Jonalyn’s guidebook
Sightseeing
The Ziggurat, a local landmark, rises from a rocky hill on the southeast edge of the Baca Grande. Elevated on the top of a small hill amidst the desert and the bright skies, it is the perfect place to get a full view of the cozy town. It’s a small town, but you’ll be taken back by the vastness of it. With air as pure as it can get and great views, it definitely is a rewarding trek. The mustard tower is something else even from a distance, with the stellar background of the mountains and the skies.
15 locals recommend
Crestone Ziggurat
Cordial WayThe Ziggurat, a local landmark, rises from a rocky hill on the southeast edge of the Baca Grande. Elevated on the top of a small hill amidst the desert and the bright skies, it is the perfect place to get a full view of the cozy town. It’s a small town, but you’ll be taken back by the vastness of it. With air as pure as it can get and great views, it definitely is a rewarding trek. The mustard tower is something else even from a distance, with the stellar background of the mountains and the skies.
The function of a stupa is more than just symbolism, however. When a great teacher, such as His Holiness the XVI Gyalwa Karmapa, is alive, his body is known as the nirmanakaya and is not regarded as an ordinary body, but is seen as containing the very essence of awakened mind. Similarly when the teacher dies physically, his remains are considered to be a distillation of this same essence and to have enormous power, the power of complete wakefulness. The proper container for these remains is therefore a stupa, which will enshrine the aspirations, blessings and form of the teacher. The Tashi Gomang Stupa will contain relics of Sakyamuni Buddha, of His Holiness the XVI Gyalwa Karmapa, and of many highly realized Bodhisattvas. In addition one hundred thousand tsatsas, or miniature stupas, are being made by volunteers, each of which contains rolls of mantras and the names of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, carrying heir blessings and vows to help all beings. These will be placed inside the stupa, together with many mandalas and offerings. While the outer shape is like the body, the interior holds the life force, invoking the presence and the deep goodness and infinite compassion of all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. A statue of the XVI Gyalwa Karmapa is also being made to be placed in the base of the stupa, along with numerous decorative items and symbols.
15 locals recommend
Tashi Gomang Stupa
The function of a stupa is more than just symbolism, however. When a great teacher, such as His Holiness the XVI Gyalwa Karmapa, is alive, his body is known as the nirmanakaya and is not regarded as an ordinary body, but is seen as containing the very essence of awakened mind. Similarly when the teacher dies physically, his remains are considered to be a distillation of this same essence and to have enormous power, the power of complete wakefulness. The proper container for these remains is therefore a stupa, which will enshrine the aspirations, blessings and form of the teacher. The Tashi Gomang Stupa will contain relics of Sakyamuni Buddha, of His Holiness the XVI Gyalwa Karmapa, and of many highly realized Bodhisattvas. In addition one hundred thousand tsatsas, or miniature stupas, are being made by volunteers, each of which contains rolls of mantras and the names of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, carrying heir blessings and vows to help all beings. These will be placed inside the stupa, together with many mandalas and offerings. While the outer shape is like the body, the interior holds the life force, invoking the presence and the deep goodness and infinite compassion of all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. A statue of the XVI Gyalwa Karmapa is also being made to be placed in the base of the stupa, along with numerous decorative items and symbols.
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is in southern Colorado. It’s known for huge dunes like the towering Star Dune, and for the seasonal Medano Creek and beach created at the base of the dunes. The backcountry Medano Pass Primitive Road winds through a canyon toward the Sangre de Cristo mountains. Trails lead to forests, wetlands and alpine lakes like Medano Lake, which is home to trout and tundra wildlife.
265 locals recommend
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is in southern Colorado. It’s known for huge dunes like the towering Star Dune, and for the seasonal Medano Creek and beach created at the base of the dunes. The backcountry Medano Pass Primitive Road winds through a canyon toward the Sangre de Cristo mountains. Trails lead to forests, wetlands and alpine lakes like Medano Lake, which is home to trout and tundra wildlife.
North Crestone Creek Trail is a 11.3 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Crestone, Colorado that features a lake and is rated as difficult. The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, and backpacking. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
7 locals recommend
North Crestone Creek Campground
North Crestone Creek Trail is a 11.3 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Crestone, Colorado that features a lake and is rated as difficult. The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, and backpacking. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
Go and be sure to buy a bucket of food for the gators! They love the munchies and get really active when you start throwing the food in. Be prepared to see gators, snakes, birds, turtles, frogs, emus, bunnies, wallabies, and oh so much more!
