Level of
Fitness
Required:

This retreat requires spending almost four days at altitudes of 11,000 feet and higher. Access to the hut will be accomplished on foot, carrrying a light backpack. We recommend that those attending the retreat have some experience with hiking at high altitudes, and have enough physical stamina to carry a pack up to the hut.

The optional peak ascent on Sunday will take us to about 13,000 feet, and will require hiking in alpine conditions.

Drink lots of water during the trip, especially when hiking. This will help prevent altitude sickness. Avoid caffeine as well.

As this trip is a spiritual retreat with an emphasis on study, solitude and silence, we ask that you do not bring cell phones. We will have one in case of emergencies.

Don't bring jeans! They are a hazard when wet, never dry out, and are heavy to pack.

Remember that you won't need a complete change of clothes for each day.

No open flames are permitted in the backcountry due to extreme fire danger.

Toilet paper is available at the hut. We will have a fairly modern pit toilet at our disposal

You will be responsible for carrying your gear up to the hut in your daypack, so try to keep your pack light. We will be bringing all food up to the hut by 4WD, so you should be able to travel fairly light.

Gear

• water bottles with a total capacity of at least 2 liters
• Sleeping bag/sheet or blanket, pillowcase (pillows & mattress provided)
  
• flashlight/headlamp
• sunglasses
• compass
• sunscreen
• insect repellant
• aspirin
• if you have one, a water purification filter

• hiking shoes & socks
• fleece jacket
• rain jacket
• synthetic pants (no jeans!)
• synthetic shirts
• hat w/ brim
• sandals/soft shoes for hut use
• sweats or other comfortable clothes
• sleeping attire (remember that there is very little privacy!)

• lunch & 2 liters of water for the hike in on Friday
• all other food will be brought up by 4WD
• bake some cookies or something for the group to enjoy while at the hut (don't worry about weight -- we'll carry it up in the jeep.)

• Bible, notebook for journal & a pen (large bibles may go up in the jeep)
• camera
• special food or personal medication needs
• spare glasses / contacts
• wash cloth/towel & personal hygiene items (there are no showers)
  
• guitar or other portable instrument for devotions (again, in the jeep)