Box Canyon remains a popular hideaway quietly nestled on the edge of Ouray. Originally one of the many mining camps in the area, it would develop a somewhat notorious history when it once served as the home of a doomsday cult.
Krishna Venta (real name Francis Pencovic) believed himself to be the second coming of Christ. He claimed to have been born over 200,000 years earlier on a planet called Neophrates. In 1948, Venta purchased nearly fifty acres of Box Canyon land and erected a monastery plus several dorms for the followers of his cult named the W.F.K.L. Fountain of the World. Members of the cult were known for their long hair and always walking around barefoot. Interestingly, they became well-liked in the area because of their efforts in fighting off wildfires.
While the members of the cult may have been loved, inside the monastery Venta spent his time preaching about an upcoming World War III involving the United States and Russia where the latter would emerge victorious, allowing the cult to take back the world. The plans were short-lived when Venta and several of his followers perished in a blast in 1958.
Today, traces of the cult are few and far between and the Box Canyon area is now popular with the well to do. It’s definitely worth a visit.
This update is provided by The River’s Edge Motel Lodge & Resort. You’ll find five unique types of Ouray Colorado hotels at our location on the banks of the Uncompahgre River, and every single room has a view of the mountains. For more information on specials, Ouray Colorado hotel amenities, questions about hosting your special event, or hotel specials, please call 888-547-5962. You can also visit us at 110 7th Avenue.