A legacy donor retreat, August 2-8, 2025

Private chamber music

Immerse yourself in an unforgettable week of music at the serene Elk Lake Lodge. Legacy donors are invited to savor three exclusive concerts featuring the transcendent notes of Beethoven, Schubert, and more—brought to life by the acclaimed Zetler String Quartet and the luminous piano trio, Trio Magnoliana.

​As a highlight of the week, we are honored to welcome two distinguished artists from the Butler Studio of the Houston Grand Opera for an enchanting evening of celebrated arias. Indulge in a sumptuous dinner followed by a performance of operatic brilliance—an experience reserved for those whose generosity sustains the Mountain Light Music Festival as legacy donors.

"Mountain Light" by Luvinia "Beebe" Phillips - NFT
Combining legacy art, blockchain technology, and nonprofit fundraising. This original oil on canvas will be made available as a digital asset, contributing to the net worth and financial future of the Mountain Light Music Festival. 

Culinary creativity

Savor a culinary journey as exquisite as the music itself. Our celebrated chef from Durango, Colorado will craft masterful dishes using locally sourced ingredients, infused with creativity and artistic flair. Each meal is thoughtfully designed to harmonize with the theme and nuance of our musical offerings—creating a feast for both palate and soul.

Begin your day with hearty breakfasts, enjoy fresh and flavorful lunches before your outdoor adventures, and indulge in elegant dinners preceding each concert. Expect inspired wine pairings, imaginative culinary artistry, and intimate chamber music by the glow of an outdoor fire pit. To end the evening on a sweet note, delight in a whimsical, late-night twist on the classic s’more—a perfect encore to an unforgettable day.

Fly-fishing Excursions

Legacy donors are invited to experience the art of angling in its finest form. Enjoy exclusive access to pristine local streams and the private trout lake at Elk Lake Lodge, guided by an expert fly-fishing professional. Whether you wish to perfect your fly rod presentation with personalized casting instruction or prefer the ease of classic spinning tackle, we’ll ensure you’re positioned for success. Every detail is designed to match your style—so you can savor the thrill of landing trout in a setting as breathtaking as the music that surrounds you.

Guided day hikes

Prepare for an unforgettable alpine adventure. Our expert guides will customize your hike to showcase the wonders of the San Juans—leading you along winding trails to cascading mountain river falls, through cathedral-like forests, and across wildflower-strewn alpine meadows. Lace up your boots for a half-day of exploration where every step reveals a new vista.
Along the way, we’ll pause for orienteering tips, giving you the thrill of navigating by map and compass in true backcountry style. Bring your camera to capture the play of light on rugged peaks, and keep your binoculars ready for glimpses of soaring eagles or elusive wildlife. At midday, we’ll spread out a thoughtfully packed lunch in a meadow so serene it feels untouched by time—an idyllic interlude before the trail beckons you onward.

Trail riding

Embark on a journey where the trail leads to secrets hidden deep within the San Juans. We’ll arrange a half-day ride through rugged beauty, culminating in a visit to a remote, private ranch known only to a few. Awaiting you in a sunlit mountain meadow is a lunch as wild and untamed as the landscape itself. And perhaps—if the moment feels right—the hush of the wilderness will give way to a private concert on horseback, a melody echoing through the peaks like a whispered legend.