Welcome to the Dome

Creston Valley Arrival Orientation

Aerial view of the Creston Valley Geodesic Dome & Camp

Parking & Arrival

When you arrive at the lower camping field, follow the vehicle path through the field—it leads directly to the dome. You can pull over and park anywhere along the path.

First entering the camping field with dome in distance
Aerial view of the dome and old cabin

Dome Access

  • The key is inside the lockbox to the right of the dome door.
  • The key can also lock the dome from the inside.
  • Do not take the key off the property. Use the lockbox if you're heading out.

Lock Box Instructions:

  • To Open: 1) Press down "CLEAR" (C) button. 2) Enter the combination. 3) Press down "OPEN" button.
  • To Close: Repeat the same process - press Clear, enter combination, press Open.
Lock box for the dome key
Front view of the dome with chairs on the deck

Pioneer's Cabin & Outhouse

  • South of the dome, past the old Pioneer's Cabin, you'll find the outhouse.
  • The cabin was built in the 1890s; one front wall and the roof were replaced a few decades ago.
  • You can use the cabin to store food or personal items.
  • A fire extinguisher is mounted inside.
Interior of the old prospector cabin
Outhouse with a mountain view

Safety: Widowmakers

Gazebo & Deck

  • Located in the middle of the field.
  • Fully enclosed in bug netting—zip shut if bugs are active.
  • A solar panel is mounted on the east-facing post.
  • Switch on the back of the solar panel to light up the gazebo.
Screened gazebo
Solar panel on gazebo with switch

BBQ

  • Located next to the gazebo.
  • Propane is off by default—open the tank valve before use, and close it when done.
  • Includes a side burner for cooking with pots and pans.
  • A pot and pan are provided inside the dome. A kettle can be found under the BBQ cover.
BBQ area with side burner

Firewood Shed

  • On the pathway north of the field, east/right of the dome.
  • A fire extinguisher is mounted inside the shed.
  • A propane torch is available to help get your fire started.
  • The shed also contains yard games (e.g., bocce ball, cornhole).
Wood shed with water taps
Outdoor fireplace

Fire Safety

Water

  • Fresh water is available in jugs inside the dome.
  • Potable water from seasonal storage is available at taps on the side of the woodshed.
  • Woodshed tap water is best for cleaning up, washing dishes, brushing teeth, and extinguishing fires. This water is also safe/potable.

Solar Power

The system provides enough electricity to charge devices, run the fan, and make coffee.

  • To Charge Devices / Use Fan:
    • • Flip the power switch on the small wooden box beside the door.
    • • This powers the USB ports and the fan.
    • • Use the small round remote to operate the fan.
  • To Make Coffee:
    1. 1. Switch on the inverter (mounted under the coffee station).
    2. 2. Wait for the beep.
    3. 3. Plug the coffee maker into the gray extension cord.
    4. 4. Turn off the inverter after use.
Wooden box power station for charging devices
AC inverter for coffee machine

Dome Temperature

  • The dome is not insulated, so temperatures inside reflect the outdoors.
  • Nights can get quite cool—even in summer. The bed is well-equipped with warm bedding.
  • When the sun rises in the morning, the dome heats quickly.
  • Extra blankets are provided for your comfort during cool nights.
  • A small propane heater is available if needed, but has limited run time.
Warm queen-sized bed in the dome
Interior view of the dome

Wildlife Awareness

Herd of elk on property

Trails & Boundaries

Lookout & Juniper Trail:

  • Directly across from the woodshed, a short trail leads up to a rock outcrop.
  • Sit under the old juniper tree or continue for panoramic views.
  • The barbed wire fence (walking north along the outcrop) marks the property line.

South Access to Crown Land Trails:

  • Head south past the outhouse to find a trail leading to the SW corner of the property.
  • It connects to an established ATV trail.
  • Do not turn right (NW)—this leads to private land.
  • Left (SE) leads to Crown Land, offering great hiking and access to forestry roads and skid trails.
  • You can return the same way, or walk down the forestry road and re-enter from the top of the property.

Waste & Recycling

  • A large garbage bin and recycling container are located beside the woodshed.
  • Food scraps should be scraped into the garbage can, or burned.
  • Please sort and secure waste responsibly.