Faith, Hope, and Charity Valleys are glorious stars in nature’s crown, part of a three-fold sanctuary named by those traversing what used to be a perilous journey over Carson Pass. Today the roadway offers a haven instead, a comfortable starting place to rejuvenate from the challenges in our otherwise complex lives.
Zach and Kelly Stout took a circuitous route to finally and fortuitously settle in this enchanting landscape filled with beauty and peace. They are the husband and wife team who are bringing a “whole lotta extra love” to their shared position as the General Managers of the Desolation Hotel in Hope Valley.
They are a package deal. Together for 20 adventurous years, they have proved to be resilient, adaptable, and creative problem solvers. Both were born near St. Louis Mo., meeting and marrying after college.
Everything about the endeavor is ideally suited to their passions and gifts.
Kelly graduated in speech pathology, perhaps explaining why she is so responsive to people’s needs: she has the ability to truly listen. Social and outgoing, she naturally loves taking care of others.
Zach’s studies were in music. “He is modest,” says Kelly, “but is amazing on the piano, guitar, bass, and drums.” He worked construction with his Dad, gaining yet another skill which adds to his ability to excel in his current position.
“I am inspired by my Italian grandmother,” says Zach, “Her food was delicious and abundant. She always made you feel like you mattered and were special to her. She generated warmth. The main thing we remember about people and places in the end is how they made us feel.” For Kelly and Zach, these sorts of connections are what motivates them.
Together, they host notable dinner parties. “We love to surprise and delight!” says Kelly.
They each held many different positions at eateries during college. Continuing in food and beverage, they opened hotels, ran restaurants, and even a cleaning business with eleven employees. Kelly and Zach curated an online barware business with locally designed tools. As a team, they helped open and launch bars and acted as cocktail consultants.
When the floor dropped out during the pandemic, they showed their true talent at reinventing themselves. In their class B van, they traveled “open to whatever would happen next.” Rock climbers with a deep love of nature, they moved from place to place as camp hosts. Eventually arriving feet first here in Alpine County, they oversaw the yurts and 17 site campground.
“We believe in educated hospitality,” says Kelly, “and advocated for both the campgrounds and the guests. We all have a seat at the table.” Zach and Kelly built the Snowshoe Springs Peak Trail behind the Hope Valley Bar and Grill, which includes a bridge crossing the creek. The spectacular terrain of the area is inspiring, and they want people to be able to enjoy it.
Their love and commitment shined, and they were invited to expand their supervisory skills to the 27 unique and endearing cabins scattered along the banks of the West Fork of the Carson River. Steep cliffs rise above their 7,000 foot elevation mark, and a grove of aspen trees encircles the breathtaking location. They are known for these magical trees. Come fall, the excitement elicited by the changing colors of the quaking leaves draws people from far and wide.
Kelly and Zach have distilled their experiences and come up with a formula. “The first thing we did was drop the prices to make both food and lodging more accessible. This is where you can be cozy and safe,”says Kelly, “It is a place to regroup and gain the perspective to face the world as it is.”
The Desolation Hotel is a favorite place to stay in Alpine County. It is named for the over sixty-three thousand federally protected acres known as the Desolation Wilderness area.
The crest of the Sierra Nevada runs through it. Fir, pine, and juniper, winding trails, pristine lakes, and babbling brooks grace the storied ground of the granite batholith that defines the aesthetic of the region.
The land around the hotel is part of an old summer trade route of the Wa-She-Shu tribe. It has always been a distinctive stopping place for travelers. The first cabin was built there in 1888 and was purchased by Martin and Irene Sorensen for seven hundred and $50 in 1916. By 1926, the Sorensens were renting cabins for 75 cents a night. They survived through both the Depression and War years.
Indoor plumbing and electricity arrived between 1947 and 1952. In 1970 Sorensen’s was sold to Dr. Johan Hultin, but he found it difficult to maintain. Hultin eventually sold to John and Patty Brissenden who had first visited on their honeymoon. Moving there in 1984, the couple expanded the accommodations and events, making it a worthy and memorable destination. They retired in 2019, and after a period of Wylder management, Desolation Hotel became its own entity.
They have a wide range of hiking trails, fishing spots, and places to meander and regain your balance in a challenging world. In the winter, it becomes a wonderland, making it the perfect basecamp for cross-country skiing and exploring. The hotel provides sleds, snowshoes, directions, and encouragement.
To book an experience, visit DesolationHotel.com or call 530-694-2203 for more information.
