Camping with Colleagues
Mountain-based experiences abound
By Malik Anderson
Mountain-based experiences abound
For meeting professionals, sending RFPs to hotels or conference centers located deep in city bounds is a classic scenario. While there’s nothing wrong with this—hotels in Colorado’s major cities provide plenty of amenities your groups will love—sometimes, nature calls. Rustic cabins and dude ranches in Colorado Springs, Aurora and its smaller nearby cities which sit between them are dialing up meeting profs.
In addition to a long list of team-building opportunities, in the form of scenic drives to national parks or hitting outdoor trails, there are plenty of options for a different kind of stay, taking groups out of the busy streets and into Mother Nature’s embrace, fostering connection among colleagues in a non-traditional setting.
Local Expert Tip
“Our conference facilities, resort properties, foodie culture and renowned liquid arts—with more than 425 breweries, 150 wineries and 120 distilleries—presents a vast variety of options for planners wanting a unique experience for their groups regardless of size. The overall ‘live life to the fullest’ vibe translates to an active, year-round culture for health and wellness, outdoor lifestyles and endless activities.”
– Kelly Layton, executive director, Destination Colorado
5 Reasons Meeting Profs Love Colorado
- National parks. Colorado is home to four national parks: Rocky Mountain National Park, Mesa Verde National Park, Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Beyond these parks, adventurous experiences await, such as a tour of Cliff Palace near Mesa Verda, the largest cliff dwelling in North America.
- Opportunity for activities. Colorado’s mountainous terrain makes it a wise choice for outdoor adventure in various forms. Take Cave of the Winds Mountain Park. Visitors can learn about the history of the attraction via its cave tours, which serve as its main attraction, as well as engage in other outdoor activities, such as outdoor rock climbing and zip lining. For those looking for a challenge, Manitou Incline, which gains 2,000 ft. of elevation in less than 1 mile, may give attendees what they’re looking for.
- Tours all over. Tours take on many different forms in Colorado. The state is home to tastings and tours at more than 425 breweries, 150 wineries and 120 distilleries, many of which include more than just touring, offering attendees beer and food pairings while dropping history lessons along the way. The state also has train routes all over—some interstate, others domestic—that let attendees explore the sights vintage-style.
- Ranches. Ranches may be one of the best places for corporate retreats and team-building activities, and Colorado has a lot of them—more than 30 in fact—ranging from
rustic to luxurious and upscale. - Scenic drives (with adventure). A lot of time is spent between walls when meeting. When outdoors, there are plenty of beautiful drives that include bridges, tunnels, hiking
trails and animal sightings. Royal Gorge Bridge & Park, one hour from Colorado Springs, part of Royal Gorge to Phantom Canyon Loop, features a gondola and ziplining.
5 Fantastic Places to Meet
The Broadmoor’s Cloud Camp Stationed 3,000 ft. above The Broadmoor, this camp extension of the main property provides a space perfect for group retreats, with two handfuls worth of outdoor activities and large accommodations.
Seven-room main lodge; 11 cabins; 1,500 sq.-ft. Overlook venue (315,000 sq. ft. of space at main property)
Jellystone Park at Larkspur Sitting midway between Denver and Colorado Springs, this lodging area takes you away from city life and deeper into the mountains on its 100 acres, which includes cabins, outdoor meeting space, heated pool and hot tub, and more.
111 cabins across five room types;
meeting space that can accommodate
up to 300
The Benson Hotel and Faculty Club From the first, this Aurora-based hotel takes you into its comforting embrace, from its lobby to its guest rooms. Although designed with University of Anschutz Medical Campus faculty and staff in mind, this property is for all.
88 guest rooms and 18 suites, 8,000 sq. ft. of event space
A-Frame Club Located west of Denver in Winter Park, Colorado, this resort mixes the rustic aesthetic of the 1970s—tall ceilings, fireplaces and touches of wood throughout—with the camp-oriented lifestyle many associate with Colorado.
31 cabins; on-site restaurant, The Saloon, is available for buyout
Vista Verde Guest Ranch Retreats and team-building activities are in large supply. From rock climbing and cattle work to mountain biking and horseback riding in its heated indoor arena, there are plenty of opportunities for colleagues to connect over outdoor fun.
12 one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom cabins and three lodge rooms (28 total rooms)
By Malik Anderson
This article appears in the July 2023 issue. You can subscribe to the magazine here.
