Crestone Ziggurat in Colorado #Shorts

#crestone #colorado #ziggurat

* Where is the Crestone Ziggurat?
* Where is Crestone, Colorado?
* What is a Ziggurat?

Crestone, Colorado is located in the San Luis Valley near the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and Great Sand Dunes National Park.

It has a population of less than 150 people, but is home to more than 27 distinct spiritual groups.

The Crestone Ziggurat is the only spiritual structure of its kind in the United States. It sits along a short 1.3-mile hiking trail.

So, what exactly is a ziggurat? It’s an ancient religious tower commonly built in Mesopotamia between 2,200 and 500 B.C.

The structure’s purpose was to connect heaven and Earth, hence its towering nature. Essentially, it's a stairway to heaven. The idea is that you walk in a spiral with the intention of it bringing you closer to heaven.

Today, the Crestone Ziggurat is open to the public. Visitors can climb the spiral ramp to the top, which offers stunning views of the surrounding area, making it a perfect spot for reflection and quiet contemplation.

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This ziggurat in Colorado's San Luis Valley is the only spiritual structure of its kind in the U.S

Situated in the San Luis Valley, the tall yellow spiral contrasts with the stark blue sky. A dirt path leads up the hill to the unique building, which can be climbed by following the winding concrete incline that wraps around the structure.

From the top, a panoramic view. To the east, you can see the sand dunes rolling like waves. To the north, the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The quiet peace is only disrupted by the wind.

The Crestone ziggurat is the only spiritual structure of its kind in the U.S. The monument in southern Colorado mirrors those from ancient Mesopotamia.

The ziggurat is maintained by the Karma Thegsum Tashi Gomang — a group of Tibetan Buddhists based in Crestone who follow the Karma Kagyu lineage.

It’s no surprise that the only ziggurat in North America sits in Crestone, with more than 27 distinct spiritual groups calli..