The Remote Town in Colorado We Simply Can’t Get Enough Of

Have you heard of the most unusual town in Colorado? It’s a destination that we are absolutely obsessed with. Crestone has many claims to fame. Some folks know it as the “Bermuda Triangle of the West” or the “New Age religion capital of the world.” But as a nature lover, my favorite thing about this remote mountain town in Colorado is the endless outdoor adventures here. Since it’s nestled at the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Range, there are opportunities for hiking, backpacking, fishing, mountain biking, and even rock climbing for you daredevils. If you’re searching for a location that’s a little bit quirky but with a lot of outdoor fun, this off-the-beaten-path destination is for you. 

Established in the late 19th century as a ranching and mining town, Crestone has evolved into much more than that. The quirky community is famously known as a religious melting pot with a Hindu temple, a Zen center, a Carmelite monastery, and a few Tibetan centers. As you can imagine, there are a lot of spiritual retreats here. In fact, over 30,000 visitors flock to the hidden gem each year to experience this religious mecca. 

What’s more surprising? The community has just under 150 residents, but the tiny district has over two dozen sacred religious landmarks. While in town, be sure to visit the Crestone Ziggurat, a 40-foot, yellow castle-like shrine used for praying and meditation. You’ll need to hike along a half-mile sandy path to get to the structure. Of course, you must climb the tower to soak up the views of the snow-capped mountains in the distance.   

For a brief history of the area, I’d recommend the Crestone Historical Museum, housed inside an 1800s schoolhouse building. Art lovers and religious enthusiasts, the exhibits at the local gallery, Crestone Artisans Gallery, will inspire you. Who knows, you might find unique hand-carved pieces to add to your collection. If you want to witness something truly unique, stop by the Crestone End of Life Project Center, the only site in America that practices legal open-air cremations. How peculiar is that?

Outside of the historical sites and its New Age appeal, the town hosts the annual Crestone Music Festival that brings the community together. The event is typically held around Memorial Day weekend, so it will take some preplanning on your part. Moreover, there is a Saturday market selling organic products, homemade goodies, plants, herbs, and more. Plus, the quaint, walkable downtown has a park, shops, and restaurants, too. You could easily spend an entire day here. 

As you can tell, there are many reasons to visit Crestone, but my favorite is to explore its natural beauty. Getting to Crestone isn’t easy. The town is about 160 miles from Colorado Springs, and you’ll need to drive along remote routes through the San Luis Valley. But if you’re an outdoor enthusiast and you’re willing to travel, you’re in for a treat. 

Stargazers, you’ll be delighted to know that Crestone is a designated International Dark Sky Community. So, bring your telescope or binoculars to gaze at the celestial heavens. Or if you’re a UFO fanatic, the destination is a hotspot for the unusual flying phenomenon. Book a tour with the Sky Experience UFO Tours to experience it for yourself. 

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness, a 220,000-acre playground inside the Rio Grande National Forest, has lots of hiking, fishing, and backpacking opportunities. It’s home to the 14,000-foot Crestone Peak and Crestone Needle, which are havens for rock climbers and thrill seekers. 

Visitors love the 9-mile Willow Lake Trail with breathtaking mountain views, tranquil waterways, and gorgeous tree canopies. Solo travelers, you’ll have no issues finding secluded spots inside this haven. For extra adventure, pack your camping gear and spend the night basking in all of Mother Nature’s glory.   

If you’re not camping or backpacking and need a place to rest, I highly recommend a night (or two) at the Crestone Hobbitat. This enchanting hobbit-style Airbnb sleeps four, and it’s one of the best places to stay - at least, we think so! 

It’s easy to see why we adore this remote mountain town in Colorado. It has the perfect mixture of quirkiness and natural beauty and something for everyone to enjoy. 

What is your favorite small town in Colorado? Or what’s your top destination for a day trip? Check out our nomination page and tell us all about it. We love hearing from our readers.