Our Questing land is in southwest Colorado, about one hour north of Cortez (see blog post). Historically, this was land of the Ute (Núuchi, Nuchu) and Navajo (Diné) Nations. The property is well-forested with ponderosa pine, quaking aspen, and gambel oak. Maximum daily temperatures during the summer months average in the 70s, overnight lows in the 40s.

The elevation is about 8500 feet and the reduced air pressure at this elevation results in about 75% oxygen availability compared to sea level. If you live at low elevation (e.g., <4000 feet), we advise acclimation time in the Durango/Cortez area (6200-6500 feet) before arriving at our camp. A healthy person can acclimate to elevation in 1-4 days and we recommend, for people from lower elevations, a minimum of one night in Durango or Cortez before arriving at our land. More time is better! A climber’s adage to acclimate is “climb high, sleep low”. If you stay in Durango or Cortez, you can visit Mesa Verde National Park (elevations up to 8400 feet) or take the train to Silverton (elevation 9300 feet) during the day before returning to town to sleep. If you live at higher elevation (e.g., >4000 feet) and are in good health, you probably do not need acclimation before arriving to a program at our camp.