Member Writing Retreat

Every fall, NCW members have an opportunity to escape into Rocky Mountain National Park and spend three nights and nearly three days of quiet writing time. What better place to write than in a beautiful setting without any distractions? No classes or talks, just lots of writing time. 

We’re in our 14th year of providing writers the unique opportunity to escape the daily grind and focus purely on writing among some of the most gorgeous surroundings Colorado has to offer. Over the years, participants have experienced a variety of Colorado splendor, whether it’s falling leaves or falling snow, as they dive deep into their works-in-progress. In 2017, participants collectively wrote nearly 90,000 words!

While you might be distracted by the beautiful scenery, visiting wildlife, and fresh mountain air, we think these are the very things that can spark inspiration and the aforementioned creativity. And don’t worry, after a hard day of writing, you can enjoy optional social time in the evenings with cocktails, conversations, and fun with fellow attendees.

NCW has secured a retreat cabin at the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park. The cabin offers amazing views of the Rocky Mountains, a large kitchen, living and dining areas, a gas fireplace, outdoor seating, and WiFi access. Each bedroom either has one queen bed & one twin bunk or two queens (Think of it as writing camp!) 

SAMPLE AGENDA (final agenda may differ in the particulars): 

Sunday:
3:00 p.m. – Arrive at YMCA of the Rockies and get settled
4:00-6:00 – Quiet writing time
6:00-7:00 – Dinner
7:00-7:30 – Writer Roundup (each writer discusses their writing goals for the retreat)
7:30-9:00 – Cocktails, writing games, and hanging out (optional)

Monday:
7:00-9:00 a.m. – Breakfast items will be available in the kitchen; come and go as you please.
9:00-5:30 – Writing time. Lunch will be available in the kitchen from 11:30-1:30 for you to help yourself.
5:30-6:30 – Dinner
6:30-7:30 – Writing time
7:30-10:00 – Movie and munchies (optional)

Tuesday:
7:00-9:00 a.m. – Breakfast items will be available in the kitchen; come and go as you please.
9:00-5:30 – Writing time. Lunch will be available in the kitchen from 11:30-1:30 for you to help yourself.
5:30-6:30 – Dinner
6:30-7:30 – Writing time
7:30-10:00 – Social time (optional)

Wednesday:
7:00-8:30 a.m. – Breakfast items will be available in the kitchen; come and go as you please.
8:30 – Final Roundup
9:00-9:30 – Writing time
9:30-10:00 – Gather belongings and checkout by 10:00 a.m.

Price (includes lodging & meals):

Queen bed : $325/Total for 3 nights
Twin Bunk (lower): $275/Total for 3 nights

2021 Retreat Dates: October 3-6, 2021
All rates are based on room sharing - 2 guests per bedroom (1 bed per guest).

You must be a member of NCW to register. Join here.

Social distancing and COVID-19 restrictions may apply.

Registration open now:

2021 NCW Fall Writing Retreat