Cool Secrets of Summer Retreats at Blazing Mountain
Summer months are the perfect time to bring your group to one of Colorado’s most inspiring mountain retreat centers.
Summer Secret
When people think about planning a group retreat in the mountains, summer might not always be the first season that comes to mind.
The snow has melted, the air can be dry, and temperatures can climb under the clear Colorado sun. But here’s the secret:
Blazing Mountain Retreat Center in Crestone, Colorado, offers a comfortable, peaceful venue in the heart of summer.
Shrine Hall
Step inside Blazing Mountain’s Shrine Hall, a 3,000-square-foot meditation hall suitable for all types of retreats.
With an atmosphere of magnificence, guests experience breathtaking views for up to 75 participants. As the heart of the retreat center, this is a sacred space for yoga, meditation, contemplative groups, and workshops.
The Shrine Hall stays cool with evaporative cooling systems.
Residence Hall
Our guest accommodations in the Residence Hall are quite comfortable with intentional architectural design that keeps interiors shaded and serene.
There are multiple-bedroom options that can accommodate up to 98 guests. Each room is clean and simple, with comfortable bedding, a nightstand, a closet, a fan, hangers, and linens. Many rooms have bathrooms, and some have access to multi-stall bathrooms down the hall.
Shown here, you will see one of the common areas for guests to gather amongst the live plants, low table, and cushion seating.
Short Serene Foot-Path
The footpath that connects the Shrine Hall and Residence Hall is less than a 5-minute walk between the two buildings, where you’ll see this lovely little bridge.
“Traditionally, July and August are quiet months at Blazing Mountain, but they can be the best time of year to reserve a group’s stay. Groups that schedule summer retreats enjoy greater date flexibility, free from the competition for weekends that fall and spring often bring.”
The Gift of Solitude and Stillness
During the busier spring and fall seasons, the venue hums with activity as nonprofit groups, yoga trainings, and mindfulness gatherings fill the calendar. In summer, however, the property slows down. There’s a sense of space that settles over the grounds.
Imagine leading a retreat where the silence itself feels alive. The Sangre de Cristo Mountains shimmer under the afternoon light, and the stars appear close enough to touch. Your group's practices in the Shrine Hall are cooled by soft airflow, while outside, the wide desert landscape stretches endlessly.
The stillness of summer afternoons is needed for contemplative sessions, staff renewals, deep-dive workshops, or mindfulness intensives that thrive in an atmosphere of focus and simplicity.
Nature’s Warm Embrace
The summer offers golden sunlight, the scent of sagebrush, and the rhythm of afternoon monsoon rains create an energy that’s both grounding and expansive.
By mid-morning, groups are usually indoors for sessions, taking advantage of the cool Shrine Hall or smaller meeting rooms. In the evenings, as temperatures drop, the venue transforms again as breezes take root, and twilight paints the desert in hues of rose and lavender.
For those drawn to mindful connection with the elements, this time of year offers a rare intimacy with nature’s cycles. It’s a time to slow down, simplify, and attune to the steady heartbeat of the land.
Delicious Locally Sourced Meals
We are committed to sourcing the healthiest possible local, sustainable, and organic whole foods from farms and suppliers in Crestone, the San Luis Valley, and the Rocky Mountain region.
In the kitchen, we prepare food in ways that are nutritionally balanced and beneficial to health and practice. Our relationship to the kitchen is a space of practice, acknowledging the kitchen’s energetic and physical impact on participants, teachers, and the program container as a whole.
You can see a sample menu below or use this printable menu.
Preferred Dates and Flexibility
Because July and August are typically quieter months, your group has a much wider selection of dates to choose from. This means you can design your schedule exactly how you want, whether it’s a weekend renewal retreat or a full week of deep work. Feel free to check out the availability calendar before you reach out to our friendly reservations team.
The Power of Place
Blazing Mountain is more than a facility; it’s a spiritual landscape. Located near the town of Crestone, it rests at the intersection of desert and mountain, silence and song. The surrounding region is known for its sacred sites: stupas, zendos, and hermitages nestled among piñon and juniper.
Groups who gather here often describe the land itself as a participant in their work. Whether you’re leading a contemplative retreat, an artist residency, or a strategy session, the environment helps hold the process.
In the height of summer, this quality becomes even more pronounced. With more open sky, the presence of the mountains feels close and personal. It’s as if the natural world itself is inviting you to listen more deeply.
What Guests Say
“We were surprised by how comfortable it was inside. The cooling in the Shrine Hall worked beautifully, and the evenings were absolutely stunning.”
— Yoga Instructor, Boulder, CO
“It was quiet in a way I didn’t expect. We felt like the land belonged entirely to us. The retreat was one of the most focused and profound we’ve ever held.”
— Nonprofit Director, Santa Fe, NM
“The combination of desert warmth and mountain coolness made the experience unforgettable.”
— Retreat Participant
Practical Comfort Tips for Summer Visitors
With just a few minor tips, guests often find summer to be the most peaceful and easy season of all.
Keep windows closed during the day to retain cool air.
Open windows at night to welcome the crisp mountain breeze.
Hydrate frequently — the dry air is part of the charm, but requires mindfulness.
Schedule outdoor activities in the early morning or late evening.
Enjoy the summer storms — they bring cooling relief and spectacular skies.
Time to Plan Your Summer Retreat at Blazing Mountain.
Location: Crestone, Colorado
Learn More: www.uccr.org/blazing-mountain
Email: res@uccr.org
Call: 800-678-5102