Top 5 Teen-Friendly Adventures in Colorado: Hiking, Camping, and More
Summertime in Colorado is an adventure paradise, both for the experienced outdoor enthusiast and the new-to-nature explorer. Fields of scarlet paintbrush and columbine wildflowers burst into color along the alpine flanks of the Colorado Rocky Mountains. The great Colorado River flows 1,450 emerald green miles, snaking through slot canyons and wide-open ranchlands. Naturally sculpted spires of Colorado red basalt tower over flat vistas, striated with colors of the sunset. Colorado is a stunning playground for adventure and the opportunities to recreate are extensive. Here are our top 5 teen-friendly favorites for an unforgettable summer.
1. Whitewater Raft the Colorado River
The mighty Colorado has been called the “hardest working river in the West” due to the vast water demands it supplies to cities across the western states. A critical natural resource for America, the Colorado is also the lifeblood of the ecosystems it’s created and maintained. In the dry climate of the southwest, the river provides a precious commodity for the wildlife and habitat along its banks. Both humans and non-humans depend on the Colorado for their way of life, the same way they have for thousands of years. One of the most incredible ways to experience this extraordinary river is to feel its flow for yourself. On our Colorado Bold trip, try rafting for three days through red rock canyons, stopping each night to sleep beneath a sky full of stars. Let the sound of the river lull you in your tent and rise each morning to a spectacular arid sunrise. You’ll get to experience the magic of serene water, perfect for a dip in the hot sun, but you’ll also get to practice your paddling skills as the speed starts to pick up. The once lazy river flows into class II and class III rapids along the way.
No matter what the objective, kindness wins
2. Follow Ancient Footsteps
The history of the Southwest is a fascinating story of cultural mixing and westward expansion. Colorado is home to thousands of archaeological sites where ancient peoples used the landscape around them to create settlements among the sandstone. From the cliffside homes of the Ancestral Pueblo to prehistoric pictographs in hidden canyons, ancient art and culture is an important pillar of Colorado’s dynamic past. On our summer adventure itinerary, you’ll step away from the river during your multi-day raft to hike in the footsteps of southwest cultures from over 700 years ago. As you wind through striated canyons and gaze up at sandstone arches, keep your eyes peeled for petroglyphs and shards of pottery along the way.
3. Traverse the Iron Path
If you’re looking for a unique European-style adventure without leaving the US, look no further than the Colorado Via Ferrata. A system of cables, ladders, rails, bridges, and bolts allows you to rock climb incredible routes in the Rockies with an iron reassurance tethering you to safety. An Italian method of climbing, via ferrata is popular in the Alps and Dolomites, but still relatively rare in America. Coloradans are always on the lookout for new ways to play in the mountains and have adapted this method to their own home ranges. We’ll take on the Iron Path halfway through our Colorado Bold adventure, just when you’re feeling ready for a new challenge. And if we end up at a sheer cliff with no visible way across? Don’t worry. We’ll just take the zipline.
4. Heed the Call of the Alpine
No trip to Colorado would be complete without getting up high in the Rocky Mountains. With a pack on your back, you’ll feel the air get cooler as you rise in elevation through alpine meadows and past trickling streams. This is the perfect opportunity to look for big horn sheep, bald eagles, peregrine falcons, moose, elk, and mule deer. A dip in an alpine lake on the way down is the most refreshing way to cap off the day. We’ll camp several nights in the Rocky Mountains, so you’ll get plenty of practice with essential outdoor skills. A little sore and tired from the day’s hike, you might enjoy kicking back in your camp chair as smells of dinner cooking over the camp stove waft over to your secluded spot. Twilight hours are best for spotting crepuscular wildlife, like porcupine and coyote. If you’re lucky, you might hear some howls from the nearby ridgetops as you cozy up in your sleeping bag.
No matter what the objective, kindness wins
5. Rock Climb in a Picturesque Mountain Town
Nestled between the Collegiate Peaks and the Arkansas River, Buena Vista is a quintessential Colorado mountain town. For our summer adventurers, Buena Vista is where we punch our vertical ticket. Now that you’ve had some practice on the via ferrata, you’ll get to try your hand at traditional rock climbing on craggy granite and quartzite faces. With the help of local outfitters, you’ll learn tips and tricks for maneuvering up routes of varying difficulty. If going vertical captures your heart on your Colorado adventure, think about returning in the wintertime to explore the growing world of ice climbing. Colorado is the birthplace of the world’s first official ice park, located in the southwest part of the state. If you’ve never done it before, seek out the help of a local guide or outfitter to get you started.
Colorado is Calling and You Must Go
With amazing national parks, recreational opportunities at every turn, and a breathtaking diversity of ecosystems, Colorado is a perfect match for teen adventure. Check out the full description of our Colorado Bold trip and start planning your summer of Rocky Mountain fun. Learn more about the great state with this excellent official state website and discover Colorado in all its seasons. Still have more questions? You can request to connect with a Bold Earth alumni family if you’d like to hear the perspective of a past student or parent. Get the scoop on Colorado Bold from a teen who’s already learned the ropes. Chatting with an alumni family might help you feel even more prepared and excited for your own summer adventure.
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