"Sweet Clover" - Yurts at Poncha Pass. A dark sky place to see the Milky-way.

In these chaotic and challenging times of climate change, racial, sexual, and class injustices, along with environmental degradation, the weight bearing down on our generation can be stifling. Yet, within the same breath, we are experiencing this delicate flower of a life filled with such exquisite beauty, our hearts yearn to celebrate this celestial moment amongst the stars. This jux position to live fully while making a difference, we find ourselves asking where does one begin, where do we strike a balance, and can we have both?

For decades now, I have tried to solve these problems from working on big industrial scale efforts all the way to responding to specific people’s emergencies. Results are always fleeting, rarely effective, and tenable at best. Eventually, I decided to focus on my own home, to get my own “house” in order and to build from this place outward. If I can put my house in order, make it sustainable, make it a safe and affordable place for all, a place of peace, rest, and learning, if I can do that, then maybe one day I can do it for my community, my town, and onwards. But it starts here.

Thus the birth of Yurts At Poncha Pass. Just by staying here, you are supporting the effort to achieve this mission of sustainability, community, and education. The first part of your contribution (staying with us) goes to subsidizing May and October sustainable building workshops. These workshops allow people of all ages to come and learn the intricacies of what it takes to build sustainable and affordable housing at no cost. Additionally, your stay subsidizes affordable seasonal winter housing for young people trying to stay in the area who need to seek shelter from the elements from November through April.

Eventually, we hope other educational programs like early childhood reading will come into fruition. This is the dream of Yurts At Poncha Pass and we are so excited that you are here.

Poncha Pass is the headwaters of the Rio Grande Basin. Just north of the pass, one finds themselves in the Arkansas drainage and just west, one crests the continental divide into the Colorado River basin. We are surrounded by the Sangres, the San Juans, the Collegiate, and the Saguache range. Truly, the heart of the rockies!
With 14,000ft peaks on all sides, there is magic in the air here at 9000ft. Each sunset and sunrise are as spectacular as the day before and it is one of the only places where one sees the Milky Way from horizon to horizon, realizing we we are actually in it's disk or belt as the galaxy spirals around. It is awe inspiring and I wish more places on earth had this kind of dark sky.
The wildlife is plentiful and one frequently falls asleep to the sounds of the coyotes searching each other out over the rolling hills or the deer quietly grazing in the aspens.
With such topographic beauty, there are numerous hot springs within a short drive, rivers, lakes and streams to be explored via paddle boards or rafting, and countless trails to enjoy by bike or on foot.
Salida itself is a quiet and beautiful town located on the banks of the Arkansas River and hosts music throughout the summer as well numerous tasty spots to each and have a night out on the town. With so much to do, see, and take in, the heart of the rockies makes for the perfect weekend get away.

The Yurts At Poncha Pass is unique for a number of reasons. Located on 120 acres of land, it is surrounded by BLM and conservation easements. That means one can quit literally walk out their door and explore the Sangre De Cristo range on foot. With wildflowers throughout the summer, some old hunting cabins up the road, the natural beauty and historical is something quite special for the area.

The second thing of note is our commitment to an alternative way of life, one aligned more closely with sustainable living practices, education, and community development. Much of the modern world is simply just not working anymore for the common person.

Rent is too high, housing is no longer fun or creative, jobs are boring, and life is a bit of a grind. Why is that? Where has the fun and joy in life gone? Through yurts, one automatically finds themselves closer to the world of nature. One can see the stars through the dome at night, hear the coyotes running in the hills, enjoy a circular clean and well lit space.
With hikes in our guide book, and a 9 hole disk golf course, we encourage our guests to get out and enjoy the great outdoors. Our common area hosts a cold plunge, sauna, grill, picnic area, and fire table to enjoy the space and meet fellow travelers.

Finally, your stay helps support affordable winter housing for young people in the local workforce trying to locate affordable housing during the difficult cold months. Additionally, your stay allows us to host free workshops for young adults so that they may learn how to build affordable and sustainable housing for themselves. This is how we build community, this is how we vote with our dollars, and this is how we realize meaningful change that we all so very much desire. We thank you for your support in realizing this vision.