If you’re planning a men’s retreat near Rocky National Park, here are seven ideas of what to do to make it a relaxing, peaceful, and fun time!
Seven Activities to Do on a Men’s Retreat in Estes Park, CO
1) Hike the Rockies
Rocky Mountain National Park has hundreds of thousands of acres of stunning landscapes to explore via some of the best hiking trails in the world. Within just a short distance from High Peak camp, some of the incredible hiking includes:
- Fish Creek Trail and Lakeshore Loop: This 2.3-mile loop offers convenient access to downtown Estes Park and quite accessible views of the surrounding area.
- Lily Lake to Estes Cone Loop: This 8-mile trip may be shortened by approximately a mile by skipping Lily Lake. It is a hybrid out-and-back and loop. After climbing about 2,600 feet, you will be rewarded with stunning vistas of Estes Park and RNP.
- Twin Sisters Peak Trail: This 7.5-mile out-and-back journey to Twin Sisters Peak involves a strenuous 2,500-foot ascent. Of course, your men's group will be rewarded with breathtaking views if they reach the summit.
- Lily Mountain Track: On this 3.5-mile out-and-back trail, you'll gain 1,200 feet in elevation and reach an incredible observation point.
2) Play a Round of Golf
You don’t have to go deep into the backcountry to enjoy the Rockies. There are two beautiful golf courses in Estes Park:
- Estes Park 18-Hole Golf Course
- Lake Estes 9-Hole Golf Course
Both courses are conveniently located within Estes Park and have incredible views of the snow capped Rocky Mountains. As a bonus, for those in your group who would rather play disc golf, you can find eighteen holes and spectacular views at THE YMCA of the Rockies Disc Golf Course.
3) Go Mountain Biking
If your men’s group would enjoy shredding some trails, Hermit Park is the perfect place to ride. Per Trail Forks:
“The 1,362 acres of Hermit Park Open Space nestle into the hills at 7,880-8,964 feet elevation. Ponderosa pine forests and wetland meadows characterize this beautiful property and its abundant habitat for an impressive variety of mountain wildlife.”
Hermit Park offers a mix of beginner and intermediate trails, as well as a few black diamonds for experienced shredders. If you have a few vehicles, you can utilize the gravel roads to shuttle riders to the top of the mountain.
4) Go Fishing
RNP and Estes Park are an angler’s paradise. There are miles upon miles of fast-flowing rivers and creeks, as well as Lake Estes and Mary’s Lake. Some of the men on your retreat probably dream about fly fishing in Rocky Mountain National Park.
“Today, the park has populations of brown, brook, rainbow, and cutthroat (Colorado River and Yellowstone) trout, as well as suckers and sculpin. Most of Rocky's high altitude lakes lack reproducing fish populations due to cold water and lack of spawning habitat.” - National Park Service.
All individuals sixteen years of age or older must possess a current Colorado fishing license in order to fish in Rocky Mountain National Park. Other permits are not required, but there are unique rules. You must be aware of them and abide by them.
There are rules and regulations designed to protect and preserve trout populations in RNP and Estes Park, so it is important to familiarize yourself with what is and is not appropriate in the area.
The Big Thompson Canyon, one of Colorado's prime fishing locations, is located right here in Estes Park. From our town to Loveland, there are more than twenty miles of quickly flowing water, and for fishermen, a stretch of the river that is about ten miles long is a catch-and-release haven.
High Peak Camp has six trout ponds, where you can fish while enjoying the beautiful views of Mount Meeker, Longs Peak, Mount Lady Washington, Estes Cone, and Twin Sisters. Definitely bring your waders, rods, reels, and flies along on your men’s retreat at High Peak Camp.
5) Take an ATV/Jeep Tour of the Rockies
Estes Park, CO, is surrounded by miles upon miles of ATV and Jeep trails. There are several companies that offer rentals and tours perfect for giving your men’s retreat the opportunity to get out and experience nature in an adrenaline-pumping fashion. Some of the popular off road trails in our area include:
- Switzerland Trail: This is a really large, simple trail network with some really enjoyable, hard portions as possibilities. Many of the options provide drivers with spectacular views. The trail gets its name from the high altitudes and curvy path. It is about forty-five minutes from downtown Estes Park.
- Storm Mountain: Climbing to the summit of this trail rewards you with stunning scenery. You are likely to see some wildlife, like elk and moose, as you navigate the moderately difficult trail.
- Pole Hill: This trail system, which is close to the city, offers stunning Rocky Mountain scenery in addition to a spectacular view of Estes Park's central business district. It's crucial to remember that the hardest portion of this 8.4-mile loop is the first 500 feet, with milder paths following to let you concentrate on the wildlife and beautiful scenery.
- Johnny Park: The trail has a lot of variety. It includes a lot of easy terrain for those who aren't as bold and some extremely steep terrain for the adventurer. Even though it is near town, it is normally not particularly busy; Johnny Park has a variety of breathtaking vistas and strenuous trails.
- Old Fall River Road: This route is one of the best trails in the area; although, it is important to note it is limited to licensed vehicles or bicycles. The trail begins just outside Estes Park. The route will lead you to the Alpine Visitor Center at the height of nearly 12,000 feet and provide you with breathtaking views of Rocky Mountain National Park.
There are, of course, many other ATV and Jeep trails throughout the area. You can reach out to the many companies that rent vehicles and provide tours for more information about how to explore the off-road trails in our area.
6) Hang Out at Camp
There is plenty for your men’s group to enjoy on High Peak’s campus. We have a variety of adventure activities and competitive games and sports.
Adventure Activities:
For the adventure seekers, some of our options include:
- Low Ropes/High Ropes: Our ropes courses are thrilling and challenging for people and groups to move outside of their comfort zones.
- Climbing Wall: Similarly to our ropes courses, your group's participating men will face obstacles on the climbing wall. A sense of pride and success that they might not experience in their daily lives is instilled when they reach the top. Those who are not climbing are encouraging their friends who are.
- Zipline: Always exciting; it's difficult to ride one without grinning.
- You can also enjoy hiking, wildlife viewing, and fishing on our campus.
Competitive Games:
For guys who like to challenge each other to friendly competition, some of our competitive games include:
- Disc Golf/Frisbee Golf
- Miniature Golf
- Broomball
- Gaga Ball
- Various Sports
In addition to games and adventure activities, we have a number of indoor and outdoor meeting spaces. Our indoor spaces are appointed with technological amenities, and our outdoor spaces are in view of the Rockies.
7) Take Time for Discussion and Devotionals
Some of the most breathtaking sights in the world are all around us. Nothing can compare to God's creation, even though the activities at High Peak are a fantastic addition to your men's retreat. Being surrounded by the grandeur of nature and the great outdoors is the best setting for fostering serious talks.
One of the most important activities you can do during your men’s retreat is nothing. Build time into your schedule for men to pray, read Scripture, meditate, and just relax in nature.
Host Your Men’s Retreat at High Peak Camp in Estes Park, CO
The amenities of High Peak Camp are a special fusion of old and contemporary. New buildings have been positioned among the older ones to accommodate various retreat groups.
We provide comfortable lodging and a variety of indoor meeting spaces. We can accommodate small groups and large men’s groups.
For indoor group meeting needs, our two-story mill building, state-of-the-art chapel, coach stop, and lodge areas provide adequate space. Also available are various smaller cabins.
If you are interested in booking a men’s retreat at High Peak Camp, reach out to us today. Space is filling up quickly!