Colorado: Hike, Bike, Raft & Zipline

Welcome to Denver! After a 9am group meeting at your Denver hotel, drive to Salida and have lunch (not included) along the way. After you’ve checked in, join your leader for a drive in circles up, and up, and up the nearby Spiral Drive to take in the amazing vista from ‘The Big S’, a cone-shaped mountain that dominates the town. Enjoy spectacular views to the mountains and beyond then hike down the front side trail all the way to the Arkansas River. On the way back into town, swing by River Side Park and dip your toes in the cool water before making your way back to the hotel. This evening perhaps enjoy an optional group dinner at the Soul Craft Brewing Company food trucks for a true local experience.

Enjoy a white water rafting adventure along the tumbling Arkansas River. This 19 km (12 mile) trip begins at Fisherman’s Bridge and takes you through the beautiful Browns Canyon National Monument, where you will navigate 11 class III and III+ rapids. With names like the Zoom Flume, Big Drop, and the ominously-named Widowmaker, this scenic trip is easy enough for beginners but also has enough thrills for more experienced rafters. Your expert rafting guides will provide instruction and will make sure your journey is safe and fun. After an optional lunch at a bar and grill, head back into town where the rest of the afternoon is free for you to relax or further explore. Perhaps enjoy a whiskey tasting at Wood's Distillery, soak your muscles at the nearby Mount Princeton Hot Springs or join your group for a casual dinner. (B)

After breakfast, take a short 30 minute transfer to nearby Buena Vista to meet your mountain bike guides, get fitted to your bike and practice some skills. It’s then time to head out for a beginner ride on the trails of the Arkansas River Valley, one of Colorado’s best mountain biking destinations. Your experienced guide will lead the way along single-track and 4 wheel drive roads through this diverse landscape. After your cycling adventure, enjoy a picnic lunch then appreciate the scenic views on the drive to Frisco up over the 3,450 m (11,000 feet) Freemont Pass, passing many of the famous Collegiate Peaks along the way. After you’ve settled in, you have the rest of the evening to check out Frisco at your leisure. Located in the heart of the Rockies in Summit County, this small lakeside town has some great nightlife, shopping, and dining options to explore. (B/L)

After breakfast, take a short but dramatically uphill drive in the shadows of the Tenmile Range to the Mayflower Gulch trailhead. At almost 3,347 metres (11,000 feet), the altitude as well as the view is sure to take your breath away, but we’ll take it slow along the relatively flat 6 km (4 mile) hike which includes alpine vistas of Jacque Peak, Tenmile Range and Fletcher Mountain. Your destination is the abandoned cabins of the Boston Mine gold mining camp, an unsuccessful endeavour whose views dazzled far more than the meagre amount of gold it produced. It’s a perfect setting for a picnic lunch before heading back down the trail. Enjoy a rest after the hike, then spend the evening in Frisco at your leisure. If you’re up for more outdoor adventure, perhaps take a sunset kayak tour or cruise Lake Dillon on a pontoon boat and take in the views before you call it a day. (B)

After breakfast, travel (approximately 1 hour) towards the sleepy mining town of Idaho Springs and take to the skies on an adrenaline-filled 3 hour, eight-tower Canopy Zipline Tour along nearby Clear Creek, enjoying an exhilarating time zipping between the 65 feet (20 metre) tall wooden zipline launch towers.

Afterwards head back to the hotel to freshen up before an early evening drive into nearby Breckenridge, a once-thriving Gold Rush town which is now a hiking and skiing hotspot. Pay a visit to the renowned Breckenridge Distillery for a whiskey tasting, then either join the group or head out on your own for an optional dinner in one of the many restaurants. Your guide knows all the best dining spots and is happy to make a few suggestions if you need help choosing. (B)

After breakfast, it’s time to leave Frisco and the Rockies behind, but not before one last hike. After a scenic drive, arrive at the outskirts of Denver and enjoy a walk along the picturesque trail that snakes its way through the dramatic Red Rocks Park. After hiking the well graded path beneath the towering red sandstone monoliths you emerge at the stunning Red Rocks Amphitheatre. The only naturally-occurring, acoustically perfect amphitheatre in the world, it has played host to musical luminaries such as The Beatles, Johnny Cash, Hendrix, Springsteen, Bob Dylan, U2 and of course John Denver.

Then it’s a half hour drive back to Denver Union Station where your Colorado adventure finishes on arrival at approximately 1pm. From here you can catch a train directly to the airport or choose to extend your stay in Denver. If you wish to spend extra time in Denver, we'll be happy to help you book additional accommodation (subject to availability). (B)