Hiking

There will be some free time set aside for hiking at the end of the day, prior to dinner. The trail heads are virtually right out the back door and offer a variety of excellent hiking experiences. There will be no formally organized route—everyone will be permitted to go where they wish, though there will likely be a few spontaneously self-organizing groups. The only restriction is that you must be back to the Dining Hall by our dinner reservation time, so keep track of time and plan your route accordingly. Bring your hiking shoes, a water bottle, and maybe some sunscreen!

There are a wide variety of trails of different length and steepness. If you aren't up for the challenge of the Royal Arch trail, for example, you can still absorb some beautiful views from the far less arduous trails nearest to the Chautauqua. And if you don't feel like hiking at all, you can simply relax on the sprawling and beautiful Chautauqua grounds and/or check out the impressive taxidermy in the ranger's cottage. There is also a wide open field right in front of the Dining Hall that is perfect for frisbee or soccer!