Crestone Mountain Zen Center

I just spent two weeks at Crestone Mountain Zen Center and really appreciated every moment there in that quiet, meditative space. The hosts and staff were exceptional, and the vegetarian food was very tasty. I highly recommend this place to anyone looking for quiet and/or meditation. The surrounding mountains and valley are a perfect place for reflection and retreat. My gratitude to all!

If you are looking for a quiet, contemplative place to reset or reevaluate your life or current situation, or need a break from our chaotic world, this place will provide you with a wonderful respite. It is a Zen Center in a beautiful place, with lovely, simple accommodations, homemade meals, and community. And if you have ever been curious about meditating, you will get first-class guidance. I highly recommend it.

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 🙏.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

I just spent Christmas at the Crestone Mountain Zen Center and it was was an absolutely magical experience! I visited alone, but spent time with a great small group of others that chose to make the center their "home for the holidays". The resident students of the center, who effectively work as staff, warmly welcomed all of us guests into their fold, and together we created a lovely mix of zen Buddhist practice and Christmas traditions. If you are looking for a retreat center with a serious and well-established tradition and lineage, yet one that welcomes all others enthusiastically and with much flexibility, the this center may well be the perfect fit for you!

Beautiful and amazing retreat. Great people, affordable prices and the best vegetarian meals. The center is on 230 acres - surrounded by mountains, vistas overlooking the San Luis Valley, lots of juniper and pine trees and abundant wildlife. Kindness and gratitude flow freely here.

My wife and I attended a week long yoga retreat here. The facilities here are great and yoga studio is amazing. A big draw is the daily, morning Zen meditation for which all guests are invited. Drama talks are also offered. Wonderful meals as well. Very highly recommend.

A gem here in Crestone. The Zendo is really one of a kind. A great place to come for some retreat time. The mountains and views an added plus.