Women's Summer Hut Trip
with Nature Journaling, Wildflowers, and Hiking
July 13-14, 2008
Summer is the Season of Life in the Colorado High Country
* Need some time to focus?
* Want to escape from the pressures of everyday life and listen to nature?
* Want to stay in a backcountry hut but don’t know how or where to go?
Then join is for the summer hut trip. $285
To learn more about the class, including suggested gear, cancellation policy, etc. see below.
For enrollment forms, Click Here. (Form is in PDF format. Page takes awhile to load.)Safety First
Customer service and participant safety are our #1 priorities. Click Here for our Safety Guidelines. (Form is in PDF format. Page takes awhile to load.)
Summer Hut Trip Q&A
How much does the trip cost?
$285. Payment includes a non-refundable $50 application fee.
What’s included in the price of this trip?
- Pre-trip planning meeting prior to the event.
- An overnight stay at the Shrine Mountain Inn backcountry hut.
- Nature journaling
- Wildflower viewing and bird watching (we'll be at the hut during peak wildflower season).
- Guided hikes from the hut.
- Informal yoga and relaxation techniques.
- Refreshments when you arrive Sunday afternoon.
- A healthy, delicious gourmet dinner on Sunday evening and breakfast on Monday morning.
- Sleeping bag and liner.
- A CORSAR card (see CORSAR section)
- Camaraderie with other amazing women!
What’s not included in the price of this event?
- Transportation to and from the trailhead
- Personal items (you probably have most of it already)
- Food and hydration during the hikes
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Tell me more about what we'll do once we're at the hut.
Remember this is your time to relax, get into nature, and create more balance in your life!
You'll be able to view the wildflowers and birds near the hut and enjoy nature's beauty. The hiking nearby is amazing and includes views of the Continental Divide, Holy Cross Wilderness, Gore Range and the Ten-Mile Range.
Proposed itinerary:
- Sunday afternoon: Meet at the hut around 1:00; enjoy a delicious snack upon arrival, unpack your belongings; get settled; check out the amazing wildflowers near the hut; learn some nature journaling techniques from published nature writer, Mary Taylor Young.
- Sunday evening: Devour an amazingly healthy, gourmet dinner prepared for you; do an optional evening hike.
- Monday morning: Sleep in; try some yoga/stretching to get you going, savor a delicious breakfast, do more hiking, pack your things. We'll leave the hut by 12 p.m.
*This is a proposed itinerary. The actual itinerary may vary according to the weather and the needs of the group.
What about fitness?
All hiking around the hut is optional. If you plan to hike you must be able to carry your pack with up to 10 pounds of gear (water, snacks, jacket) while you are hiking at 11,000+ feet.
Being in good physical condition prior to the event will add to the enjoyment of your trip as your body responds to the challenges of the outdoors.
Tell me more about the hut.
The hut is really a unique, charming place. You'll be in awe of its design, coziness and comfort level. The Shrine Mountain Inn hut is about 2 hours from Denver near the top of Shrine Pass. It rests at 11,200 feet, is 20 years old and is made of log. The hut is wood heated, has generator-powered lighting, hot and cold running water, 2 indoor bathrooms with flush toilets, one bathtub and shower.
The 3-story hut's sleeping areas are mostly communal. sleeping space is reserved on a first-registered-first served basis.
How will we get to the hut?
In the summer you can drive to the hut. It's located 2.7 miles off Vail Pass on a rocky and rough Forest Service road. A high profile vehicle is recommended.
Note: in the unlikely event we are unable to drive to the hut (major rainstorm that could potentially make the road impassable) we will hike to the hut while carrying our overnight belongings. Participants must be prepared both mentally and physically for a 2.7 mile hike to the hut.
What about the weather?
Colorado mountain summers are well known for mild temps and clear skies; however thunderstorms and rain are common, especially in the afternoons. The list of suggested gear will help ensure you are prepared for the conditions.
