Whether they’re taking you on a tour down the river or through the backcountry, Glenwood Springs’ experts lead the way for visitors when it comes to adventures of all kinds.
Passion is contagious. A passionate person embodies a charismatic, infectious quality that is nothing short of magnetic—traits Glenwood Springs outfitters and guides possess in spades. These individuals have spent considerable time cultivating a deep base of knowledge in a particular area and are considered by their peers and others to be experts in their field. Fortunately, they are also eager to share their knowledge and excitement with the rest of us.
For a vacation high point, add a guided tour or trip to your Glenwood Springs itinerary. You’ll never forget the time you caught an 18-inch rainbow trout on the Colorado River, galloped on horseback through a meadow on a private ranch or got the inside scoop on craft beer from an award-winning master brewer.
Take Your Pick: Glenwood’s Top Tours & Trips
Angling. When it comes to catching fish, leave it to the pros to find the fishing holes where lunkers lurk. Not only do they know where to go, but when you book a float trip with local fishing outfitters, they’ll provide all the gear you need, assist with fly selection and quickly get you casting for the famed rainbow, brown and cutthroat trout that make their home in Glenwood’s rivers.
Cave Tours. There’s more than dirt beneath our feet. If you visit Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, don’t miss the chance to take one or both of the cave tours there. See one of the largest and most decorated cave rooms in Colorado on the King’s Row cave tour. To get there, you’ll descend a staircase 150 feet below the surface where guides illuminate the sights with stories that encompass cave history, science and humor. In addition to spectacular formations and a reflecting pond, the Fairy Caves tour offers visitors a glimpse back in time. See historic artifacts from the early days of cave exploration along the route. A highlight of the tour is a stop at Exclamation Point, a precipice that overlooks Glenwood Canyon.
Horseback Riding. Hoofing it has never been more fun, especially for families. Horseback riding is always a memorable vacation activity for kids of all ages. A one-hour ride led by skilled cowboys and ranch hands on a private ranch is an ideal choice for families. It’s plenty of time to get comfortable in the saddle and take the reins for an authentic western Colorado adventure at Bair Ranch, one of the oldest sheep farms in the state. Follow guides on well-maintained trails that open out into vast agricultural meadows and scenic views of Glenwood Canyon.
OHV Tours. Head for the hills with an Off-Highway Vehicle Tour. Climb into an open-air RZR Side by Side or Jeep and get ready to shift into explorer mode. Designed to traverse the rugged backcountry, you’ll be transported to a landscape that’s hidden from view for most people. Tours at Bair Ranch begin at an elevation of 5,500 feet and climb to almost 9,000 feet revealing spectacular vistas all along the way. While the breathtaking views speak for themselves, your guide will also point out things you might miss like historical sites, native plants, and geological formations.
Tandem Paragliding. See the world from an entirely new perspective with a tandem paragliding adventure. With no prior training or experience, you can confidently take to the skies over Glenwood Springs with an instructor certified by the U.S. Hang Gliding Association as your pilot. The experience combines the exhilaration of free flight with incomparable views of the Roaring Fork Valley. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to soar like a bird, this is your chance to find out.
Whitewater Rafting. Take a break from the summer heat with a cold-water thrill ride on Glenwood’s whitewater rapids. The Colorado River in Glenwood Canyon is prime rafting territory. The region’s rafting outfitters will steer you through rough Class III and IV rapids. Some of the more notable rapids have garnered intimidating monikers like Baptism, Tuttle’s Tumble and Maneater. Guides know just how to hit them to make the biggest splash and still keep everyone aboard smiling. One of the highlights during the lower-flow season of August and September is the natural in-river hot springs that become accessible. To the delight of guests, guides often make a pit stop for a warm-up soak before heading downstream to the takeout point.
Ghost Tour. Every year during October, Frontier Historical Society brings back the dead to tell tales—the good and the bad—of what life was like in Glenwood Springs way back yonder. Plan to hike about a half-mile by lantern light following a guide dressed in period costume to Linwood Cemetery where Glenwood’s pioneer citizens are buried. Portrayals by actors combined with the dim lighting give the event a spooky feel. Glenwood’s Ghost Walk is an event that is among the best of its kind and tickets always sell out quickly. Tickets go on sale Oct. 1. For dates and more information visit Glenwood History.
Backcountry Snowmobiling Tours. Sunlight Mountain Resort is a winter playground with more to do than meets the eye. Experience high-octane excitement in the backcountry with a snowmobiling tour. Guides lead the way to extraordinary sights including 360-degree panoramas of snowcapped peaks, but they’ll also turn you loose to play in the powder. The best part is you don’t have to have any experience to enjoy a full-throttle winter adventure in Glenwood Springs.
For an individualized vacation-making adventure, connect with Glenwood Springs outfitters and guides. Their expertise, honed through years of dedication, is matched only by their eagerness to share their passion with others. Learn more and make plans to visit Glenwood Springs today!
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