Frequently Asked Questions

Not all guidelines, policies, and restrictions are covered on this page. Additional information is provided as needed to James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus guests. 

• Where is the James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus?

  The James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus is in Red Feather Lakes, Colorado at 17900 W County Rd 74E, Red Feather Lakes, CO 80545.  It is approximately two (2) hours from Denver, 45 mins from Fort Collins, and one hour and 15 mins from Cheyenne, WY and Laramie, WY. 
• What is the James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus?

  The James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus in Red Feather Lakes, Colorado is for everyone.  Our property and team can provide a range of experiences for students, faculty/staff, alumni, families, and groups to enhance personal growth, well-being, leadership and character development, team building, problem-solving, communication, and risk-taking.  We offer both organized and informal experiences for our guests. 

  The James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus is housed in the Division of Kennedy Mountain Campus, Wellness & Recreation at the University of Denver.  The facility is run currently by 7 professionals, a food and beverage contract service, and over 20 student and part-time staff members.  Visit the Our Team page to meet our team members. 

• What does it cost?

  The James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus offers a broad range of facilities, programs, and services.  Costs can vary widely.  The following is a high-level summary to help guide you to the correct information. 

  • First Ascent Trips for incoming students (first-year and transfer) are provided at no charge through the generosity of our donors and supporters. 
  • Outdoor Experience and Programs are subsidized through the generosity of our donors and supporters and trips, classes, and equipment are less expensive than commercial vendors 
  • Custom experience and programs (FPO) charge fees based on facility use, staff support, food and beverage, transportation, and activity and equipment needed.  Please contact our Director of Kennedy Mountain Campus Operations, Events, and Outreach for more information 
  • Lodging, facility rental, and food and beverage service charge fees for group reservation use.  Please contact our Director of Kennedy Mountain Campus Operations, Events, and Outreach for more information 
• How do I get started at the James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus?

  Getting started with the James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus depends on whether you are a member of the DU student community, faculty & staff community, or Colorado and Wyoming community. 

  • Incoming Students: Start with a First Ascent experience during the summer and fall of your first year at DU 
  • Current Students: Check out our programming, equipment rentals, club opportunities and DIY outdoors information
  • Prospective Student and Part-Time Staff: Review our employment opportunities
  • Groups Seeking Custom Accommodation, Facilities, and Programming: Explore our offerings or submit a proposal request
  • For all other inquiries, please contact our Director of Kennedy Mountain Campus Operations, Events, and Outreach for more information 
• Are there rules I should be aware of at the James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus?

  The James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus offers a broad range of facilities, programs, and services.  Rules and requirements vary by experience.  For specifics, please visit our policies page.
• Can I hike at the James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus?

  No, the hiking trails on the James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus are not open to the public and are only available for guests of the property.  The public can access the trail system in the surrounding Roosevelt National Forest with the closest public trailhead parking lots being the Mount Margaret Trailhead and Lady Moon Trailhead which are less than 3 miles to the West of the James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus. 
• Can I park at the James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus?

  Parking at the James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus is limited.  If you are a guest of the property your transportation and parking will be organized and communicated with you.  Once you arrive at the James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus please follow the signs to appropriate parking (lower and/or upper parking). Click here (link) to view our interactive campus map to identify where each appropriate parking area is. 

  Public services and parking are not available at the James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus. Your car may be locked inside our gate system if you park on campus without authorization. Please avoid this situation by respecting our “authorized guests only” policy. 

  If you are coming to recreate in the area, like accessing the many wonderful hiking trails that surround the James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus property, parking is available at the closest public trailhead parking lots, the Mount Margaret Trailhead and Lady Moon Trailhead which are less than 3 miles to the West of the James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus. 

• Can I smoke at the James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus?

  Smoking is not permitted in any residence, facility, or on the property outside of the designated smoking zone (which is a single area on a concrete pad outside of the dining hall and identified as the designated smoking zone). University Policy HRIC 3.20.050 – Tobacco Free Campus. 

  The possession, use, and/or distribution of any controlled substance, including but not limited to, marijuana, is not permitted and a violation of University Policy. See University Policy SAFE 3.20.020 – Possession, Use, or Distribution of Controlled Substance.   

  Additional outlining can be found on our policies page.

• Can I bring my pet to the James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus?

  Pets & Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) are not permitted at the Kennedy Mountain Campus (KMC). Service animals are allowed and we ask those bringing service animals to alert us so that we can make arrangements. DU students with questions should contact the University of Denver's Student Disability Services. For all other KMC guests, please contact us at kmc@du.edu or call 303-871-5355.

  Additional outlining can be found on our policies page.

• Can I camp at the James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus?

  Currently, guests cannot camp at the James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus due to the campground infrastructure having to undergo renovation.  Once this work is completed, we will permit camping at the James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus.  In the interim, please visit the following link for available camping opportunities in the surrounding area.  
• Can I rent a cabin at the James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus?

  Yes, cabins are available for rental on dates that the University of Denver is not utilizing the James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus for its 4D Experience and Academic programming.  Please contact the Director of Kennedy Mountain Campus Operations, Events, and Outreach for availability or call 303.871.5355.  Preference is provided to DU-affiliated organizations and groups. 
• What is the weather like at the James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus?

  You can check current conditions at the James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus weather by visiting our weather and forecast information here. If more specific information is needed, please call our front desk at 303.871.5355 and ask one of our team members.
• Can I bring my firearm or other weapon to the James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus?

  Firearms and weapons are not permitted at the James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus. Additional outlining can be found on our policies page.
• Can I have a campfire at the James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus?

  Due to fire ban restrictions in Larimer County, open flame campfires are not permitted. Wood from outside the James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus is also prohibited for environmental and pest reasons.  The James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus has gas fire pits that are permitted under the Larimer County fire ban.  If you wish to use the gas fire pits you must contact the Director of KMC Operations, Events and Outreach to coordinate such use. Additional outlining can be found on our policies page.
• Can I fish at the James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus?

  Currently, no fishing exists on the James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus.  Guests would have to leave the property to one of the public lakes or rivers for fishing access.  Information courtesy of the Colorado Vacation Directory is available here for area fishing. 
• Can I climb at the James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus?

  No, the climbing areas and routes on the James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus are not open to the public and are only available for guests of the property.