2026 Rocky Mountain Field Study

This trip is an optional field study opportunity for students enrolled in the Family Herbalist Program. Other herbal friends may be joining us.

Photos from previous trips can be seen on Facebook here.

Students are responsible for food, lodging (camping, Air B&B, hotel) and transportation.

The dates for the 2026 program are July 12-16.

Day 1 – Sunday, July 12
Introductions and Orientation meeting at 6 pm at the campground.
Lodging is preferred at the campground although hotels are nearby and are optional.
There is a group campfire this evening.
Elevation is 7,000′.

Day 2 – Monday, July 13
Morning:
Botany and field study through a meadow and then into in a moist, shady mixed aspen-conifer forest.
Lunch on the trail.
Elevation is ~10,000′.

Afternoon:
Either complete the plant walk or move to another area for an additional, short walk.
This depends on the time, weather + group energy and interest.
There is a group campfire this evening.

Day 3 – Tuesday, July 14
Morning:
A travel day.
Check out of the campground and drive to a local herb growing operation for a tour of how to cultivate herbs at high elevation.
Lunch in the field as part of a short plant walk.
Elevation is ~7,000′-8,000′.

Afternoon:
After the post-lunch plant walk, we will drive to our next basecamp lodging to arrive before dinner time.

Day 4 – Wednesday, July 15
Botany and field study among beaver ponds and a high elevation lake near treeline.
Lunch on the trail.
Return to basecamp in mid-afternoon.

Day 5 – Thursday, July 16
Morning:
Plant walk in a deep, shady, moist aspen forest.
Lunch in the field.

Afternoon:
Visit by a guest speaker on an herbal topic
Dinner is family picnic style outdoors where we do farewells and final wrap up.

Day 6 – Friday, July 17
Return to your home.

Lodging
The first two nights are in a private campground with a variety of lodging choices – tent, RV space, yurt, etc.

At the second location, each person chooses the type of lodging that suits the individual.
Choices include primitive or formal camping, hotel, Air B&B, or staying with friends.
Contact me for more details on the best location for lodging.

Level of Physical Challenge
This is not a *strenuous* hiking program with long miles traveled each day.
The emphasis is on connecting to specific growing environments and the healing flora found within them.
However, some people find these days physically challenging due to the higher elevations (7,000′ – 10,000′).
The hiking distances are from 1 to 3 miles.
There are no long climbs but even gentle inclines can be challenging due to the elevation.
Feel free to contact me for more details.