Sometimes referred to as a ‘viking funeral,’ the act of burning the body of a deceased person in a ceremonial ritual is something that’s been practiced by human beings for thousands of years. This type of ceremony isn’t common in the United States, however, only legal in one place – and that place happens to be in located in Colorado.

Those familiar with Colorado culture may be able to guess where these open-air funerals are legal – it’s Crestone, a quirky and remote town in the San Luis Valley that’s internationally known for hosting a diverse range of religious and spiritual groups and practices despite its population of only about 150 residents.

While open-air cremation is illegal in nearly the entire country, a group in Crestone offers this funeral option, said by numerous sources to be the only place in the United States to do so outside of a few select ceremonies reserved for members of certain religious and spiritual groups (another source, and another source).

The group behind this Crestone offering is the Crestone End of Life Project, which bills itself as the only legal, open-air cremation site in Colorado – though, as noted, this claim seems to stretch to the rest of the country, as well.

As described by the group, the process involves a pyre, a half-cord of wood, a wooden stretcher, and a shroud. Friends and family of the deceased gather and work with staff to conduct the ceremony in which remains are burnt.

“This ancient and inspirational end-of-life choice returns the body to its original fire and air elements,” explains Crestone End of Life project.

As noted on the group’s website, the service is only available for Saguache County residents who have lived locally for more than three months prior to their death. The service comes with a suggested donation of $500 to $800.

For many, death is a morbid topic, though it is a part of life that all must experience – and some people may prefer this type of funeral opposed to other options. Learn more about Crestone End of Life project here.

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