If you are thinking about a trip to America and you are keen for it to be adventurous, look no further than Colorado. The state is an adrenaline junkie’s heaven on earth with plenty of outdoor activities that will get your heart thumping. From sleeping on a cliff, hiking in high mountains, rafting rapid waters, and skiing to biking in the desert, what more could you ask for? And while doing all these activities, you get to bask in the state’s wonders, from breathtaking sunrises and sunsets to fantastic mountain views.
You can also relax by taking a dip in the springs, touring the museums and the local towns when you want a break from all the adventure. Or how about seeing a show at Red Rocks Amphitheater?
Adventurous things to do on a trip to the Colorado River
On your trip to the Colorado River, make sure to indulge in some of the activities below.
Cliff Camping in Estes Park
If you are not afraid of heights and love engaging in unique and adventurous activities, then try cliff camping in Estes Park. This is an activity on the bucket list of adrenaline junkies, where people sleep on a portaledge and enjoy a grilled dinner on the cliff. To make it more fun, you rock climb to your camping tent.
And the best part is that it takes place in the afternoon, so you enjoy the sunset, sleep under the stars and enjoy the sunrise over a delicious breakfast before climbing down.
Hiking
Hikers will enjoy the rewards are the awe-inspiring views in Colorado. The state has many hiking trails for all levels, including beginners, intermediate and advanced hikers. Rocky Mountain National Park is a hiker’s paradise as it has many trails for all ages can enjoy.
- Bear Lake is the shortest, less than a mile long, and most popular among beginners and families.
- Alberta Falls Trail is about 1.7 miles long and gives hikers a view of the Alberta Falls
- Gem Lake Trail is a bit longer at 3.4 miles, but you can enjoy Gem Lake and sweeping views of Estes Park.
Other trails to try include the Twin Sisters, Deer Mountain, Odessa, and Fern Lake trails.
Skiing in Colorado
If you happen to visit Colorado during winter, you are in for an adventure. The state boasts many ski resorts, including the largest ski resort in the United States, Aspen Snowmass. The resort has more than 150 trails, ideal for intermediate and expert skiers.
Other great ski resorts include Telluride, Keystone, Steamboat, Vail, Breckenridge, Crested Butte and Copper Mountain.
Half-Day Rafting/Kayaking Trip
If you are a watersport junkie, you should give rafting a go. There are many places where you can enjoy rafting and the best part is you have a guide and a group of people with you, ensuring you have fun. If you are a beginner, opt for easy routes without much current where you can relax and enjoy the excursion.
In addition to rafting, you can choose to do kayaking. If you are a resident of Colorado and plan on making kayaking a hobby, you’d better buy a three-person kayak to venture out in the water with your family over the weekend and holidays. Just remember to wear waterproof clothes.
Some of the rafting/kayaking tours to book include:
- Clear Creek
This route is ideal for beginners as the currents are not robust, allowing you to enjoy paddling while taking in the views, such as the historic mining areas and Idaho Springs. There are guides to help you navigate while entertaining you with stories about specific routes and views. The tour lasts about four hours and is offered twice a day. Rafting often takes place from May to September, with tickets starting at $56 for adults and $51 for kids aged 7-12.
- Colorado River in Glenwood Canyon
If you are looking for moderate to intense adrenaline levels, Colorado River Shoshone Rapids is your go-to route. The rafting trips last approximately six hours, starting with calm water, which advances into fierce currents. The trip covers about 25 miles, and with the help of skilful guides, you can navigate the waters while being educated on the region. Adults pay $104 and kids $82.
- Royal Gorge
This rafting trip is ideal for intermediate and experienced rafters as it takes place in the 1,200ft deep Arkansas River. Rafters must go through the Sledgehammer and Sunshine Falls, where the rapids are pretty strong. But don’t worry because you will have expert guides along. There are half-day and full-day trips, so book accordingly.
Ziplining
If you are not afraid of heights, then give ziplining a try. It is ideal for beginners and advanced alike, and the reward is getting an aerial view of all mountains and other scenic spots while enjoying the feeling of flying. There are many places in Colorado where you can enjoy ziplining, and they include:
- Royal Gorge
Apart from getting your heart pumping from rafting, you can go further and take a ziplining tour. The zipline at the Royal Gorge is a two-mile round trip and has a maximum speed of 60mph. And since the zipline stops atop a seven-story tower, you’ll have another thrilling experience getting down using the secured ropes. So you need to be fit.
- Durango Zipline Tours
Durango host 12 zipline tours that boast scenic views of the San Juan Mountains and ponderosa pine forests. To get to the zipline, you’ll have to hike through the mountains and cross a rope bridge, which is also great fun. The tours take place three times a day, at 9am, 1pm and 4pm. Teenagers and adults are charged $129 while children below 11 are charged $100.
Note: You need to wear toe shoes to ride the zipline (no sandals).
- Idaho Springs Cliffside Zipline Tour
AVA Colorado’s zipline boasts fantastic Continental Divide and Chicago Creek views. So if you don’t have much time to tour many places, this is your go-to zipline tour. It costs $110 for ages 12 and above and $100 for children.
Drive Trail Ridge Road
Trail Ridge Road is your best race track if you love driving at high speed. It is about 50 miles long. The road is long and well-maintained as it’s the main tourist attraction, but it also has twists and turns that will make your stomach drop, especially at high speed.
However, you can enjoy breathtaking mountain views and some wildlife sightings, making the drive well worth it. While you are free to drive at speed, you can also make stops at designated places to enjoy all the wide-span roads and mountains. Take pictures and videos for your social media and your memories.
The road is closed during winter (and sometimes during summer) as it is dangerous. If you want to access Trail Ridge Road, you’ll have to enter Rocky Mountain National Park. Expect to pay an entrance fee of $25 per vehicle.
Biking
If you love biking, you can rent an e-bike and go for an adventure in the desert or bike along the mountain trails. The desert floats and biking trails have a lot to offer, and you can spend the whole day exploring without getting tired. You can bring your camping gear, giving you more time to explore and rest.
The best place for advanced bikers is the Slickrock Trail, as it boasts a rollercoaster terrain, and the best part is you can access it from the town centre. Arches National Park also offers fantastic hiking and biking trails that allow you to admire the red rock landscapes interspersed with spires, windows and fins. Remember to bask in the moments and take pictures.
Hot air balloon rides
If you visit Colorado between July and November, you’ll experience the world’s most fabulous balloon festivals and maybe even ride one yourself. See the world below your feet from these inflatables.
Steamboat Springs is one of the best places to experience hot-air ballooning because of the gentle winds, allowing you to view the Colorado landscape from all angles.
Final Thoughts
If you are a fan of outdoor activities, book your trip to the Colorado River, and you’ll be assured of an adventure-filled vacation. Ensure that you are all geared up to have fun and explore, as Colorado has everything you are looking for as an adrenaline junkie, from rock climbing to ziplining, white water rafting, and hiking.
