Every day at the James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus, people of all ages engage in thoughtfully designed experiences to discover new things about themselves, their relationships with their peers and their community. We believe that the natural environment enhances human connection by fostering the time and space for meaningful experiences, mentoring, and reflection. Groups that host their events at James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus find that the natural environment is not just in the background, but an integral part of their experience.
Whether you’re looking for an intimate team retreat, a family or alumni reunion event in one of our community cabins, or even a unique location for a special event, the James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus has the accommodations and amenities to match your group size and preferences. Explore our facilities below now!
Andy & Barbara Taylor Upper Camp
John & Jacolyn Bucksbaum Family Outdoor Gateway
The John and Jacolyn Bucksbaum Family Outdoor Gateway is an extraordinary event venue, located approximately one and a half miles inside the James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus. It is tucked away in high country at 7,900 feet in elevation. The Bucksbaum Outdoor Gateway offers multiple event configurations and includes the main hall and stage, outdoor amphitheater, two learning studios, one arts studio, one conference room, and an indoor rock wall. Enjoy the seclusion of the surrounding wilderness or utilize the James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus technology capabilities to connect with friends, family, and colleagues across the globe.
The John and Jacolyn Bucksbaum Family Outdoor Gateway is available to book as a special event space and is utilized to support our lodging accommodations and our outdoor experiences.
The Bucksbaum Outdoor Gateway serves as the hub for all things outdoor recreation. Guests can check out outdoor equipment from the gear library, consult staff about recreation opportunities on the James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus and beyond, or meet their group to embark on an Outdoor Experience program.
Learning Studio 1 is available to book as a standalone event space or incorporated into a reservation package. Connected to the Bucksbaum Outdoor Gateway, the Learning Studio 1 features:
Standard conference room set up can accommodate up to 12 people
Standard classroom set up can accommodate up to 16 people
Standard oval seating set up can accommodate up to 25 people
Integrated A/V: Built-in TV
Easy access to Bucksbaum Outdoor Gateway parking
Easy access to the Heli Pad where groups enjoy a large flat outdoor space for games and activities
Learning Studio 2 is also available to book as a standalone event space or incorporated into a reservation package. Connected to the Bucksbaum Outdoor Gateway, the Learning Studio 2 features:
Standard classroom set up can accommodate up to 16 people
Standard oval seating set up can accommodate up to 25 people
The Art Studio is available to book as a standalone event space or incorporated into a reservation package. Connected to the Bucksbaum Outdoor Gateway, the Art Studio features:
Standard classroom setup can accommodate up to 16 people
Standard oval seating setup can accommodate up to 25 people
The Conference Room is available to book as a standalone event space or incorporated into a reservation package. Connected to the Bucksbaum Outdoor Gateway, the Conference Room features:
Standard conference room set up can accommodate up to 10 people
Integrated A/V: Built in TV with click share and
Easy access to Bucksbaum Outdoor Gateway parking
Andy & Barbara Taylor Upper Camp Dining Hall
The Andy and Barbara Taylor Upper Camp Dining Hall is a wonderfully secluded getaway, located approximately one and a half miles inside the James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus. It is tucked away in high country at 7,900 feet in elevation, Andy and Barbara Taylor Upper Camp Dining Hall offers a fireplace, multiple event, and dining space configurations with the ability to accommodate up to 300 guests, a projection system and surrounded audio, a commercial kitchen, and a wraparound partially covered deck. Breathe in the crisp alpine air and soak in the stunning views that surround you. At night, use your wilderness ethic to stargaze into a dark sky environment and let the sky overwhelm you.
The Andy and Barbara Taylor Upper Camp Dining Hall is available to book as a special event space and is utilized to support our lodging accommodations.
The Welcome Center is available during all events at the Kennedy Mountain Campus, hours may vary and will be announced during your Welcome and Safety Briefing at the beginning of your event. Guest Services are available in the Welcome Center.
The Dining Hall Conference Room is available to book as a standalone event space or incorporated into a reservation package. Connected to the Andy & Barbara Taylor Upper Camp Dining Hall and located adjacent to the Storytelling and Reflection Lab, the Conference Room features:
Standard conference room setup can accommodate up to 8 people
Integrated A/V: Built-in TV with click share and
Easy access to the Dining Hall, Storytelling and Reflection Lab, Health Center, and parking.
