Inspire Ranch
“Sit and be still until in the time of no rain you hear beneath the dry wind’s commotion in the trees the sound of flowing water among the rocks, a stream unheard before, and you are where breathing is prayer.”
Inspire Ranch is a sacred place. Located near Mount Blue Sky, Inspire Ranch is the vision of Millie Cline, a woman who courageously re-risked in her second half of life to create a place for others to be inspired. The word “Inspire,” Millie shares with her effervescent passion, is the story of both the tattoo on her wrist and the story of creating a retreat center. “In-spire is to breathe in,” it is the origin story of God breathing life into humanity. “Inspire Ranch is a place to breathe—to really breathe deeply.” Millie shares her hopes for this place as a place where people come to breathe deeply, as we walk through the dense forest of towering pine and aspen trees.
Inspire Ranch is located on 16 acres outside Idaho Springs, and less than an hour from Denver. “I wanted it to feel like you were 3 hours away,” Millie says wishfully. She purchased the property in December 2023. She wanted property to create a place for people to get away. The first spring and summer, she described as “going on daily walks in a candy store.” The waterfalls and wildflowers were on full display. Chicago Creek gently winds through the property, with its water coming from the top of Mount Blue Sky and connecting to Clear Creek near Idaho Springs. There is a holy wildness to the property. In the summer of 2024, Millie began welcoming day guests. It was a place to be still and to in-spire.
Inspire Ranch has become a reality through Millie’s network of friends and supporters. “I’ve visited retreat centers for 20 years. I spent a year writing and putting the plans together.” A beautiful entry sign, a mile-long meditative trail, and an art shed were all constructed in the first summer. “Inspire Trail” is thoughtfully marked with reminders to be present. It has sitting areas tucked into the rocks and trees to slow down and be still. In 2025, two compact cabins and a yurt were constructed to allow guests overnight stays. The cabins are solar powered and designed for slowing and simplicity. The kitchen includes a mini fridge, a hot plate, and a kettle for coffee and tea. Anything needed has been carefully provided. Nothing unneeded is included. The intention is for every aspect to cultivate presence.
Millie shares why it was important to her how she structured the fees to visit and stay at Inspire Ranch. “I wanted a place people could afford. As a single mother, I understood both the need to get away and how the cost could prohibit it.” Booking a visit, either for a day or overnight, is done relationally. A welcome center in her home’s basement and outdoor gazebo provide a place for groups to gather, while the cabins and trails provide solitude and silence for individual guests. The plans to continue creating a place to be inspired include an outdoor labyrinth to be laid this summer. Millie’s mission for Inspire Ranch is firmly rooted in the Biblical narratives: “We were made for the garden. We were meant to walk with God.”
Inspire Ranch is a unique property that is quintessentially Colorado. It is a place to be present, to slow down, and to breathe deeply. “When we breathe in deeply, we can move into a life-giving rhythm where we can experience ourselves, others, and the beauty of the world around us.”Millie shares her heart beneath the work of Inspire Ranch. “I’ve been blessed with this place, and I want to share it with others.” Inspire Ranch is a sacred place.
Thank you to Millie Cline for her contribution to this article and her creativity and courage in creating Inspire Ranch.
