⛰️ Field Trip Day
This year, Balorado will be hosting a field trip to the mountains on Friday, June 13. We’ll take a charter bus about an hour into the mountains and spend some time at Alderfer/Three Sisters Park either walking or just relaxing in nature, and then some time in the town of Evergreen having lunch and/or doing some shopping.
In the past, we’ve done a Lake Day on Friday. We wanted to try something new this year and give y’all a different experience. While tubing was an option we considered (and tried to organize), the best places closest to Denver are likely to have slightly-too-high water levels from the snow melt this time of year for tubing to be safe.
🎟️ Please purchase a ticket for the bus when you register for the event. If you've already registered and want to add a bus ticket, please go here.
🤔 What to Expect
We’re so excited to get to show you the mountains! One of the best parts of Denver is how close we are to the outdoors, and we know that it can be really hard to experience that when you’re just visiting for a dance event. We planned this day trip with a few different options, so you can choose your own adventure. Our goal with this was to make experiencing the mountains accessible, and we’re happy to answer any questions you have.
Balorado has rented a bus for the day. We’ll meet in the parking lot of the Denver Turnverein at 9:10am. Please note that tickets for the bus can be purchased during registration on the “Products” page (the same page where you can purchase contest entries). Tickets are limited! We’ll make sure that we share our itinerary and schedule so that locals or folks with cars can join.
At the park, we’ll have a few options depending on your energy levels.
Just vibing: we’ll have some folding chairs, blankets, and hammocks if you just want to chill out. Bring a book, your knitting, or make some friendship bracelets.
A walk: if you’re feeling up for it, we’ll have two different options for walks. Balorado organizers will go with you, and we’ll also make sure you have the AllTrails information and a paper map.
Hidden Fawn Meadow: This is a 1.19mi loop trail with about 125ft of elevation gain.
Three Sisters Peak: This is a 1.44mi out-and-back trail to a viewpoint with about 331ft of elevation gain.
After some time outside, we’ll head to the town of Evergreen, where you can get some lunch, go shopping, or just meander around this quintessential mountain town.
Finally, we’ll return back to Denver at around 2:30pm.
Please note that Denver is located at 5,280ft of elevation, the town of Evergreen is located at 7,200ft of elevation, and that Alderfer/Three Sisters Park is located at about 7,500ft of elevation. You can find additional information about elevation here. Please reach out to us if you have any questions.
📅 Itinerary
9:10am: Meet in the Denver Turnverein parking lot (for anyone taking the bus).
10:30am: Meet at Alderfer/Three Sisters Park. There will be a bathroom, but it is a composting toilet (i.e., it does not flush, it does not smell great).
11:45am: Meet back at the bus.
12:15pm: Eat, shop, or just wander around in Evergreen.
1:30pm: Meet back at the bus.
2:30pm: Arrive back at the Denver Turnverein.
🎒 Packing List
Some comfy shoes for walking around in. Paths will not be paved, so we recommend wearing shoes you don’t mind getting a bit dirty. While the Denver area is generally dry and mud-free in mid-June, we can’t control the weather or the trail conditions.
A 16+ oz. water bottle. Hydration is essential for warding off any effects of the elevation. You should be chugging water all day, even if you don’t plan on walking.
A fully charged phone. If you plan on walking around the park, we strongly recommend downloading AllTrails, a free app, so that you know where you are. AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile users should have service. If you are taking the bus, we’ll need to be able to reach you in case we cannot find you. We’ll also make sure you have our contact info so you can get in touch if needed.
Sun protection. We will be outside, and while the park has plenty of shade, we don’t want anyone to start their weekend out with a sunburn. We recommend sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a lightweight long-sleeve t-shirt for added protection.
Chapstick. The air here is really dry, and lipstick doesn’t look great on chapped lips and this is still a dance event.
Snacks. Being at elevation can increase your metabolism, which means you might feel a bit hungrier than you normally would. Also, views are great but views with a snack are unparalleled.
Wallet/money for lunch OR a packed lunch. We will be stopping in Evergreen for lunch, but packing a lunch is a great way to save money.
Folding chair, blanket, or hammock. If you are local and able to bring these items for yourself or to share, that would be delightful.
Summit beer. For the true Denverite experience, pack yourself an IPA. It will be warm, kinda gross, a bit shaken up, and rather disappointing by the time you drink it. This is optional (and maybe a bit ill-advised) and entirely for the cultural experience.