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Who are the guides?
Saralyn Crock, the lead guide, has 17 years of hiking, mountain biking, snowshoeing experience. She has organized and led numerous hiking and mountain bike day trips and overnight backcountry hut trips. Additionally, she has hiked 10 of Colorado's 14'ers. Saralyn is a Wilderness First Responder, and follows Leave No Trace environmental guidelines.
Assistant guide: Mary Taylor Young. Mary has over 30 years of backcountry experience. She is trained in First Aid/CPR and has experience guiding others.
Tell me more about the Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search & Rescue (CORSAR) card.
By enrolling in the class, you will receive a CORSAR card. Any time you travel to the backcountry, even if you are taking a well-marked trail, you should carry your CORSAR card with you. It will help reimburse search and rescue teams in the event of a search/rescue. Funds remaining at the end of the year are used to help pay for training and equipment for the teams. The card is not insurance and does not reimburse individuals nor does it pay for medical transport.
What’s the Cancellation Policy? IMPORTANT…READ THIS!
Event payment includes a $50 non-refundable application fee. If, for some reason through the application process, we are unable to accept you in the event prior to it commencing, the $50 application fee and 100% of your payment will be refunded.
Our cancellation/refund policy is based on our investment in time, obtaining permits, reservations, and food purchases/prep before the event. Cancellation refunds will be given according to the following schedule:
Days prior to event beginning:
- More than 30 days: 100% minus $50 application fee
- 20-29 days: 50% minus $50 application fee
- 20 days or less: No refunds
Unfortunately we are unable to make any exceptions to our cancellation policy for illness or injury. However, if we are able to fill your spot with a person on the waiting list, you will be refunded your unused prorated class fee, minus the $50 registration fee.
BellaRock Adventures, LLC is not responsible for participant expenses incurred in preparation for the program, including but not limited to airfare and travel/event insurance. You may choose to purchase trip/event insurance, such as Travel Guard. In the event of an emergency, participants are responsible for evacuation costs including additional trailhead shuttles, ambulance or search and rescue.
What do I bring on the hut trip?
For the Hut:
- Pillowcase cover
- Toiletries (meds, contacts, toothbrush, etc.)
- Sleeping bag (only if you want to use your own bag - bags and liners are included in the price of the trip)
- Wash cloth
- Comfy clothing
- Slippers
- Plastic grocery bag to pack out trash
Gear
- Broken-in hiking boots or shoes
- Trekking poles (highly recommended - especially if you have tired knees)
- Backpack or fanny pack with hydration system (e.g. CamelBak) or 1- 32 oz. water bottle
- UV protection sunglasses
Clothing for Hiking
- Hiking socks (SmartWool or polypro)
- Cotton-free shirt
- Synthetic fiber layers (e.g. polypro shirt, fleece vest, etc.)
- Water-resistant jacket
- Hat
- Mittens or gloves
Other
- Nutritious individually packaged snacks (PB&J, energy bars, trail mix, fruit, etc.)
- Binoculars
- Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF
- OTC meds/vitamins and Rx labeled with dosage amounts
- Contact lens solutions
- Camera
- Whistle
- Pocket knife
- Flashlight/headlamp
- Feminine products
- Personal 1st aid kit
- TP with 3 ziploc bags
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How do I enroll?
It’s simple. Just fill out the following forms and return them to BellaRock Adventures as soon as possible. Space is limited to 9 participants.
Forms Required:
- Enrollment Questionnaire
- Medical History Form
- Waiver
- 10th Mountain Division Hut waiver (to be signed at pre-trip meeting)
For enrollment forms, Click Here.
Additional Questions?
Please call Saralyn Crock at 303.906.3874 or email at Saralyn@bellarockadventures.com
We’re looking forward to a great adventure with you!
BellaRock Adventures, LLC operates under a special use permit from the Arapaho and White River National Forests. BellaRock Adventures, LLC is an equal opportunity provider.
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