Ouray
The San Juan Mountains surrounding the town of Ouray in southwest Colorado have abundant options for those who love the outdoors. Many groups begin their visits with driving tours along portions of the San Juan Skyway Scenic and Historic Byway. Along the 236-mile loop, they’ll see some of the most stunning scenery in the state as well as ghost towns and historic mining towns.
Off-road adventures are another popular way to explore the mountains around Ouray. Guided jeep tours take participants into the mountains on many of the jeep trails; independent-minded travelers can rent their own off-road vehicles.
For another spin on the guided mountain tour, consider saddling up a horse. Both the San Juan Mountains and the adjacent Cimarron Mountains have backcountry trails that lead to spectacular scenery, and area outfitters can take groups out into the mountains on well-trained horses that make even novice riders comfortable.
Royal Gorge
Stretching six miles along the Arkansas River in central Colorado, Royal Gorge is the deepest canyon in the state and is known as the Grand Canyon of the Arkansas. Groups can experience the gorge in a number of ways.
The area’s most popular tourist activity is an excursion aboard the Royal Gorge Railroad. The railroad runs alongside the river, 1,000 feet beneath the tops of sheer rock cliffs on either side of the canyon. The train has its own restaurant, which serves three meals daily with organic, local ingredients, as well as a variety of Colorado microbrews.
Many groups also make a visit to the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park. After walking across the bridge, the highest suspension bridge in North America, they can enjoy other adventurous activities and thrill rides at the 360-acre park, including zip lines, aerial gondolas and a sky coaster.
Grand Junction
The Colorado River flows through Grand Junction in the state’s far western reaches, giving groups options for outdoor activities that range from peaceful to thrilling.
Many opt for float trips on the Colorado River. Unlike rapid whitewater, this section of the river moves slowly and easily, so raft riders can spend their time relaxing and taking in the scenery. For a more adrenaline-fueled experience, jet boat excursions on the river are high-speed rides that include maneuvers such as “cowboy spins,” “fishtail power slides” and “speed runs.”
Groups shouldn’t leave the area without exploring the Colorado National Monument. Known as a “windshield park,” the monument preserves 11 canyons, and many of its scenic areas are easily accessible on paved roads. Miles of walking trails, ranging from a quarter-mile to more than eight miles, offer an ideal hike for travelers of every fitness level.
