Since camping is not permitted in most county open spaces in Colorado, the closest many Boulder County residents will come to sleeping under the open space stars would be a particularly long and meandering afternoon hike.

However, for a handful of lucky artists, the county’s artist-in-residence program offers a rare chance to spend four days living and working in the backcountry — bear, wolf, moose sightings and all.

Boulder County Parks & Open Space’s Artist-in-Residence (AIR) Program, hosted at Caribou Ranch, provides artists across various disciplines — from painters to poets to musicians — with the chance to step away from city life and plunge into the inspirational sounds, sights and smells of nature.

Caribou Ranch was a former nationally known recording studio area near Nederland where artists like Elton John, The Beach Boys and Chicago would retreat to record albums at the sprawling Rocky Mountain haven that includes 1,700 acres of land with cabins, barns and a massive homestead residence.

According to Monserrat Alvarez, of Boulder County Parks & Open Space, the process begins with an online application that includes “a brief response to guiding questions and the submission of three pieces of original art.”

The selection is handled by “a committee made up of staff and past AIR participants,” Alvarez said.

“We have a rubric that evaluates not only the art and creativity but also their response as to why they want to participate in this specific program,” Alvarez said.

Ultimately, the program seeks artists who will engage deeply with the landscape.

“We look for applications that connect their art back to nature and the land,” Alvarez said.

If selected, chosen artists will trade the hum of city life for the rippling of aspens and the occasional visit from a mountain jay. From mid-July to mid-September, selected residents will spend up to four days and three nights at Caribou Ranch, immersing themselves in creative solitude.

Each artist will have the historic DeLonde Barn to themselves, with the option to bring one adult companion, if desired. While the setting is remote, a resident ranger will be on-site for support in case, you know, a family of bears decide to take a rummage through the trash.

Alvarez said the artist-in-residence program at Caribou Ranch is unlike anything else offered by Boulder County Parks & Open Space. After all, it’s the only opportunity for artists to stay overnight on protected land. Nestled in a stunning, remote part of the Rocky Mountains, Caribou Ranch provides a rare setting for creative inspiration.

The program was originally envisioned by the county’s former planning manager Rich Koopmann and former director Ron Stewart as a way to engage a broader audience beyond the typical hikers and birders who frequent the county’s open spaces.

“They wanted to serve a new demographic of users outside of our traditional groups,” Alvarez said. “Staying at Caribou Ranch presents a one-of-a-kind opportunity to escape the city noise, and connect to nature.”

Last year, five applicants were selected for the program, including a scientific illustrator, a textile weaver, an indigenous composer, a social justice art educator, and an organic printmaker. After the program’s completion, each artist donated either a public program, workshop, or a piece of artwork that represented their stay at Caribou Ranch within six months of their residency.

“A lot of our artists choose to disconnect and lean into their environment for inspiration,” Alvarez said. “Artists stay in a rustic cabin with minimal cell access, but they can easily tap back into cell service if they would like.”

Alvarez described her favorite piece created by a 2024 resident:

“My favorite artwork was made by one of our 2024 AIR participants who was excited to set up a weaving project on the trail,” Alvarez said. “She provided instructions and had members of the public contribute to it, creating a community piece of art that we can incorporate into our new art classroom. I get excited when artists are willing and excited to incorporate the public and open space visitors into their art, as I feel that captures the essence of our parks.”

While the stay is certainly rustic — think solar-powered electricity, an outhouse with a pit toilet and no refrigerator — most artists leave the experience with works that simply couldn’t be created amid the creature comforts of city life.

To apply, visit bit.ly/4h9ozWC.