Crestone Mountain Zen Center - Crestone, Colorado

Josef V.

I am not sure if magical is the right word to use since I don’t believe in magic but this Sangha definitely made me feel welcome, engaged with the practice and comfortable the entire time. The environment was just right for zen practice, meditation, and study. It was both unique and uplifting to wake up to the magnificent views of the mountain where each breath of fresh air awakens more life in your body and mind. Baker Roshi is an extraordinary teacher and Laurie went above and beyond to make my stay as perfect as possible. The food we cooked and made ourselves was delicious and nutritious. Other sangha members and guests took ample amount of time to introduce me to the Soto Zen School rituals and etiquette which I was not as familiar with. I left with a warmth on my heart and will definitely find my way back in the future! Thank you Crestone Mountain Dharma Sangha for this unforgettable experience 🙏.

Ben A.

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.

Yannick M.

This zen center is ALL you need: peace, calm, the most exquisite nature, mountains, amazing sunsets and sunrises, AMAZING food (they go out of um their way to accommodate your food sensitivities), and of course: zazen. Just the right amount of time, just in the right way, morning wake up with bells and Han (wood knocking). And an amazing zen Tempel so clean and so Japanese looking. Just do yourself and go! Minimum 1 week id say. I’ll FOR SURE be back thanks again for everything!

tammy

The atmosphere advanced my practice. I Chose to unplug from my device that helped. The sitting sessions were phenomenal, as well as the food 🍲.Can’t say enough nice things about the residence. Oh, and during the day, there are so many opportunities for hiking next to Rivers very nearby.

Austin R.

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.

Donna H.

I enjoyed my stay. I camped and purchased the meal plan. The vegetarian fare was delicious and varied and the timing of our meals was arranged to coincide with the retreat schedule - thank you! As well, the food was conducive to spending a large part of the day sitting or meditating - so helpful! There is a lot of care taken here - as it is an active Zen monastery. The only thing I would have changed is to have been able to add a day to the beginning and end of my stay in order to be available for the beginning and end of the retreat - difficulty being that public transportation to and from Crestone was such that I arrived the first day, at 6:30pm, after the retreat had ended for the day. And if not for the opportunity that arose to travel with someone who had a vehicle, I would have also missed the last day - leaving Crestone by public transit means leaving at about 6:00am.

Dennison S.

Sitting sesshin at Crestone Mountain Zen Center was deep, rich and amazing. The zendo is gorgeous and the mountain location sublime. I am truly grateful for the care of the priests, monks and sangha.

Stefan

The Crestone Zen center is quite an extraordinary place and I would recommend it to any prospective students. This is my second time coming here as a student. The schedule is well balanced between practice, work, and rest and the stillness of the natural surroundings help one really hone into the task at hand.

Two years ago I spent a little over a month here during the summer. It was the first time that I had ever gone to a Zen center (let alone a monastery) and was surprised by how quickly one could adjust to life here. It really is an incredible way to practice and live.

The community there is welcoming and both Zenki Sensei and Baker Roshi are very approachable.