Choying Dzong
is
located in the high mountains of the San Luis Valley of south central
Colorado. It is a breathtaking place to hear and practice the dharma.
It is also located at 8,500 feet above sea level, situated on steep
and rocky terrain. We advise retreatants to drink plenty of water
and avoid over-exertion when getting settled in order to help your
body adjust to the altitude. People with health conditions should
be aware of the environmental challenges when preparing for any
length of retreat. Bring sturdy walking shoes, a warm jacket and
clothes that can be layered for variable changes in the weather.
Smoking
& Pets
There is no smoking of any kind permitted on the retreat land. Please
do not bring or use substances for smoking during your stay. Since
we do not have a place for pets at the retreat center, please make
arrangements for them to be cared for at home.
Preparing
for your Retreat
Please note: The following list is
offered only as suggestion. The cabin you stay in may already be
supplied with some dry food, candles, shrine objects, etc. Retreatants
are welcome to use these but are also responsible for replacing
items they use with items of similar value or usefulness before
departing.
Personal
shrine materials, books, paper, pens or pencils
- Bedding,
toiletries, sun shower, towel, toilet paper
- Food,
beverages, supplements, medicine
- Candles,
matches, lantern, flashlight, extra batteries
- Clothes
and shoes or boots for changeable mountain weather
- Fire
starter (recommended during spring and winter months)
TRANSPORTATION
As Crestone
is somewhat remote, if you are arriving by air, we recommend trying
to get oneself at least as far as Alamosa, Colorado. United Airlines
offers flights to Alamosa on Great Lakes Airlines (1-800-554-5111).
Other airports to fly into are Denver, CO, Albuquerque, NM or Colorado
Springs, CO. Transportation from Alamosa, CO or Salida, CO can be
arranged by contacting either Cynthia Peters at Blue Pearl Taxi
& Shuttle Service: 719-256-4346, or Tilopa at Windhorse Transportation:
719-256-4177. Both of these services operate as local Crestone businesses.
DRIVING
DIRECTIONS
From Denver and points north of Crestone:
Approximate Drive Time: 4 - 5 hours
• Take I-70 west to C-470 (south-east)
• Take C-470 to the exit for Hwy 285 south
• Follow Hwy 285 south through Bailey, Fairplay, Salida, etc.
Just after Villa Grove, take the left exit for Hwy 17 (south).
• Follow Hwy 17 to Moffat. Turn left (east) on “T”
road to Crestone. The “T” road is at mile marker 105.
Then follow the directions for "in Crestone" below.
From Alamosa and points south of Crestone:
• Take Hwy 160 east to Hwy 17. Turn left (north).
• Follow Hwy 17 to Moffat. Turn right (east) on “T”
road to Crestone. Then follow the directions below.
In
Crestone:
• As you near Crestone, you will see an entrance to the Baca
Grande on the right. Turn right. Follow this road until it turns
to gravel. After the road turns to gravel, you will pass through
3 “intersections” and continue to the fourth road to
the left – the entrance to Chöying Dzong which is marked
by five prayer flags and a dharma wheel sign under a small roof.
Drive all the way to the top.
We
look forward to supporting you in retreat. To arrange a retreat
please email your preferred dates along with a brief statement of
the intention for your retreat. For general inquiries or more information,
please call (719) 256-5224 or send an e-mail to info@yeshekhorlo.org
