternoon: Vajra Vidya Center
Visit Vajra Vidya Retreat Center. Participate in Tibetan Buddhist practices including meditation instruction and mountain wisdom teachings. Meet with resident teachers and explore the center's library.
Evening: Colorado House of Rastafari
Experience the living Rastafari tradition with RasMoses, co-founder of Village Traveler and President of Colorado House of Rastafari. Participate in traditional Nyahbinghi drumming, chanting, and prayer. Enjoy a public community reggae kirtan concert celebrating the universal message of one love and unity.
Day 3: Hindu Traditions & Fire Ceremonies
Morning: Haidakhandi Universal Ashram
Participate in morning prayers and chanting at the ashram. Learn about Babaji's teachings and the ashram's 30-year presence in Crestone. Yoga session with mountain views.
Afternoon: Sacred Fire Ceremony
Participate in traditional Vedic fire ceremony (havan). Learn the significance of fire as a purifying element. Preparation and offering of sacred materials.
Evening: Kirtan & Community
Join the weekly community kirtan (devotional singing). Experience the power of mantra and sacred sound. Vegetarian feast prepared by ashram residents.
Day 4: Indigenous Wisdom & Earth Connection
Morning: Sacred Sites Tour
Visit ancient Native American sacred sites in the valley with indigenous guide. Learn about the Ute people's connection to this land. Tobacco offering ceremony.
Afternoon: Earth Connection Practices
Nature-based meditation and earth connection rituals. Visit the Great Sand Dunes National Park (1 hour drive). Experience the unique energy of the dunes.
Evening: Sweat Lodge Ceremony
Traditional sweat lodge ceremony led by Native American elder (weather and availability permitting). Purification and prayer in the ancient way.
Day 5: Interfaith Dialogue & Unity Practice
Morning: Spiritual Ecology Center
Visit the Spiritual Ecology Center and meet with Sufi teachers. Participate in whirling meditation and breath practices. Learn about Islamic mysticism.
Afternoon: Nada Hermitage
Silent retreat time at the Carmelite monastery. Experience Christian contemplative practice. Walking meditation in the hermitage grounds.
Evening: Interfaith Gathering
Community interfaith dialogue and sharing circle. Representatives from different traditions share their practices. Unity meditation and prayer.
Day 6: Personal Practice & Integration
Morning: Solo Retreat Time
Personal meditation and reflection time. Choose your preferred practice location: mountain trail, meditation garden, or indoor sanctuary. Journaling and integration.
Afternoon: Healing Arts
Experience local healing modalities: sound healing, energy work, or massage therapy. Visit local artisans and craftspeople. Optional shopping for spiritual items.
Evening: Celebration Feast
Farewell dinner featuring the best of Crestone's conscious cuisine. Sharing circle of insights and transformations. Live music by local spiritual musicians.
Day 7: Completion & Departure
Morning: Sunrise Ceremony
Final sunrise meditation at the Crestone Needle overlook. Completion ceremony and group blessing. Exchange of contact information and commitment to ongoing practice.
Departure
Check out and departure. Transportation to Denver airport or continued travel arrangements. Take home a piece of Crestone's transformative energy.
Practical Information
What's Included
- 6 nights accommodation (shared occupancy)
- All meals (vegetarian, organic when possible)
- Local transportation in Crestone area
- Experienced spiritual guide
- All spiritual center visits and activities
- Meditation instruction and materials
- Great Sand Dunes National Park entry
- Welcome and farewell ceremonies
What to Bring
- Comfortable meditation cushion (optional)
- Warm layers for mountain weather
- Hiking boots or sturdy walking shoes
- Journal for reflections
- Water bottle and sun protection
- Personal meditation items
- Open mind and heart
Physical Requirements
- Ability to sit for meditation periods
- Comfortable with high altitude (8,000+ ft)
- Basic walking ability for site visits
- Flexibility with schedule changes
- Respect for diverse spiritual traditions
- Commitment to group harmony
Accommodation & Meals
Crestone Conifer House
Cozy mountain retreat with stunning valley views. Shared rooms with private bathrooms. Common areas for group gatherings. Sustainably built with local materials and solar power.
Conscious Cuisine
All meals are vegetarian and feature organic, locally-sourced ingredients when possible. Special dietary needs accommodated with advance notice.
Experience Sacred Valley Transformation
Join us for this unique opportunity to experience America's most concentrated spiritual community. Limited to 10 participants for an intimate, transformative experience in the heart of the Rocky Mountains.
Reserve Your Journey