by Carin Kirkegaard

Saralyn Crock, Founder of BellaRock Outdoor Adventures

Castle Pines North is home to many women who once held demanding corporate jobs and careers, but who have now made the choice to stay home and work on the equally-demanding job of raising children. Saralyn Crock, founder of BellaRock Outdoor Adventures, is one such woman.

Unique to the South Metro area, BellaRock Outdoor Adventures offers guided treks into Colorado’s foothills and mountains. From climbing a “fourteener” to a restorative overnight hut trip, BellaRock offers women a chance to master new skills through unique outdoor experiences, while connecting with other women looking for a similar experience.

Crock’s love for the Colorado outdoors began early. As a Midwest-raised girl, family ski trips to Breckinridge helped solidify her childhood dream of someday calling Colorado home. “I’ve lived here longer than anywhere else. I can’t imagine living without the backdrop of the mountains as my life’s scenery,” said Crock.

Even while working as a Senior Account Executive for a Denver employee benefits consulting firm, Crock found ample time to get out in the wilderness she is so passionate about. More than 15 years of outdoor experience was the perfect entrance into this new business. My goal is to “empower women to experience the inner joy of outdoor adventures in a safety-conscious, environmentally-aware manner,” said Crock, whose husband’s advice to “do something you are passionate about” sparked the flame that created BellaRock Adventures, LLC.

Outdoor safety and wilderness ethics play an important role in each BellaRock adventure. Crock is a certified Wilderness First Responder and the BellaRock team follows the Leave No Trace environmental principles.

Upcoming events include a “fourteener” in August and an overnight hut trip to the Shrine Mountain Inn which sits near Vail Pass at 11,209 feet in September. Women will get to experience the beauty of the backcountry as well as journal with Castle Rock-based nature writer Mary Taylor Young. For 2007, Crock is planning a weekend snowshoe backcountry hut trip, snowshoe day trips, guided hikes with informal yoga and meditation, and customized events/excursions for interested parties. To learn more about BellaRock Adventures, or to register for an event go to www.bellarockadventures.com or e-mail saralyn@bellarockadventures.com, or call 303-906-3874.