Colorado: Best Adventurous Escapes

Sara Thopson - May 26, 2014
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Explore the different side of Colorado. Even though the Vail Valley is usually covered in mud and slush during this time of year, other locales are already dry and sunny - giving you the opportunity to explore the area.

You could consider a day trip to Denver, or perhaps have a hike to Moab, Utah. Though, if you want to go on a different route, here are some options on how you can spend your weekend.

Swing over Glenwood Canyon

The Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park is a theme park offering a gondola ride that has an old Western feel. Aside from that, you could try a cave tour and enjoy nature's beauty as you swoon over the stalactites; and if you're a thrill seeker, why not take a ride on the roller-coaster and enjoy the breathtaking view from the top.

Rest assured that there are a lot of attractions to see and rides to enjoy. The Glenwood Canyon Flyer will take your breath away as it swings you 1,400 feet above the Colorado River. It's up to you if you find this ride terrifying or exhilarating. Whatever that is, you'll definitely have a great time.

Take to the Air at Noah's Ark

Being the first aerial adventure course operated by Noah's Ark in Colorado, the Browns Canyon Adventure Park is definitely worth visiting. Enjoy multiple obstacle courses, giant swings, and zip lines.

According to John Williams, the business manager of Noah's Ark, the courses could be quite challenging, but it's a great bonding place for families. Browns Canyon is located in Buena Vista.

Climb at Rifle Mountain Park

Spring isn't the best time to go on a rock climbing adventure. However, if you'll head about 90 miles west to Rifle, you'll discover a place where the weather is warmer and you could enjoy rock climbing at its best.

Both novices and advanced climbers would find this park ideal because it has more than 250 routes.

According to Wayne Edgeton, assistant recreation director for the city of Rifle, this park is a tourist destination for climbing enthusiasts. Furthermore, unlike places, such as Yosemite National Park in California, this park has an easier access. It's really close to the road. Wherein, most routes are around 60-70 feet, with 9-12 bolts. You'll have the option to climb whatever your arm pump could handle.

Tour High-altitude Wine Country in West Elks

Instead of visiting the popular wineries in Palisade, try heading a bit further south to West Elks AVA (American Viticultural Area).

According to Joanna Gilbert, the co-owner of the Leroux Creek Inn and Vineyard, this place has a rustic ambiance. The place remains untouched that it'll remind you of old-time Colorado, or Sonoma four decades ago.

Most of the vineyards in West Elks are small. Though, the quality of wine is exceptional. Aside from that, the winemakers here are very meticulous. Likewise, the cool nights and hot days in West Elk balance the acidity of the area, giving the wine a distinct taste.

Mountain Bike without the Mud in Fruita

Another ideal destination for a weekend getaway is Fruita – the home to some of the best mountain biking in the state. In fact, Fruita is proud to say that it has 320 days of sun a year and it has more than three hundred miles of bike trails.

Moreover, according to Eric Diehl, the assistant manager of Colorado Back Country Biker, the trails handled by the Colorado Plateau Mountain Bike Trail Association is the best spot for bikers.

For beginners, it's advisable to start at the Rabbit Valley Trails or 18 Road. On the other hand, if you want to discover a hidden spot, you should definitely look forward to the Uncompaghre Plateau trails – a place full of cowboys and cows.

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