Stay out of the water this winter with our Colorado land-based adventures.
Yes, we’re a rafting company, and yes, we love the river. But since the weather’s still too chilly for planning Colorado white water rafting trips—and if you’re looking to explore the Rockies on more solid ground—don’t miss the other adventures Wilderness Aware Rafting has to offer. Our guide-led jeep tours, horseback trail rides and mountain bike tours guarantee that we have what you’re looking for.
Horseback Trail Rides
If you want to hit the trail but you’re over hiking, we have the solution. Saddle up on one of our Colorado horseback rides and let us help you discover why horseback riding is this state’s second most popular outdoor activity. The closest horseback rides are located near the Arkansas River, with our shorter rides following a cottonwood-lined creek with views of the valley’s majestic Mt. Princeton and our longer horseback rides climbing the edge of adjacent Mt. Antero. Additional horseback riding options include trips over beautiful forest service land northwest of Leadville and along the base of Pike’s Peak in Colorado Springs.
Whether you want to thrill your child with a 30-minute pony ride, take the whole family along for an hour on a horse-drawn wagon ride, or spend a full day exploring Colorado on horseback, we can make it happen. Horseback rides require a minimum of two people to sign up, and most trips run year-round, making this a great option for cooler weather. Check out our Colorado horseback riding trips today, and we’ll see you on the trail.
Mountain Bike Tours
Want to get a little closer to the ground? Take one of our Colorado mountain bike tours and prepare for the ride of a lifetime. Fun for beginners as well as experienced mountain bikers, this trip comes in two options. The first is a downhill paved road from 12,000 feet on the Continental Divide, where you will experience spectacular views of the Arkansas River Valley’s numerous 14,000-foot tall peaks as you soar through pristine aspen groves and high mountain pine forests alongside one of our experienced mountain bike guides.
The second option is exploring the historic Midland Railroad Grade, a quiet mountain dirt road and single track trail that winds past stunning views of the 14,000 ft. Collegiate Peaks. The dirt trail option brings the pace down a notch and lets you enjoy the surrounding beauty of the Colorado Rockies while incorporating some technical bike maneuvering. Whether you’re on your bike every weekend or this is your first time mountain biking in Colorado, we have a set of wheels for you. For more information on joining us for a Colorado mountain biking trip, go to www.inanraft.com.
Jeep tours
For a safari-style tour of the Colorado Rockies, nothing beats one of our Colorado jeep tours. On one of our half-day trips, you can discover groves of ancient bristlecone pines nestled at the top of Mt. Princeton or visit the unique ghost town of St. Elmo. Or, take a full day and ride up a rugged switch backed trail to the summit of Colorado’s Mt. Antero, one of the best areas in the United States for mineral and gem collecting. Whichever trip you choose, our jeep tours guarantee to give you an unforgettable adventure—and leave both your hands free for picture-taking. Book a Colorado jeep tour today!
For more information on rafting Colorado, or to check out Buena Vista whitewater rafting trips, go to www.inaraft.com.
Stay in shape for Colorado rafting
You can’t start rafting Colorado for a while yet, but that doesn’t mean you should throw in the towel. Use the winter months ahead to give yourself the skills and conditioning you need to take on white water rafting in Colorado when the weather is right. Kick back and enjoy your holiday season—but don’t forget to check out these pointers to make sure that when summer rolls back around, you’re back on your game ASAP.
Consider a certification. A great way to break that cold-weather inertia, spice up your resume and give yourself a better skill set for rafting is by gaining one (or more) certifications. If Colorado white water rafting is your thing, then think about getting your Wilderness First Aid certification through an organization like NOLS. Getting current Red Cross certifications in CPR and first aid—or bumping it up with a class that teaches wilderness survival skills—will give you a new level of confidence when rafting and train you in skills you may need to help save a life.
Hit the slopes- or the gym. As many of you know, the great state of Colorado has a sport for everyone, no matter the season. Take advantage of the advent of skiing and boarding season, and keep your body conditioned for rafting while having a blast. Even lower-key snow activities like snowshoeing keep your muscles active, so get out there and show some snow love.
And we know—getting on a boating machine at the local Y isn’t quite the same as getting out on the Arkansas River. But if winter sports aren’t your thing and you want to keep your body in the best possible shape for rafting, consider biting the bullet and getting a membership. If you want to try out some Royal Gorge rafting come spring, your muscles will need to be in training now and in the months ahead.
Set a goal. With new year’s just around the corner, it’s time to think about what you want to do when the Colorado white water rafting season rolls back around. Is there a particular location you’ve never been? A higher class of rapids you want to try? Go for it—the way to stay in love with rafting is by finding new ways to challenge yourself. If you need some inspiration, check out our Brown’s Canyon rafting trips and other Colorado whitewater rafting trips. Whatever it is you want to do differently this summer, Colorado rafting has something for everyone. Start thinking about what you want to do this summer sooner rather than later, so you can make sure it happens.
Do your part. Without Colorado rivers, there would be no rafting in Colorado—so if you want to stay on some of the most beautiful liquid real estate in the state, make sure you’re informed about legislation concerning them. Stay updated on concerns with Colorado rivers so if they need your help, you can give back.
Remember, rafting is like football—there’s really no off season. Do what you can now to make rafting this summer the most memorable experience possible. For more information, or to plan a Colorado rafting vacation, visit www.inaraft.com.
Looking for the perfect gift? This Christmas, think outside the box.
As temperatures drop and the holidays draw closer, whitewater rafting in Colorado may be the last thing on your mind. But if you’re still in the market for the perfect present for that outdoorsy friend or relative, consider giving them the gift of adventure with a Colorado rafting trip gift certificate from Wilderness Aware Rafting.
The certificates come in two options so you can craft the best gift for your lucky recipient. If your sister’s been planning that Browns Canyon rafting trip since the snow started falling, bring her closer to that light at the end of the tunnel with a custom gift certificate under the tree. Choose a specific trip destination and length to give your loved one the day—or week—of their dreams. Whether it’s a Family Splash ‘n Dash on the Arkansas River or a challenging Royal Gorge rafting adventure, we have the perfect getaway for your family and friends (and you!)
And if you know that special someone eats, drinks, and breathes Colorado whitewater rafting—but you’re not quite sure where they’re raring to go—you don’t have to give away the game by asking. Give a gift certificate in whatever amount you would like, and let them worry about how to spend it. Give a little more and make their dream of rafting Colorado a reality, or give a little less and rent a wetsuit for them. Either way, you’ve shown them you care by giving them what they want the most—another excuse to get on the river this summer.
Customize your Wilderness Aware Rafting gift certificate today to share some fun in the outdoors and give a gift they’ll never forget. Use the form to purchase a gift certificate for one of our most popular whitewater rafting trips. And when the weather starts warming up, don’t forget to book the trip early in advance and secure your spot—a gift certificate doesn’t reserve a space on a specific trip.
If you don’t see the trip you want on the list, don’t despair. If you’d like to purchase a gift certificate for a different trip—or you want to purchase a gift certificate for a horse, bike, or jeep tour—just give us a call at 800.462.7238. We’re here to make your Colorado rafting dream a reality.
This Christmas, forget socks and fruitcake. Give the ones you love best the gift of adventure with one of our whitewater raft trips—and if you’re feeling generous, bump it up to a trip for two and come along. Hey, you’ve earned it. For more information on planning your Colorado rafting trip, visit www.inaraft.com.
