A Visit to Crestone, Colorado

We had a long-planned trip to visit our friend Krissy while she happened to be in Crestone for a spell (she normally resides on the west coast). We had a great time on our few days of visiting, but unfortunately the trip was cut short due to a family emergency. We made the most of our short visit, however, and it was so, so great to see Krissy again!

Some Day Hikes with Krissy

Krissy is an excellent hiker, whereas over the last several months I’ve mostly done a lot of easy, flat walking at sea level. When Krissy proposed some hikes, I was a bit worried I wouldn’t be able to keep up (Crestone sits at 8,000 feet)! But we started with some easier hikes and I didn’t die. While I was disappointed to cut our trip short due to the family emergency, it also prevented me from going on the harder hikes planned, which might have saved my life, LOL.

Obligatory selfie at the prayer flags, taken by Krissy.

The capsule with the red on it will wear away from the weather and reveal a written scroll inside, I assume with a prayer.

I tried and tried to find some information on these stone huts, but details were sparse and wildly varying. They looked in remarkably good condition to me! Picture by Krissy!

Zapata Falls

We misunderstood what was involved in getting to Zapata Falls, thinking it was a short stroll from the parking lot. In reality it was a 0.5 mile uphill rocky path, followed by fording a stream and climbing over some boulders and rocks. It wasn’t difficult, just a surprise. The waterfall drop is about 30 feet. We visited on a day trip from Crestone; the falls are about an hour’s drive south and east, not far from Great Sand Dunes National Park.

Doug fording the stream up to the waterfall.

UFO Watchtower

Krissy and her family lived in Crestone for many years and never stopped at the UFO Watchtower, which should have told us all we needed to know. It was located directly on our way to Great Sand Dunes National Park, so at least we didn’t go out of our way for it.

There’s basically a tiny “museum” (and I use that term very, very lightly here), an observation platform (10 feet high!), and a yard full of junk, per me. Per them, the “garden” is home to two vortexes (as confirmed by more than 25 psychics), one of which spins clockwise and the other counter-clockwise (a vortex is “an opening to a Parallel Universe which is full of energy”, according to the sign). There also two “Beings” that guard the vortexes, but which are also “there to help.”

The whole enterprise was whipped up when a mutilated horse was found on a nearby ranch. As the cattle farm operation was facing bankruptcy, and so many UFO hunters were visiting the area, the owner decided to capitalize on her view and opened the site. Since 2000, more than 30,000 visitors paying the $5 entrance fee and purchasing gift shop items have saved the day!

These are *not* the Beings who guard the vortexes, in case you’re wondering.

Haidakhandi Universal Ashram Fire Ceremony

We happened to be in Crestone on the date the Full-Moon Fire Ceremony was happening at the Ashram, so we figured this would be a great way to learn more about the teachings of Indian guru Haidakhan Babaji. I’d say there were maybe 30 attendees, most of whom were clearly regulars and knew the aspects of the ceremony, unlike us. However, they devotees are clearly used to tourists, and they gave instructions and helpful tips throughout. It involved a lot of chanting and a lot (I mean, a lot!) of offerings into the fire. You can read more about the history of the fire ceremony and how this one works on their website. After the ceremony we moved inside for some more singing and chanting, which was followed by lunch. It was an interesting experience, and nice to be able to offer up some prayers to the universe for peace for my dad, who was nearing the end of hospice at the time.