Cucharas River Valley Herbal Excursion

Join the Denver Botanic Gardens for a 3-day excursion in the Cucharas River Valley. Explore one of the most spectacular areas in the Southern Rocky Mountains, the Spanish Peaks. The majestic 13,000’ volcanic mountains and stunning geologic dikes create a dramatic backdrop for an inspiring, three-day excursion that delves into the rich plant life found there. Spend quality time in a diverse array of ecosystems – from mountain meadows and riparian areas to subalpine forests and old-growth aspen groves. Meet an abundance of therapeutically beneficial and edible plants in a variety of different ecosystems, learn plant identification skills, practice the art of wild harvesting and make a botanical preparation each day to take home. Community time is balanced with guided solo excursions to provide opportunities for both connecting with kindred spirits and nourishing restoration.

Special Instructions: Participants must have the ability to walk moderate distances (2-4 miles) at a slow pace with moderate elevation gains (100-1,500’). Those prone to altitude sickness should take precautions. Information regarding the minimization of elevation sickness is provided as well as herbs and electrolytes to share. Participants have a full kitchen in their rooms and are responsible for their own lunches and dinners, except for Saturday night. Please contact the Education Department if you have any allergies.

Date(s) and Time(s): June 26, Check-in 12 p.m. - June 29, Check-out 1 p.m.

Price: Shared Accommodation $1,050, Private Room, $1,275

Note: Private rooms are limited. To share a room with a specific person, purchase two shared accommodation tickets and provide additional information when prompted. If private rooms are unavailable, you may book two shared accommodation tickets to secure a private room. Purchasing a single shared accommodation ticket will assign you a roommate at random.

Instructor: Cat Panteleo

Cat is a Holistic Health Practitioner with over 22 years of experience as a Consultant, Educator and Nature Guide. Weaving together her skills as an Herbalist, Ecopsychologist, Nutritionist and practitioner of Nonviolent Communication, she creates opportunities to cultivate resilience, restoration, deep nourishment and a re-connection to one’s authentic, wild self. Her work is ultimately guided by Nature Beings and an impassioned desire to restore respect and reciprocity between humans and the natural world, re-awakening our innate human capacity for caring and cooperation in order to re-establish an Earth-honoring way of being so that all life may flourish.