FAQ
Where is Wild Mountain?
The land we call Wild Mountain is located in southern Colorado, tucked into the remote mountains and expansive forests. The nearest town is Buena Vista, a small mountain town with locally owned businesses including: a bakery, coffee roasters, distillery, brewery, drive in movie theater, and delicious restaurants. There are also two hot springs — Mt. Princeton and Cottonwood Hot Springs — and an abundance of mountain biking, hiking, and river rafting in the area. Wild Mountain is surrounded by vast National Forest, 45 minutes down a dirt road and is accessible to most vehicles. It’s a 2.5 hour drive southwest of Denver, CO, or 3 hours from Denver International Airport. You can drive to the land or take the daily bus to Buena Vista from Denver where we can pick you up. Because Wild Mountain is not found on Google maps, we will send you directions when you are signed up to come. Read more about the land.
How much do your programs cost?
Every Wild Mountain Program and our mentorship services are donation based unless otherwise noted. All of our scheduled rite of passage programs and trainings offer sliding scales. Our goal is to make this land and work available to anyone, regardless of financial circumstances. We ask that you give generously so that we can adequately pay and support the wellness of our guides. This will also contribute to the financial sustainability of our organization and the continuation of this work. The more you are able to pay, the more accessible our programs will be. If you would like to know a suggested donation, please see our Reciprocity page.
What is your cancellation policy?
We ask that you send a non-refundable and non-transferable deposit when you reserve your time at Wild Mountain. If you experience an emergency prior to a program and have to cancel, please contact us.
What is your policy around COVID-19?
We have developed protocols for everyone to follow both before and during your stay with us. We have limited our group sizes, provide plenty of individual space, generally meet outside, and have increased cleaning of all communal areas. We ask you take a Covid test 48 hours prior to your program and contact us if you’re feeling sick before arrival.
Is there Internet or cell service at Wild Mountain?
Yes, but service is limited. We recommend that you disconnect from devices while at Wild Mountain but we do have satellite Internet with limited data if you need it. Cell service is spotty. Verizon seems to work best while AT&T is less available and often drops calls, T-Mobile is unavailable. Texting over WiFi, WhatsApp, or email is the best way to communicate while here.
What equipment and food do I need to bring?
We will send you a packing list of the items you’ll need to bring depending on your length of stay and the activities you’ll be doing. For food, if you are able to drive and bring a cooler and dry bin to store both fresh and dry foods you can bring any kind of food you like. If you are flying to get here, we can supply you with a cooler with block ice and bin for dry food. On your way here, please shop for all the food you will need for your whole stay here.
What are the facilities like at Wild Mountain?
Wild Mountain is not fancy, nor is it rough. We offer communal gathering spaces that have wood-stoves and an outdoor kitchen. There are many secluded places to set up a tent and we have an outhouse and outdoor solar showers.
Can I take public transportation to Wild Mountain?
Yes! You can take the once daily bus from Denver to Buena Vista and we advise you to carpool if possible. If you are flying into Denver, there is light rail service to Union Station in Denver where you catch the bus to Buena Vista. Please contact us to arrange transportation.
What is the land and weather like at Wild Mountain?
We are at high altitude (9,500’), so it can be hot, cold, dry, and wet all in one day! Here is a brief description of how the weather varies per season.
Spring (May - early June) will have cold nights down to around freezing, and cool and often sunny days
Summer (lat June, July and August) cool nights and warmer days with afternoon thundershowers
Fall (September and October) the weather gets cooler during the days and colder in the evenings, the sun shines, the rain or snow may fall, and the aspens show off their vibrant leaves
Winter (November-April) nights are usually below freezing and days are sunny with often blue and windy skies. Snow can come and blanket the land in silence. During winter, flexibility is a must as road conditions effect access to Wild Mountain.
Drinking lots of water, using sunscreen, and layered clothing are all a must! The land itself has rolling hills and valleys with forested north facing slopes and large meadow/grassland areas. The rock formations are crumbling granite, which are rounded and welcoming but rough to the touch. Here you can always find spectacular views of many 14,000’ peaks.
What wild animals or plants are there at Wild Mountain?
There are many animals that inhabit the land here, including elk, deer, antelope, black bear, mountain lion, fox, coyote, and badger. There is plenty of space and the animals live in harmony with our respectful presence. We will go over safety and how to best respond if you are lucky enough to see any large animals. Many birds call this home as well including: Red-tailed Hawks, eagles, herons, ravens, hummingbirds, song birds, and a variety of others. Lots of smaller critters are found here too, such as mice, pack rats, chipmunks, rabbits and squirrels.
Can I bring my dog or pet to Wild Mountain?
We ask that you please leave your pet at home. Please inquire with us about service animals.
Is smoking allowed at Wild Mountain?
Fire is a big hazard at Wild Mountain. We ask that all smoking be done at the fire pit and all matches and butts be extinguished in a can or bottle filled with water. No open flames are allowed anywhere besides the fire pit for any reason as the fire danger is too high.
Do I need to bring my own drinking water?
We have delicious drinking water from our deep well and can provide you all you need.
Will I be able to go into town for groceries or supplies?
To minimize trips to town, we ask that you bring all of your food to Wild Mountain. For programs over 7 days there will be an opportunity to re-supply in Buena Vista where there is a small local organic grocery store and larger grocery stores in the area.
Don’t see the answer to your question here? Please contact us!