EXPEDITION FAQ
Crestone is a land of extremes. In August, you can experience 80°F sunshine and 35°F midnight rain within the same six-hour window.
I. The “Three-Layer” System (Clothing)
We recommend synthetic or wool (merino) fabrics.
- Base Layer: Moisture-wicking T-shirts and long-sleeves.
- Mid Layer: A light fleece or “puffy” down jacket (essential even in August).
- Outer Layer: A dedicated waterproof rain shell (Gore-Tex or similar).
- Footwear: Broken-in hiking boots or trail runners with good lugged soles.
- Station Wear: Comfortable clothes for yurt life (sweatpants, sandals/crocs).
II. The Night Kit (Off-Grid Essentials)
- Headlamp: Crucial for navigating to the compost toilets at night.
- Power Bank: A portable charger (10,000mAh+) for your phone.
- Sleeping Bag/Linens: * Yurt Guests: We provide a mattress and pillow. Please bring a sleeping bag (30°F rated) or heavy blankets.
- Campers: Full sleep system (pad + bag).
- Towel: Quick-dry microfiber towel for outdoor showers.
III. Mountain Tools
- Water Storage: At least 2–3 Liters of capacity. Our on-site well water is excellent for refilling.
- Sun Protection: High-SPF sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat.
- Daypack: A 20–30L pack for day hikes to the basin.
- Optional Groceries for snacks
Altitude & Health: Preparing for the Ascent
I. The Three Pillars
- Hydration: Drink 4–5 liters of water per day starting three days before arrival. Use electrolytes (Nuun/Liquid IV).
- Nutrition: Your body burns more calories at altitude. Prioritize carbohydrates for efficient oxygen use.
- Sleep: Expect a higher heart rate at night initially as your body adjusts.
II. Recognizing AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness)
Be vocal if you experience:
- Persistent headache.
- Nausea or loss of appetite.
- Extreme fatigue or dizziness.
The Cure: The only true cure for altitude sickness is descent. Our logistics team is prepared to move guests to lower elevation if symptoms persist.
I. Flying to the Mountains
- Route 1: Fly to Denver (DIA), then a 45-minute flight via Denver Air Connection to Alamosa (ALS). We offer a station shuttle from Alamosa (50 mins).
- Route 2: Fly to Colorado Springs (COS) or Santa Fe (SAF) and rent a car (approx. 3-hour drive).
- Route 3: Fly to Denver (DIA) and rent a car (approx. 4-hour drive).
II. Driving from Texas
- Day 1: Drive to Santa Fe, NM (~11 hours).
- Day 2: A scenic 3-hour drive north through the San Luis Valley to Crestone.
Arrival Window: Please aim to arrive between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM on Thursday for the Convergence Dinner.
III. Station Infrastructure
Mountain Station is a solar-powered, off-grid environment. We utilize an on-site well and dedicated water storage tanks to provide fresh mountain water.
- Groceries: Stop in Alamosa (Safeway) or Salida (Natural Grocers) for personal supplies.
