Crestone Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and more with our comprehensive travel guide to Crestone, Colorado.


Introduction to Crestone

Nestled in the southern part of the Rocky Mountains, Crestone, Colorado is a charming and picturesque town known for its spiritual ambiance, breathtaking views, and outdoor adventures. The town is surrounded by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and boasts an elevation of 7,500 feet above sea level, making it an ideal destination for both relaxation and exploration. With its unique vibe and rich cultural heritage, Crestone is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty and spiritual energy of the Rockies.

List of Places to Visit in Crestone

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Crestone Historical Society Museum: This museum offers a glimpse of Crestone’s history and culture, showcasing artifacts and exhibits that date back to the town’s mining days.
  • The Hindu Temple: The temple is a stunning architectural masterpiece that symbolizes the unity of all religions, featuring intricate carvings and breathtaking artwork.
  • Zen Center of Crestone: This serene meditation center offers visitors peace and tranquility in the midst of natural beauty, featuring classes, retreats, and workshops.

Natural Attractions of Crestone: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Great Sand Dunes National Park: A stunning natural wonder of the Southwestern U.S. featuring the tallest sand dunes in North America, breathtaking vistas, numerous hikes, and great opportunities for camping.
  • Crestone Peak and Needle: A must-see for any hiker or mountaineer, with scenic views of Crestone itself, the nearby San Juan Mountains, and the surrounding National Forrest area.
  • Crestone Needle to Humboldt Peak Traverse: One of the best hikes in the area, this route takes visitors through several stunning mountain pass valleys, past lakes and streams, and breathtaking vistas.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Crestone

For avid hikers and bikers, Crestone has some of the best trails in the region, including:

  • Cottonwood Trail: A moderate to challenging hike that will take you through lush forests, stunning landscapes, and views of Crestone’s peaks.
  • Willow Lake Trail: A challenging trek to a beautiful alpine lake surrounded by breathtaking scenery and great for hiking and camping.
  • North Crestone Creek Trail: Perfect for seasoned hikers looking for a challenge, this trail comprises rugged terrain, stunning vistas, and impressive wildlife, including elk, deer, and mountain goats.

Best Things to Do in Crestone: Activities and Tours

  • Hot Springs: There are several natural hot springs in the area, including Joyful Journey and the Valley View Hot Springs, perfect for those who want to relax and rejuvenate in warm mineral water.
  • Horseback Riding: Take a guided horseback ride through the mountains, forests, and valleys of the Rocky Mountains.
  • Rafting: Enjoy the thrill of white water rafting on the Arkansas River, which offers a range of options for rafters of all levels.

Week-Long Itinerary for Crestone

Designed to showcase the best of Crestone, here’s an itinerary that will help you make the most of your trip.

Day 1: Arrive in Crestone and spend the day exploring the town; make sure to visit shops, galleries, and the restaurants in the area.

Day 2: Hike Cottonwood Trail or the Willow Lake Trail, both of which offer incredible views of the Rocky Mountains.

Day 3: Go on a white water rafting trip on the Arkansas River or take a guided horseback ride through the mountains.

Day 4: Visit Great Sand Dunes National Park, the tallest sand dunes in North America, offering stunning views and excellent hiking opportunities.

Day 5: Travel to the nearby town of Alamosa and explore the local markets and shops.

Day 6: Take a day trip to the nearby town of Buena Vista and go bouldering or hiking and visit Buena Vista Wildlife Center.

Day 7: Spend the day relaxing in one of the area’s natural hot springs, Joyful Journey or Valley View Hot Springs.

Food and Drink Scene of Crestone

Must-Try Dishes

  • Green Chile: a Colorado staple, try the local green chile in any of the restaurants in town, especially the desert oases and cafes.
  • The Cloud Station Restaurant: With its eco-friendly approach to food and drinks, Cloud Station offers delicious fresh-made organic meals.
  • The Candy Shop For anyone with a sweet tooth, the candy shop offers homemade sweets made with ingredients from local farmers.

Local Beverages

  • The Crestone Brewing Company: This local brewery features a variety of craft beers, including stout, IPA, and seasonal offerings.
  • Orient Land Trust: Visitors can sample natural mineral waters straight from the earth are refreshing and deliciously cool.
  • Sangre de Cristo Coffee: a local roastery that produces some truly remarkable specialty brews.

Where to Stay in Crestone: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • The Golden Inn & Restaurant: a cozy and comfortable Inn located in the center of Crestone, featuring a heavenly restaurant.
  • Crestone Inn: a wooden and rustic inn surrounded by beautiful landscapes and gardens.
  • Baca Grande: is one of the more upscale resorts, with gorgeous views of the mountains and the San Luis Valley.

What to Buy in Crestone: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • The Desert Gypsy: sells locally made art, crafts, and jewelry and offers a great selection of spiritual gemstones and crystals.
  • Crestone Mercantile: is a small farmers market, selling some of the freshest fruits and vegetables from local farmers.
  • Old Man Peterson: A great antique store, with old western items, Indian and Mexican jewelries, and other trinkets.

Local Culture and Customs of Crestone

Crestone is known for its spiritual energy and is home to many religions and spiritual centers. Visitors are asked to be respectful of the town’s spiritual nature, and to preserve the natural beauty of the mountains and valleys.

Best Time to Visit Crestone

The best times to visit Crestone are during the summer or fall seasons when the weather is optimal for outdoor activities and festivals.

Do’s and Don’ts of Crestone

Do:

  • Respect the environment and keep the trails clean.
  • Visit the nearby hot springs and indulge in relaxation in natural hot water.
  • Sample the local cuisine and specialties.

Don’t:

  • Disturb the spiritual places or meditations.
  • Litter or damage the natural environment.
  • Make too much noise in town, as it is known for its tranquility and peacefulness.

Safety and Health

Safety in Crestone

Crestone is generally a safe town, but visitors should be aware of potential hazards such as wildlife and the possibility of flash floods and extreme weather conditions. Make sure to stay informed and take appropriate precautions when exploring the great outdoors.

Health in Crestone

Crestone has a limited number of healthcare facilities, so visitors should bring their own personal medications if necessary. Visitors are reminded about the high altitude of the area and should be aware of the potential effects of altitude sickness.

Getting to Crestone: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Crestone

The nearest airport to Crestone is Colorado Springs Airport, located approximately 115 miles east of the town.

Bus Stations Near Crestone

There is no public transportation available in the town, but visitors can take the bus via Alamosa to get to Crestone. The Bustang service and the South Flow Bus provide daily connections to Crestone.

Other Options

Driving is the most convenient way to get to Crestone, but rental cars may be scarce, and visitors should therefore make prior arrangements. Alternatively, taxis and shuttle services are available for transfers to the area.

How to Get Around in Crestone

While the town is small enough to walk, visitors may also hire bikes from the local bike shops to explore the surrounding areas.

Where to Go Next from Crestone: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Alamosa: This nearby town is known for its local markets and shops, cultural heritage, and scenic views of the surrounding mountains.
  • Great Sand Dunes National Park: Just a short drive from Crestone, this national park features the tallest sand dunes in North America.
  • Buena Vista: a scenic mountain town that could be explored by foot or bike. While there, check out the Arkansas River Valley, known for its class II to class IV rapids.

Conclusion

With its rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and spiritual energy, Crestone, Colorado, is a must-visit for anyone who wants to experience the best of the Rocky Mountains. From its stunning peaks and hiking trails to its spiritual centers and charming town, Crestone has something to offer everyone. So, pack your bags and start planning your trip today!

Center of Crestone Center of Crestone Hoffman's Old Cabin Hoffman's Old Cabin