Crestone and the Surrounding Area
The lovers Way Treehouse was designed as a retreat you do not need to leave.
However here are some of the things you may want to know about the surround area.
Crestone
Elephant Cloud Market and Gas
“The Cloud” (as we call it) is Crestone’s version of a Natural Grocers, Sprouts or Whole Foods, stocking unusual items such as frozen Bison, Elk and Yak meat, bulk beans, grains and spices along with very fresh produce and lots of health products and vitamins. The Cloud Station (next door) is cafe open for breakfast and lunch and often a venue for music at night. This is the only gas station between here and Salida.
Crestone Mercantile and Hardwear
This grocery store (known locally as “the Merc”) has all the basic household products you will need (paper products, OTC drugs, canned goods, soft drinks, and vegetables). It also has a great selection of deli meats and cheeses, Asian and frozen foods, and boasts the best butcher in the Valley. Matt provides local chicken, pork and grass-fed beef plus rotisserie chicken and ribs.
Across the street is the “Merc Hardware”. Most anything you need hardware wise, plus limited lumber products can be found here. There’s also a small gift and office supply section.
The Crestone Artisan's Gallery
Hosted on a rotating basis by the artists themselves, this gallery features a variety of local talent. You’ll find jewelry, paintings, photography, children’s books, sculpture, stained glass and more. Talking with the creator on duty is usually worth the visit, but you’re likely to take home a unique souvenir.
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Post Office
The Crestone US Post Office is across the street from the credit union and the liquor store. Open from 8 to 3:45 and closed from 12:30 to 1:30pm. There is no postal delivery in this area. To receive mail have it sent to “general delivery.”
FedEx and UPS deliver every day (except Sunday) to all addresses in the Crestone area. However, the closest package drop off locations are in Alamosa or Salida.
Blue Federal Credit Union
Get cash from the 24 hour ATM or step inside for their friendly banking services.
Crestone Spirit Center Liquor
Located behind the Blue Federal Credit Union and across from the Post Office, the Crestone Spirit Center has a limited, but great selection of liquor, beer, wine, and cigarettes.
The Ziggurat
Walk .8 mile downhill on Lovers Way to climb the structure, and the hill upon which it sits, for a spectacular view of the towering Sangre de Cristo Mountain range—home to several peaks that exceed 14,000 feet in elevation—The Great Sand Dunes, the 50-mile wide San Luis Valley and expansive cloud-filled skyscape.
Originally commissioned in 1978 by Najeeb Halaby—father of Queen Noor of Jordan and a former CEO of Pan Am Airways—the now-public structure served as his private place of prayer and meditation.
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Shumei
Shumei’s Crestone Center is recognized as a sacred pilgrimage site, built on the slope of the majestic Sangre de Cristo Mountains, with a breathtaking view overlooking the largest high alpine valley in the world.
Shumei hosts a wide variety of public programs including concerts, taiko drumming, movie nights, Natural Agriculture tours and programs and a year round art symposia series featuring local, regional and occasionally international artists. The small round art gallery is always free and open to the public, as are almost all other public programs.
Daily prayer services are held every day including holidays at 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM and all are always open to the public.
Find out more at:https://www.shumeicrestone.org/about-us
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Tashi Gomang Stupa
Located high above the San Luis Valley with a spectacular view of several distant mountain ranges, the 42-foot high Tashi Gomang Stupa is a spiritual monument built on 200 acres of pristine natural beauty and open to the public every day since 1995.
The Tashi Gomang Stupa commemorates the 16th Karmapa, Rangjung Rigpe Dorje, who escaped Tibet after the Chinese invasion and visited Crestone in 1980.
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Restaurants
Elephant Cloud Caffe
Serves coffee, espresso, smoothies, breakfast burritos, paninis, and baked goods, often featuring local art and live music. A popular gathering place with a friendly, eclectic vibe that reflects the town's character. Internet is available.
The Bliss
This Bliss provide an eclectic, fine-ish dining experience. Centered on comfort food, gathering, and love, the Bliss cafe is a great place to stop in for some pizza and a cocktail.
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Our Food Is Art
With ample vegetarian options available alongside enticing daily specials, there is something delightful on offer for every palate. An extensive selection of local beers and wines complements each meal perfectly while enhancing the overall dining experience amidst stunning mountain views outside. Overall, Our Food Is Art Restaurant exemplifies what it means to combine fine culinary techniques with genuine hospitality in an inviting setting—truly making it a must-visit destination.
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The Apothecary
Mountain Laurel Apothecary, located at 259 S. Cottonwood St. in Crestone, CO, is a community-focused shop specializing in small-batch herbal tinctures, tea blends, elixirs, and local art. It features an elixir bar, hosts regular community events such as open mics and workshops, and sells products online.
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The Hearth
Sage’s Hearth is a farm-to-table restaurant and gathering space rooted in Crestone’s landscape and community. We pair a seasonal, scratch-made menu with an exhibition kitchen, craft bar, and flexible spaces for dining, events, and classes—all designed to bring people together around food. With mountain views, a focus on local ingredients, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, it’s both a place to dine and a place to connect.
