Colorado Explorer

Welcome to Colorado! Your adventure begins in Denver, where a meeting will take place at 9am this morning for you to link up with your local leader and fellow travellers. Colorado’s capital has a flourishing food and music scene, but the best way to get to know the city is by admiring its art. After your meeting, head to the River North (RiNo) Arts District, a hub for colour and creativity. Here your leader will introduce you to a vibrant collection of works, from graffiti and murals to fascinating 3D installations, and explain how local artists have brought this beloved neighbourhood back to life. In the early afternoon, leave the rush of the city behind and make the 2-hour drive to the super-scenic Estes Park, at the gates of Rocky Mountain National Park, chock-full with towering peaks and breathtaking scenes. Settle into your hotel and enjoy some time to get to know the area, then regroup in the evening for a spine-tingling experience. The vast Stanley Hotel is famed for being the inspiration for Stephen King’s 1977 horror novel, The Shining, and is known for being a hotbed of paranormal activity. Set off on a walking tour through the hotel after dark with the guidance of a storyteller who will share tales of the hotel’s past – whether you’re a believer or not, this is sure to be an experience you won’t forget!

Rise and shine! After breakfast this morning it’s time to head into the Rocky Mountain National Park, undoubtedly the state’s most scenic spot. Have your camera at the ready for a drive through the park, as spectacular scenes stream past the window. After the drive, hit one of the best-loved trails in the park for a gentle hike to Bear Lake. This 1-kilometre loop will reward you with some truly unforgettable views, including Bear Lake itself, framed by glorious mountains. Now you’re warmed up, set off on a 5. 5-kilometre loop trail in Moraine Park. This is one for the wildlife lovers – birds and elk are commonly spotted along this route, and if you’re lucky you may even spot some cute little critters like marmots or pikas. The rest of the day is free for your own discoveries – your leader will be on hand to offer suggestions, whether you feel like getting active or taking it easy. (B/L)

Hit the road and make tracks for Steamboat Springs (approximately 4 hours), a charming town sitting in Yampa Valley. There’s plenty to see along the way – stop off for a 1-kilometre loop hike to Adams Falls, passing through shady forests of aspen and pine before arriving at the rushing waterfall. Stop along the way for a picnic lunch and enjoy your peaceful surroundings. You’ll also pay a visit to the pretty little town of Grand Lake where you can stretch your legs with a walk around the settlement. Arrive in Steamboat Springs in the late afternoon and perhaps head to one of the town’s inviting bars to toast to the day’s adventures. (B/L)

Get up and get those legs moving – today starts with a gorgeous post-breakfast hike to Spring Creek, taking in stunning scenery and vibrant wildflowers. The rest of the day is yours to get to know the area. You may like to join your leader on the popular Steamboat Brew Trail, hitting three of the town’s best breweries to sample some of Colorado’s finest beer, hire a mountain bike to explore the area on two wheels, or simply relax and unwind in one of the town’s famous hot springs. Your leader will have plenty of tips on how to have an amazing afternoon here. (B)

Start the day with a drive to the Colorado National Monument (approximately 3.5 hours). A real change of scenery from the forests and mountains you’ve explored so far, the sandstone monoliths of this arid landscape conjure up images of America’s Wild West. You’ll have the chance to discover the unique formations on foot by taking a short hike in the area, then it’s on to Palisade. Here you’ll have some time to grab some lunch before popping into a local family-owned winery to sample their delicious range of reds, whites and roses and learn about wine production in Colorado. Drive on to the city of Grand Junction, where you will stay overnight. You will have a little free time to stroll down the bustling Main Street. As evening falls, pick up some seriously tasty food, then drive up the iconic Rim Rock road to watch the sunset as you tuck into your dinner. (B/D)

It’s the last day of your adventure, but there’s still plenty of fun to be had. Drive through quintessential Western scenery and cross into Utah (approximately 5.5 hours), stopping off at Dinosaur National Monument, where dinosaurs roamed 150 million years ago. Pay a visit to the fascinating Quarry Hall, home to around 1500 ancient bones of dinosaurs who once ruled these parts, then take a short hike and enjoy a picnic lunch. Continue on to Salt Lake City in Utah, arriving at around 5pm, at which point your adventure will come to an end. (B/L)