Emily’s guidebook
Hikes Nearby
Trails in Crestone aren't always clearly marked, but we have an amazing array of different hiking experiences for all ability levels. The three trails below are my favorites, but don't be daunted by their far away destination. For example, the trail to Challenger Point is also just our local neighborhood trail. They're all awesome even if you don't want to go very far.
The North Crestone Creek trailhead takes off from this campground. Drive all the way through the campground and you'll come to a parking lot. This trail will take you straight up into Sangre de Christo wilderness. Not as steep as some, but still uphill for sure. Read more details here: https://www.hikingproject.com/trail/7054595/north-crestone-trail-744
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North Crestone Creek Campground
The North Crestone Creek trailhead takes off from this campground. Drive all the way through the campground and you'll come to a parking lot. This trail will take you straight up into Sangre de Christo wilderness. Not as steep as some, but still uphill for sure. Read more details here: https://www.hikingproject.com/trail/7054595/north-crestone-trail-744
The trail from Crestone to the Sand Dunes is pretty long, but it also happens to just be a nice, meandering walk along the edges of the foothills. For those of us who are not interested in climbing straight up a mountain.
Check out the details here. Driving directions to the trailhead are very important: https://www.hikingproject.com/trail/7010961/liberty-road
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Parque Nacional y Reserva de las Grandes Dunas de Arena
The trail from Crestone to the Sand Dunes is pretty long, but it also happens to just be a nice, meandering walk along the edges of the foothills. For those of us who are not interested in climbing straight up a mountain.
Check out the details here. Driving directions to the trailhead are very important: https://www.hikingproject.com/trail/7010961/liberty-road
The trail to Challenger Peak is also the trail to Willow Lake, a slightly more reasonable destination. It also happens to be the a trail that you can access very easily from The Hill House. AND it also happens to be one of the most spectacular trails in Colorado, maybe in the USA.
Just walk out into the culdesac, take a right on Moonlight, and then your first left onto Baca Grant Way. The trail takes off into the trees on your right. It's a long way to the lake, though, so if the lake is your destination, add an extra mile or two to the distance given on this website: https://www.hikingproject.com/trail/7004526/willow-lake-trail
Challenger Point
The trail to Challenger Peak is also the trail to Willow Lake, a slightly more reasonable destination. It also happens to be the a trail that you can access very easily from The Hill House. AND it also happens to be one of the most spectacular trails in Colorado, maybe in the USA.
Just walk out into the culdesac, take a right on Moonlight, and then your first left onto Baca Grant Way. The trail takes off into the trees on your right. It's a long way to the lake, though, so if the lake is your destination, add an extra mile or two to the distance given on this website: https://www.hikingproject.com/trail/7004526/willow-lake-trail
Restaurants
There aren't a ton of options in Crestone, and timing is key so definitely check the hours of any place before you go.
Coffee shop, breakfast, sandwiches, tasty treats. Michelle and Benji are masterful coffee and tea makers, and everything here is delicious. But go early, they close in the afternoons. And be patient, things move slowly in Crestone :)
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The Cloud Station
300 S Cottonwood StCoffee shop, breakfast, sandwiches, tasty treats. Michelle and Benji are masterful coffee and tea makers, and everything here is delicious. But go early, they close in the afternoons. And be patient, things move slowly in Crestone :)
Taco Love
121 E Galena AveDelicious tacos made by a local family. Great spot for lunch after you come off the trail.
Groceries
There are only two options but they're pretty different.
If all things alternative are your jam for groceries, then this is your spot. Organic, gluten-free, non-gmo, dairy-free.... whatever it is you're into, you'll find it here. They are also very careful about what they stock; they do their research about products and won't put anything on their shelves that they don't feel good about supporting.
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Elephant Cloud Market The Cloud Station
200 Cottonwood StIf all things alternative are your jam for groceries, then this is your spot. Organic, gluten-free, non-gmo, dairy-free.... whatever it is you're into, you'll find it here. They are also very careful about what they stock; they do their research about products and won't put anything on their shelves that they don't feel good about supporting.
They might not be all fancy and organic like The Cloud, but their meat products are locally sourced and always delicious and fresh. The Merc has everything, it's quite impressive. For a little tiny store in the middle of nowhere, they sure do a great job of covering the bases. And this place is your best bet for meat and poultry.
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Crestone Mercantile
182 E Galena AveThey might not be all fancy and organic like The Cloud, but their meat products are locally sourced and always delicious and fresh. The Merc has everything, it's quite impressive. For a little tiny store in the middle of nowhere, they sure do a great job of covering the bases. And this place is your best bet for meat and poultry.
Hot Springs
There are a few near here, and all very different, so pick your style and soak and enjoy!
My personal favorite. It's on the smallish side, with just 3 smaller pools, but the vibe is mellow and the views of the mountains are incredible.
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Joyful Journey Hot Springs Spa
28640 County Rd 58EEMy personal favorite. It's on the smallish side, with just 3 smaller pools, but the vibe is mellow and the views of the mountains are incredible.
Only if you don't mind naked people, because this place is clothing-optional. But if you can stand that, this place is spectacular. The pools are more like natural gravel-lined ponds, spread out along the hillside. And they do have one big pool, which is awesome.
However, the pools are not super hot (100 max), so I think this place is best when it isn't too cold out. Amazing in the fall.
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Valley View Hot Springs
64393 County Road GGOnly if you don't mind naked people, because this place is clothing-optional. But if you can stand that, this place is spectacular. The pools are more like natural gravel-lined ponds, spread out along the hillside. And they do have one big pool, which is awesome.
However, the pools are not super hot (100 max), so I think this place is best when it isn't too cold out. Amazing in the fall.
A huge, amazing pool filled with natural hot water. What could be better? The best spot for kids, but I hear the adults only area is pretty awesome too. This spot is very popular.
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Sand Dunes Swimming Pool & RV Park
1991 Co Rd 63A huge, amazing pool filled with natural hot water. What could be better? The best spot for kids, but I hear the adults only area is pretty awesome too. This spot is very popular.