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​Sage’s Hearth Restaurant – Delicious food in a warm atmosphere
Surrounding Area
Great Sand Dunes Nation Park
The tallest dunes in North America are the centerpiece in a diverse landscape of grasslands, wetlands, forests, alpine lakes, and tundra. Stay on a moonless night to experience countless stars in this International Dark Sky Park! Lots to do.
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​Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve (U.S. National Park Service)
Colorado Gators Reptile Park
See hundreds of rescued reptiles including alligators, crocodiles, caiman, tortoises, and turtles. See albino alligators, and Morris the movie star alligator! Get your picture holding a baby alligator. This is a really fun place to visit.
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Hot Springs
Sand Dunes Recreation (Hooper Pool)
We offer a 50 x 100 large family pool maintained at 98 degrees year-round! A large enclosure at one end of our facility assures comfort from the weather & covers our baby pool at the same time. A 25 person therapy pool maintained at 105-107 degrees is also located under the enclosure. Our on-site grille, The Mile Deep Grille is located near the big pool & offers delicious food for any taste! If you are looking to buy a suit, sunscreen, snacks, or an amazing array of jewelry & gifts, visit our on-site Gift Shop located next to the big pool. Water toy rentals are available at the Gift Shop as well!
Picnic tables & charcoal grills (outside food is also welcome) plus a 24-foot kids water slide, volleyball & basketball court, & a large grassy area with a creek for the kids offer lots of great family fun!
For our guests 21+ and those seeking an adults-only environment, we are proud to offer The Greenhouse—An adults only (21+) area built in our 10,000 square feet greenhouse. Enjoy 4 soaking pools at different temperatures, a 10 person sauna, tropical gardens, patios, upscale Small Plates Menu, & on-site beer & wine bar “The Steel Box Bar”. Not to be missed!
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Joyful Journey
Naturally super-heated by the earth’s active geothermal and hydrothermal activity, Joyful Journey is one of the few places on earth with natural hot mineral water that does not have the sulfur odor that is often found in many hot mineral springs. Our mineral waters are piped directly from private artesian springs at Joyful Journey.
The pools are tempered between 98°F to 108°F. For centuries, the Native Americans, the Spanish explorers and early settlers took refuge at what is now Joyful Journey Hot Springs Spa. Whether for therapy or a respite from a harsh winter climate, these early visitors placed great value on the unique healing qualities of this water. The Native Americans referred to these elements simply as “The Waters” and established its source as a place of peace, where all tribes were welcome, leaving all differences behind as they came to this sanctuary to heal.
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Valley View
Valley View Hot Springs is owned and operated by Orient Land Trust, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving this delicate and peaceful ecosystem. Reservations are highly recommended, as admission is limited. Becoming a supporting member of the Orient Land Trust allows you to make a reservation more than 24 hours in advance. Clothing is always optional over the entire property, and we invite you to explore naturism in a peaceful community environment. Valley View Hot Springs, with its unique geography, is a place where guests can immerse themselves in nature within a diverse ecosystem.
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Ski Destinations
Wolf Creek Ski Area
Monarch Mountain
Closest Cities
Alamosa
Home to the San Luis Valley Regional Airport (flights to Denver), Allene Evans' Alma Mater, Adams State College, the San Luis Valley Regional Health Center, summer music festivals, and some great restaurants. Some of our favorites are: Cavillos Mexican, the Spud Cafe at the Mammoth, My Brother’s Place (Deli), Mom and Pop’s Kitchen, and the Thai Sushi. Checkout the public art along Main Street
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Poncha Springs and Buena Vista
At the north end of the San Luis Valley, just over the Poncha Pass is Poncha Springs, home to the Poncha Pub (hidden behind the Holiday RV Sales). One of the best subway sandwiches on the planet will be made to order for you here. Across the street is a pretty good grocery store, Lagrees.
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If you continue past the Poncha Pub on 285, it will take you toward Buena Vista. Along the way, there are a number of river rafting companies that offer fun trips down the Arkansas River through Brown’s Canyon. Buena Vista is also home to many good places to eat.
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Salida
After the Poncha Pass, if you turn right at the stoplight at Highways 285 and 50, you’ll arrive in Salida in five minutes. On the way in you’ll pass the Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center (lap swimming). Our favorite burger place is 50 Burger across from the Ace Hardware, featuring bulgogi bowls and falafels in addition to 12 different burgers, 8 different chicken sandwiches and a full bar.
Turning left off of Highway 50, at Roxy’s Bottle Shop onto F street (a couple of blocks before the Ace Hardware) will take you to the center of the largest national historic downtown district in Colorado, on the banks of the Arkansas River. There’s lots of shops, a Natural Grocers and a bunch of great restaurants and brew pubs. Some of our favorites are Moonlight Pizza, Bunny and Clyde’s, The Biker and the Baker (rooftop breakfast), Amica’s Pizza, The Victoria Tavern, The Boathouse and more.
Find out more at:
saliadachamber.org/first-timers-guide/