4-Day Darkness Retreat in Crestone, Colorado

A 4-day supported darkness retreat at Chamma Ling Retreat Center in Crestone, Colorado.

This retreat offers a simple and intentional container for stepping away from the pace, stimulation, and demands of everyday life. Held in the quiet mountain setting of Chamma Ling, it is a chance to enter a period of solitude, stillness, and deep inward attention, with thoughtful support throughout the process.

On the first day, participants arrive at 3:00 p.m. and have time to settle into their private cabins, get oriented, and walk the beautiful mountain landscape of the land. That afternoon, each person also has the option of receiving a bodywork session in preparation for entering the dark. Participants enter the darkness that evening.

From there, you will spend 72 hours in complete darkness in your own cabin. During that time, two meals a day are delivered to your cabin, and daily check-ins are provided to support your experience while still preserving the solitude of the retreat. There is also the option to receive additional bodywork or massage during the retreat in your darkness cabin if desired.

On the evening of the fourth night, participants are invited to come out of the dark and take part in a revealing ceremony. That evening is set aside for beginning the integration process, whether through journaling, walking the land, resting, or optionally connecting with other participants who are also emerging from the dark.

Afterward, participants spend one more night in darkness. On the following morning, there is a community breakfast and optional closing circle to share anything from the retreat and prepare for re-entry into the world. Check-out is at 11:00 a.m. on the fifth day.

This retreat is centered on simplicity, solitude, and inner listening. Without the usual input of screens, conversation, and constant activity, many people find that attention begins to settle and turn inward in a different way. For some, the retreat becomes a space for rest, prayer, meditation, reflection, insight, or simply being with themselves more directly.