Alpine Botanicals: A Plant Illustration Retreat in Winter Park, Colorado is a guided art and hiking experience hosted by Colorado Mountain Expeditions in collaboration with artist and illustrator Marjorie Leggitt. This retreat is designed for illustrators who want to improve their ability to observe, understand, and accurately draw plants through focused field study in Colorado’s mountain environments.
The retreat is based at YMCA of the Rockies – Snow Mountain Ranch, with daily outings to selected locations throughout the Fraser Valley, including areas around Winter Park, Fraser, and Tabernash. These sites offer a range of alpine and subalpine plant communities, providing varied subject matter for botanical illustration. Outings are chosen to prioritize time spent drawing and observing rather than covering distance, allowing participants to work carefully and return to subjects as needed.
Daily structure and flow
Each day follows a balanced and consistent rhythm. Mornings begin with a hot breakfast at Snow Mountain Ranch before traveling as a group to one or more nearby field locations. Once on site, the majority of the day is spent outdoors drawing from life. Short hikes, generally less than three miles per day, connect study areas and allow access to different plant communities without rushing the pace.
Packed lunches are provided by Colorado Mountain Expeditions and are enjoyed in the field, allowing the group to remain immersed in the environment throughout the day. Afternoons continue with additional drawing time, observation, and instruction before returning to Snow Mountain Ranch in the late afternoon or early evening.
Evenings provide a more structured opportunity to build on the day’s fieldwork. A dedicated meeting room is reserved for the group each evening and is used for additional instruction, artist critique, group discussion, and demonstrations as appropriate. These sessions are designed to support learning and reflection in a comfortable indoor setting without feeling overly formal or mandatory.
Instruction and artistic focus
Instruction is led by Marjorie Leggitt, whose work emphasizes careful observation, plant structure, and accurate visual representation. Teaching takes place primarily in the field and is grounded in drawing directly from living plants. Participants will work on understanding form, proportion, line, and detail through repeated observation and practice.
Instruction is a combination of group guidance, demonstrations, and individual feedback. Marjorie works closely with participants throughout the day, offering suggestions and support as each person develops their own approach. Evening critique sessions provide additional opportunities to review work, ask questions, and connect field studies to longer-term artistic development.
Lodging and meals
Participants stay at YMCA of the Rockies – Snow Mountain Ranch in one of the on-site lodges. Accommodations are similar to comfortable hotel-style rooms rather than shared cabins. Participants may choose single or double occupancy rooms, depending on preference and availability.
Hot breakfast and dinner are provided daily by the YMCA dining facilities. Lunch is provided by Colorado Mountain Expeditions and consists of a packed meal including a sandwich and a selection of snacks, designed to be eaten in the field.
Group environment and logistics
While lodging is not in a shared house, the group spends each day traveling, hiking, and working together, creating a supportive and collegial environment. Colorado Mountain Expeditions manages all trip logistics, including daily transportation coordination, field planning, packed lunches, and on-the-ground support. This allows participants to focus fully on their artwork and learning rather than logistics.
Physical activity and accessibility
This retreat is designed to be physically accessible. Hiking distances are short, terrain is generally moderate, and no technical hiking or backcountry experience is required. Participants should be comfortable walking on uneven trails at mountain elevations while carrying lightweight drawing materials, but this is not an endurance-based or physically demanding trip.
The emphasis is on observation, drawing, and instruction rather than physical challenge, making the trip appropriate for participants with a wide range of hiking experience.
Who this trip is for
This retreat is well suited for illustrators who want to strengthen their plant drawing skills through direct observation in the field. It is appropriate for participants at a range of experience levels who value thoughtful instruction, a well-paced schedule, and a professionally organized trip.
By combining accessible outings, focused art instruction, comfortable accommodations, and the logistical support Colorado Mountain Expeditions is known for, Alpine Botanicals offers a structured and rewarding opportunity to study plants in the landscapes where they grow.
Trip Pricing & Payment Options
The cost of Alpine Botanicals: A Plant Illustration Retreat in Winter Park is $2,725 per person for a shared room.
Single occupancy rooms are available for $3,150 per person.
You may choose to pay a deposit or pay in full when registering for a shared room.
