Highlands Presbyterian Camp and Retreat Center

The mission of Highlands is to provide gracious hospitality and quality Christian programs in a majestic mountain setting and to nurture spiritual renewal and transformation in a safe and inclusive environment.

Located in Allenspark, Colorado, just 16 miles from Estes Park, Highlands is nestled high among the aspen and fir of the majestic Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Our versatile 285 acre camp and retreat center offers summer camp, adventure programming and horse camp. Highlands also offers adult and intergenerational programming in our spectacular lodge through both Elderhostel and Way-Points. For more than 60 years lives have been changed through worship, Bible btudy, fellowship and fun in our beautiful mountain setting. Highlands is used extensively by various nonprofit organizations, churches of many denominations, public schools and family groups. Located 90 minutes from Denver International Airport, we hosted international guests from five continents in 2008.

History

In the early 1900s, Miss Augusta Mengedoht managed a cluster of summer rental cottages close to the mountain community of Allenspark. She probably never dreamed that many of her cabins would still be in use 100 years later!

After World War II, convinced of the positive benefits of camping and outdoor recreation for children and youth, Presbyterians in northern Colorado began searching for a permanent camping facility. The Rev. Andrew Hollars, and his daughter Ola, found just the right place. The presbytery purchased Miss Augusta’s 49 acre mountain retreat and 10 cabins in 1945, and Highlands Camp was born.

Little by little, Highlands has grown. As neighboring properties have become available, the church has sought to purchase them, both in order to preserve the beauty of our site, but also to expand the options available for our programs and our friends. Many of the facilities that Highlands now uses — whether it is one of the lodges or our large meadow — have been added slowly to our site through the years. In 2002 we added our new Retreat Center. This beautiful facility includes 24 sleeping rooms, an administrative suite, reception lobby, conference room and kitchen and dining facilities. 

Today, Highlands Presbyterian Camp and Retreat Center encompasses 285 acres, has 42 buildings, horse facilities, a low-elements challenge course and access to the wilderness areas of the Roosevelt National Forest and Rocky Mountain National Park.

Read testimonials about Highlands.