Today we’d like to introduce you to Brooke Mooney.
Hi Brooke , please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started Discover Durango because, honestly, I can’t sit still—and I’ve always loved being outdoors. Nature has always been the place where I find rest, both spiritually and mentally. It’s where I feel closest to God, where the distractions of life fade away and it feels like it’s just Him and me talking. Those moments have been incredibly life-giving for me, and I wanted to create opportunities for other people to experience that same sense of peace, rest, and connection.
Discover Durango began by curating custom outdoor experiences like guided hikes, mountain biking, and styled picnics. As the business grew, I expanded into full-service camping experiences, also known as “pop-up glamping.” Those experiences quickly became popular for camping weddings, family reunions, and retreats.
After several years of hauling equipment, setting up tents, and building custom campsites all over Southwest Colorado, I turned 42, and my body started reminding me just how physically demanding the work had become. My husband and I knew it was time to seek God’s direction for what was next, so we took a month-long trip to pray, reflect, and dream about the future.
When we came home, we felt directed to create a place of our own instead of constantly bringing the experience to different locations. On July 4, 2025, we purchased 35 beautiful acres in Mancos, Colorado, just two miles from Mesa Verde National Park. The property has incredible panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and Mesa Verde.
We’re still in the process of transforming the land, but our vision is much bigger than glamping. We hope to create a place where people can slow down, reconnect with God, reconnect with one another, and experience the beauty of creation. Our dream is to host art workshops, spiritual retreats, family gatherings, and small weddings.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not at all. It has definitely not been a smooth road.
I once read a quote “Frankly, if I knew what it would take, I don’t know if I would have ever started this company. As an entrepreneur, there is absolutely no way of knowing where your idea will take you or what it will require.” That couldn’t be more true. It is a good thing we don’t know! If we did know we likely wouldn’t dive in. However, after diving in, I found it to be wonderfully challenging and I have learned so much. You don’t even know what you need to learn until you’re in the middle of building a business.
While there have certainly been hard days, I can honestly say the challenges have been some of my greatest teachers. This journey has shaped me into a stronger person, but more importantly, it’s made me a better mom, a better wife, a better friend, and a better leader.
Entrepreneurship teaches grit and perseverance, but above all, it teaches humility. It reminds you that you don’t have all the answers, that you need other people, and for me personally, that I need to rely on God every single day.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that success isn’t about having a perfect plan—it’s about being willing to keep learning, keep adapting, and keep taking the next faithful step, even when the road is uncertain.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
What I’m most proud of isn’t just the business itself—it’s the way we make people feel.
I love this business because it brings out some of the best parts of who I am. From the very first inquiry to the moment we say goodbye, my goal is to create an experience where people feel genuinely cared for. I believe everyone wants to feel seen, valued, and loved, and I want every interaction with Discover Durango to reflect that.
I also love creating beauty. Whether it’s designing a glamping site, styling a picnic, or preparing a retreat space, I find so much joy in the little details. I pay attention to the things people mention in our conversations and try to incorporate thoughtful touches—whether that’s a handwritten note, a favorite snack, flowers in their favorite color, or something meaningful that lets them know we were listening. Those small details often become the things people remember most.
I think what sets me apart is that I’m not just providing a service or renting tents—I’m creating an experience. I genuinely care about the people I’m serving and want them to leave feeling refreshed, celebrated, and more connected to the people they’re with. My hope is that every guest leaves with beautiful memories.
At the end of the day, anyone can rent equipment. What I want Discover Durango to be known for is hospitality, intentionality, and creating spaces where people can slow down, connect, and experience something meaningful together.
What matters most to you?
What matters most to me is actually very simple—it’s people.
One of the mottos I try to live by is, “People first.”
At the end of the day, people are what matter most. That means there are times when my business doesn’t come first—and I’m okay with that. Success means very little if it comes at the expense of the relationships that matter most.
Ironically, I think putting people first has actually made me a better business owner. When people know they are genuinely cared for—not because they’re a customer, but because they’re a person—it changes everything.
At the end of my life, I don’t think I’ll remember the number of events I hosted or tents I set up. I’ll remember the people I loved, the lives I invested in.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.discoverdurangoco.com
- Instagram: discoverdurangoco
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089607788623
