10 NEW AND EMERGING ADVENTURES IN COLORADO THIS SUMMER
Colorado’s rugged terrain, outdoor beauty and inventive residents give way to unique, outdoor, adventure crazes. From burro racing in Leadville and practicing yoga on the water in Boulder to electric biking in Steamboat Springs and river surfing near Denver, Colorado offers several emerging summer outdoor adventure experiences.
Burro Racing in Leadville. Burro Racing in Leadville has its origin in the 1800’s and is still celebrated today. Visitors exploring Leadville can race through the high peaks, while leading a burro (donkey). As part of the annual Leadville Boom Days (August 4-6, 2017) celebration of mining history, runners leave downtown Leadville in the morning for a 15-mile or 21-mile trot alongside their burros, some going all the way to the top of Mosquito Pass (13,186′) and back.
Cliff Camping in Estes Park. Kent Mountain Adventure Center has intensified an overnight in the outdoors by combining rock climbing with camping. After climbing to a perch high above the valley floor, participants can enjoy a sunset picnic dinner before crawling into their sleeping bags for an unforgettable evening from the side of a cliff. For newer climbers, Kent Mountain will provide all the tools and the knowledge from experienced guides.
E-Biking in Steamboat Springs. Steamboat Springs is known as Bike Town, USA, and has plenty of mountain, road, downhill and family-friendly bike offerings. The town is also joining the electric assist bike (e-bike) revolution. E-bikes hum along at 20 mph, easily tackling hills and giving the rider an effortless riding experience. Pedego Electric Bikes offers guided e-bike tours throughout town or up to the beautiful Strawberry Hot Springs. For visitors wanting to explore on their own, e-bikes can be rented out during their stay.
Heli Fly-Fishing in Vail. Fly-fishing fans can literally fly with Minturn Anglers and their Heli Fly-Fishing offering. This one-of-a-kind experience gives participants the opportunity to get a breathtaking aerial view of Vail Valley’s panoramic scenery before arriving at one of the company’s remote private ranches for a day of fly-fishing in peaceful quiet. Visitors will be provided with all the necessary gear including rods, reels, waders, flies and licenses as well as snacks and drinks for the day.
Hut-to-Hut Mountain Biking in the San Juans: The San Juan Huts offers two 215-mile mountain bike routes and provide a premium minimalist experience for the do it yourself adventurer. With the only destination hut-to-hut based system in the US, the San Juan Huts take the weight out of mountain bike touring by offering fully stocked huts and minimal route finding challenges. Each hut is approximately 35 miles apart and is equipped with food, water, propane cook stove and lights, sleeping gear, and all cookware and utensils.
Mountainboarding in Aspen. Mountainboarding, a combination of skateboarding and snowboarding, is emerging as one of Colorado’s newest summer sports. The sport is similar to skateboarding, but with bigger wheels, lock-in bindings and ridden along dirt paths. Those interested in trying the sport can head to Aspen for private mountainboarding lessons as well as a ‘Dirt Dawg Mountainboard Camp‘ (ages 5-17) this July.
Sand Boarding and Sledding at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. Visitors to Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, home to the tallest dunes in North America, can zip down the dunes on specially created sleds for the occasion. Sand boarding, sledding and skiing are permitted anywhere on the dunes, away from vegetated areas. Sand boards and sleds are available year-round for rent or purchase at Kristi Mountain Sports in Alamosa, or from spring through fall, boards and sleds are also available for rent at the Oasis Store just outside the park entrance.
SUP Yoga in Boulder. On Mondays and Saturdays this summer, yogis can head to Boulder Reservoir to practice yoga on a stand-up paddleboard (SUP), and test their balance on the water. Classes are accessible for all abilities and the reservoir is a great place to test stability while looking out at the stunning Flatirons.
Urban River Surfing in Engelwood. At the South Platte River Run Park near Denver, a couple of bright engineering minds came together to solve the need for flood control and river drainage, by creating a unique recreational opportunity for inland Coloradans who love to surf. The initial phase of this project has just recently opened with two man-made waves that are already being ridden on fiberglass boards by surf enthusiastic locals and visitors. By 2018, the park expects to have four more water wave features, new hiking trails and eventually, the park will include restoration features like protected habitats for fish and new vegetation.
Waterfall Canyoning in Ouray. Repelling down waterfalls and exploring river canyons is a thrill for nature-loving adventurers. Ouray’s plentiful waterfalls and canyons can be actively explored through canyoning in the summer. Canyoning Colorado is offering new canyoning/canyoneering descents and trainings for all abilities. Half day and full day tours are offered daily, ranging from beginner to advanced.
ABOUT COLORADO
Colorado is a four-season destination offering unparalleled adventure and recreational pursuits, a thriving arts scene, a rich cultural heritage, flavorful cuisine, and 26 renowned ski areas and resorts. The state’s breathtaking scenic landscape boasts natural hot springs, the headwaters of seven major rivers, many peaceful lakes and reservoirs, 12 national parks and monuments and 58 mountain peaks that top 14,000 feet. For more information or a copy of the 2017 Colorado Official State Vacation Guide, visit www.COLORADO.com or call 1-800 COLORADO.
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