Where did you go?

Crestone, Colorado

In the era of a global pandemic - a trip into nature was just what I needed to celebrate summer, a senior graduation and get my family out of our quarantine bubble. While I initially expected it to be difficult to find a destination that was relatively close, safe, and accommodated a variety of the family’s interests, our choice in Colorado proved rather perfect. Stashed away in the northern San Luis Valley at the base of a sub-range of the Rocky Mountains, Crestone, Colorado is a hidden alpine gem.

“The travel world is both fragile and resilient, and I feel we are on the brink of a major change in the way people seek experiences and plan their trips. I expect to see more people returning to nature based destinations, self-catering operations and road trips.”

How did you get there?

My partner and I live in Minnesota and our family live in Pierre, SD - we chose to fly and they opted into driving. After picking up a car rental out of the Denver Airport, serendipity led us side by side on the same road heading to our first destination, Crestone, Colorodo. It goes to say, we all made good timing and couldn’t have planned it better.

Where did you stay?

I’ve always been more of a vacation rental person as opposed to the hotel and resort type. More and more, I look for vacation rentals that are designed with intention and offer an experience outside what’s happening in the greater area. Crestone is known for its rare architecture and earth homes, so it only felt natural to stay in a strawbale home that was designed to relate to the surrounding environment. I would suggest you check Airbnb to find the greatest number of earth home listings in the area.

We booked our cabin in Grand Lake a bit late. Frankly, we were lucky to find one as everyone and their grandma are escaping to nature this year. As a group of seven, we were trying to find the most comfortable place to accommodate all of us after long days hiking. Expecting to find a rustic mountain cabin, we ended up in a renovated cabin right out of a Chip and Joanna Gaines episode. Never realized how much I’d appreciate feeling fancy out in the mountains, but the king size bed left me feeling like royalty after all that fresh air.

What should we do?

The Great Sand Dunes is one of the most unique landscapes in Colorado. Ranked the tallest sand dunes in North America - I knew my calves would be in for a treat the next day. Hiking these dunes can be very difficult, but well worth the amazing views of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range. There’s no “trail” but you can roam back and forth across the ridges until you reach the High Dune. If you plan on visiting in the summer, be sure to wear closed footwear, sunscreen, and breathable clothing as the sand can get up to 140 °F. Luckily, we went post a rainstorm and overcast skies making the sand cool and therefore slightly firmer to hike on. Park at the lot just beyond the visitor center and you'll be able to see dunes - you can start off any direction you choose - we chose to go the opposite direction from the “crowd”. We were told that sand boarding is best when it’s a little bit after a good rain - boards or sleds are available to rent at the Oasis shop right before the park entrance. After hiking the dunes you can cool down in the Medano Creek, right at the base of the dunes. If you’re returning the boards - you can grab a burger, beer, or ice cream on your way out. If you end up hiking till your knees and feet hurt, stop at Joyful Journey Hot Springs Spa and soak in 108 degree mineral water. It's said that the mineral water increases your metabolism, accelerates healing, soothes muscles, improves blood circulation, and detoxifies your body - all the reasons to call ahead and make a reservation for a soak.

Crestone Ziggarut,

I caught eye of this unique yellow tower when scrolling on Instagram one day and knew I wanted to visit. A short drive along the valley and through a residential area featuring a plethora of unique strawbale homes takes you to the yellow tower that you can spot from miles away. You might ask, what is a Ziggurat? Initially built in ancient Mesopotamia out of sun-dried bricks, Ziggurats are shrines formed as dwelling places for the gods, making the open-to-the-public tower in Crestone a unique sight to see. Hike up a steep sandy path with a couple of switchbacks to reach the base of the structure. The Ziggurat is open year-round - sunrise to sunset.

Crestone Stupa,

Take a fifteen-minute drive up a mildly bumpy and windy mountain road to reach the Stupa’s parking lot. Stairs with a railing lead you down the to Stupa - a sacred site to the area. It’s known that a stupa creates the opportunity to accumulate merit by making offerings at the base of the Stupa. You can catch views of the Crestone Valley along the drive and from the benches alongside the Stupa - the environment around the structure provides a peaceful place to meditate and to sit in silence to listen to nature’s sounds - cue the the wind and birds. The Stupa is open for the public and pet friendly (providing you’re responsible and pick up after them).

“Traveling may look a bit more complicated these days, but it’s not impossible.”

