Mountain Ministry Venues
Master Plan's mountain ministry venues serve to further our mission of
preparing others to reach and influence the world for Christ by allowing us to host a variety of events such as retreats, summer projects, staff conferences, trainings, and more.
In 2025, Master Plan hosted 35 groups at our mountain ministry venues. The majority of those groups were either MPM's own events, or like minded Christians who are standing on God's Word and spreading the Gospel message.
Cascade Lodge
In 1987, this 6,000 square foot rustic lodge was offered to Master Plan for free with a million-dollar view of the West Needle Mountains. The catch? It was scheduled to be demolished by the U.S. Forest Service as the permit for it to be on public land had expired, it had fallen into disrepair, and was uninhabitable. God had other plans and through a lot of renovation and a lengthy legal process, Cascade Lodge was promoted to the National Register of Historic places!
Today, Master Plan uses the Lodge for campus ministry, men’s ministry, and it is also available for group rental. The two-story lodge is situated 30 miles north of Durango, CO and three miles from Durango Mountain Resort. It can sleep 75 people.
The goal is to make it available year-round at a low cost for the greatest good and largest number of people to promote Biblical moral and spiritual values and expose all groups to the claims of Christ. Master Plan continues to operate Cascade Lodge under a lease from the U.S. Forest Service.
Three Trails Ranch
Three Trails Ranch is a Great Commission training and retreat center, and every year we use it to help hundreds of people connect with the Lord and train them to reach others for Christ.
It has a contemporary feel with some rustic features. Situated at 9,000 feet on over 16 acres with a fishing pond and relaxing views, the location is amazing. The Ranch is just 45 minutes from downtown Durango, just past Lemon Reservoir. There is a 2 story bunkhouse, a large and small hotel, commercial kitchen, dining room, and lots of room to gather.
Starting in 2009, Master Plan spent 11 years renovating the Ranch, and subsequently trusted God to raise $1.85 million dollars to secure it.
Today, Master Plan uses the Ranch for our larger ministry gatherings including campus ministry retreats, conferences, summer projects, men's getaways, and our annual staff conference. It is also available for others to rent and use for God’s Kingdom purposes.
Questions or to Reserve a Venue
Our founder, Russ, oversees the scheduling and maintenance of the MPM mountain ministry venues. We aim to make them available in a cost-effective way to encourage the broadest use by the body of Christ and others.
Contact Russ to inquire about availability.
Russ Akins -
Co-Founder | President Emeritus | Mountain Ministry Venues Lead
Russ.Akins@mpmstaff.com
970-259-5768
