Men’s Mountain Retreat
Why Rising Embers?
In every season of life, God invites men deeper — beyond routine faith, beyond surface-level connection, and into renewed identity as sons, leaders, and disciples.
Rising Embers exists to create space away from noise and distraction so men can encounter Christ more intentionally through prayer, brotherhood, and the beauty of creation.
This retreat is not about escape, but renewal — rekindling the embers of faith that God has already placed within you.
Whether you come seeking clarity, rest, healing, or deeper spiritual direction, this time is designed to help you listen more closely to the voice of God.
Men’s Mountain Retreat
Why Rising Embers?
In every season of life, God invites men deeper — beyond routine faith, beyond surface-level connection, and into renewed identity as sons, leaders, and disciples.
Rising Embers exists to create space away from noise and distraction so men can encounter Christ more intentionally through prayer, brotherhood, and the beauty of creation.
This retreat is not about escape, but renewal — rekindling the embers of faith that God has already placed within you.
Whether you come seeking clarity, rest, healing, or deeper spiritual direction, this time is designed to help you listen more closely to the voice of God.
Retreat Kick-Off Call
What to Expect
Join us in Estes Park, CO for a Men's Mountain Retreat! We welcome you to experience a deepening of freedom through Christ, while connecting with like-minded men over faith, vocation, and hiking.
Renewal + Refreshment
Renewal + Refreshment in a mountain cabin with stunning views near Rocky Mountain National Park. The cost includes stay for 5 days/4 nights (Thursday afternoon – Monday morning) which covers 3 meals a day along with snacks and refreshments.
Spiritual Renewal
Spiritual Renewal through personal prayer time, daily Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, experiencing God's creation through the outdoors, and opportunities for confession and spiritual direction throughout the retreat. Each day will have a specific theme — Seek. Receive. Encounter.
Fellowship + Community
Fellowship and connection with other like-minded men who share in vocations, their love for God, and nature; a great opportunity for rejuvenation from daily work and family life. This retreat offers a space for men to come together in personal and group settings in order to build connection and foster a fraternal and community as brothers in Christ.
Hiking + Climbing
Hiking near Rocky Mountain National Park’s beautiful mountains of Colorado will be incorporated into each day as a main excursion. These hikes will take place on the weekend (Fri–Sun) and will range from 5–10 miles a day (round trip) and will be moderate to hard in difficulty. There will be time for lighter on-site hikes as well as an opportunity to climb Long’s Peak.
Who This Retreat Is For
This retreat may be especially meaningful for men who:
Desire deeper spiritual renewal through prayer and creation
Feel called to grow as Catholic Christian husbands, fathers, or leaders
Long for authentic brotherhood rooted in faith
Need time away to reset spiritually and mentally
Enjoy the outdoors as a place to encounter God
Are seeking clarity or direction in their vocation or season of life
THE VENUE
Mountain Cabin — Estes Park, CO
What a Typical Day May Look Like
While each day carries its own rhythm, participants can expect a balanced flow of prayer, activity, and fellowship:
Morning
Personal prayer and reflection
Daily Mass
Breakfast and community gathering
Midday
Guided hikes through Rocky Mountain National Park
Spiritual conversations and brotherhood
Time for silence and reflection in nature
Afternoon
Rest and personal time
Optional spiritual direction or confession opportunities
Evening
Shared meals
Evening talks and reflections
Eucharistic Adoration
Fireside conversations and fellowship
Meet Your Retreat Guides
This retreat is led by Catholic men committed to authentic discipleship and spiritual accompaniment.
With backgrounds in ministry, formation, and leadership, the team seeks to create a welcoming environment where participants feel supported in their faith journey.
Rather than presenting a program to consume, the leadership serves as companions walking alongside you during the retreat experience.
Anthony Krupp
Retreat Leader
Fr. Christopher Shofner
Retreat Chaplain
Doug Budig
Retreat Team
How Do I Sign Up?
How Do I Sign Up?
2026 Retreat spots are limited to 15 men. Click below to begin registration.
Fill out the Form
An Application form will be sent out via email along with additional retreat details once approved. If the retreat is full, your name can be waitlisted.
Send Payment
Once your application has been approved, we will send you next steps, including a payment link to secure your spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect during the retreat experience?
There will be a daily itinerary that will include morning Mass, prayer time, access to the sacraments, daily cooking and sharing of meals, guided hikes and climbs, as well as personal time and rest. There will also be incorporated talks from the lead team in order to provide a space for spiritual renewal and encounter. We invite you to come with an open heart in anticipation to receive what God has in store for you during this time.
Who can attend the retreat?
Rising Embers is open to Catholic/Christian men who are seeking spiritual renewal, fellowship with like-minded men, and adventure in the great-outdoors. Men ages 25+ up, at all stages of faith are welcome. This retreat requires a level of physical ability to hike 5-10 miles a day (more details are in the application).
What happens after I register?
Once you submit your application, our team will review it and once you have been approved, we will be sending you more information on what’s next, including waivers to sign, travel details, and a payment link to reserve your spot.
Do I need hiking experience?
Trails are pre-selected but they vary in difficulty from moderate to hard, with the option of climbing Longs Peak. Hiking waivers are required to sign by each participant. Participants are able to take lighter hikes or walks on the property during their stay.
Are meals included?
Yes. Meals, snacks, and refreshments are provided throughout the retreat. For individuals with food allergies or dietary restrictions, you can make note in the application while registering. We will accommodate the best we can and can provide alternative foods if requested. There is also access to local food stores if additional personal purchases are needed while on retreat.
Will participants help with meals or responsibilities?
Because we do not have a cook on-site, there will be rotating small groups prepping and cooking meals with the retreat team leads. Each participant will be asked to help in this way (don’t worry, we make it easy!). All other retreat responsibilities are taken care of by the team.
Will there be time for rest?
Yes. The retreat intentionally includes personal downtime for rest, prayer, and reflection.
Is transportation included?
Personal transportation to the cabin is not included in the retreat cost, whether driving or flying. However, we will be arranging complimentary airport pick up and drop off for those who are flying into Denver. We also cover all travel costs while on retreat to the various hiking sites. More details will be sent if the application is approved.
What if I need to cancel?
Cancellation information will be provided upon registration confirmation.
Is this retreat only for outdoorsy men?
No. The outdoor setting supports spiritual renewal rather than athletic performance, however some level of physical fitness is recommended.
What if I am not a practicing Catholic, can I still attend?
Christians men of all faith walks are welcome on this retreat. However, we do consider this a Catholic Men’s retreat because of the nature of spiritual elements and use of the sacraments. While on retreat, participants are invited into prayer, daily Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, optional confession, and more. If you are not Catholic but would like to attend, we encourage you to apply!
What Our Participants Are Saying…
Discern Your
Next Step
If you feel even a small invitation stirring within you, consider taking the next step.
Spiritual renewal often begins with a simple act of trust.
Join the notification list to receive updates and registration details for the 2026 Rising Embers Retreat.
“The higher we go, the better we shall hear the voice of Christ.”
- Saint Pier Giorgio Frassati
Rising Embers is a ministry of The Abundant Catholic