Embedded Files
Day 1 (October 10, 2025)
After a 2 hour journey on a bus, filled with laughter and conversations while looking at how the scenery outside the window turned from urban to mountains, we reached the University of Denver's James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus located in Red Feather Lakes, Colorado.
Even though it was hard to see much outside the window due to the fog and darkness, being from the suburbs of North Texas, I was in awe of the scenery during the drive. I took the time to acknowledge the indigenous people who roamed these lands before me, and, like me, were amazed by the beauty and vastness of the Rocky Mountains.
A young man from the Cherokee tribe named Red Feather led his people to the area that is now known as Red Feather Lakes which is where the DU mountain campus is located. Being able to enjoy the resources and the beauty of this area in Colorado is a lesson we can learn from the Cherokee tribe. By honoring them and their land, we have the privilege of connecting with nature just like their tribe did.
Day 2 (October 11, 2025)
On Saturday, I started my morning with horseback riding! Founded by husband and wife, Dan and Ella, Sundance Trail Guest Ranch has been around for 25 years allowing families to get in touch with nature. The DU Mountain Campus has been partnering with Sundance Trail to provide horseback riding to DU students. While horseback riding, I began to think of how horses were the main mode of transportation before industrialization. The horses were able to navigate the narrow and steep terrain of the trail that would have been more difficult for humans to navigate. Although it left my legs sore the next day, it helped me to appreciate the strength of the horses.
In the afternoon, I went on a hike with some friends! Without access to the internet, it took us a while to locate the head of the trail, but it truly allowed us to fully disconnect from our phones and pay attention to our surroundings. Throughout the trail, we saw large footprints. Perhaps it was a moose or maybe a deer, but we made sure to stay extra alert during the hike. The smell of the pines and dirt filled our noses and was truly a refreshing experience. After a hike surrounded by pines, we came out into a meadow filled with the colors of fall and the rushing sound of a creek nearby. Our hike started with a light drizzle of rain but ended cool and sunny.
The land the James C. Kennedy Mountain sits on was owned by Girl Scouts of Colorado before it was bought by the University of Denver. Due to the generous donation of James C. Kennedy, DU was able to transform the 730-acres into an outdoor haven for DU students to be able to connect with nature, and step out of your comfort zones through activities such as the Via Ferrata, rock climbing, and the ropes challenge courses which I took part in. With the private catered food, and the cozy-feel of the cabins, the campus provides the opportunity to retreat from the fast-pace of the urban campus and allows you to decompress in nature. Although the beds were rock-hard, it gave the campus a feeling of being at a summer camp. The delicious food and the helpful staff really ensured us that we were being well-cared for.
Saturday ended with s'mores and stargazing. Being able to stare up at the milky-way without the disruption of light-pollution was truly breathtaking. I thought back to my ancestors who viewed this same sky, from other parts of the planet, many years before me.
Campfires have historically been a place where people share stories and bond with others. The fire brought us warmth on this cold night and gave us a chance to reflect on the memories and friendships we made throughout the weekend. Also, making s'mores are bound to make anyone happy!
Day 3 (October 12, 2025)
On Sunday morning, we awoke to the wind howling and swaying the trees and grass. As we were walking across campus, we were being pushed by the strong winds. I thought of John Muir's A Windstorm in the Forest. Despite being sleepy and cold, I reminded myself to notice that no matter how intense the winds were, the pine trees, big and small, remained strong and rooted to the ground. I took this energy with me into a morning yoga class. During the yoga class, I was able to root myself to the ground, much like the trees, through connecting with my breaths and practicing my balance. Being able to clear my mind of any anxious thoughts was the perfect way to wrap up my time at KMC and head into the rest of the week with a positive mindset.
Goodbye Mountain Campus! I am grateful for the chance to retreat to the mountains and take care of myself amidst midterm season. Thank you for reading and till next time!
A cup of joe I had before leaving :)
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse