Alpine Botanicals: Botanical Illustration Retreat in Winter Park, Colorado
Alpine Botanicals is a guided botanical illustration and hiking retreat in the Colorado Rockies, designed for artists who want to deepen their ability to observe and accurately draw plants through direct field study. Hosted by Colorado Mountain Expeditions in collaboration with botanical illustrator Marjorie Leggitt, the retreat blends professional instruction, immersive outdoor learning, and thoughtfully organized logistics so participants can focus entirely on their artistic growth.
Set in and around Winter Park and the surrounding alpine landscapes of the Fraser Valley, the program offers daily opportunities to study native plant communities in their natural habitats. Rather than relying on photographs or studio specimens, participants draw directly from living plants, learning to interpret structure, pattern, and proportion with greater accuracy and artistic sensitivity.
This is more than a hiking trip and more than a classroom workshop — it is a field-based learning experience where observation and creativity meet the living landscape of the Rocky Mountains.
A Guided Botanical Illustration & Hiking Retreat in the Colorado Rockies
Botanical illustration requires careful observation. Plants are complex systems of form and function — leaves that follow mathematical patterns, stems that reveal growth habits, and flowers that demonstrate evolutionary design.
In a traditional studio, artists often work from secondary references. At Alpine Botanicals, you will study plants where they grow. This approach encourages deeper understanding of structure and proportion because you can examine subjects from multiple angles, return to them throughout the day, and notice details that photographs often miss.
Daily outings explore a variety of plant communities, from subalpine meadows to sheltered forest edges. Short hikes connect study sites and provide opportunities to observe ecological relationships — how plants interact with soil, sunlight, and neighboring species. These experiences enrich artistic interpretation and build stronger visual memory.
The pace of the retreat is intentionally measured. Time is prioritized for drawing and observation rather than covering distance. Participants are encouraged to slow down, notice small details, and develop a thoughtful relationship with their subject matter.
Meet Your Instructor: Marjorie Leggitt
30+ Years of Botanical & Natural Science Illustration
Instruction is led by botanical illustrator and educator Marjorie Leggitt, a professional artist with decades of experience creating scientific and commercial illustrations. Her work spans publications, interpretive signage, commissioned projects, and educational materials that communicate complex natural systems with clarity and visual precision.
Raised in Colorado and New Mexico, Marjorie developed an early appreciation for the landscapes that continue to inspire her art. Her career reflects a commitment to understanding nature through observation and translating that understanding into visual expression.
More information about Marjorie and her work can be found at www.marjorieleggitt.com.
Professional Illustration & Teaching Experience
Marjorie has taught drawing and illustration in classrooms, outdoor settings, and online programs. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes fundamentals — observation, proportion, structure, and technique — while encouraging individual expression and creative growth.
Students work through group demonstrations and one-on-one feedback sessions. Rather than prescribing a single artistic style, instruction focuses on building skills that participants can apply in their own creative practice long after the retreat ends.
Field-Based Instruction Philosophy
Botanical illustration is best learned in the field. Working directly with living plants allows artists to observe growth patterns, textures, and spatial relationships that studio references cannot fully convey.
Throughout the retreat, Marjorie guides participants through observational exercises and drawing techniques tailored to field conditions. Evening critique sessions provide opportunities to review work, ask questions, and reflect on artistic development in a supportive group environment.
Field-Based Botanical Illustration Instruction
Drawing Directly from Living Alpine Plants
Each day centers on field study. Participants select plant subjects and work from life, examining stems, leaves, and flowers in their natural context. This approach encourages careful observation and helps artists understand how botanical structure translates into visual form.
Because plants change with seasons and environmental conditions, each study day presents unique opportunities for learning. Participants may return to the same subject multiple times, observing how light, perspective, and detail influence interpretation.
Demonstrations, Individual Feedback & Group Critique
Instruction combines demonstrations with personalized feedback. Demonstrations clarify drawing techniques and observational strategies, while individual feedback helps participants address specific challenges and refine their approach.
Evening group critique sessions provide space for constructive discussion. Participants share work, receive feedback, and learn from the experiences of their peers. These sessions emphasize growth and artistic development rather than perfection.
Evening Review Sessions
Evenings are reserved for relaxed group critique sessions in a dedicated meeting room at Snow Mountain Ranch. Sunday evening includes introductions, goal-setting, and materials review. Remaining evenings focus on reflection and constructive critique rather than formal lectures.
Location: Winter Park & the Fraser Valley, Colorado
Alpine Botanicals takes place in the high country of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, where alpine and subalpine ecosystems provide abundant subject matter for botanical study.
Field outings explore locations throughout Fraser Valley and nearby areas surrounding Winter Park. These sites offer varied plant communities, including wildflowers, grasses, and shrubs adapted to mountain environments.
Rather than traveling long distances each day, field sites are chosen for accessibility and educational value. Short hikes connect study areas and allow participants to return to subjects as needed, fostering deeper observation and understanding.
Daily Schedule & Retreat Flow Each day follows a consistent and balanced rhythm.
Morning: Breakfast & Travel to Field Sites
Days begin with a hot breakfast at YMCA of the Rockies – Snow Mountain Ranch, where participants prepare for field outings and review daily objectives. Transportation to study sites is coordinated by Colorado Mountain Expeditions, allowing the group to focus on learning rather than logistics.
Midday: Outdoor Drawing & Observation
Most of the day is spent outdoors drawing from life. Participants select plant subjects, work on observational studies, and receive guidance from instructors. Short hikes between study sites provide opportunities to explore different environments and gather reference material.
Packed lunches provided by Colorado Mountain Expeditions are enjoyed in the field, allowing the group to remain immersed in the learning experience.
Afternoon & Evening: Continued Study & Group Critique
Afternoons continue with additional drawing time and instruction before returning to lodging in the late day. Evening critique sessions encourage reflection and constructive feedback. Participants discuss their work, share insights, and explore strategies for artistic improvement.
These sessions are relaxed and supportive, emphasizing learning and growth.
Lodging & Meals at Snow Mountain Ranch
Comfortable Lodge Rooms
Participants stay in hotel-style lodge rooms at Snow Mountain Ranch. Rooms provide private sleeping spaces and access to shared amenities, offering a comfortable base for the retreat.
Single and double occupancy options are available depending on preference and availability.
Daily Meals Included
Hot breakfast and dinner are provided daily by the YMCA dining facilities. Meals emphasize variety and nutrition, supporting participants during field activities.
Colorado Mountain Expeditions provides packed lunches for field days. These meals are designed for convenience and outdoor use, allowing participants to remain on site during study sessions.
Physical Activity & Accessibility
Alpine Botanicals is designed to be accessible to a wide range of participants.
Daily hikes are short, typically under three miles, and focus on moderate terrain. No technical hiking skills or backcountry experience are required.
Participants should be comfortable walking on uneven trails at mountain elevations while carrying lightweight art materials. The emphasis is on learning and observation rather than physical endurance.
If you have specific accessibility concerns or questions about physical requirements, Colorado Mountain Expeditions is happy to provide guidance and accommodations where possible.
Short Daily Hikes
Daily walking distances are typically under three miles.
Moderate Terrain
Trails may be uneven and at mountain elevation, but no technical hiking or backcountry experience is required.
Focus on Art, Not Endurance
The emphasis is on observation and instruction rather than physical challenge. Participants should be comfortable walking on mountain trails while carrying lightweight art supplies.
Who This Botanical Illustration Retreat Is For
Alpine Botanicals is ideal for:
-
Botanical illustrators seeking to strengthen field observation skills
-
Artists interested in alpine and subalpine plant communities
-
Natural science illustrators
-
Outdoor sketching enthusiasts
-
Artists who value structured instruction and professional trip organization
Participants may range in experience level, provided they are interested in focused plant study and thoughtful critique.
Why Travel With Colorado Mountain Expeditions
Colorado Mountain Expeditions handles all trip logistics, including transportation coordination, field planning, and daily lunches. This professional organization allows participants to focus entirely on learning and artistic development.
The group environment fosters collaboration and shared growth. Participants benefit from small-group instruction and the support of experienced guides who understand the challenges and rewards of field-based learning.
By managing operational details, Colorado Mountain Expeditions ensures a smooth and well-supported retreat experience.
Trip Pricing & Registration
Shared Room – $2,725 per person Shared Rooms Now On Sale For $2,350
Single Room – $3,150 per person
A $600 deposit is required to reserve a single occupancy room. Shared room participants may choose to pay a deposit or pay in full at registration.
Final payment for all participants is due 90 days prior to the first day of the retreat. Reminder emails will be sent before the balance due date.
To request a single room, select “Single Room Deposit” during registration. After the deposit is received, confirmation and payment instructions will be emailed.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Do I need prior botanical illustration experience?
- Participants should have some drawing experience, but advanced expertise is not required. Instruction is tailored to a range of skill levels.
-
What art materials should I bring?
- A detailed materials list will be provided after registration, outlining recommended drawing and field supplies.
-
How physically demanding is the retreat?
- Hiking distances are short and terrain is moderate. No technical hiking skills are required.
-
What types of plants will we study?
- Plant communities vary based on seasonal conditions but may include alpine wildflowers, shrubs, grasses, and other high-elevation species native to the Colorado Rockies.
Ready to Study Alpine Plants in the Colorado Rockies?
Alpine Botanicals offers a rare opportunity to combine professional botanical illustration instruction with immersive field study in one of Colorado’s most inspiring mountain landscapes.
If you are seeking a thoughtfully organized botanical illustration retreat in Winter Park, Colorado, we invite you to join us.
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 — Introduction, goals, and art materials review
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 — Group critique and review
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 — Group critique and review
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.
Trip 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)
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. The shuttle will leave the Winter Park area at Noon, arrving at DIA at 3pm.
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.
