2023-12-08 07:36:23
Look around and you’ll see it’s no wonder people flock to Colorado every year to get their outdoor-adventure fix. From our staggering peaks and pristine waters to our lush forests and vibrant landscapes, immersing yourself in the Colorado backcountry is a rewarding experience that will refuel your soul. But oftentimes, the biggest hurdle is knowing where to start. Activities like rafting, fly fishing and backpacking can seem unapproachable to newcomers, and this is where a local guide can come in handy. These experts can help you feel comfortable, safe and confident in venturing out for a wide range of outdoor activities, no matter your experience or skill level. They’ll help you push your body and mind to places you might never have gone on your own — and that sense of accomplishment and communion with nature could be the most enlightening and restorative experience of your life. Some call it a sport, while others call it a lifestyle — either way, fly-fishing is a favorite and peaceful pastime for many Coloradans. It’s hard to know if you want to invest in poles, waders, flies and other equipment if you’ve never felt that magical and sudden tug on your line and the frenzied effort to bring your catch in. Heading out with an outfitter gives you the perfect taste of this specialized activity. A guided excursion with ArkAnglers in Salida or Buena Vista will have you creating graceful arcs with your line in no time. Their team of seasoned anglers offers full- and half-day fly-fishing trips, including a Fishing 101 course that’s great for those dipping their first wader-covered toe in the water. Fast, fun rapids. Unparalleled scenery. Abundant wildlife. While not for the faint of heart, multiday rafting tours are a once-ina- lifetime Western experience. You’ll form deep bonds with your raft companions and never have to worry about setting up camp, preparing meals or keeping yourself safe thanks to the knowledgeable and seasoned guides that are integral to making these trips successful. Two of the most popular tours with Mild to Wild Rafting & Jeep Tours — the Yampa River and Gates of Lodore trips — take place in and around Dinosaur National Monument in Colorado’s northwest corner. The area’s rapids wind paddlers through quartzite cliffs, dramatic alcoves and Fremont Culture petroglyphs carved in cliffs that frame the river. These trips also allow you the opportunity to get out of the water and explore the area on foot while the expert guides set up your living space each night, as well as prepare satiating three-course meals for breakfast and dinner, as well as casual, picnic-style lunches. Ready for a land-based excursion, but don’t love a calf-burning climb? Leave the hiking to someone else and increase the heart-pounding-adventure factor by traversing Colorado’s rugged backcountry on an ATV or UTV tour. Both exhilarating and educational, excursions offer a wellrounded journey you’ll remember for the rest of your life. San Juan Backcountry in Silverton offers three-night guided tours through some of the nation’s most remote and beautiful landscapes, where you’ll pass cascading waterfalls, wildflowers galore, fascinating ghost towns, century-old mines and more. You can also choose from two-hour, half- and full-day tours, which can include a ride on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Did you know llamas can carry up to 30% of their body weight? This is just one reason they make exemplary hiking companions — they’ll carry everything you need for overnights in Colorado’s forestland, freeing you up to simply soak in the beautiful scenery as you mosey along. Paragon Guides’ Llama Treks, including the popular Vail-to-Aspen route, are three- to five-day excursions through lush mountain landscapes. Daily distances range from 5 to 8 miles, and the llamas will keep you company as well as free you of the burden of your food, water and other gear. Treks include professional guides, transportation, meals, sleeping bags and camping equipment. Find other backpacking trips that take care of the heavy lifting at Colorado.com/LightenYourLoad. Hut trips are one of the best ways to embrace the true essence of Colorado high-country winter, offering the perfect and coziest reward at the end of an invigorating day of trekking and tracking through remote landscapes. Colorado’s 10th Mountain Division Hut system provides a framework that’s considered the apex of these kinds of excursions. The huts were built to house WWII soldiers training to fight in high altitudes, and while they’re well-equipped to provide warmth and rest after a day in the sun and snow, making your way between them requires knowledge of the area, maps and superior navigation skills. Aspen Expeditions can provide a complete escape into the wilderness for those of all ages and abilities. Their all-inclusive experience takes care of the food, hut reservations, sleeping bags, backpacks and avalanche-safety equipment — leaving you to focus on making your way to the campfire and hearty meal waiting inside these alpine cabins. As the sun appears on the horizon and the grass rustles under your boots, a majestic creature casually walks into your field of vision. There’s tension in your knees from the position you’ve been holding, but — at last — the time has come. The thrill of the hunt is upon you. Most people don’t have the leisure time required to scout out and plan a successful big-game hunt. When you team up with folks who do this for a living, all you have to do is throw on your high-visibility orange and set off for adventure. With Story Creek Outfitters, you’ll prowl in the shadow of the lush and rolling Spanish Peaks near Walsenburg, enjoying comfortable accommodations, food and transportation while hunting on private land. Story Creek specializes in custom big-game hunting trips, pairing you with a professional guide to show you the most prolific areas on their property — for hunting elk, pronghorn and more. You’ve likely seen spectacular images of climbers scaling some of Colorado’s most dramatic rock faces and thought you’d never take that daring leap. But with a climbing guide, you’ll learn the basics of the gear and how to use it to rappel, move and finesse techniques. These patient outfitters craft an educational expedition that’s tailored to your specific goals. Apex Mountain School offers guided trips near Vail and the surrounding area, as well as a couple favorites of the local climbing community: Eldorado Canyon outside Boulder is known for its breathtaking views and top-rope, traditional and multi-pitch climbing for all skill levels. The Cathedral Spires near Pine also feature incredible multi-pitch climbing, including some of the state’s best crack climbs, as well as a beginner course and single-pitch climbs for those who wish to stay a little closer to the ground. Find more guidedadventure tours on Colorado.com
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