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Map of Colorado: Hike, Bike, Raft & Zipline including United States Of America

Get active in Colorado surrounded by scenic rivers, mountains, and lakes

Enjoy biking, hiking, rafting and ziplining adventures on this active trip which showcases Colorado’s incredible natural beauty. With great weather and plenty of trails, the Arkansas River Valley has some of Colorado’s best and most scenic mountain biking tracks. You’ll also tackle the Zoom Flume and other rapids on a scenic rafting trip, fly high above the canopy on a half-day ziplining tour, take in alpine vistas on a hike to a gold mine ‘ghost town’, and soak up superb mountain and red rock scenery. Add the pretty lakeside town of Frisco and you’ve got the perfect Active adventure.

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Terms & Conditions
Start
Denver, United States
Finish
Denver, United States
Destination
United States
Style
Original
Theme
Active Adventures
Code
SSXC
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

  • Tackle the Zoom Flume, Big Drop, and ominously-named Widowmaker rapids on a scenic rafting trip that’s easy enough for beginners but also has enough thrills for more experienced rafters.

  • Enjoy striking views of the Arapahoe Basin reflected in the waters of Loveland Pass Lake as you keep an eye out for marmots, pika, birds, and – depending on the season - beautiful wildflowers.

  • Drive in circles up, and up, and up Spiral Drive to take in the amazing vista from ‘The Big S’, a cone-shaped mountain that dominates the town of Denver.

  • Take to the skies on an adrenaline-filled 3 hour, eight-tower Canopy Zipline Tour along the pristine Clear Creek.

  • Ride the Arkansas River Valley, one of Colorado’s best mountain biking destinations, with an experienced guide to show you the most scenic and rewarding trails.

  • Hike beneath towering sandstone monoliths and visit the only naturally-occurring, acoustically perfect amphitheatre in the world.

Is this trip right for you?

  • Just as a heads up before you book: this trip is new to our range this year. And while we have thoroughly researched every detail of the logistics, new destinations can sometimes throw us some unexpected surprises. More often than not, it’ll be a great surprise. But every now and again there might be a hiccup. We like to think that’s what puts the ‘adventure’ in ‘adventure travel’.

  • This is an action-packed itinerary, and a moderate level of fitness will help you get the most out of all the included activities. You must be confident in the water for kayaking and rafting. All equipment and safety gear is provided. Whilst previous experience in hiking and kayaking or rafting isn’t essential, your ability to cycle is. Sturdy footwear is recommended for the hikes

  • Equipment hire is included in your trip price, bikes, helmets, and all water sport gear. Bike helmets are compulsory to wear during all rides.

  • Please advise your height at the time of booking so we can organise a suitable bike.

  • The altitude and thin air of Colorado can have an impact on your 'usual' level of fitness. Our activities take place at altitudes between 1,915 metres and 3,600 metres (6,280 feet and 11,800 feet).

  • At times when the water levels of the river are too low for rafting your leader will arrange an alternative activity.

Rafting Brown Canyon, Colorado, USA
Mine ruins at Mayflower Gulch, Colorado, USA
Browns Canyon National Monument, Colorado, USA
River Rafting in Browns Canyon, Colorado, USA
Frisco Pedestrian Main Street, Colorado, USA
Mountain biking in Salida, Colorado, USA

Itinerary
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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.
Accommodation
  • Hotel/Motel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Spiral Drive Hike
Optional Activities
  • Food Truck Dinner - Soul Craft Brewing Company - Free
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

Today’s total driving time is approximately 2.5 hours. Today’s hike is approximately 5 kms (3 miles) and is mostly downhill. The hike starts and finishes at an elevation of 2,150 m (7,100 feet).

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.
Accommodation
  • Hotel/Motel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Arkansas River White Water Rafting
Optional Activities
  • Mount Princeton Hot Springs - USD35
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
When water levels are too low for white water rafting we will switch to Stand Up Paddleboarding on the Arkansas River in Salida. This section has some relaxing stretches and then tests your balance as you paddle through some Class II/II+ rapids. No experience necessary, but participants must be in good shape, ready for a challenge, and comfortable swimming in whitewater.

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.
Accommodation
  • Hotel/Motel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Buena Vista Mountain Guided Biking
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Special Information
Today’s mountain bike route will depend on the weather, group size and cycling experience, and will vary from 6 kms to 10 kms (4 miles to 6 miles). The cycling takes places at an elevation of 2,400 metres (8,000 feet).

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.
Accommodation
  • Hotel/Motel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Mayflower Gulch Trail Guided Hike
Optional Activities
  • Lake Dillion Sunset Pontoon Boat Cruise - USD155
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s hike is approximately 7 kms (4 miles) with a 170 m (550 feet) elevation gain and a gentle incline. The hike takes place at an elevation of approximately 3,350 metres (11,000 feet).

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.
Accommodation
  • Hotel/Motel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Breckenridge Distillery whiskey tasting
  • Frisco Ziplining
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

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).
Included Activities
  • Red Rocks Hike
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 1.5 hours. Today’s undulating hike is approximately 3 kms (1.8 miles) with an elevation gain of 185 metres (600 feet). The hiking takes place at an elevation of 1,915 metres (6,280 feet).

No accommodation is included today.
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

5 breakfasts, 1 lunch

Transport

Private vehicle, Mountain Bike, Raft, On foot

Accommodation

Hotel/Motel (5 nights)

Included activities

  • Spiral Drive Hike
  • Arkansas River White Water Rafting
  • Buena Vista Mountain Guided Biking
  • Mayflower Gulch Trail Guided Hike
  • Breckenridge Distillery whiskey tasting
  • Frisco Ziplining
  • Red Rocks Hike

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Colorado: Hike, Bike, Raft & Zipline trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

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Important notes

1. This trip starts at 9am in Denver on day 1.
2. This trip finishes with a drop off around 1pm at Denver Union Station on day 6. Please do not book any flights until after 4pm this evening.
3. Bicycle hire is included so we require all clients' heights at the time of booking.
4. Bike helmets are also supplied but you may wish to bring your own.
5. We recommend wearing closed-toe shoes and suitable clothing for the walks and cycling.
6. The mountain biking on this trip is not accompanied by a support vehicle.
7. There may be times when the water levels of the river is too low for rafting - in this case your guide will arrange an alternative activity.

Essential trip information

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