It turns out hugging a miniature donkey is quite therapeutic, especially when said donkey is named Snowflake and has impressively soft fur. Had I not spent last weekend cozied up yurt-side on a camel farm nestled between mountain ranges, I might never have known.
Yurts have always captivated me; maybe it’s their simplicity or their cute circular shape, but now that Colorado’s December temperatures don’t really allow for actual tent camping, I was excited to find the Mudita Camel’s Yurt available to book in Moffat, CO.
A very doable drive from Denver along the scenic US Highway 285, the idyllic farm and working camel dairy has stunning views of a the white-capped indigo range of the Sangre De Cristo mountains. As I pulled up the dusty dirt driveway to the yurt, I spotted larger than life camels ambling slowly around the property, silhouetted against the peaks as in a dream of a far-off land.
I was looking forward to my night spent alone under the stars, determined to make the most of the trip despite a few last-minute cancellations from friends. I had no expectation that Meghan and Matt, the owners of the farm, would make it a much more meaningful experience.
As soon as I pulled up, Matt came out and introduced himself. With sandy blonde hair, glasses, and a youthful smile, his laid back nature immediately put me at ease as he showed me around the property and introduced me to his furry family. First up was Anita Bonita, the sweetest camel I’ve ever met; she certainly wasn’t bashful and went right in for the hug and kiss. Before long I was petting camels of all different shades of brown, as they got wind of my arrival one by one.
Snowflake the donkey was especially affectionate, and I practically had to peel her off of me (I wasn’t complaining!). The three working dogs, various cats, and Matt and Meghan’s beautiful infant son completed the large, unlikely, tight-knit family that I was fortunate enough to stumble upon.
The story of how Matt and Meghan abandoned their ordinary 9-to-5 lives in Denver to apprentice on a camel farm in Michigan and then start their own dairy a few years ago is both fascinating and inspiring. When you visit, be sure to ask lots of questions as the hosts are absolutely brimming with interesting facts and stories about their camels and lifestyle.
After spending the afternoon making friends with woolly beasts, soaking in the afternoon sun on the porch with a book, and taking in the last of the views while the day slowly faded to night, I jumped in the car with Matt, Meghan, and little baby Liam. We drove a short distance to the nearby town of Saguache, the streets quaintly adorned with holiday lights. At a newly opened café called The Wapiti Coffee House I scarfed down a yummy BLAT and sipped on belly-warming loose leaf tea while we listened to a Celtic folk duo belt out melancholic melodies.
By the time I curled up in the comfy queen bed at my little yurt, the temperature had dropped to a biting 15 degrees outside. But with one of the propane heaters on high, and cozied beneath an indulgent stack of four blankets and a down comforter, I had a wonderfully restful sleep.
Though the yurt has tons of rustic charm, this is no austere set-up; the yurt is glamped out with all kinds of thoughtful amenities, such as a camping stove and gas, cookery, a tea selection, bottled water, paper towels, books, lanterns, camel soap made from Big Mama’s milk- everything I could have asked for and more. Even the self-composting outhouse is very clean and feels luxurious compared to some of my dispersed camping experiences.
When it came time for me to pack up and wander north towards Boulder the next morning, I was sad to leave this magical, peaceful place so soon. Don’t get me wrong—raising camels is no easy job, and it is clear that Matt and Meghan work hard. But they welcome travellers with open hearts and provide a unique opportunity to learn about their lives and interact with their charismatic animals. I feel lucky to have had such a special experience and I plan to be back soon.
To help you find the best camping in the country, each year we compile data from bookings, reviews, and ratings…
Awards season has arrived! To help you find the best camping in the country, each year we compile data from…
To help you find the best camping in the country, each year we compile data from bookings, reviews, and ratings…
To help you find the best camping in the country, each year we compile data from bookings, reviews, and ratings…
Hipcamp Engineering Manager Becca Petrin shares Hipcamps she loves near her home of Portland, Oregon. Back in February of 2020,…
Regardless of whether you’re a first-time camper or a seasoned outdoorsperson, the campsite you choose can determine the success of…