Greetings from Trail West Lodge, Young Life’s National Family Camp!

We are thrilled that you have chosen us for your family vacation. The following

information is to help you prepare for your time here.

Office Hours:

Our normal office hours during the summer are:

Monday through Friday 7:30am to 7:00pm

Saturday Closed

Sunday 12:00pm to 7:00pm

How To Reach Us:

Phone: 719.395.2477

After Hours Emergencies: 719.966.9516

Fax: 719.395.6833

Email: trailwest@trailwest.younglife.org

Web Site: http://trailwest.younglife.org OR trailwest.org

Telephones:

Our guest rooms do not have telephones. All incoming telephone calls are received in the main

office. If you receive a call, we will get the message to you. You will be able to receive cell service

in most areas of camp if you must use your phone during your stay. Wireless internet is also

available in the lodge and outbuildings.

Mail:

The Trail West mailing address is:

Young Life’s Trail West Lodge

Attn: Guest Name

18800 Trail West Drive

Buena Vista, CO 81211

Medical Services:

Trail West Lodge has a full time nurse on duty during your stay for your convenience. We are able

to provide general first aid, consult about illnesses and provide emergency response to accidents

and injuries. The camp infirmary does stock some medical supplies and a small amount of

medication if needed. We do not have a doctor on property, but there are two medical clinics in

Buena Vista. The nearest hospital is 30 miles away in Salida, CO.

Laundry:

We do have a laundry facility available for guest use. We have detergent and softener available

for purchase. The cost of our washers and dryers is $1.00 per load. We have a change machine

available, but a roll of quarters might come in handy!

Pets:

Trail West cannot accommodate pets of any kind.

Smoking and Alcohol:

Smoking is not permitted inside any building on the property or on the decks. There is a designated

smoking area in front of the lodge. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted anywhere on Trail West

property.

What To Bring:

Comfortable shoes - including close-toed shoes for horseback riding and the ropes course.

Hiking shoes

Comfortable casual clothing

Swimsuit

Light jacket for cool weather and occasional rain, warm layer (fleece or sweatshirt)

Western duds (cowboy boots & hats, pearl snap shirts, etc.) There are several themed

events where these come in handy!

Rafting wear – shorts/t-shirts made of quick-dry synthetic materials, swimsuit, (avoid cotton

on the river) - wet suits & booties are included in rafting package.

Christmas clothes (anything from Christmas jammies to Ugly Christmas sweaters, to Fancy

Festive attire!) for our Family Christmas Feast and Photo Booth!

Family Unity Outfit – please see “Family Challenge” description below.

Adults – you may want to dress up a bit for a dinner without the kiddos

ROUND UP KIDS (ages 11 and up, or those entering 6th grade in the Fall): Neon clothes

(t-shirts, headbands, leggings, etc.) or white t-shirt AND one set of clothes that can get

messy and wet.

Camera

Sunscreen - We are at an elevation of 8,800 feet. You will burn quickly, so please take

precautions.

EARLY SUMMER GUESTS (late May and early June) should be prepared to experience cold

and possibly snow on hikes into the high country.

FOR THOSE WITH SMALL CHILDREN: We can provide the following items upon request.

Baby monitor and batteries - we have some available

Baby backpack carrier - we have some available

Pack-n-Plays and high chairs - we have some available, please let us know if you will need

either or both.

Mini fridges are available upon request.

High Altitude:

Please keep in mind that Trail West is at an elevation of about 8,800 feet. As you prepare for a trip

here please keep the following tips in mind to get acclimated to the high altitude:

Start drinking lots of water a week or so prior to your trip here and continue doing so during

your stay. To avoid dehydration it is suggested that you drink water even when you’re not

thirsty.

The most common symptoms you may experience from the altitude are a headache, slight

fever and/or slight upset stomach. If you experience this, DRINK WATER!

Weather:

Day temperatures range from 50º to 80º with unpredictable but brief rain showers. Evening

temperatures are generally 40º to 50º, however they occasionally drop into the 30’s.

