Available periods

Personal retreats follow the rhythm of practice here at the center. The calendar below shows when we can welcome you. Find a time that feels right, and reach out if you'd like help choosing.

Create Your Own Path

No Expectations. No Schedule. Simple Freedom.

View of Crestone Mountain Zen Center and the surrounding Colorado mountains
The path to becoming is being. You have to be in order to become.
Tatsudo Nicole Baden Roshi
Path across the grounds of Crestone Mountain Zen Center in the Colorado mountains

Design a retreat that meets you where you are. Choose your focus, add a massage or a practice meeting with a teacher, or just abide in calm presence. Join the group for meditation or a ritualized meal, or simply enjoy the deep silence and mountain trails of this beautiful place.

This is for you, if …

You want the freedom to shape your retreat around your own needs and intentions.

You long for uninterrupted time to rest, reflect, create, or simply be.

You appreciate a peaceful environment without a fixed schedule.

You want to reconnect with yourself in a way that feels authentic and personal.

Panoramic mountain landscape surrounding Crestone Mountain Zen Center

With no fixed path, the way unfolds before you naturally. Whether you come to rest, create, reflect, or simply be, here your retreat can find its own shape.

What's included

Structure a retreat that meets you exactly where you are. Whether you seek rest, creativity, meditation, time in nature, or simply a pause in the demands of everyday life, you’ll have the freedom to create a rhythm that feels meaningful to you.

During your stay, you'll enjoy:

Open landscape around Crestone Mountain Zen Center in the San Luis Valley

The freedom to shape each day

around your own intentions, pace, and practice.
Hiking trail leading into the mountains above Crestone Mountain Zen Center

Miles of scenic hiking trails

for reflection, walking, or simply enjoying nature.
A private guest room with bed and desk at Crestone Mountain Zen Center

Private room or cabin

surrounded by the vastness of the San Luis Valley, and the containment of the Rocky Mountains
Vegetarian meal served in the dining room at Crestone Mountain Zen Center

Three meals daily, coffee & tea

Organic. Mostly Regional. Special dietary needs are possible.
The zendo meditation hall at Crestone Mountain Zen Center, set up for sitting

Access to the Zendo

whenever you seek quiet, presence, or renewed focus.

The retreat is also the place

What Guests Say

"CONTENT"
Name Surname
Title
"Es gelingt uns am besten, die Dinge - andere Menschen, Situationen; alles was geschieht - so zu sehen, wie sie sind, wenn wir nichts hinzufügen. Keine Interpretationen. Sondern einfach mit warmen, offenen Augen schauen, ohne Anstrengung. 
"
Name Surname
Title
"Es gelingt uns am besten, die Dinge - andere Menschen, Situationen; alles was geschieht - so zu sehen, wie sie sind, wenn wir nichts hinzufügen. Keine Interpretationen. Sondern einfach mit warmen, offenen Augen schauen, ohne Anstrengung. 
"
Name Surname
Title
I have visited Crestone Mountain Zen Center twice as a guest. It is truly a magical place. The vegetarian cuisine is fresh and delicious, and the natural surroundings stunning. The staff is warm and welcoming. Hiking, hot springs, and sand dunes are all easily accessible from the center. Whether you visit as a guest or volunteer, CMZC is sure to lend you a rich experience. Contact to plan a stay that fits your desires.
Austin Rian
Google review
My week long stay at the Crestone mountain zen center was exquisite. The land, the accommodations and the care from the staff and residents was nurturing and restorative. The food was delicious and intentionally prepared in love. So much gratitude for what is being cultivated by this organization and for those who are carrying the integrity of this organization into the experience that encapsulates more than words can express.
Ben Aley
Google review
This was an amazing place in so many ways. I look forward to returning again sometime this year. I chose a studio room and it worked perfectly for me. The food was healthy and delicious. I was allowed to participate in their meditation practice; which brought me much needed grounding. The 'staff' (for lack of the appropriate word) went above and beyond in making me feel welcome. I would definitely recommend the CMZC for anyone wanting a peaceful getaway; in my case a personal retreat.
Lynda Lee
Google review
No matter what is going on in your life, zen center will provide the space for you to be yourself. I will definitely keep coming back here. The location is beautiful, in one of the openest valleys of Colorado. Sunsets and sunrises here are gorgeous and rejuvenating. Beyond gorgeous nature, staff and volunteers create a welcoming atmosphere. The food is the tastiest vegetarian food I have eaten in the US. I cannot wait to get back here
Sun Dwivedi
Google review
My 4 day personal retreat there last month was wonderful. The staff and residents took touching care of me, fed and supported my meditation, and it was so kind of them to invite me to their meditation. Thank you for so many gifts!
Kevin Jones
Google review

Cabin/Room

+ Private Bath
From
$
200
per Night, Meals included

Room

+ Shared Bath
From
$
150
per Night, Meals included

Camp

Available during warm months
From
$
85
per Night, Meals included

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.

Optional add-ons

*Bookable through an external provider
Practice Conversation
on a donation basis
Meditation Posture Guidance
Included if interested
Ritualized Meal (Oryoki) Guidance
Included if interested
Sound Healing *
$125/ 75 min
Hot Springs Center *
$20 / day pass
Dark Sky / UFO Tour *
$120 per person (Bookable through an external provider)
Horseback Riding Tour *
$70 / 1 hour
1-3-day Climbs / Hiking Tour to 14er *
Subject to availability

Where you'll stay

Edge CabinEdge Cabin interior

Edge Cabin

From the Edge Cabin's secluded porch above the canyon, you're within the immense Valley; the Forest branches; the Peaks' presence.

private bathroom - single room

Hillside Cabin

A guest favorite, the Hillside Cabin is located on the west side of the campus overlooking the San Luis Valley. Perks include a full bathroom and kitchenette.

private bathroom - single room
Skylight RoomSkylight Room interior

Skylight Room

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.

private bathroom - single room
Young Pine HutYoung Pine Hut interior

Young Pine Hut

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.

public toilet - single room
Guest HouseGuest House interior

Guest House

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.

Studio RoomsStudio Rooms interior

Studio Rooms

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.

YurtYurt interior

Yurt

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.

Platform TentPlatform Tent interior

Platform Tent

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.

CampingCamping area

Camping

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.

Common questions

The things you're wondering

What is the food like?

Vegetarian, mostly organic and regional, partly grown on the land in summer. Dietary needs can be accommodated with advance notice.

Can I arrive by car? Public transport?

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.

Do I have to be silent the whole time?

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.

What kind of clothing is appropriate for the zendo or for meditation?

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.