To request a single room, please select “Single Room Deposit” during registration. After we receive your deposit, we will email you to confirm your selection of a single room and provide a link to complete full payment.
Trip at a Glance
This four-day plant illustration retreat is hosted by Colorado Mountain Expeditions in collaboration with artist Marjorie Leggitt and is based in Winter Park, Colorado, with lodging at YMCA of the Rockies – Snow Mountain Ranch. Each day focuses on botanical illustration in the field at locations throughout the Fraser Valley, including Winter Park, Fraser, and Tabernash. Daily outings emphasize careful observation and drawing from life, with short hikes used to access a variety of alpine and subalpine plant communities. Packed lunches are eaten in the field to maximize drawing time. Evenings include indoor instruction and artist critique in a reserved meeting room. This is a structured, field-focused illustration retreat designed for artists who want dedicated time outdoors, clear instruction, and a well-supported schedule.
Dates: June 21–24
Basecamp: YMCA of the Rockies – Snow Mountain Ranch, Winter Park, Colorado
Lodging: Lodge-style hotel rooms at Snow Mountain Ranch; single or double occupancy options available
Meals: Hot breakfast and dinner served daily by the YMCA; packed lunches provided in the field by Colorado Mountain Expeditions
Illustration Locations: Winter Park, Fraser, and Tabernash area meadows, wetlands, forest edges, and trailside plant communities
Difficulty: Easy to moderate — generally less than 3 miles of walking per day on established trails
Experience Level: All levels welcome; designed for illustrators interested in improving plant drawing skills
Group Size: Limited enrollment to ensure a supportive learning environment
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival & Orientation (June 21)
5:00 PM — Meet at YMCA of the Rockies – Snow Mountain Ranch for welcome, introductions, and retreat overview
6:30 PM — Dinner at the YMCA dining facility
7:30 PM — Evening instruction session focused on materials, observation strategies, and goals for the retreat
Day 2 – Alpine & Subalpine Plant Studies (June 22)
7:00 AM — Breakfast
8:00 AM — Depart for field illustration sessions in alpine and subalpine environments
12:00 PM — Packed lunch in the field
1:00 PM — Afternoon drawing focused on plant structure, form, and detail
4:00 PM — Return to Snow Mountain Ranch
6:00 PM — Dinner
7:15 PM — Evening critique and instruction in the reserved meeting room
Day 3 – Wetlands, Meadows & Forest Edges (June 23)
7:00 AM — Breakfast
8:00 AM — Field illustration sessions visiting wetlands, open meadows, and forest-edge plant communities
12:00 PM — Packed lunch in the field
1:00 PM — Continued drawing with emphasis on comparison studies and refinement
4:00 PM — Return to Snow Mountain Ranch
6:00 PM — Dinner
7:15 PM — Evening critique, discussion, and demonstration
Day 4 – Final Field Session & Wrap-Up (June 24)
7:00 AM — Breakfast and pack up belongings
8:00 AM — Final morning field illustration session
11:30 AM — Return to Snow Mountain Ranch
12:00 PM — Group wrap-up, reflections, and departures
Weather & Conditions
Late June in the Winter Park and Fraser Valley area typically brings daytime highs in the 60s to low 70s °F, with cool mornings and evenings in the 40s to 50s °F. Weather may include sun, clouds, wind, and occasional afternoon showers. Participants should be prepared for variable mountain conditions with layered clothing, sun protection, and rain gear. Colorado Mountain Expeditions will adjust field locations as needed to account for weather, conditions, and group comfort.
PROFILE
This retreat is designed for illustrators who want to strengthen their ability to draw plants accurately and confidently through direct observation in the field. Participants may range from those newer to botanical illustration to more experienced artists looking to refine their observational skills and deepen their practice.
The trip emphasizes careful study of living plants in their natural environments, supported by clear instruction, individual feedback, and structured time outdoors. Hiking distances are short and the pace is intentionally relaxed, allowing participants to focus on drawing rather than physical exertion. No technical hiking or backcountry experience is required.
Participants should be comfortable spending full days outdoors at mountain elevations while carrying lightweight drawing materials and walking on uneven trails. This is not an endurance-based trip, and accessibility has been prioritized throughout the itinerary.