Photographs:

The Colorado mountains provide a wonderful backdrop for family portraits! There will be a camp

photographer available all week to capture all of your family’s candid moments. You don’t have

to miss out on any of the fun with your family trying to capture memories- it will be done for you!

And you will receive a thumb drive full of your family’s memories at the end of the week.

Arrival and Departure:

Trail West Lodge is located about 90 miles west of Colorado Springs and 120 miles southwest of

Denver. The drive from the Colorado Springs Airport is approximately 2-2 ½ hours, while the drive

from Denver International Airport is 3-3 ½ hours. Attached is a map and driving directions from

Denver and Colorado Springs.

ARRIVAL: Please plan to arrive between 4:00pm and 6:00pm for our Welcome

Celebration on Sunday, the first day of camp.

DEPARTURE: Please plan on departing after breakfast on Saturday, the last day

of camp.

If you have seats reserved on the Trail West airport shuttle, you will receive a separate email which

will give you instructions on arrival and departure times, meeting location and parameters for

booking your flight. This is booked on a first come, first served basis and is $25 per person

roundtrip.

TRAIL WEST ACTIVITIES

Camp Transportation:

Trail West Lodge will provide transportation to all of your camp activities throughout the week. You

will need to be at the designated pick up location at the time specified to catch a ride to your

activities.

Activity Sign Ups:

We will get your family signed up for your scheduled activities (horses, ropes course, jeeps,

wrangler breakfast) before you arrive. In doing so, once you step foot on our property, the fun

begins and you will have fewer details to address. Initially, we will sign individuals up one time for

each scheduled activity to make sure everyone gets a chance. Upon your arrival, we will present

you with an itinerary of your scheduled activities.

SCHEDULED ACTIVITIES

Trail Rides:

Each family member 8 years of age and older will be scheduled for one trail ride.

Meet at the front of the lodge 15 minutes before your ride to take our shuttle, Big Red, to

Rancho Caballo. It’s about a 5-minute ride to the barn at Rancho Caballo.

Each ride lasts about 1 hour.

Jeans (or long pants) and closed-toed shoes are required. Backpacks, water bottles, cell

phones and cameras are not allowed on Trail Rides.

Younger children will stay at the lodge and play

with the Kid’s Klub Wranglers while you are on

your trail ride.

Adult supervision is required for children 8-12

years old.

Wrangler Breakfast:

Enjoy an early morning, outdoor Wrangler Breakfast.

Those 8 and older may ride to the Wrangler Breakfast

site on horseback. Children under 8 years old must ride

with a parent in Big Red (a hay-less Hay Ride).

If you are riding horses please be at the main entrance of the lodge no later than 6:00am to

ride Big Red to Rancho Caballo.

If you are riding Big Red please meet in at the front entrance of the lodge no later than

6:30am.

Jeep Tour:

Tour the Rockies in a 4x4 Jeep Wrangler. Each day Trail West offers jeep tours through the San

Isabel National Forest to St.Elmo Ghost Town.

Each jeep will hold 4-5 passengers (including the driver). A seat belt is required for each

passenger.

A Trail West staff member will drive the lead jeep. Guests will drive the additional jeeps and

follow behind.

Drivers must be 20 years old or older and have valid car insurance.

A car seat is required for children under 4 years/40lbs. – Please bring your child’s car seat

with you. We will have a limited supply of car seats available.

The length of each tour is about 3 hours.

Challenge Course:

The Trail West ropes course includes a multi-vine bridge, burma bridge, two-line

bridge, and a double zip-line. The ropes course elements are a fun test of skill

and nerves! Climb a 25-foot climbing wall, choosing an easy, medium or hard

option! Guests ages four and older may participate as long as they

adequately fit into a harness, our harnesses fit guests up to 300 lbs. The Trail

West staff will make this determination and reserves the right to not allow

participation if a proper harness fit cannot be attained.

