The Haven is a refuge 

for locals and world travelers to stay and connect with place, one’s self, and each other
on a deeper level.

The Haven is a destination where people and the land are at the center. It’s a place where spirituality and science coexist. It’s a haven where nature, science and culture thrive.

Welcome to The Haven! The Haven is a Colorado science field station and learning center in the making. The Haven is envisioned as a hub for people to basecamp, prepare, and connect before descending into interpersonal landscapes on guided retreats and workshops; or before going on day-long adventures with family and friends; or before ascending the Rocky Mountains on an expedition.

Located in beautiful Cortez, Colorado on 3 acres of high desert with McElmo’s Creek flowing through it, The Haven features views of  Mesa Verde (just 10 minutes away!), views of the Rocky Mountains to the east and west, and a view of  “Sleeping Ute”, a sacred peak on the Ute Mountain Ute Reservation.

The Haven will host individuals, couples, families, and groups.

Your Dream Family and Friends
Staycation is now possible at
The Haven

Plan a weekend getaway or a week-long vacation at The Haven. Choose relaxing days on the land, dips in McElmo Creek, reading in Heidi’s science library, or heading out on a self-guided local adventures: Mt. Biking at Phils World (15 minutes. away), Stand Up Paddle Boarding or Kayaking at X  (x minutes away), hiking in Canyonlands (1 hour away) or biking to the Cortez Farmers Market to pick up veggies, cheeses, and meats for a farm-to-table al fresco dinner.

Spaces available for rent
Greet Mesa Verde and the La Plata mountains each morning at sunrise and Sleeping Ute in the evening as sunsets. 270 degree views to the east, south and west along McElmo Creek on the eastside of the town of Cortez.

2 Trailers

4+1 bedrooms (+1 is an office or curtain can be pulled and room has pull out couch): each with a bed, chair, desk and books – space for a whole group to meet, sleep and retreat OR for individuals to work/retreat just outside the town of Cortez, Colorado
2 Kitchens with pots, pans, and fun glasses/dishes, and 2 bathrooms
a Tea Room – for meals, games, meetings including projector and screen for web meetings
a Parlor – two table areas and a U-shaped couch by a wood stove, great spaces for small groups for conversation and connection.
Laundry – washer and dryer
Land and views – High Desert creek (McElmo – access to the creek); Views – Mesa Verde, High Mountains, & Sleeping Ute; 3.6 acres

Coming soon: Studio/Lab/Meeting space in a 1400 square foot common building – its rustic, one-big open area with great views.

Also on site: Heidi’s cabin – an Aframe cabin where Heidi reads, writes, bakes, contemplates and spends time talking with folks staying at the Haven. The Haven is a place for folks to invest in themselves and connection to others. I look forward to connecting with you while you are here.

Workshops and Retreats
at The Haven

The Haven will also be an ideal place to host your next retreat and writing or yoga workshop. We’re between worlds here at the haven, where the desert meets the mountains and anything is possible. Group activities can be balanced with afternoon self-guided hikes and dips in McElmo Creek.

“DESPITE YEARS OF EPIC HIKES AND FREEZING TOES SINCE THEN, I AND OTHER SCIENTISTS HAVE NOT RISKED ENOUGH. WE WERE TAUGHT TO STICK TO THE FACTS. WE WERE TOLD NOT TO SHARE OURSELVES. IT IS TIME TO RISK MORE THAN OUR SAFETY ON MOUNTAIN TOPS, IN BUSH PLANES AND CROSSING RIVERS. IT IS TIME TO SHARE ALL THAT WE KNOW. IT IS TIME TO SHARE WHAT WE’VE LEARNED BY STUDYING AND LIVING IN EARTH’S REMOTE PLACES, AND WHAT WE’VE LEARNED ABOUT OURSELVES BY VENTURING THERE.” 

—Dr. Heidi Steltzer, Founder of Heidi Mountain Cooperative and owner of The Haven.