The Health Center is available to book as part of a reservation package. For University of Denver student groups, the KMC Health Centeris activated as an extension of the University of Denver Health and Counseling Center. Connected to the Andy & Barbara Taylor Upper Camp Dining Hall the features include:
The Andy and Barbara Taylor Upper Camp Storytelling and Reflection Lab opens a new dimension at the James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus as students and guests can integrate their outdoor experiences into reflection and storytelling through technology. The media lab contains 12 computer stations and will soon be the hub of other digital equipment available for checkout to allow students and guests to capture and share their experiences at the James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus. The 600 sq ft. is configured in a lab set up to accommodate 12-15 people and features:
Utilizes 12 high-definition Apple iMac workstations for video and audio editing
Intimate, creative place where people discover their own voice and learn to bring it to life
Utilize writing, audio, and video to tell your story and experience of the James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus
Workshop and educational opportunities to maximize the use of the storytelling lab
Coming soon: audio and video-enhanced equipment for checkout
Brandon & Wendy B. Johnson Campfire Circle
Step into the warmth of tradition and reflection at the Brandon and Wendy B. Johnson Campfire Circle in the heart of the Taylor Upper Camp. Just as the crackling fire has ignited community and storytelling for generations, this space kindles the spirit of the Kennedy Mountain Campus and 4D Experience vision.
This cherished space provides a sanctuary where stories are shared, laughter echoes, and meaningful connections are forged around the warm embrace of crackling flames. As the fire illuminates the faces of those gathered, it symbolizes the light of knowledge, growth, and shared experiences that make our community stronger. This circle embodies our commitment to creating lasting memories, deepening connections, and embracing the warmth of togetherness in the midst of the natural beauty that surrounds us. Join us at the Johnson Campfire Circle, where the flames of tradition illuminate our path to a brighter tomorrow.
Indoor & Outdoor Meeting & Activity Spaces
The indoor and outdoor meeting and activity locations at the University of Denver’s James C. Kennedy Mountain campus are endless. From the studios in the Activity Center to Cliff Lake and everywhere in between, KMC has a place that meets your group's needs.
Cabin Common Rooms
If you are lodging in one of our Community Cabins, you can enjoy the flexibility of the built-in common room. If you are lodging in one of our Homestead Cabins, you can enjoy the flexibility of the built-in Shower House patio.
The town of Red Feather Lakes and surrounding recreational areas are just minutes away from the Kennedy Mountain Campus. Heading west on 74E you will find trailheads for Mount Margaret, Lady Moon, Parvin Lake, West Lake, and Dowdy Lake as you venture towards the town of Red Feather Lakes, CO.
Contact Us to Learn More
Interested in booking your group event at KMC? Please feel free to call, email, or complete our contact form for more information.
As technology has become central to our lives, the campus' Internet Connectivity Policy intentionally disconnects guests from the demands of our everyday lives. We seek to address the rising issues associated with constant connectivity through cultivating space where students, faculty, staff, and guests can engage and be present. The paradox of constant connectivity—always online yet disconnected from shared experiences—can lead to feelings of isolation. We aim to provide experiences that allow genuine connections with peers, nature, and the Kennedy Mountain Campus adventure.
Each building has a landline with pre-programmed numbers to the University of Denver’s Campus Safety and Kennedy Mountain Campus Front Desk.
Staff carry 2-way radios, cell phones, and have access to satellite phones when/where cell service is not available.
Staff are connected to the private Kennedy Mountain Campus Staff Network to streamline programs, operations, and events.
At the Kennedy Mountain Campus, the A/V technology is available for scheduled use within group reservations. We recommend working with the KMC staff to ensure we can accommodate your A/V needs during the reservation process.
Standard A/V
The Dining Hall, Learning Studio 1, and Conference Rooms have TVs with casting and standard connections. In addition, the Dining Hall will have a ceiling mounted projector, sound system, and presentation podium.
Additional A/V
The Kennedy Mountain Campus portable A/V services can accompany, supplement, or replace our standard A/V options. Additional A/V items include:
TV carts with standard connections
Portable sound systems (Bluetooth speaker with microphones)
The Media Lab at Kennedy Mountain Campus is an extension of DU's urban campus Digital Media Center. Open to DU students, faculty, staff, and alumni, it serves as a self-service computer lab for various creative pursuits—video production, graphic design, audio production, motion graphics, and web design. The lab offers support and expertise to all users, helping them become proficient in high-end creative and professional environments, empowering them to tell their Kennedy Mountain Campus Stories.
Go to the graduate admission application to submit your information. For information on admission requirements, visit the graduate academic programs page and locate your program of interest.
Go to the graduate admission application to submit your information. For information on admission requirements, visit the graduate academic programs page and locate your program of interest.
The University of Denver admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.
