Summertime in Colorado offers playtime in a whole different way. Areas that were once covered deeply in snow become lush and vibrant, full of life from wild flowers and butterflies to lumbering moose and raucous rivers. It’s the time when we reconnect, seeing our neighbors and friends in the light of day, as if each of us are emerging from our own winter hibernation. The season begs for us to reunite, celebrate, and explore the playground of Colorado and the Rocky Mountains together.
Ever since opening its doors to the public, Shadowcliff Mountain Lodge has celebrated this kind of connection. An eco-friendly mountain sanctuary nestled on the western side of Rocky Mountain National Park and perched above Grand Lake, this unique nonprofit lodge and retreat center exists to connect people to each other, to place, and to information. The warm, rustic vibe encourages guests and staff alike to get outside, talk with each other, and experience the world. Many have said that staying at Shadowcliff is like all the best parts of summer camp rolled up into a refreshing, affordable destination for adults and families.
Going outside to play, pretend, discover, at any age is a good idea. People of all ages become more interested in and curious about life when they learn and play outside. Shadowcliff Mountain Lodge has a long history of connecting people, providing an invigorating place for retreat and renewal in the Rocky Mountains since the mid-70’s. Even in the 50’s and 60’s, when the lodge was being built by the hands of over 650 volunteers from 42 countries, people found the space of Shadowcliff enlivening and refreshing.
This season Shadowcliff invites you and your family to experience this first hand at the 4th annual family camp, Critters, Creeks, and Crows, June 22nd-25th. Critters is Shadowcliff’s annual siren song to come out with your family and play in the woods. Unplug! Enjoy family-centered learning and playing in the great outdoors while letting someone else take care of all the activities, rustling up the home-cooked meals, and securing the lodging. It’s an ideal adventure that allows families to reconnect and is designed for ages 6 and up. We love it when the grandparents come, too!
Registration is for a family of three, with an extra charge per person after that. As always, children 5 and under stay for free.
Visit our website to register for Critters, to learn more about our about us, and see the other programs we offer. And if joining one of our pre-planned programs doesn’t work for you, perhaps coming up and creating your own family vacation in Grand Lake with Shadowcliff as your homebase does. We hope to see you playing this summer in the mountains!
-Hillary Mizia
Author: Mile High Mamas
