Outdoor Play Pairs Perfectly With Craft Libations and Relaxation in Colorado

 

DENVER (January 28, 2016)--With over 300 breweries, 72+ distilleries and more than 130 commercial wineries, local craft libations are the perfect pairing with the countless outdoor adventures experienced throughout Colorado. Here, a day of action-packed activities is rewarded with relaxing evenings. Whether you prefer to reminisce about the day with a cold beer after a hike or rejuvenate in a hot spring after mountain biking, Colorado has endless combinations for a day well spent.  For more, visit www.COLORADO.com

 

 

Highland Bowl (Aspen). Spring skiing at its finest takes place when adventurers hike the Highland Bowl for stunning views of Pyramid Peak and the Maroon Bells. Hikers are then rewarded with 2,500 feet of vertical skiing. Located mid-mountain, the newly remodeled Cloud Nine plays host to afternoon deck parties with refreshing brews and abundant sunshine. For even more après fun, Lynn Britt Cabin, found on Snowmass Mountain, offers happy hour snacks and drinks accompanied by live DJ sessions beginning President’s Day weekend.

 

Fair Winds Balloon Flights (Boulder). A morning in the Boulder skies comes complete with champagne, a deluxe continental breakfast, personalized photo and other lofty perks. High-flyers are invited to participate in both the inflation and deflation of the hot air balloon for a behind-the-scenes experience of the adventure. Guests can unwind at Shine Restaurant and Gathering Place with any of their in-house brews or potions made with intentional herbs and organic juices. Everything is made in house, including breads, sauces, dressings, juices, broths and desserts.  

 

Manitou Incline (Colorado Springs). Well known to locals, the Manitou Incline is a daunting hiking challenge and training playground for those looking to accomplish the feat of gaining more than 2,000 vertical feet in just under one mile. The scenic view from the top makes the challenge all worthwhile. Visitors can relax and reward themselves with a soak in the natural waters of SunWater Spa or with a local whiskey at Distillery 291.

 

Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park (Glenwood Springs). The longest alpine coaster in Colorado, a giant canyon swing and the highest elevation roller coaster in America are what put the “Adventure” in Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. After a day of thrills, families can relax at the new Iron Mountain Hot Springs that offers 16 pure mineral water soaking pools as well as a freshwater family pool. Onsite, the Sopris Café serves local craft beers, cocktails and snacks.

 

Climb Colorado’s Highest Mountains (Leadville). The state’s highest peaks and the world’s highest elevation brewery come together in Leadville. Both Mt. Elbert (14,440 feet) and Mt. Massive (14,421 feet) make for excellent bucket list accomplishments where hikers gain over two miles of elevation for breathtaking views. After a day of climbing mountains, a drive into town rewards visitors with local brews at the new Periodic Brewing (10,156 feet). This family-oriented location encourages people to stop by, enjoy a beer and relax with friends.

 

 

Gunnison River Farms (Austin).  An organic oasis, Gunnison River Farms crafts local fishing experiences with fresh produce that is harvested daily from their bountiful farm gardens and orchards. The farm has three historic cabins on the property where guests can stay as they spend several days exploring the river’s many offerings such as fly fishing, whitewater rafting, hiking and swimming. Evenings consists of appetizers and wine under the outdoor pergola, followed by a three-course dinner.

 

Breckenridge Outfitters Fishing (Breckenridge). With easy access to five major rivers; Arkansas, Blue, Colorado, Eagle and the South Platte, Breckenridge is a fishing epicenter. Beginners and connoisseurs alike are welcomed to spend the day with the experienced staff of Breckenridge Outfitters. Guests can follow up at Breckenridge’s newest restaurant,The Canteen that offers modern pub fare with cocktails featuring Breckenridge Distillery vodka or Colorado craft beers on tap.                    

