Description
Embark on a transformative journey into the heart of traditional knowledge systems and sustainable food pathways, held at the breathtaking High Camp Hut in Colorado’s majestic San Juan Mountains. Guided by esteemed educators with unique and complementary perspectives, you’ll engage in immersive activities like high mountain hiking, mindful foraging, plant-based demonstrations, and vibrant food preparation inspired by Indigenous cuisine. This unforgettable experience invites you to celebrate cultural heritage, explore the ethics of gathering, and nourish body and soul with the life-sustaining elements of wild plants, medicine, and clean water. Set against a backdrop of unparalleled beauty and eco-friendly amenities, this workshop is a call to protect the land while fostering a deeper understanding of the importance of sustainability and tradition. Join us in honoring traditional knowledge and savoring the interconnectedness of all living things. Participants will leave with a renewed appreciation for the vibrant richness of Indigenous knowledge systems and the role they play in preserving cultural heritage.
Highlights
- Guided by Indigenous women reclaiming and sharing traditional knowledge of American Southwest cuisine and plant history.
- Connect to essential, life-sustaining elements that are indispensable to our well-being and survival: wild food, medicine, and clean water.
- Spend two nights at a scenic backcountry hut and create delicious meals inspired by Indigenous cuisine.
Itinerary
A Journey into Indigenous Wisdom, Wild Food Pathways, and Vibrant CuisineOnly 10 spots available—secure your place now!
### Itinerary Subject to Change
Sunday, August 17: Welcome & Mountain Exploration
Morning:
8:00 AM: Participants arrive at Crow Canyon’s campus in Cortez, CO.
8:30 AM: Welcome and orientation, featuring introductory presentations and wild plant drink demonstrations.
9:30 AM: Guided walk across Crow Canyon’s 170-acre campus to identify plants and understand their unique properties.
Midday:
11:00 AM: Departure for the San Juan Mountains.
12:00 PM: Arrival at Lizard Head trailhead (10,250 ft).
Begin a scenic 2.5-mile hike to High Camp Hut (gear transported separately).
Enjoy lunch on the trail accompanied by storytelling, knowledge sharing, and plant identification.
Afternoon:
Arrival at High Camp Hut (elevation 11,000 ft). Participants settle in.
Evening: Collaborative dinner preparation, followed by storytelling presentations.
Overnight: High Camp Hut, San Juan Mountains.
Monday, August 18: Workshops in the San Juan Mountains
Morning: Mountain stroll with ethnobotany and plant identification activities.
Day Workshops:
Basket weaving with Mary.
Indigenous food preparation workshops with A-dae and Reyna.
Hands-on activities for mindful plant collection to augment meals.
Afternoon: Free time to explore the breathtaking mountain surroundings and engage in reflection.
Overnight: High Camp Hut, San Juan Mountains.
Tuesday, August 19: Return to Crow Canyon & Wrap-Up
Morning:
9:00 AM: Pack luggage for transport back to Cortez, CO.
11:00 AM: Guided hike out from High Camp Hut (2.5 miles).
Midday:
12:00 PM: Snack lunch along the trail.
1:30 PM: Arrival at vehicles.
Afternoon:
3:00 PM: Return to Crow Canyon campus.
Traditional cacao demonstration with Reyna.
Closing remarks and wrap-up discussions.
Evening:
5:00 PM: Departures from campus.
Is this program right for me?
WHAT TO EXPECT
The hike to High Camp Hut in the San Juan Mountains is an adventure through stunning alpine terrain. Nestled in the remote wilderness near Silverton, Colorado, this backcountry hut offers breathtaking views and a challenging yet rewarding trek. We follow rugged mountain trails that weave through meadows bursting with wildflowers, past rocky ridgelines, and up steady elevation gains. Expect a moderately strenuous stroll (1000-feet elevation gain over 2.5-miles on a private trail). The reward at High Camp Hut is immense—panoramic views of the San Juan peaks and the solitude of a high-altitude retreat. It’s a sought-after destination on 340 acres of private land for adventurers seeking a secluded alpine escape.
Your overnight gear will be transported to the hut, and staff will be available for assistance should we encounter any obstacles such as small stream crossings or short rocky uphill sections. Walking sticks can be helpful for anyone desiring added support. If you have any questions about your capability for this program, please consult your physician and contact us.
Sleeping Arrangements
This program is designed for a collective journey in which there are no options for single occupancy rooms. The sleeping arrangements consist of 15 single beds across 6 rooms. All hut beds are equipped with a bedframe, new mattresses, a fitted sheet, and two pillows. You are required to bring your own sleeping bag (3-season), bottom sheet and a pillowcase. Sleeping bags may be available for an extra fee.
Outhouses
High Camp Hut has two fully composting outhouses to take care of business. When in wilderness settings we will follow Leave-No-Trace principles.
Unique features about the area
- The High Camp Hut is a remarkable retreat nestled at an elevation of over 11,000 feet in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado.
- The hut is "unplugged," relying on solar power for lighting and propane for cooking. This creates a unique, eco-friendly, and adventurous atmosphere. It is situated on 320 acres of private land surrounded by 2-million acres of the San Juan National Forest.
- The hut offers breathtaking views of iconic peaks like Lizard Head, the Wilsons, and Sheep Mountain.
- It features a sauna (available year-round), a wood-fire hot tub (in summer), and a fully equipped kitchen. Bring your own towel.
WORKSHOP REGISTRATION POLICY
Don't miss out—secure your spot today! After July 17, registration will be based on availability, so act now to guarantee your place!
We kindly ask all participants to carefully consider their availability and commitment before registering. Tuition must be paid in full at the time of registration. Please note that refunds for workshop registration are not available.
If you find yourself unable to attend, you may choose to make a meaningful contribution by donating the balance of your registration fee after retained fees to support Crow Canyon, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Your charitable gift directly sustains Crow Canyon’s mission and helps fund educational programs like this workshop. As a token of appreciation, we will provide you with a tax-deductible receipt for your donation.
In the event that Crow Canyon must cancel the program due to unforeseen circumstances, we guarantee full refunds will be issued to all registrants.
Thank you for your support and understanding as we strive to create impactful learning experiences!