FREE TIME ACTIVITIES

Pony Rides:

For our future COWBOYS and COWGIRLS!

Pony rides are for children ages 7 and under.

Parents will need to take their child to the front of the Aspen Hotel and at least one parent

must stay with the child during the pony rides.

No sign up required – check the schedule for ride times!

Western Horsemanship Rides:

Designed for those who wish to learn more about horsemanship.

You will need to sign up upon arrival to camp

Please meet in front of the lodge 15 minutes prior to your scheduled ride to catch the

shuttle to Rancho Caballo.

Each ride lasts about an hour.

Jeans (or long pants) and closed-toed shoes are required.

The minimum age to participate is 11 years old but 12 and under must be supervised by a

parent.

Pool and Hot Tub:

As you enjoy the pool and hot tub, we ask that you adhere to the following guidelines:

Swim at your own risk. Pool will be staffed periodically by a lifeguard.

Children 11 and under must be accompanied by an adult at all times, including when a

lifeguard is on duty.

Pool towels are available in the guest laundry room. Please use these towels rather than the

towels from your room.

No one should ever swim alone.

The pool is open from 8:00am to 10:00pm

Game Room:

Our game room is located just off the pool deck. You will enjoy ping pong, air hockey, pool,

foosball and shuffle board. Game room hours are 8:00am to 10:00pm.

Fitness Center:

Our fitness center is located across from the Rayburn room and is open from 6:00am to 10:00pm.

You will enjoy stunning views of the Arkansas Valley while working out. We have treadmills,

elliptical trainers, stationary bikes, weight equipment and pull up bars. Children 12 and under must

be supervised by an adult in the fitness center.

Frisbee Golf:

This is a Trail West favorite! An 18-hole frisbee golf course is sure to provide exercise and fun for the

whole family. Frisbees, course maps and score cards are available in the frisbee hotel located on

the main lodge deck by the first tee.

Volleyball, Octoball and Basketball:

These courts are located in the Aspen Grove. Volleyballs, basketballs and octoballs are provided

at the courts.

Children’s Playground:

A playground is located in the Aspen Grove. Swings & slides are a

big hit with toddlers and younger children.

Fort Chisman:

Our very own Trail West fort located in the Aspen Grove, complete

with swings, lookouts, see-saws, and toy canons for kids of all ages

to enjoy!

Gift Shop | Snack Bar | Coffee Shop | Craft Cart:

The Trail West gift shop (Rusty Spur), snack bar (Tin Cup), coffee

shop (Goldbricks), and craft cart are open periodically throughout

the day. Hours for each will be posted upon your arrival. At the

craft cart you may purchase supplies and make a necklace, bracelet, or other special memento

of your Trail West vacation with help from our craft cart worker. For your convenience, Trail West

uses a cashless system for purchases at all of these locations. All of your purchases will be closed

out and charged to you at the end of your stay.

Trout Pond:

The trout pond is located in the woods about 400 yards west of the lodge for catch and release

fishing. Fishing poles and bait are available for your use. An adult must be present to check out

fishing gear. If you bring your own fishing gear, please use barbless hooks.

BB Gun Range:

Enjoy the Gunsmoke BB Gun Range! Located near the Trout Pond, you and your family can learn

to aim like a pro as you line up shots and hit targets. Guns can be checked out at the front desk.

An adult must be present to check out guns and must be present while the kids are shooting at the

range.

ALL CAMP SCHEDULED ACTIVITIES

Whitewater Rafting:

During your stay at Trail West you will have the opportunity to

take a rafting adventure on the Arkansas River. The half-day

whitewater trips are offered through Noah’s Ark Whitewater

Rafting Company.

The minimum age limit for rafting is 6 under normal

water conditions, but it can vary from day to day

depending upon the water level. Occasionally the

minimum age limit may be as high as 12 years old.

Age guidelines will be announced prior to rafting. Kid’s Klub is provided for your younger

children.

