High Trails Trail Running Retreat

Escape to the mountains this summer for a long weekend of trail running, hiking, and connection in beautiful Buena Vista, Colorado. We’ll stay in a beautiful riverside home—just steps from Main Street, local trails, and surrounded by mountain views.

Each day, we’ll head out for an adventure on the trails, with options ranging from 10–20 miles depending on your goals and how you’re feeling. Some will run, some will hike, and many will do a mix—there’s no “right” way to enjoy the trails here. The highlight of the camp will be a group hike up Hope Pass or one of the 14ers in the Sawatch range (final itinerary will be based on campers and weather). We’ll round out the weekend with a shorter shakeout run before departure.

Off the trails, we’ll share meals, relax by the river, and enjoy the mountain town vibe that makes Buena Vista so special. Think of it as a mix of summer camp and trail running getaway—a chance to train, recharge, and make new friends who love the outdoors as much as you do.

Weather and conditions in Colorado Mountains can be variable - even in the summer time. Come prepared with the following gear: 

• Hydration Pack that can hold at least 3 or more hours worth of fluid
• Calories for each day (we will have Precision Hydration & Fueling products available. If you have specific needs, please prepare to bring your own.) 
• Rain jacket
• Warmer weather puffy-style jacket
• Gloves & Hat
• Headlamp (for early morning start)
• Sunscreen - and ability to re-apply
• Lube as needed
• App on phone to download routes each day (e.g., Gaia, Trail Run Project, All Trails), or the ability to download GPX route to watch. (Routes will be provided a week or two prior to camp.) 

We've rented a home right on Cottonwood Creek in Buena Vista, CO. The location offers: 

• Parking
• Great proximity to Main Street & Trails
• 5 bedrooms + 3.5 baths (3 private rooms, 1 private bath, 2 rooms with shared bunk-style lodging)

From the Listing: 

This spacious cabin on Cottonwood Creek combines the best of both worlds. Enjoy a feeling of blissful seclusion whilst being just a half mile from the beautiful parks, restaurants and dining options of Main Street. Sit on the deck & relax to the sound of the rushing stream below, weaving it's path to the Arkansas River. This peaceful, secluded 2 acre property with 300 ft river access provides a quiet, comfortable setting for those looking for a pristine Colorado mountain vacation experience.

Our 3000+ ft sq ft, 5 BR / 3.5 BA creek side home is ready to welcome the entire family, weary travelers, wandering explorers, or romantics-at-heart! Sleeping up to 14 people, this cabin is the perfect retreat for families or small groups to reunite and share in the beauty of this idyllic location. The well equipped kitchen allows meals to be easily and quickly prepared, whilst the family plays a game at the dining room table or watches the Smart TV (Spectrum) in the living room. A second large flat screen TV in the upper level living area (w/ bedroom and full ensuite bathroom) allows those with different preferences to tune into their favorite shows via Chromecast. Both the walkout level and main level have master bedrooms and bathrooms, ideal for a family vacation of a lifetime. The upstairs bedroom has a twin log bunk bed and sofa sleeper and offers an additional living area complete with a newly renovated full bathroom with walk in shower. The cabin is fully equipped for comfort with quality linens, dishes, silverware, pots & pans and outdoor gas grill, along with typical kitchen appliances including microwave, stove and oven, dishwasher and coffee maker.

Outdoors you can enjoy the hot tub, or spend hours playing with friends and family alike in the Games Room with table tennis, foosball, pool and a darts board - may the games begin!

Although located on the river in a secluded location, our cabin is just a 5 minute walk to the heart of South Main - an acclaimed New Urbanist neighborhood on the river park in downtown Buena Vista. Just minutes from the front door you can be walking by the Arkansas river, riding a cruiser bike around downtown BV, fly fishing, rock climbing, rafting, whitewater kayaking, mountain biking or enjoying a locally brewed craft beer at Eddyline Restaurant and Brewery. A few steps away are artful galleries and hip clothing boutiques. A few blocks further you will find unique shops and a make-your-own art studio, along with drinking and dining experiences, in historic BV. These stores include one of the largest retailers of whitewater kayaking gear in the world, a small (but also renowned!) sushi restaurant, a coffee roaster and a distillery. If you are into hiking, backcountry skiing or snowshoeing, trail heads to many of Colorado's most majestic 14'ers are just a few minute’s drive away.

There are a multitude of activities to enjoy in the area: fish privately right out the back door, hike the Continental Divide Trail or Colorado Trail, summit a 14er, explore old mining towns or uncover gemstones via ATV and Jeep trails in the Jeep Capitol of the World, white-water raft or kayak the world-renowned Arkansas River, take a horseback ride through the woods, or soak in the nearby hot springs, and more!

The camp schedule is subject to change based on weather or other conditions. However, what follows is a general outline to help you prepare for the training we'll be doing. 

Thursday, July 9th

• Check-In - 4 p.m. (For registered campers, details will be sent regarding the specific address.)
• 4:30 p.m. Orientation & Weekend Overview, Leave No Trace Basic Principles
• 5:15 p.m. Team Meal, Q&A

Friday, July 10th

• Make your own breakfast from the pantry. 
• 5:00 a.m. Signature climb day. 
  • Plan for an early start as we are heading above treeline, and to avoid issues with weather, we need to be back down under treeline by 11 a.m./12 noon. Route may take 5-7 hours. 
  • Effort will likely be a mix of hiking and running for most. 
• Lunch at the house. Make your own from the pantry. 
• 4:00 p.m. Educational session
• 5:00 p.m. Chef-catered dinner with the team
• Post-Meal - open Q&A

Saturday, July 11th

• Make your own breakfast from the pantry. 
• 7:00 a.m. Endurance Trail Run - 10-20 miles.  
  • Today is less vertical gain, so more running depending on ability and fitness. 
  • Option for a route that ranges 10-20ish miles. 
  • Expect hot and exposed terrain - but amazing views!! 
• Lunch at the house. Make your own from the pantry.
• 4:00 p.m. Educational session
• 5:00 p.m. Chef-catered dinner with the team
• Post-Meal - open Q&A

Sunday, July 12th

• Make your own breakfast from the pantry.
• 8:00 a.m. Short run from the house - 3-5 miles
• Check out: no later than 11 a.m. 

🏔️ Daily Trail Adventures

Guided trail runs, run-hikes, or hikes ranging from 10–20 miles each day. Routes explore the rugged beauty of Colorado’s high country—including a signature trek up Hope Pass or a 14er (TBD based on participants and weather). Participants should be comfortable covering at least the minimum distance in one outing and ideally running or hiking on trails for about 30–40 miles per week before camp.

Please keep in mind that rugged trail routes could take 5+ hours. If you have questions about how to prepare properly in your training, please contact us. 

📚 Trail Running Education

Each day includes a relaxed group discussion or mini-session on topics like trail technique, fueling and hydration, pacing, and mountain mindset—led by our experienced coaching team.

🥣 Meals & Snacks

We’ll fuel our adventures together with:

Breakfast & Lunch: Supplies provided for you to make your own
Dinner: Delicious catered meals shared as a group
Snacks & Trail Fuel: Available throughout the retreat in the house. 

We are excited to feature Precision Fuel & Hydration as our camp sponsor! 

🏡 Lodging Options

If selected at registration, enjoy staying in our riverside team house—steps from Main Street and surrounded by mountain views.

🎁 Retreat Swag & Partner Goodies

You’ll receive a High Trails Retreat T-shirt, stickers, and other fun team swag, plus nutrition samples and electrolytes from our partners. (If you have specific fueling preferences, we recommend bringing your own favorites.)