Thursday, March 5, 2026
Small Town Vibe
Population <1000

Crestone, CO: Explore your Spiritual side!

Small Town Vibe

Crestone, Colorado

Located at the foot of the western slope of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in Saguache County. Crestone is known for being a spiritual mecca, surrounded by amazing mountain views!

May and August 2025: We have visited Crestone multiple times over the years and twice in 2025! During our visit in May, we stayed with a couple who rent us a lovely apartment over their garage in the nearby community of Baca Grande. Our weekend entailed a relaxing soak at an area hot springs, then exploring some of the stupa monuments open to the public in the area. We also spent the better part of a day exploring the tiny town of Crestone, enjoying their Memorial Day celebration in the town park!

We returned in August with family and enjoyed the views and a snack at the Bliss Cafe – and acknowledged that our previous visit during a festival added vibe to the experience. Of course, fewer people makes for better hiking!

Population metrics (source: Crestone, CO | Data USA)

  • 2023 population: 31 <– Note: nearby Baca Grande and area ranches brings the greater Crestone area population total closer to 2000 people
  • 2023 median age: 67.3
  • 2023 median income: $8,839

Crestone – A Brief History “From Gold to Grace”

Early History and Native American Presence: The San Luis Valley, where Crestone is located, has been inhabited for thousands of years. The area was originally home to several Native American tribes, including the Ute, Navajo, and Apache. The Utes, in particular, have a long-standing connection to the valley and its surrounding mountains.

Spanish Exploration and Settlement: In the late 16th century, Spanish explorers ventured into the San Luis Valley in search of gold and other resources. The area saw limited Spanish settlement, primarily focused on small farming and ranching operations. The influence of Spanish culture can still be seen in some of the place names and local traditions.

American Expansion: The mid-1800s brought significant change to the San Luis Valley with the arrival of American settlers following the Mexican-American War and the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848.

Gold Discovery! Mining Boom: The discovery of gold and silver in the nearby Sangre de Cristo Mountains in the 1800s led to a mining boom in the region. Crestone was officially founded in 1880 as a result of this mining boom. Originally a small mining town, Crestone quickly grew as prospectors and miners flocked to the area in search of precious metals.

Platted in 1880 by George Adams, Crestone was originally a service hub for local gold and silver mines. At its peak around 1900, the population swelled to nearly 2,000 people as the railroad arrived to service the mines. The town of Crestone was incorporated in January 1902. Lacking good ore, the boom was short-lived. A long period of decline followed.

A Federal Project Boom: The dramatic spike in Crestone’s population in the 1940 Census—jumping from just 48 residents in 1930 to 733 in 1940—is a classic example of how federal projects could temporarily transform a tiny mountain town.

The population increase was due to the presence of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). Camp Crestone or Camp S-225) was established on the outskirts of the town. This camp housed Company 815, which consisted of hundreds of young men brought in to work on public lands to build infrastructure projects in the form of roads, trails and irrigation systems. This boom was also short-lived due to both the end of the Federal New Deal programs, as well as World War II, which drafted many of the same young men into military service.

What Makes Crestone Unique Today? Plenty!

When looking at Crestone’s population, there is a distinct difference between the official “Town” and the broader community.

The Spiritual Pivot (1970s): The town’s modern identity was forged when Maurice and Hanne Strong purchased the 100,000-acre Baca Grant land. Inspired by a mystic’s prophecy that the land was a sacred site for world peace, they began donating parcels to various spiritual organizations. This transformed the “near-ghost town” into an international destination for seekers.

  • Tale of two communities: When looking at Crestone’s population, there is a distinct difference between the official “Town” and the broader community.
    • Town of Crestone: Population 140 (2020 census) – a few blocks of historic buildings and shops, serving the broader area.
    • Baca Grande HOA: Population of around 1500 – a large residential (unincorporated) subdivision surrounding the town of Crestone.