Rocky Mountain National Park,

There are plenty of ways to experience the Rockies, It all depends what you’re willing to wake up for and how many pit-stops you’re willing to take. We decided to follow the less-traveled route and stay on the Grand Lake side because it’s a bit quieter and more quaint. We spent two days in the park - the entrance fee to Rocky Mountain National Park costs $25 per car for a day pass or $35 for a 7-day pass. We drove through the park to get to the Estes side and hike the popular Nymph, Dream and Emerald Lake. Driving along Trail Ridge Road takes you from the foothills covered in ponderosa pine to spruce-fir forests. Eventually, you will reach the road’s summit at 12,183 feet, which is the true definition of having your head in the clouds. It’s breathtaking, especially at sunset. As you near the Estes Park side you will see that the crowds thicken, to be honest...it made me a bit uncomfortable until I got out onto the trails. I immediately had a restored faith in humanity as people were recreating responsibly, practicing distancing and wearing masks. There was no better way then spending time in the mountains, in the open air, feeling energized by seeing others find value in nature. Our Airbnb host told us to wake up early in the morning if we wanted to see wildlife and we were spoiled with moose, elk, mule deer, and bald eagles.

Rtip: Use the Outbound Collective to find extra details about hikes throughout Colorado. It’s my favorite outdoor recreation planning tool.

What are we drinking in Crestone?

Sip on beers brewed 8,500 feet in the mountains at Crestone Brewery. After a day hiking the area, nothing feels more deserved than a cold beer. One of the strongest I’ve ever heard of is brewed here - the Braggot coming in at 15.2%. Just be careful as the sweet honey flavor is deceptively drinkable — so much so, that they limit you to two per person.

Kind Coffee in the heart of the Rocky Mountains is living up to its name with its efforts to not only brew up a sustainable cup but a sustainable future for the area. Kind coffee belongs to 1% for the Planet, purchases organic and fair trade certified coffee, and gives back it’s profits to Estes Park community-based non-profits.

You know that feeling after you get off a trail when you feel like you’ve really done something good for your mind and body? Ride that feeling all the way to Inta Juice in Estes Park to refuel your body and health. After hiking the three lakes in the RMNP, my body was thirsty for something cold with vitamins and minerals. They keep their drinks simple - real fruit, 100% juice, veggie blends, and supplements to add to your smoothie of choice.

Where should we eat when we’re there?

If you want to relive all your favorite childhood convenience store treats, then head to Stedmans Shell in Buena Vista where you will find your fill of cream sodas and root beer, candy cigars and Bazooka bubble… home-brewed iced tea, small-batch fudge, popcorn, and some of the best hand-scooped ice cream! They don’t do plain Jane flavors either, so don’t ask - I just recommend being adventurous when considering the menu.

Stock up on all your cooking essentials and grab a coffee or burrito at Elephant Cloud - a thriving co-op that features locally sourced produce, meats, cheeses in addition to some of your favorite natural food and wellness products.

Sagebrush BBQ in Grand Lake transports you to the south with a western twist. Choose 1 of eight local tap beers, a good wine, or your favorite cocktail to accompany your BBQ pulled pork, ribs and cornbread - don’t forget to add the cornbread!

Where can we do some shopping?

The Crestone Artisans Gallery is locally owned and managed by artists that sell an eclectic mix of wall art, prints, weavings, leatherworks, pottery, jewelry, woodworking, and sculptures.

Find your best friend, girlfriend, uncle, or Mom a gift at Trendz at the Park. Estes Park isn’t lacking in souvenir shops, but this boutique offers a diverse inventory that’s a mix of locally made pottery and jewelry. From your favorites brands like Pendleton, Midwest CBK to your aunts’ new favorite mountain pine-scented candle.

Think LL Bean, minus all the gear and mainstream brands, and that’s The Grey House. A locally owned boutique that carries a selection of clothing and accessories for cozy outdoor living.

Tell us something we don't know?

Crestone Colorado has been coined as the “new age religious capital of the world” and it’s home to several churches, spiritual centers, and other unique places of worship. Who knew that Colorado was home to this spiritual mecca of the world? Certainly not me.

What’s the one can’t miss item on your itinerary?

After a few active days you are going to want to build in time for a visit to the Joyful Journey hot springs spa. They have three pool temperatures with the hottest offering spectacular views of the 14,000 foot peaks of the Sangre De Cristo wilderness. The mineral water rises from the travertine springs in the earth below and are believed to have therapeutic benefit. A two hour time-slot requires a reservation because opportunities are limited during Covid times.

What should we take with us on the trip?

A light towel, Biossance Squalane + Mineral SPF 45, Hario v60 cone with filter, and a good water bottle. Remember, if you are headed to the sand dunes don’t forget closed-toe shoes to protect your feet from the sand rubbing them raw.

What would you’d do differently next time?

Next time we'll venture further southwest to Mesa Verde National Park to take in the archeological sites. It would have been in the opposite direction of the Rockies by 3.5 hours.