Ponderosa Retreat & Conference Center

Ponderosa Retreat & Conference Center is a group-focused retreat and conference venue in Larkspur, Colorado, set across 650 acres between Denver and Colorado Springs. The centre welcomes churches, schools and other organisations seeking accommodation, meeting facilities and structured recreational activities in a peaceful outdoor setting.

The site provides several types of group accommodation, including private rooms, cabins, dormitory-style lodges, RV pitches and tent camping. Dorm buildings and lodges include shared or dedicated meeting areas, making it practical for residential retreats, youth programmes, school trips, ministry gatherings and organisation-wide getaways. Groups can also arrange meals through the on-site dining service, with breakfast, lunch and evening meals available as part of their stay.

For meetings and larger gatherings, Ponderosa offers conference rooms, pavilions, a chapel and the Allison Pavilion, which can accommodate groups of up to approximately 325 people. These spaces can support presentations, workshops, worship services, discussions, team sessions and group celebrations. Organisers are encouraged to plan equipment and room requirements in advance.

The venue also offers a broad selection of activities that can be added to a group programme. Options include hiking, disc golf, sports fields, a gymnasium, challenge courses, high ropes, zip lines, archery, tomahawk throwing, arrow tag, blacklight dodgeball, inflatables and snow tubing when conditions allow. Staffed activities can be booked separately and are suitable for youth groups, school groups and team-building programmes.

Ponderosa is a specialist residential retreat and conference facility rather than a general public hotel, making it particularly suitable for organisers planning faith-based retreats, educational visits, camps and multi-day group programmes.