On your way out don't forget to buy a shirt and your admission every time you return will be free (more money for gator bait).
If you're going to the Sand Dunes this is a fun side trip just a short drive away!
46 locals recommend
Colorado Gators Reptile Park
9162 Ln 9 NGo and be sure to buy a bucket of food for the gators! They love the munchies and get really active when you start throwing the food in. Be prepared to see gators, snakes, birds, turtles, frogs, emus, bunnies, wallabies, and oh so much more!
On your way out don't forget to buy a shirt and your admission every time you return will be free (more money for gator bait).
If you're going to the Sand Dunes this is a fun side trip just a short drive away!
Hotspring
Joyful Journey Hot Springs Spa is 32 miles south of Salida and 50 miles north of Alamosa on scenic highway 17, which runs parallel to the Sangre de Cristo mountain range. The Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve is 40 minutes from Joyful Journey and the spiritual mecca of Crestone is 30 minutes away. Joyful Journey is located in the San Luis Valley of south central Colorado – on Highway 17 one mile south of the Highway 285 junction.
74 locals recommend
Joyful Journey Hot Springs Spa
28640 County Rd 58EEJoyful Journey Hot Springs Spa is 32 miles south of Salida and 50 miles north of Alamosa on scenic highway 17, which runs parallel to the Sangre de Cristo mountain range. The Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve is 40 minutes from Joyful Journey and the spiritual mecca of Crestone is 30 minutes away. Joyful Journey is located in the San Luis Valley of south central Colorado – on Highway 17 one mile south of the Highway 285 junction.
The Greenhouse is my best kept secret in the Sand Dunes! The Greenhouse is the 21+ area in the Sand Dunes Swimming Pool. You HAVE to stop by if you're making a trip to the dunes.
They serve wine and beer as well as gourmet small plates. I'm talking ahi tuna, flatbread pizza, shrimp, salads, charcuterie boards, all kinds of things! Drinks and food are reasonably priced as well!
If the amazing food and drinks aren't enough to convince you to stop by, the Greenhouse also has a wide variety of plants and flowers that make the ambience so beautiful!
The greenhouse has one main long pool and 3 small pools which vary in temperature. They also have a wooden sauna and a misting area if you get too hot. It's fully covered inside so you don't get to see the mountains while you soak, but it's still awesome!
They are open during the day and night. You can go at different times and have different experiences!
83 locals recommend
Sand Dunes Swimming Pool & RV Park
1991 Co Rd 63The Greenhouse is my best kept secret in the Sand Dunes! The Greenhouse is the 21+ area in the Sand Dunes Swimming Pool. You HAVE to stop by if you're making a trip to the dunes.
They serve wine and beer as well as gourmet small plates. I'm talking ahi tuna, flatbread pizza, shrimp, salads, charcuterie boards, all kinds of things! Drinks and food are reasonably priced as well!
If the amazing food and drinks aren't enough to convince you to stop by, the Greenhouse also has a wide variety of plants and flowers that make the ambience so beautiful!
The greenhouse has one main long pool and 3 small pools which vary in temperature. They also have a wooden sauna and a misting area if you get too hot. It's fully covered inside so you don't get to see the mountains while you soak, but it's still awesome!
They are open during the day and night. You can go at different times and have different experiences!
Orient Land Trust is a non-profit land trust created around Valley View Hot Springs, its unique culture and environment.
With the Orient Mine and Everson Ranch, we now protect 2,200 acres, its wildlife corridor, pristine spring waters, hiking trails, rustic cabins, and camping. Visitors of all ages and walks of life enjoy free educational programs, clothing-optional naturist open space, geothermal warmth, hydroelectric energy, and Colorado's largest bat colony.
49 locals recommend
Valley View Hot Springs
64393 County Road GGOrient Land Trust is a non-profit land trust created around Valley View Hot Springs, its unique culture and environment.
With the Orient Mine and Everson Ranch, we now protect 2,200 acres, its wildlife corridor, pristine spring waters, hiking trails, rustic cabins, and camping. Visitors of all ages and walks of life enjoy free educational programs, clothing-optional naturist open space, geothermal warmth, hydroelectric energy, and Colorado's largest bat colony.