If you are looking for a focused, well-organized opportunity to improve your plant illustration skills in a supportive group setting, this retreat is an excellent fit.
Arrival Transportation Options
Participants are responsible for arranging their travel to and from Colorado. Colorado Mountain Expeditions will offer a group shuttle from the Denver area to Winter Park on Saturday, June 21, 2026, with pickup times coordinated to allow for arrival at YMCA of the Rockies Snow Mountain Ranch by the 5:00 PM meeting time.
Pickup locations may include:
Denver International Airport (DEN)
Select hotels near Denver International Airport
Wooly Mammoth Park-n-Ride — 11300 U.S. Highway 40, Golden, CO 80403
Final pickup locations and times will be confirmed in a pre-trip logistics email sent to registered participants.
Participants who prefer to travel independently may rent a car or arrange a private shuttle. Driving time from Denver International Airport to YMCA of the Rockies Snow Mountain Ranch is approximately 2.5 hours via I-70 and US-40, depending on traffic and conditions.
Meeting Location
YMCA of the Rockies — Snow Mountain Ranch
Winter Park / Fraser Valley, Colorado
Snow Mountain Ranch will serve as our basecamp for the duration of the retreat. Lodging is located in one of the on-site lodges, with hotel-style rooms. Participants may choose between single or double occupancy accommodations. The property offers comfortable common areas, dining facilities, and easy access to surrounding trailheads and field locations.
Meeting Time
Please plan to arrive at YMCA of the Rockies Snow Mountain Ranch by 5:00 PM on Saturday, June 21, 2026. We will gather for introductions, trip orientation, and an evening session with artist Marjorie Leggitt, followed by dinner.
Check-In
Check-in begins in the afternoon at Snow Mountain Ranch. If you arrive earlier in the day, you are welcome to explore the property, relax in common areas, or enjoy nearby trails until our scheduled gathering time.
Parking
Free parking is available on site at Snow Mountain Ranch for participants who choose to drive their own vehicles. Parking is available for the full duration of the retreat.
Transportation During the Retreat
Colorado Mountain Expeditions will provide all transportation during the retreat, including daily travel to and from hiking and illustration locations around Winter Park, Fraser, and Tabernash. Participants will not need their own vehicle once the retreat begins.
Departure
The retreat will conclude on Tuesday, June 24, 2026, with departures following breakfast and final wrap-up activities at Snow Mountain Ranch. Shuttle return transportation to the Denver area will be coordinated for participants who used CME’s group shuttle.
Participants wishing to extend their stay in the area may arrange additional lodging at Snow Mountain Ranch, Winter Park, Fraser, or nearby Grand Lake at their own expense.
Welcome to Your Winter Park Plant Illustration Retreat
We’re excited to welcome you to this focused and immersive plant illustration retreat in Colorado’s high country.
Colorado Mountain Expeditions (CME) was founded with a simple mission: to help people connect more deeply with Colorado’s mountain landscapes through professionally guided outdoor experiences. Based in Winter Park, CME is a licensed Colorado outfitter specializing in small-group trips that emphasize thoughtful planning, learning in the field, and a strong connection to the natural world. Our team is committed to creating well-organized experiences that highlight Colorado’s alpine environments while supporting responsible and sustainable recreation.
For this retreat, we are pleased to partner with artist and illustrator Marjorie Leggitt, whose work is rooted in careful observation and the study of plant form and structure. Marjorie’s approach to teaching botanical illustration encourages artists to slow down, look closely, and develop accuracy and confidence through direct study of living plants. Her instruction emphasizes observation, clarity, and drawing as a tool for understanding the natural world, making the retreat valuable for illustrators at a range of experience levels.
The retreat is based at YMCA of the Rockies – Snow Mountain Ranch, with daily field sessions in and around Winter Park and the surrounding Fraser Valley. From focused time drawing in the field to evening instruction and critique sessions, the experience is designed to support sustained learning in a structured and supportive environment. Short hikes, comfortable accommodations, and a well-paced schedule allow participants to concentrate on their artwork while enjoying Colorado’s alpine setting.
We look forward to welcoming you to Winter Park for a rewarding and thoughtfully organized plant illustration retreat.