The place
A non-profit retreat property along the South Platte River, hosted by Jon & Julie Wright. Miles of trails, a river, a treehouse and wide mountain views.
A full kitchen for group meals
The Moose Lodge has a large kitchen for cooking together, plus laundry and a bath/shower. Great for shared breakfasts and "everyone pitches in" dinners.
Meeting space that fits all of us
The Moose Lodge is listed for 40+ people: a large meeting room with seating for 20 on sofas and chairs and tables for 20. There is also a small meeting room for 6–8 (conference table, resource library) and a deck with a fire pit.
Six "rustic comfort" cabins
Most have a private bathroom with shower and a kitchenette. One (Red Fox Bunk House) shares the lodge bathroom. Wi-Fi and cell service are spotty, so it is a real break.
Photos: The Refuge at Lost Creek website. therefugeatlostcreek.org
Capacity & pricing
From the Refuge's published lodging and rates pages.
| What | Rate / size |
|---|---|
| Cabin, non-profit leader rate to confirm with host For those whose primary work is serving in the church and non-profit space | $100 / cabin / night |
| Cabin, recreational rate | $200 / cabin / night |
| Private camping spot | $75 / night |
| Cabins (6 total) | Each sleeps 1–3, about 11–15 people in all |
| Moose Lodge (meetings and meals) | 40+ people · rate to confirm |
| Meals, deposit, taxes, cancellation, minimum stay | Not published to confirm |
Sources: Rates · Lodging · Meeting spaces
October weather
Bailey sits at about 7,750 ft. Early October is crisp and mostly dry. Think warm layers.
- Daylight: about 11h45 on Oct 1, 11h15 by Oct 14 (Denver).
- Precipitation: light. A snowy day is possible but not typical (October averages about 7 in of snow, spread over ~2–3 days).
- Fall color: aspens usually peak in late September, so early October may be the tail end. It varies by year.
- Fire rules: in 2026 the national forest had Stage 1 restrictions through Nov 14 (no wood fires; gas-fueled ones allowed). Ask the host whether the fire pit is gas-fueled.
- Pack: jackets, hats, warm sleeping layers, closed-toe shoes. Drink water and go easy on day one (altitude).
Averages are 1991–2020 daily normals for Bailey (source). Actual weather will vary.
Things to do together
Mix of quiet, adventure and good food. None of this is booked.
Kenosha Pass hike
A famous aspen walk on the Colorado Trail at about 10,025 ft, with loop options of roughly 5 miles. A short drive down US-285. Early October is late for peak color, so it is a bonus if we catch it.
Photo: KimonBerlin, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0 · Forest Service page
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Scenic drive over Guanella Pass to Georgetown
A 22-mile byway from Grant to Georgetown, about an hour without stops, climbing to 11,669 ft with views of Mount Bierstadt and Mount Evans. You may spot wildlife such as elk or bighorn sheep. The high road closes in winter.
Photo: KimonBerlin, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0 · CDOT byway page
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Georgetown Loop Railroad
A narrow-gauge train through evergreens, over historic trestles and the Devil's Gate High Bridge. The ride is about 1 hr 15 min (about 55 min from mid-October), rain or shine. Steam engines usually run through early October, then diesel. Mine tours run April to September only.
Photo: PhotogOne, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Georgetown Loop FAQs · 2027 schedule to confirm
Treehouse Adventure Park: ropes course for team building
Right in Bailey. Nine self-guided aerial courses with about 80 bridges, zip lines, ladders and rappels, 20–40 ft up in the pines. Everyone picks their own level and cheers each other on. 2026 tickets: $55 (2 hr) to $65 (3 hr) on weekdays, with group discounts for 8 or more by advance reservation. October hours to confirm
Photo: Treehouse Adventure Park (website) · Group info
Dinner at 2 Dad's Eatery & Taproom
Pub-style food on the river in Bailey (60006 US-285). Its private dining room seats 16, includes river views, a big screen TV, a couch and a dedicated server, and rents for $100 for 4 hours (food and drink extra, to confirm). A good fit for a group dinner of 12–15.
Photos: 2 Dad's Eatery & Taproom, The Refuge · 2dadseaterytaproom.com
On the property
Prayer Rock (with 360° views), the on-site treehouse, half a mile of South Platte riverfront, a three-tier fire pit, lawn games and miles of trails. Good for silence, prayer walks and evenings together. Fly fishing on the South Platte near Deckers is another option.
Getting there
Fly into Denver (DEN), then drive southwest into the mountains.
- Convenience: DEN is a major hub with many flights. The mountain drive is the only long part, and Bailey is on a main highway.
- Vehicle: an AWD or 4WD SUV is recommended by another ministry that uses the Refuge, especially for the driveway and any early snow to confirm with host.
- No rental car? A private airport shuttle to Bailey exists (for example Arrival Wagon); price to confirm. DEN also has rideshare and taxis.
- Stock up: grab groceries and water in the Denver area if we plan to cook in the lodge.
Photo: Peterquinn925, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Sources: flydenver.com, Southwest, Mountain Restoration Ministries
Next step
Interested? Let Vlad know you're in, and which dates work for you. If there's enough interest, we'll check availability and pricing with the host.
Visit the Refuge website