What to Expect for Group Hosts & Guests
Explore Collaborative Escapes at Shadowcliff
Let us Host Your Group
As a nonprofit retreat center, Shadowcliff hosts groups and other nonprofits that use off-site group experiences as a way of serving their audiences. Whether that’s a team-building retreat, an experiential workshop, or a respite for clients and their families, group experiences at Shadowcliff are like no other. In fact, some groups have been returning to Shadowcliff for multiple decades!
The Shadowcliff campus features two lodge buildings with 16 total rooms, 3 cabins, and a multi-purpose building. Lodge rooms are appointed with multiple beds that make them ideal for friend or family groups. Lodges are appointed with basic amenities and laid out like a hostel — private rooms but shared bathrooms on each floor. Depending on room occupancy, groups of 15-30 are the most common.
Customizable meal service is available to groups in Rempel Lodge (click here to learn more about the values of our "Compassionate Kitchen", or groups may choose Cliffside Lodge which features its own full guest kitchen and dining area. Our facilities are open June through September.
Just steps from Rocky Mountain National Park trailheads and with spectacular views of Grand Lake, Shadowcliff’s location is second to none. Whether a group is looking for adventure, community or quiet reflection, there’s something special about Shadowlciff that keeps folks coming back...
Who comes to Shadowcliff?
Over its long history, Shadowcliff has hosted many different kinds of groups. Family reunions, adventure travel groups, writing retreats, yoga retreats, trail running groups, school groups, faith groups, health and wellness groups, sustainability workshops, and leadership retreats are just a few examples! Some groups have been coming to Shadowcliff for many years, and we value these sustained relationships. Visit our Programs page to learn about some of the groups that we have hosted in recent years.
Because our lodge accommodations are laid out in a family style (multiple bunk beds in each room, shared bathrooms down the hall), it’s ideal for visiting groups to be comfortable sharing some space with others (We think of our intentionally communal layout as an asset, and we hope you do too!). It’s up to each group leader to decide if rooms should have single, double or triple occupancy, but Shadowcliff can help advise on what arrangement would be most comfortable for your group’s needs.
It’s important to note that Shadowcliff is located at 8400’ elevation. Although anyone can get altitude sickness, those with lung or heart conditions may be at higher risk. There are also many stairs on the Shadowcliff campus and facilities are not currently ADA accessible. Guests should be prepared to face these and similar situations associated with a high mountain environment. [link to #groups tag in blog] [link to partners page]
What do my group participants need to know about staying at Shadowcliff?
When a group books a stay at Shadowcliff, they must have a main point of contact who will be responsible for communicating information and expectations to group participants. Shadowcliff staff will work directly with that contact to coordinate lodging, meals, payments, and any other needs that may be relevant to the group. We can help answer any questions! But, it’s up to that contact to set expectations for the group’s participants.
Click here to download a PDF of Important Information for Group Retreat Participants. Additionally, here are a few FAQ’s that can help:
None of our lodge rooms are outfitted with private bathrooms. Cabins have their own full bathrooms, and Lower Fireside may be rented separately as a room with en suite bathroom.
No. We love animals, but the local wildlife doesn’t share our sentiment. Unless your dog is a certified service animal, you’ll need to leave your furry/feathered/scaled friend at home. Mountain Mongrels and Four Paws Resort are two local pet boarding businesses if you are traveling and need someone nearby to watch your pet.
We provide each guest sheets and towels upon your arrival, so no need to bring yours. We ask that you leave the sleeping bags at home or in your backpack. Soap dispensers are in all the showers. The guest kitchens in both lodges, Upper Fireside, Overlook, and Riverbend, are all stocked with cooking supplies and utensils, dishes, cups, flatware, coffee maker, microwave, and all the major appliances. You shouldn’t need to bring much beyond food and drink! (We do supply clean, fresh tap water.) We do not supply charcoal or other outdoor grilling supplies. There are grills available for Upper Fireside, Overlook, and Riverbend cabins. Seasonal fire restrictions may prohibit outdoor grilling from time to time.
Possibly! Depending on the size of your group and your accommodations, there may be another group, individuals and/or hostel guests staying on campus. July and August are our busiest months, so it’s likely that you might interact with other guests during this time. Meeting new people and having unexpected conversations is one of the joys about staying at Shadowcliff, and we hope you’ll take the opportunity to say “hello” to someone new!
Shadowcliff is a smoke-free campus. Smoking of any kind is prohibited on-site to protect the health and safety of all guests and to reduce risk of wildfire.
No. Our Compassionate Kitchen prepares food only for groups who have prepaid for meals. Occasionally we’ll have extra room at the table when a food group is staying with us or decide to create a meal to celebrate something like the 4th of July. In either event, we’ll sell meal tickets and let our guests know what’s available. Otherwise, meals being served are reserved just for the group who paid for them. The dining room space in Rempel is available for use by anyone eating a meal at Shadowcliff, whether prepared by you in our Guest Kitchen or by us.
Yes. Provided there is no fire ban, we stock all fire pits and places with cut wood. Grills are available at Overlook, Riverbend and Upper Fireside Cabins and are also subject to fire ban restrictions.
We do have free wifi for guests, but we do not have TVs in rooms, cabins or lodges. We do, however, have an assortment of board games, toys, puzzles, books and multiple pianos!
The Shadowcliff Chapel building does have a large retractable screen and projector for presentations. If you’re wondering about a specific piece of equipment, it’s best to reach out and ask or bring what you need.
If your group chooses to eat meals prepared by Shadowcliff, you’ll work with our team ahead of time to determine the number of meals, meal times, and any dietary accommodations. Meals are prepared by our chef and kitchen assistants in our commercial kitchen and served buffet style in the Rempel Lodge dining room. Guests eat together at picnic table-style dining tables, and are asked to bus their dishes at the end of the meal. In the tradition of Shadowcliff family-style meals and service, we ask for a couple of volunteers to help staff clean up at the end of each meal. Don’t worry — our friendly staff will show you what to do!
Let’s talk!
If an unforgettable mountaintop experience is something your organization could benefit from, we’d love to speak with you about how Shadowcliff could serve your group needs. We also offer a tiered rates system to further support our nonprofit partners.
You can download a PDF summary of Group Experiences at Shadowcliff by clicking here. To inquire about rates and availability, please contact Administration Manager Emily Cesca at: admin@shadowcliff.org.