The community is notable for its high concentration of artists, healers, and practitioners of various faiths, giving it a demographic profile unlike any other rural town in Colorado.

  • A Spiritual Mecca: The area is home to over two dozen spiritual centers representing almost every major wisdom tradition, including:
    • Tibetan Buddhism: Several centers, including the Tashi Gomang Stupa.
    • Hinduism: The Haidakhandi Universal Ashram.
    • Christianity: A Carmelite monastery.
    • Other Landmarks: The Crestone Ziggurat, a striking yellow tower on a hill used for prayer and meditation, offering 360-degree views of the valley.
  • Sustainable and Radical Architecture: Crestone is a global leader in “alternative” building. Because of flexible local building codes and an eco-conscious ethos, you will find homes built of:
    • Earthships: Off-grid homes made from tires, cans, and mud.
    • Strawbale & Hempcrete: Highly insulated, natural materials
    • Geodesic Domes: Striking, energy-efficient structures.
  • America’s Only Open-Air Pyre: Crestone is the only place in the United States that legally allows open-air cremations for its residents. Operated by the Crestone End of Life Project, this ancient practice allows families to honor their loved ones with a traditional funeral pyre under the stars—a process many find more natural and sacred than modern industrial alternatives.
  • Natural Grandeur & Dark Skies: The town sits at an elevation of roughly 8,000 feet, dwarfed by 14,000-foot peaks like Crestone Peak and Crestone Needle.
    • Dark Sky Status: As a designated International Dark Sky Community, the lack of light pollution makes the Milky Way appear almost bright enough to cast a shadow.
    • Great Sand Dunes: It is the gateway to the northern reaches of Great Sand Dunes National Park and several natural hot springs.

(source: combination of About Us | Crestone, CO and Google Gemini AI)

Small Town Vibe

Our 5 favorite experiences in and around Crestone!

#1. The wonderous view of the Crestone Mountains

Honestly, one of the best things about visiting Crestone is the drive west on County Rd T after turning off of Hwy 17. The Sangre de Cristo’s are spectacular! especially with a dusting of snow.

#2. The Cloud Market and other unique Eating and Drinking options

There are a surprising number of restaurant options in this tiny town, which also serves the much larger region.

#3. Unique and Fun Artisan Shops

There are several fun shops – including a local art co-op.

#4. Visit area temples that are welcoming, free and open to the public

Outside the town of Crestone is a wide variety of Religious and Spiritual communities, all with options welcoming guests. We stopped by several Stupa monuments and the unique mustard colored Ziggurat, enjoying both peaceful contemplation and amazing views.

#5. Visit regional hot springs

We do love a nice hot spring soak! There are several hot springs options in the area.

A Spotlight on Placemaking

Through online research, we found several interesting programs supporting the community

Crestone Town Government

Safe Routes to School Project

The Crestone Safe Routes to School (SRTS) project is a major infrastructure initiative designed to connect the residential Baca Grande subdivision directly to the Crestone Charter School via a dedicated multi-use trail.

Project Scope and Route: The project focuses on creating a paved, multi-use trail that spans approximately 1.1 miles.

  • The “Back Door” Connection: Unlike traditional sidewalk projects, this trail is designed to lead students directly to the back entrance of the school, keeping them entirely separated from the heavy bus and parent-drop-off traffic at the front of the building
  • The Route: It connects Palomino Way (a main artery in the Baca Grande) to the Crestone Charter School campus.
  • Accessibility: The trail is designed to be ADA-compliant and wide enough for two-way traffic of walkers, bikers, and students “rolling” to school.

