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Wet and Wild
Whitewater Rafting in Colorado
 With the headwaters of nearly 20 rivers beginning in Colorado, the state has long been considered the "go to" place for kayaking and whitewater rafting. Colorado’s rafting and kayaking season typically runs from May through September, with the swiftest running whitewater occurring in May and June. August is the best month for a more laid back experience. River waters across the state vary and are classified Class I through Class VI, depending on the intensity of the rapids. Class I rivers offer an easy float downriver while Class III rivers have more challenging rapids, interspersed with boulders and narrow passages. Whitewater rafting and kayaking are found throughout the state, including the famed Arkansas River near Salida (www.salidachamber.org), and the scenic Colorado River, which runs through Glenwood Canyon and Glenwood Springs (www.glenwoodchamber.com). Glenwood Springs opened a thrilling new whitewater park in 2008 that is the perfect place for kayakers to practice their skills. Families will love rafting along the Cache La Poudre River in Fort Collins (www.ftcollins.com), the state’s only designated National Wild and Scenic River. And don’t forget to check out Clear Creek Canyon in Idaho Springs (www.clearcreekcounty.org) or to hit Westwater Canyon on the Colorado River near Grand Junction (www.visitgrandjunction.com). “City Slickers” can practice their skills without ever leaving the city. Confluence Park in downtown Denver is a great option for beginners who can get instruction through Confluence Kayaks (www.confluencekayaks.com).
For more tips and ideas on rafting in Colorado, visit www.colorado.com.
Flying High in Colorado
 If vacationing in Colorado's high country isn't enough of a high-altitude adventure, Colorado offers visitors a number of opportunities to explore the state from new heights. Check out these special activities that are sure to make a high-flying vacation experience.
Zip Lining: Soaring® Tree Top Adventures, a canopy tour zip line attraction near Durango, is the first of its kind and scale in the United States. The all-day zip line course allows guests ages 5-90 to traverse cables and glide through the air on a network of stainless steel platforms high in the ponderosa canopy. Soaring® Treetop Adventures amazing zip line attraction is located on 180 acres of remote and private land, surrounded by the San Juan Mountains. This rugged area is accessible only by the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad (www.soaringtreetopadventures.com). In Salida, Captain Zipline offers six zip lines that allow guests to soar 150 feet over majestic canyon land in central Colorado. Flying through the air at 40 miles per hour, adventure seekers can enjoy views of the Arkansas River Valley and surrounding 14ers as well as 300-million-year-old cliff formations. (www.captainzipline.com)
Bungee Jumping: In Cañon City (www.canoncitycolorado.com), bungee jumping reaches new depths. At the annual Go Fast Games held in mid-September, jumpers make their freefall from the railings of the Royal Gorge Bridge (www.royalgorgebridge.com), one of the highest suspension bridges in the world, as the Arkansas River flows some 1,053-feet below. While you’re at the Royal Gorge, don’t forget to try out the Royal Rush Skycoaster. This free-fall tower sweeps you out over the Royal Gorge, 1,200 feet above the Arkansas River.
Hot Air Ballooning: For a bird’s-eye view of Colorado, try a hot air balloon ride. Balloons are often seen rising into the sky and there are a number of operators across the state ready to take visitors skyward. Enjoy a Champagne toast while soaring over beautiful mountain peaks, and explore the vast expanse of prairie grasslands as you fly above the eastern plains. Colorado is also home to a number of hot air balloon festivals held at various locales throughout the year, including the popular Arkansas Valley Balloon Festival near Rocky Ford, the Rocky Mountain Balloon Festival in Denver and the Colorado Balloon Classic in Colorado Springs. www.colorado.com/events
Paragliding: Run off the side of a mountain and float into the sky, while hanging beneath a giant canopy with the whole world spread out below you. Considering that you're looking down at some of the nation's best mountain scenery, you've got the makings of an unforgettable flight. No paragliding experience? No problem. Paragliding outfitters across the state, including those in Gunnison, Vail and Fort Collins, provide tandem flights with trained pilots, where you just relax and enjoy the ride. www.colorado.com/HangGlidingAndParagliding
Alpine Slides: Feel the rush of Winter Park’s Alpine Slide. The thrill begins with a scenic chairlift ride to the top of the mountain and is followed by an exciting ride down a 3,000-foot-long winding track aboard an alpine sled. Equipped with rollers and brakes, you’ll feel the exhilaration of the 610-foot vertical drop of the alpine slide (www.skiwinterpark.com). Breckenridge Ski Resort (www.breckenridge.snow.com) and Steamboat Ski Resort (www.steamboat.com) also offer exhilarating alpine slides during the summer months.
Pikes Peak: Climb to the summit of the 14,110-foot Pikes Peak without taking a step. Ride the Pikes Peak Cog Railway or travel by car. Either way, you’ll be able to see the views that inspired Katharine Lee Bates to pen “America the Beautiful.” (www.experiencecoloradosprings.com)
For more information and ideas on a high-flying Colorado vacation, visit www.colorado.com
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