If you’re craving mountain air and that “off-the-grid but still comfy” feeling, point your compass toward Red Feather Lakes. Just 45 minutes northwest of Fort Collins, it’s home to the Kennedy Mountain Campus, the University of Denver’s not-so-secret outdoor playground. And good news — you don’t have to be a DU student to experience it.

This 724-acre escape is made for retreats, weddings, workshops, and even personal getaways. Whether you’re here to climb the Via Ferrata (a cliffside climbing route with fixed cables — yes, it’s open to the public!) or to host your next offsite with a mountain view, KMC delivers Colorado serenity without the long drive.

The campus has a long history of bringing people together outdoors. Once a Girl Scout camp, it was purchased by DU in 2022 thanks to a generous endowment from alumnus James C. Kennedy, who wanted future generations to experience the same deep connection to Colorado’s wild beauty that shaped his time at DU.

To make your visit even better, the Kennedy Mountain Campus team has rounded up great nearby lodging, dining, and attractions — all within about 20 minutes of campus. If you’re coming with a group of six or more, give them a quick call ahead to lock in your spot and make planning easy.

Today, visitors can enjoy miles of trails, a soon-to-open mountain bike park, and cozy lodging options that make “roughing it” feel a lot like glamping. Whether you’re climbing, conferencing, or just sipping coffee on the dining hall deck overlooking Red Feather Lakes, there’s no wrong way to Kennedy.

Wednesday, November 5

Thursday, November 6