Collaboration and Funding: The project is a significant achievement in local cooperation, involving a partnership known as the Eastern San Luis Valley Trails Coalition. Key partners include:

  • Saguache County and the Town of Crestone
  • Crestone Charter School
  • Baca Grande Property Owners Association (POA)
  • SLV GO! (San Luis Valley Great Outdoors)

Neighbors Helping Neighbors

Neighbors Helping Neighbors  (NHN) is a 501C3 Non Profit Charitable Organization whose mission is to bring the community together in supporting the well-being of households in crisis in an attempt to stabilize their situation (Source: Neighbors Helping Neighbors)

Community Foundation of the San Luis Valley

While based in Alamosa, this foundation is the backbone for many Crestone initiatives. They provide “fiscal sponsorship” for smaller grassroots groups that aren’t yet full nonprofits and offer grants that support local equity, health, and education. (website: Community Foundation of the San Luis Valley – Trust for Civic Life)

Crestone Eagle – a local newspaper operating as a nonprofit organization

In 2022, the town’s long-standing newspaper, The Crestone Eagle, transitioned into a nonprofit model. This move was made to ensure the town maintained a reliable, transparent news source that wasn’t dependent solely on dwindling ad revenue. It acts as the “town square” for local politics, water rights issues, and community events. (website: The Crestone Eagle | Connecting each other one story at a time)

More to Explore!

Mystic Colorado \ Saguache County Tourism

Annual Events

  • May (Memorial Day weekend) – Crestone metaphysical Fair & Quantum Reality Conference
  • September – Crestone Energy Fair, sharing innovatie, sustainable and regenerative ideas in construction, lifestyle & community
  • July (4th of July weekend) – a parade and festival in the City Park
  • November – Crestone WinterFest (Facebook page) – gathering of artists featuring shows and art around town

Crestone Hiking Options

Crestone is a gateway to the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness, offering some of the most rugged and rewarding hiking in Colorado. Because the town sits at the very edge of the valley, most trails begin with a steep climb as they enter the national forest.

Here are the best hiking options categorized by difficulty and experience (Source: hiking options are curated by Google Gemini AI)

1. The Classics (Strenuous Alpine Lakes)

These trails are the “crown jewels” of Crestone. They are physically demanding but offer high-alpine beauty that is hard to match.

  • Willow Lake Trail: * Distance: ~9.7 miles (round trip) | Elevation Gain: ~3,000 ft.
    • The Draw: Often cited as one of the most beautiful spots in Colorado, Willow Lake features a spectacular waterfall that spills directly into the alpine lake. It also serves as the base camp for those climbing Challenger Point and Kit Carson Peak.
  • South Crestone Lake Trail: * Distance: ~9 miles (round trip) | Elevation Gain: ~2,900 ft.
    • The Draw: Less crowded than Willow Lake, this trail offers classic San Luis Valley views and a serene lake tucked into a granite basin. It’s a great spot for solitude and spotting marmots or bighorn sheep.
  • North Crestone Lake Trail: * Distance: ~12 miles (round trip) | Elevation Gain: ~3,300 ft.
    • The Draw: This is a longer, full-day commitment that follows North Crestone Creek through thick aspen groves and deep forest before opening up into a massive glacial cirque.

2. Moderate & Scenic

If you want the views without the 3,000-foot vertical climb, these are excellent alternatives.

  • Spanish Creek Trail: * The Draw: Located near the Crestone Mountain Zen Center, this trail offers a more “gentle” introduction to the canyons. It provides beautiful views of Dragon’s Rock and is a great spot for birdwatching and seeing fall colors.
  • Liberty Road: * The Draw: This is an old mining/stagecoach road that heads south from the Baca Grande toward Great Sand Dunes National Park. It is relatively flat compared to the mountain trails and offers a unique perspective of where the mountains meet the sand.

3. The “Crestone 14ers” (Expert Only)

For experienced mountaineers, Crestone is home to some of the most technical non-technical peaks in the state.

  • Crestone Needle & Crestone Peak: These are widely considered two of the most difficult 14,000-foot peaks in Colorado. They require Class 3 and 4 scrambling (using hands and feet) and have significant exposure.
  • Challenger Point & Kit Carson Peak: Usually accessed via the Willow Lake Trail, these are also strenuous and require careful route-finding.

Map of Crestone

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