Yoga items:

• Yoga apparel (leggings, sweat pants, lounge wear, etc.)

• Yoga mat

• Any other items that you enjoy using for your practice, such as a bolster, blocks, a strap, etc.

Hiking Items:

• Hiking shoes or boots with grippy soles:

• Wool socks

• Layered hiking apparel - On average, this area is about 10 degrees cooler than Northern Colorado, with cooler temperatures arriving earlier in the season.

• Headwear: Depending on the day, you may wish to have a hat to protect from the sun or a beanie to keep warm

• Rain gear: Rain jacket or poncho (rain is expected; we will skip the hike if it is raining heavily)

• Small backpack or daypack: To carry essentials like your water bottle, snacks, and personal items

• Insect/tick repellent

• Hiking poles (if you use them) 

Pool items:​

• Swimwear: Whatever makes you comfortable for water activities

• Beach towel (there is an option to rent towels for $4 if needed)

• Water-safe sandals or flip flops for poolside

• A robe can be nice to have. Joyful Journey also has some that are available to rent for $5. 

• Tote or knapsack to carry your items in (your hiking bag may be a good option)

• Sun hat or cap: While there is some shade, bringing a hat can help protect you from the sun

• We encourage you to familiarize yourself with Joyful Journey and its rules and regulations. Click here to view their website.

• Please note: Joyful Journey requires all guests to shower with soap before entering the pools. They provide soap in the locker rooms (you will not be expected to shower at the pool if you have already done so that morning; in this case, a rinse is fine!). Due to our schedule, we suggest rinsing off after soaking and then showering back at the retreat center after lunch. 

• You may wish to bring a paddlock with you to the hot springs. They are also available for purchase in their store ($2.99 - $6.99). 

General Retreat Items:

• Water Bottle (carry with you always, especially when we hike and soak)

• Journal + writing utensil 

• Sunscreen (especially for the hike and pool; Being at higher elevations increases your exposure to UV rays)

• Sunglasses 

• Flashlight or headlamp for trekking between the lodging hall and dining/meditation hall after dusk

• Layers and various warmths/thicknesses of clothing, including light gloves and perhaps cold-weather headware such as a bini. Fall can be a mixed bag when it comes to temperatures - especially in the Valley! During the day, the sun can be intense, and after sundown, it can get chilly. Nights are much cooler in the SLV. It's anywhere from 10-20 degrees cooler in this area as compared to Northern CO.

• In addition to what you typically wear to sleep, you may want to pack a cozy pajama option in case your room feels cooler at night

• Snacks and various teas will be provided each day, but please feel free to also bring any snacks or beverages you enjoy or require. There will be space in the dining hall, including in the shared fridge, to place your items. Please note:  To avoid attracting rodents, no food items whatsoever are allowed in the Residence Hall, but can be kept in the dining hall. Storing food items in the Residence Hall may result in a $50 penalty fee charged by Blazing Mountain Retreat Center.

• This is a drug-free retreat. Please do not bring any mind-altering or illegal drugs of any kind. This includes alcohol. 

• Toiletries - If you happen to forget something, Blazing Mountain has a small supply of items 

• The retreat center provides washcloths, towels, and bathmats in rooms with private bathrooms. Rooms with a shared bathroom get a towel set which includes wash cloths and body towels. They have shower caddies and bathmats available near the entrance to the bathrooms. There will be plenty of towels available, but the center kindly informs us that their laundry facility is limited. Laundry service is available for $15 per mesh bag if you need your items washed.

Suggested:

• Slippers (all Blazing Mountain buildings require shoes to be off). Socks are also an option. This year, we are going to bring two options - one pair to keep in the dining/meditation hall and the other to keep in the lodging hall. You can also carry one pair back and forth.

• Electrolytes to stay properly hydrated after hiking and pool time. Electrolyte intake can also help your body adjust to higher altitudes.

• 1-2 COVID tests (the retreat center has a few, as well; they also have masks but feel free to bring your own)

• ​Robe for the lodging hall (particularly for those with communal bathrooms). You can use the same robe for the pool and lodging hall. ​

• Loungewear

• A book

• Binoculars

Optional:

• ​Musical instrument (guitar, bongos, rattle, etc.)​

• Thermos​

• Camp chair or backjack - You may like to sit and enjoy the scenery around the retreat center property or at the trail head for the hike. Blazing Mountain also has some folding chairs and backjacks available for use on the deck and in the Meditation Hall.

*Please reach out to us with any questions you may have. We are happy to help!