History of the Property

First purchased in 1962 from Ethel Poundstone by the ROACT (Rocky Mountain Association for Christian Training), these 110 acres are covered with pine and aspen trees and surrounded by the San Isabel National Forest. Mrs. Poundstone and her brother Ray Summe provided an extremely generous offer because they desired a Christian organization to purchase the land and buildings. Located approximately 125 miles southwest of Denver and 100 miles west of the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Spring Canyon was the perfect location for military members in the western United States to enjoy “vacation with a purpose” and for Air Force cadets to experience regular retreats. Situated between Mt. Princeton and Mt. Yale in the Collegiate Peaks region – which contains many of Colorado’s famed 14er’s – Spring Canyon views “The Hook,” a massive hook-like formation on the north face of Mt. Princeton. At just under 13,000 feet, The Hook became the iconic view for guests each time they returned. From an aerial view, Mt. Princeton also looks like a fishing hook – reminding us that Jesus called his disciples to be “fishers of men.” The natural underground spring which flows at 500 gallons per minute feeds not only our three ponds and South Cottonwood Creek, it also provides some of the cleanest drinking water in the entire U.S., reminding us that we must drink from the “Living Water” to be truly filled and refreshed.

Originally, only a few buildings existed – Poundstone Lodge, which originally contained the kitchen, dining room, meeting space, and guest rooms; Pioneer Cabin; the Prayer Chapel (originally staff housing); and Columbine Cabin. Several chalets were built in the first ten years of Spring Canyon and were designed for families or small groups of close friends. The original Fort Shine Lodge (now staff housing, called Cornerstone Lodge) was built and greatly increased the number of guest beds available. Construction of Hartley Holmes Lodge was completed Memorial Day 1974, providing a greatly improved kitchen and dining facility as well as a larger meeting room, classrooms and office space. In recent years, the OCF “Growing and Building” campaign enabled construction of the new Fort Shine and Veteran’s Memorial Lodges and expansion of the Hartley Holmes Lodge kitchen and dining room – doubling the guest capacity of Spring Canyon and completing the array of excellent facilities we enjoy today.