CMZC sits in a designated Dark Sky area. On clear nights, the Milky Way is visible without equipment. Milky Way. Not a phrase. A fact.
Like forest bathing, celestial bathing invites you to immerse yourself in the natural world — not beneath trees, but beneath an immense and unspoiled night sky.
Enter the stillness of the night at Crestone Mountain Zen Center, located within one of Colorado’s designated Dark Sky areas. Far from city lights, countless stars and the arc of the Milky Way emerge in extraordinary clarity above the vast San Luis Valley. This retreat offers space to slow down, and reconnect with silence and wonder made by nature.
You want to see stars without light pollution.
You want to immerse yourself into Celestial Bathing.
You want to experience the vastness of silence to reconnect with the cosmos.
You want to escape the noise of everyday life.
Darkness has become rare. Many of us have forgotten what the night sky looks like without artificial light. Here, beneath one of North America's darkest skies, silence and darkness become invitations to slow down, look up, and rediscover a sense of wonder.
Experience the rare gift of truly dark nights, where the vastness of the sky invites wonder, stillness, and perspective. This retreat is designed for those who wish to reconnect with the rhythms of nature, by day and by night.
During your stay, you'll enjoy:
Per-night rate is per person and includes the room of your choice, three meals, tea & coffee, and the respective scope of quotation for each retreat format. Sliding scale available — reach out if cost is a barrier.
From the Edge Cabin's secluded porch above the canyon, you're within the immense Valley; the Forest branches; the Peaks' presence.
The Hillside Cabin is a guest favorite. It is located on the west side of the campus overlooking the San Luis Valley. Perks include a full bathroom and kitchenette.
The Skylight Room is a spacious room with a separate entrance in the center of campus. It has a queen bed and features a large skylight with a handmade shoji screen.
The Young Pine Hut is a cozy rustic two-story log cabin for one person. Upstairs is a sitting area with a low desk. From there a ladder leads to the bed on the lower floor.
The Guest House is a spacious building with a quiet atmosphere in the center of the campus. The five private Guest House rooms are the largest accommodations we offer.
The Studio, formerly the work space of a resident potter, was recently remodeled. It has three single rooms, each furnished with a desk, tea station and wardrobe.
The Yurt is located on the outskirts of our campus with views of the local 14er peaks. It has comfortable beds for one or two persons, a deck, bookshelves, and a skylight.
The Platform Tent has room for one or two persons. It has a deck, two single beds, tables, bookshelf, canvas shelves, and hooks for clothing – and great views of the local 14ers.
The campground is located in a beautiful flat sandy area. There are 10 campsites tucked into the piñon-juniper forest. Bathrooms are a 3-minute walk away.
Vegetarian, mostly organic and regional, partly grown on the land in summer. Dietary needs can be accommodated with advance notice.
The nearest airport is Alamosa (ALS), one hour away. The nearest bus stop is in Moffat, 30 minutes away. We can arrange pickup for a fee. Parking is free and safe at our property.
The center operates mostly in functional speech – we speak when needed for work or questions. In general we start our meals in silence, and then move on to a conversation part. Throughout the day, there are also opportunities when you're welcome to chat and talk with others if you'd like.
In the meditation hall (zendo), we wear dark clothing that covers at least the shoulders and knees. In general, we recommend loose-fitting clothing that is not too tight or even constricting.