Use plenty of sunscreen!

Your feet will be in the water for the entire trip. You may wear old tennis shoes or water

shoes. Wetsuits & booties are included in the rafting fee and are available at Noah’s Ark.

Cotton clothes including shorts, socks, and t-shirts are not advisable. Swimwear and nylon

clothing/quick dry material is recommended.

Cost per person is $74.00.

Your rafting photos are now included in the rafting fee, and will be provided at the end of

the week!

Young Life’s Frontier Ranch:

Visit one of Young Life’s premier camps for high school kids.

Enjoy the hot tub, HUGE waterslide, and natural hot springs pool. Bring your swimsuit - towels

are provided.

Have a snack at the Silver Heel Snack Bar.

Challenge a friend to a game of pool, ping-pong, table shuffleboard, or foosball in the

game room.

Please note, this activity may not be available depending on the rate of snowmelt early in

the summer.

High Country Hike:

All camp adventure to hike into the wilderness behind

Trail West.

Wear close-toed shoes or hiking boots.

We have some baby-backpacks for the little ones.

This is a “Kodak® moment” so bring your camera.

Kids Klub wranglers will be available to help with

children.

Family Challenge & Rodeo:

Is your family up to the challenge? Your entire family will participate in a fast-paced, fun-filled,

FAMILY CHALLENGE. You’ll complete a list of silly, but family bonding, activities. If you REALLY want

to take the challenge, we encourage each family “team” to stand out. Dress your family in a

simple family unity outfit. This can be anything from Family T-shirts, to favorite sports team jerseys, to

mono-chromatic colorful outfits, to matching bandanas!

Is your family also up for a “wild west” rodeo? The Trail West rodeo offers several fun events for the

young and young at heart. You won’t want to miss this. Horses make you nervous? Not to worry -

we do our rodeo without them! You will be separated into teams once you get here to camp.

Upon your arrival, you will be provided with a bandana to borrow, according to your team color!

Barbeque and Square Dance:

Enjoy finger-lickin’ good barbeque chicken and ribs in the Aspen Grove. After dinner our program

team will round everyone up for dancing the entire family will enjoy!

Young Life Club:

Each evening in the Rayburn Room, your entire family is invited to join in the fun - singing, skits, and

a brief message. It’s the perfect way to wind down the day.

**Ride Restrictions **

Pregnant women and guests with neck, spine, heart conditions, or other serious medical conditions

may not participate in horse, challenge course or rafting activities.

Weight restrictions may apply on horse and challenge course activities.

Horseback riding is for kids and adults ages 8 & over. Pony rides are available for younger kids.

Challenge course is for kids and adults ages 4 & over.

TRAIL WEST KIDS PROGRAMMING

Kids Klub:

Kids Klub is our camp programming for infants through 10 year old kids.

Giving children the attention and care they require and deserve is an

integral part of our program. Trail West is committed to making Family

Camp the best week of your child’s life. Although traditional

babysitting is not provided, Kids Klub activities throughout the week will

allow parents some leisure time of their own knowing that their children

are well cared for.

Kids Klub is a camp within a camp, and is Young Life for kids. It is a

place where kids encounter Christ through building relationships in a

safe, fun, high-adventure environment. Adventures include: nature

hikes, swimming, fishing, crafts, pony rides, a visit to a real working

ranch, and much more!

COWPOKES AGES 0-2

BRONCOS AGES 3-5

MUSTANGS AGES 6-7

MAVERICKS AGES 8-10

Round-Up:

Round-Up is our camp programming for kids who are 11 years old and up, or those entering 6th

grade in the Fall.

Okay, so Trail West has plenty of fun for little kids, but what about us? Don’t worry! We’ve planned

some outrageous activities just for you. Come prepared for games in the Aspen Grove, meeting

new friends, and a surprise or two from the Program Team. Make sure you bring some neon

clothes (or white t-shirt) and a set of clothes you don’t mind getting messy or wet.