 

Mountain Whitewater Rafting (Fort Collins). Located on the grounds of Mountain Whitewater Rafting Company, Paddler’s Pub serves up local craft beer and wine for those looking to unwind after a wild day on the Cache La Poudre River. During summer weekends, the pub hosts free live music and local food trucks. Sand volleyball, corn hole and various other yard games allow guests to keep the fun going all evening long.             

 

Palisade River Trips (Grand Junction/Palisade). In the heart of Colorado wine country, Palisade River Trips offers two-hour float trips on the Colorado River where guests tranquilly flow downstream while enjoying the local scenery. With several area wineries as well as Palisade Brewery and Peach Street Distillers, there are numerous local après craft libations for travelers to choose from.

 

Tube the Yampa River (Steamboat Springs). Visitors of Steamboat Springs can spend an afternoon floating their way through town on a tubing trip down the Yampa River. Many restaurants located downtown on Yampa Street have stairs directly from the river into a backyard or deck where guests can make pit stops throughout the day. At Sunpie’s Bistro, customers can spend the evening in a lawn chair, watching the river flow by while enjoying New Orleans style Cajun cuisine with signature cocktails.

 

 

Vista Verde Ranch (Clark). Weeklong all-inclusive stays at Vista Verde Ranch allow vacationers a chance to immerse themselves in the Western lifestyle of a Colorado ranch. On any day, guests can find themselves out in the forest rounding up cattle or horseback riding into the mountains and then returning to the ranch for an afternoon wine tasting or a soak in a bubbling hot tub on the deck of a private cabin.

 

Phil’s World Trail System (Cortez). With nearly 60 miles of trails with tracks for every level rider, Phil’s World offers mind-blowing mountain biking adventure without the crowds. For the thrill seekers, Rib Cage trail, a rollercoaster of singletrack and sweeping berms allow riders to carve speedy lines through high-banked turns. After a day on two wheels, guests can sit back and enjoy live music, wood-fired pizza and Colorado craft beers at Dolores River Brewery.

 

bRUNch Run (Denver). From April to October, the bRUNch Club hosts the perfect Colorado Sunday. Participants begin their morning with a 5k or 10k race that’s followed by the ultimate brunching experience. Each Sunday the race begins and ends at different local restaurants for a chance to explore Denver’s booming dining scene. Two local craft breweries serve beer and The Real Dill, an artisanal Denver pickle maker combines a 100 percent natural Bloody Mary mix with vodka for the perfect post-race cocktail. 

 

Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad (Durango). The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge train is the perfect way to access areas like the San Juan National Forest of Weminuche Wilderness for an afternoon hiking trip. Without having to worry about driving to one’s next stop, the railroad brings guests back to Durango where one of Durango’s six craft breweries, Brew, is just around the corner from the train depot.  

 

Alternative Colorado (Ordway). On Colorado’s Southeastern plains, Ordway is home to Alternative Colorado, an outdoor recreation center where guests can book weeklong stays and take part in an authentic Colorado lifestyle that focuses on open spaces, serenity and nature.  At $800 per person, guests choose their accommodations and engage in activities including windsurfing, horse riding, fishing, heritage tours and more. Guests should make sure to stop by Spirits of the Rockies in Pueblo for local handcrafted moonshine to accompany an evening around the campfire.

 

 

Colorado is a four-season destination offering unparalleled adventure and recreational pursuits, a thriving arts scene, a rich cultural heritage, flavorful cuisine, and 25 renowned ski areas and resorts. The state's breathtaking scenic landscape boasts natural hot springs, the headwaters of seven major rivers, many peaceful lakes and reservoirs, 12 national parks and monuments, over 850 farm and ranches that are open to visitors, and 58 mountain peaks that top 14,000 feet. 

 

For more information or a copy of the 2016 Colorado Official State Vacation Guide, visit www.COLORADO.com or call 1-800 COLORADO. 

 

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 Media contacts: Carly Holbrook, [email protected], 720-289-9366

Anne Klein, [email protected], 970-749-0991