Colorado Excursions for Adventure-Seekers
Mountain outings certain to give you a thrill
Is lounging on a shaded patio making you antsy? Do poolside cocktails bore you? If you are looking for an adventure this summer, here are a few Colorado outings that will have you shrieking with excitement.
For most of us, Glenwood Springs is a hot springs destination—but Glenwood is also an adventure-lover's paradise. Hop on a Thrill Ride at Glenwood Cavern Adventure Park or surf the Colorado River at White Water Activity Area.
Of all the things to do in Glenwood Springs, perhaps one of the adventurous activities is paragliding.
Those who are brave enough to try this sport will paraglide tandem with a certified U.S. Hang Gliding & Paragliding instructor. According to VisitGlenwood.com, there is no free-falling or jumping off of cliffs involved, and in fact, a fear of heights is rarely a factor for guests since the activity doesn't involve the sensation of falling.
Launches and landings are gentle, and the reward is the incredible scenery of the dynamic Roaring Fork Valley.
To book this Glenwood Springs adventure go to apw.adventureparagliding.com.
Photo courtesy Canyoning Colorado
Ouray is another town known for their hot springs, and in fact, their historic hot springs pool has recently undergone a major facelift. However, if you’d like some spine-tingly fun in Ouray this summer, consider canyoning, Ouray’s newest water sport.
Canyoning is the sport of exploring a canyon by rappelling, rafting and waterfall jumping. The area around Ouray is perfect for this activity, which is more intense than canyoneering (the sport of descending steep alpine canyons).
Photo courtesy Canyoning Colorado
This sport isn’t just for hardcore adventure-seekers. There’s a family-friendly trip available down Portland Creek, but for those who want a real thrill, the 280-foot rappel down Cascade Falls is a little more intense. All of these outings include the element of water making it easy to cool down in Ouray this summer.
Hiring a guide is the best way to go canyoning and outfits like Canyoning Colorado, Peak Mountain Guides and San Juan Mountain Guides can set you up with the expedition of a lifetime.
Photo courtesy Jet Boat Colorado
Do you feel the need for speed this summer? Get on board Colorado’s first and only jet boat in De Beque, Colorado, near Grand Junction. This New Zealand-style boat named Wild Mustang is one of only four of its kind in the country, and it will take you on a crazy ride down the Colorado River.
Jet Boat Colorado opened this summer and has locals buzzing about this new excursion. They have an Adventure Tour and Scenic Tour, but I highly recommend the first one. Powerslides, speed runs, spins and fishtails will leave you breathless and anxious for more.
Photo courtesy Jet Boat Colorado
In addition, riders will see wildlife on the shores and in the skies above the Colorado River. On our outing, we saw deer, bald eagles, swallows, ducks, osprey and blue heron.
Jet Boat Colorado’s Wild Mustang accommodates up to 11 passengers and can be chartered by the hour for private parties such as family reunions, weddings or business outings.
