DAMN – Denver Area Milehigh Nudists

Mountain Air Ranch (MAR) is only about 30 miles from the state capitol building in Denver and it seems like most people, even people interested in social nudity, don’t know about it. Well here’s a quick crash course and a bit of my own observations about this long-running family nudist resort in the mountains.

What is it?

“Mountain Air Ranch is a community of families , couples, and individuals who share a love of nature and the nudist lifestyle. Established in 1935, our resort has been providing a place of comfort and harmony for over 88 years. Our 150-acre property is located in the foothills just 20 miles southwest of Denver, surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty and wildlife.“

MAR Website

What should I expect if I go there?

In my head I think of it like a summer camp without an itinerary… and naked. You drive up, you strip down, you relax how you want, and then you go home (or camp out and do it again).

There are frequent community events. In my experience most involve some food and a bit of alcohol (the resort is largely byob but occasionally provides beer or wine for events). Since I’ve started going I’ve been to two dances– a themed “Redneck, White and Blue,” dance, and a glow rave where they brought out glow in the dark/blacklight airbrush artists and painters to body paint us.

Both were fun but better with friends for sure. I preferred the glow dance personally and had a blast dancing naked in the neon glow with friends.

I also went to a fundraiser for the firefighters who recently put out a fire in the canyon near the resort. There was a lot of food available and a keg was provided so it was a really nice social event.

The average age is firmly skewed “older.” Mid 40’s couples with kids and up, but there are other people in their 20’s and 30’s on weekends.

As far as what to do while you’re there:

• There’s an extensive hiking trail network you can explore fully in the buff!
• There’s a pool during the summer.
• There’s a hot tub and sauna year-round.
• There’s a clubhouse that regularly hosts events and has a pool table, television, audio equipment, some arcade games, etc.
• There’s a grill-style restaurant and an icecream shop available during certain hours of the week.

Ok but what to “expect” while I’m there?

If you’re expecting some dark, salacious, vibes then you’d probably be surprised to find that it’s much more like a church potluck than anything else.

I was initially put off by the way the community at MAR made me feel — like I was back at church with my family in the south, but after getting to know more people there I quickly found that for the most part everyone is very kind, welcoming and, maybe not liberal politically, but largely a “live and let live” sort of crowd.

What does being a “Family” resort mean?

I think of family in multiple contexts here.

Meaning 1: This is not a sexy place. Do not show up expecting a swingers resort.

Meaning 2: There will likely be kids there too.

Yes, there are kids. Yes, they and you are typically naked. Some people have a hard time getting comfortable with the idea that you’re going to be naked in front of a mom and her kids, a father and son, or that a naked kid might putter over to the hot tub from the pool while you’re trying to relax in it.

That’s totally fair.

In my experience the kids usually mind their own business and stick with other kids their age. They haven’t been overly loud or disruptive and they’re almost always accompanied by their parent.

My initial trepidation about their presence was quickly replaced by a low level of jealousy that they’re getting to grow up in such a place, see all different kinds of bodies, and enjoy a sense of freedom and body acceptance that I never had as a child.

All that said, if it seems like something you’d like to try, I highly recommend it for anyone looking for a place to get naked. It’s 100% legal, has lots of amenities, and won’t break the bank as much as a trip to a nudist beach, so it’s easy as a first time experience.