Come Home to Yourself at Zen Mountain Retreat.

group nature hike near Boulder, Colorado

A place born from stillness and the calling of nature.

Some places have a way of inviting you home — not just to rest, but to remember who you are.

Zen Mountain Retreat grew from that understanding. Nestled among aspen and pine on five private acres in Nederland, Colorado, this land called us here to create a sanctuary for stillness, connection, and renewal.

What began as a personal dream of creating an escape from the busyness of 20 years of city life slowly became something more — building a space to share with others who long to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with themselves and the natural world.

However you arrive — seeking rest, inspiration, or the desire to simply pause and take a deeper breath — we’re honored to welcome you here.

Our Vision

We believe in the medicine of presence — in the quiet that comes when you step away from life’s busy pace and let nature surround you.

From our very first date in 2004, canoeing on a river in Maryland, we envisioned building a home surrounded by nature where we could live simply and sustainably. And one of the clearest parts of that vision was to create a healing space to gather people where they could be connected to the medicine of the mountains, rivers, plants, and trees.

Our mission is simple: to create spaces and experiences that restore balance — to body, mind, and spirit.

Through restful stays, guided breathwork, and nature-based gatherings, we invite you to experience what happens when you give yourself permission to pause.

Our Roots

Zen Mountain Retreat was born from a simple yet profound idea: when we slow down, breathe, and reconnect with nature, everything else falls into clearer focus.

More than two decades of partnership have taken us to homes on the East Coast and West Coast— and now here in Colorado— and no matter where we’ve lived, we have always felt most at home when we’re immersed in nature. As avid outdoor adventurers, life-long learners, coaches, teachers and facilitators, combining our years of professional experience with our love of the natural world through our offerings at Zen Mountain Retreat is a long-time dream come true.

Bonnie is the founder of Soul Fire Strategies and Boulder Breathwork, where she offers executive and organizational coaching, along with private and group breathwork sessions designed to support deep relaxation, emotional healing, nervous system regulation, and inner clarity.
With nearly 20 years of experience in the wellness world as a health coach, breathwork practitioner, facilitator, and consultant, her work is informed by her own healing journey—from chronic digestive illness and entrepreneurial burnout to greater alignment, vitality, and purpose.
Grounded in the belief that the body holds innate wisdom, Bonnie integrates breath, nature, and community as pathways to personal expansion, spiritual connection, and meaningful transformation.
She believes there is no one-size-fits-all approach to well-being; true health and purpose emerge when we listen to the body, honor our natural rhythms, and follow what feels true. These principles shape her approach to coaching, facilitation, and every session and retreat she leads.

Travis brings 20+ years of experience as a classroom teacher in outdoor and experiential education, leadership development, and wilderness adventure.
His work focuses on helping individuals and teams grow through presence, trust, and the lessons nature teaches best, in addition to supporting families as a parent coach.
With a grounded, experiential approach, he co-leads our team off-sites and nature-based retreats, creating opportunities for people to challenge themselves gently and connect meaningfully — with each other and the land.
When not guiding groups or coaching families, Travis is happiest building things by hand, inventing games for his son, writing and playing music, tending to the land, or exploring the nearby trails.

Nature views at Zen Mountain Retreat Colorado

A family of three having fun outdoors in a park during autumn, with the mother lifting her young son, and the father kneeling on one knee, all smiling and enjoying the moment.

Our Life On This Land

We live here full-time with our son and our dog, stewarding this beautiful mountain property with gratitude and care. This land has been one of our greatest teachers.

Every season brings its own rhythm — the hush of winter snow, the budding green of spring, the bright warmth of summer, and the golden fall light filtering through the aspens.

Sharing this land with others has deepened our connection to it, and to the simple truth that healing doesn’t always require doing more — often, it begins with just being.

Our Offerings

Stay With Us In Our Guest Cabin

Rest in our private guest cottage surrounded by forest and mountain views.
Retreats & Seasonal Workshops

Join one of our seasonal gatherings for rest, reflection, and reconnection with nature and yourself.
Company & Team Off-Sites

Partner with us to create mindful, nature-based team experiences that build connection and clarity.
Individual & Group Breathwork

Experience guided breathwork sessions with Bonnie — in person or online.