But if any kind of thinking is quintessentially Coloradan, it’s thinking outside the box — so we’ve rounded up seven fun, funky and totally unexpected ways to explore our great outdoors and come to life.
1. Canyoning in Ouray
Where there are mountains and rivers, there will be canyons — leave it to Coloradans to find a completely immersive way to explore them. The southwestern Colorado town of Ouray, rightly nicknamed the “Switzerland of America,” is a perfect place to try your hand at canyoning: an all-levels sport that involves descending (safely) into the void and mastering a variety of terrain before climbing back out.
Under the tutelage of the experienced guides at Canyoning Colorado, you’ll learn how to downclimb, scramble and rappel before you tackle the ultimate challenge: a controlled descent down a 50-foot waterfall, directly under the flow. All equipment, including wetsuits, is provided; no experience is necessary, but a reasonable level of fitness is required.
Where to Stay: You’ll be in good company at Ouray’s Beaumont Hotel — everyone from Theodore Roosevelt to Oprah Winfrey has stayed in this stately 1886 property, which consistently makes best-of lists from Condé Nast Traveler.
2. Donkey Racing in Cripple Creek
Set in the shadow of Pikes Peak, the charming mountain community of Cripple Creek first attracted the nation’s attention during the Gold Rush, when the Cripple Creek & Victor Gold Mine yielded a rich vein of the precious metal. Though the mine is still in operation more than 100 years later, today the descendants of its original work team are the main attraction.
Now in its 88th year, Cripple Creek Donkey Derby Days in summer is a whimsical way to experience a bit of ’niner heritage. Visitors from all over the world come to watch the town’s donkey herd — whose lineage does date back to the Gold Rush — compete in a variety of races and events. A pancake breakfast adds to the frontiersmen flavor of the festival.
Where to Stay: Hole up at Carr Manor, which began its service to the community in 1905 as Cripple Creek High School and was converted to a luxury boutique hotel in 1983. Charming historic touches like the original classroom chalkboards remain throughout the property.
3. Heli Fly-Fishing in Somerset
Less than a 90-minute drive from Grand Junction, the breathtaking high desert and ruddy sandstone outcroppings of Gateway are already a bit off the beaten path. And when you take off on the Ultimate Heli-Fly Fishing Adventure with Gateway Canyons Air Tours, you'll also be technically above the beaten path.
Adventure-savvy anglers, take note: This one-of-a-kind trip gives you the opportunity to get a jaw-dropping aerial view of panoramic vistas of cactus-dotted mesas transitioning to snow-streaked mountains hugging lush valleys. Then you'll touch down on Somerset's Bar ZX Ranch for a day of fly-fishing in scenic solitude, knowing the mountain-fed lakes are brimming with 12 species of massive trout.
Where to Stay: Keep the indulgent vibes going strong with a stay at Gateway Canyons resort. You'll be tucked within the stunning red rocks of Unaweep Canyon and can revel in treats like a full-service spa, upscale Western dishes served al fresco, swank pools flanked by sandstone towers and more.
4. Cliff Camping in Estes Park
Estes Park and its main attraction, Rocky Mountain National Park, are already bucket-list items for most Colorado visitors. But for the good folks at Kent Mountain Adventure Center, it’s no fun unless you hoist that bucket 50 feet off the ground … then hang it from a sheer rock face.
That’s exactly what the outfitter’s cliff-camping excursions are about. After walking you through a few rock-climbing basics (rappelling, fixed-rope ascension and more), you and your guide will set up a portaledge: a semi-rigid hammock that hangs from cables bolted directly into the mountainside. From your perch high above the valley floor, you’ll enjoy a sunset picnic dinner before crawling into your sleeping bag for an unforgettable evening on the brink.
Where to Stay: Bookend your cliff-side adventure with a stay at Basecamp Boulder, an ultra-cool modern hotel with a summer-camp vibe. Trust us: Ask for the Great Indoors Room.
