10 Spirit-Renewing Travel Hotspots in Colorado (Video Guide)

Is it possible to be grounded while globetrotting? Some may believe peaceful travel is an oxymoron, but the truth is that Colorado offers a multitude of unhurried spiritual and religious travel destinations. Sightseeing becomes elevated through divine explorations.

frequencyRiser wants to know where you will travel in Colorado? Undecided? This healthy list is helpful when planning trips in Colorado, especially for those who are seeking metaphysical or divine experiences.

Additionally, traveling yogis don’t want to miss out on the limited A Mind Well Traveled Yoga Bundle deal, complete with a unique, artist-design yoga mat, mat bag for easy transportation, a YogaWrap for spinal support in cars and airplanes, and a book by New-York Times best-selling author Mike Dooley titled Life on Earth: Understanding Who We Are, How We Got Here, and What May Lie Ahead.

10 Impressive Spiritual & Religious Travel Destinations in Colorado

Flat Tops Wilderness in Meeker, CO

In 1919, Forest Service landscape architect, Arthur Carhart, realized the unique spiritual characteristic of Flat Tops Wilderness. Tasked with building summer cottages on the land, Carhart’s connection to the natural treasure inspired him to become an advocate. Now, Flat Tops offers 235,035 acres of untouched, devoted wilderness.

Above the high cliffs of the White River Plateau, an unimaginable expanse of lush meadows and natural tundra demands attention. There are an abundance of loop routes for hikers and people on horses. Countless off-trail possibilities complement the official trail system, with over 160 miles of trails available to explore.

Sangre De Cristo Range in Colorado

Meaning “Blood of Christ,” the expansive Sangre De Cristo Range was aptly named after 18th century Spanish explorer, Antonio Valverde y Cosio, was inspired by the mountains’ bright red glow that halos the snow-covered peaks at sunrise. The range is surrounded by four 14ers: Blanca Peak (the tallest one at 14,345 feet), Little Bear Peak, Mount Lindsey, and Ellingwood Point.

Native Americans lived in the valleys here, and considered the mountains to be sacred. There is an ancient myth that every holy mountain peak is held in place on the earth by different elements, which are symbolized in local Native American artwork and religion. Blanca Peak is symbolized by lightning, a common sight surrounding the peak.

The Great Stupa of Dharmakaya at the Shambhala Mountain Center in Red Feather Lakes, CO

Meaning “Which Liberates Upon Seeing,” the Great Stupa of Dharmakaya rests in a meadow in the Shambhala Mountain Center’s central valley. Regally standing 108 feet tall, the Great Stupa is an inspirational landmark for sacred Buddhist architecture, and sings of energetic balance, wisdom and Buddhist blessings. Stupas are traditionally built wherever the teachings of the Buddhas have been practiced, as a sacred representation of enlightenment.

Colorado National Monument in Fruita, CO

Many national parks in the southwest United States are known for the massive, bright red sandstone walls that are definitive of the Rockies. Colorado National Monument offers more. The winding 23 mile Rim Rock Drive gains elevation and uncovers an impressive plateau with incredible vista views. Tunnels carve through the rocks. Sheer-walled canyons cut deep into sandstone and granite–gneiss–schist rock formations. Pulses may rise while traveling here, where the road becomes challenging, narrow and steep in certain areas, feeding into a sense of holy power and awe at what the natural landscape has to offer.

Feel connected to wildlife here, as red-tailed hawks, golden eagles, ravens, jays, desert bighorn sheep, and coyotes are a common sight. Hike or backpack to Window Rock, Monument Canyon, the Devil’s Garden, waterfalls (in season) or ancient cliff ruins.

Mother Cabrini Shrine in Golden, CO

Rated one of the most beautiful and spiritual shrines in Colorado, the Mother Cabrini Shrine is worth the long walk up an outdoor staircase to the top of the hill where the landmark rests. Find comfort in reflecting in front of the 22 foot tall statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, which was designed by Maurice Loriaux and a convent of the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The site was originally founded by Mother Cabrini, also known as Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini.

Air Force Academy Cadet Chapel in Colorado Springs, CO

In addition to being the most frequently visited man-made attraction in Colorado, the Air Force Academy Cadet Chapel is an impressive tribute to a collective of religions. This all-faith place of worship includes areas dedicated to Protestant, Catholic, Jewish and Buddhist faiths, as well as an undesignated spiritual room. Each faith has its own entrance into the Chapel, but all are unified under one roof.

Considered one of the most beautiful examples of contemporary American architecture, this steel, aluminum and glass structure features 17 majestic spires that reach 150 feet into the sky. The inside is just as breathtaking, with stained glass windows and even better spiritual experiences.

Crestone, Colorado

The Cresone area in Colorado is a spiritual epicenter representing several prominent religions: primarily Christianity, Zen Buddhism, Tibetan Buddhism, Hinduism and several New Age followings. Crestone is surrounded by 14,000 foot peaks - Crestone Peak and Crestone Needle - these impressive mountains inspired the area’s namesake.

Royal Gorge Bridge in Cañon City, CO

Built in 1929, the Royal Gorge Bridge was the highest bridge in the world with a deck height of 955 feet. Today, the Royal Gorge Bridge is no longer one of the top 10 highest bridges on planet Earth. Regardless, when walking across the bridge overwhelming feelings of divinity hit as the vast, natural scenes become absorbed. A sense of pilgrimage and spiritual power come to mind while crossing over the incredible Royal Gorge.

Stations of the Cross in San Luis, CO

Located on a mesa in the center of San Luis, the Stations of the Cross is formally named “La Mesa de la Piedad y de la Misericordia” (Hill of Piety and Mercy), and depict Jesus’ judgement, sufferings and death during his final hours. Each bronze Station can be viewed while sojourning along the trail to the top of the hill and is accompanied by a plaque with several Bible Scriptures. There are 15 stations in all with the last station being Christ’s resurrection.

The trail itself is less than a mile long and is considered to be an easy path. At the top, a church provides shelter for those who wish to pray, meditate, and contemplate creation.

Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs, CO

The Garden of the Gods is breathtaking in every sense. Everywhere you look, every monumental rock formation is unique. Tall, gradient sandstone spires and cliffs frame the snow-capped Rocky Mountains in the background. Local Native American tribes are connected to the formations here, especially the Ute people who believed that the red rocks had spiritual properties. According to Ute tradition, man was created in the Garden of the Gods. Today, the Garden is still used by the Ute people as a prayer site.

Explore the Garden with a leisurely walk through the rock garden or try one of the many different trails available to hike for greater intensity. Couples who wish to honor their love and a spiritual connection to nature may get married at the Garden of the Gods for free.

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