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Crestone Ziggurat: A Spiritual Beacon

Discover the serene beauty of the Crestone Ziggurat, a unique spiritual landmark offering panoramic views and a space for quiet reflection in Crestone, Colorado.

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The Crestone Ziggurat, commissioned in 1978 by Najeeb Halaby, father of Queen Noor of Jordan, is a contemporary take on ancient Mesopotamian temple towers. Located near Crestone, Colorado, a town known as a spiritual hub, the Ziggurat offers panoramic views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the San Luis Valley, inviting contemplation and connection with the surrounding landscape.

A brief summary to Crestone Ziggurat

  • Cordial Way, Crestone, Colorado, 81131, US
  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for the best light and fewer crowds.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for the sandy and steep path leading to the Ziggurat.
  • Bring water and sunscreen, as the area can be hot and exposed.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From the town of Crestone, head south on Camino Baca Grande. Turn right onto Camino Real, then left onto Wagon Wheel Rd. Turn left onto Camino del Rey, then right onto Enchanted Way, and finally left onto Cordial Way. Drive to the end of Cordial Way, turn left for 50 yards, and park. A short footpath leads to the Ziggurat on the ridge to your left. Parking is limited to a small dirt lot with space for approximately three vehicles. There are no fees for parking or visiting the Ziggurat.

  • Walking

    From the center of Crestone, head east on Main Street and then take a right onto Cordial Way. The Ziggurat is about a 1-mile walk from the center of town and should take roughly 20-25 minutes. The walk will provide beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. There are no costs associated with walking.

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Discover more about Crestone Ziggurat

Rising from a sandy hill on the edge of the Baca Grande Wildlife Refuge, the Crestone Ziggurat is a unique landmark in the San Luis Valley. Built in 1978 by Najeeb Halaby, it served as his private place for prayer and meditation. Halaby, inspired by his Syrian Christian roots and the ziggurats of the Ancient Near East, envisioned the structure as a connection between heaven and earth. The Ziggurat's design reflects the ancient ziggurats of Mesopotamia, terraced structures with a staircase or ramp winding to the summit. Unlike the ancient structures which were often restricted to royalty and priests, the Crestone Ziggurat is open to the public, inviting all to climb its spiral ramp and experience the panoramic views. The climb offers a unique perspective of the surrounding landscape, with the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to the east and the vast San Luis Valley to the west. The summit provides a space for reflection, quiet contemplation, and a sense of wonder. Crestone itself is a spiritual center, attracting diverse religious and spiritual traditions. The presence of the Ziggurat adds to the town's unique character, offering a space for visitors to connect with their spirituality and appreciate the beauty of the natural world. The ochre color and simple design of the Ziggurat create a contemporary spiritual structure that complements the surrounding landscape.

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