I had the opportunity to visit beautiful Crestone Colorado and all its beauty by attending a fabulous retreat in January 2023, hosted by Kathy Basel CEO of thevitalitycode.com, 

Limitless Woman Rising, to recharge, renew and unplug.  I had never been to this part of Colorado before, unlike the famous ski mountains or the city of Denver ,Crestone Colorado is a very small quiet town located in a stunningly beautiful area situated in the San Luis Valley surrounded by mountains, forests, and desert landscapes, open spaces and big skies. It is recognized as the spiritual center of the USA with several religious centers. It is a unique area with a  cluster of Buddhist monasteries, a Catholic monastery, a Taoist retreat, a Hindu ashram, a Shmuel center, & several American Indian sanctuaries. It is a place of tranquility, prayer, faith, and soul connection. The American Indians called it a peaceful territory since so many tribes would come here to seek its healing powers. Here are beautiful features of Crestone: 

1. Sangre de Cristo Mountains: The Sangre de Cristo Mountains provide a breathtaking backdrop to Crestone. The mountains are home to numerous hiking trails, including Crestone Peak and Crestone Needle, two of the most challenging and rewarding peaks to climb in Colorado.
2. Great Sand Dunes National Park: Just a short drive from Crestone is the Great Sand Dunes National Park, which features the tallest sand dunes in North America. Visitors can hike on the dunes, sled down them, or simply marvel at their beauty. I was lucky to be there with a glimmering snow cover that pictures never really capture the awe or the feeling. 
3. Baca National Wildlife Refuge: The Baca National Wildlife Refuge is a 92,000-acre area of wetlands, grasslands, and forests that is home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, and eagles.
4. Stupa: The Crestone Stupa is a beautiful Buddhist monument that sits on a hill overlooking the town. The Stupa is surrounded by prayer flags and offers stunning views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
5. Sunsets: The sunsets in Crestone are truly spectacular, with the vast open skies of the San Luis Valley providing the perfect canvas for the changing colors of the sky.

I stayed right outside of Crestone in Moffat CO. where the retreat was held at the Joyful Journey Hot Springs Spa. It came with exquisite mountain views, incredible hot spring soaking tubs, Jacuzzis and delicious organic healthy meals. The rooms were clean, warm, and cozy. I highly recommend a visit to the Joyful Journey Hot Springs Spa, since it is a small boutique lodge the rooms sell out quickly, so I advise early booking. If you are unable to secure a room there is an option to visit and soak in the Jacuzzis, but I would call ahead to verify availability. The healing powers of the hot mineral baths are incredibly relaxing. I could not soak enough. It was the best sleeping medicine ever! 

In our travels to the spiritual centers, we stopped in the itty-bitty town of Crestone, where we experienced one of the two restaurants. The Our Food is Art is a local gem where I had scrumptious homemade soup, and my friends indulge in a variety of yummy organic fresh homemade food.  The town is artsy with an old type of hippie vibe to me, with warm people and a welcoming heart.   

Overall, Crestone is a place of incredible natural beauty, with stunning mountain vistas, unique desert landscapes, and abundant wildlife. It is a true gem of Colorado and a must-visit destination for anyone who loves the outdoors and natural beauty.