COLORADO ROCKIES RAMBLE

Transcription

1 HIGHLIGHTS COLORADO ROCKIES RAMBLE JUNE 23-30, 2018 TRIP SUMMARY Hiking in crisp and cool Rocky Mountain air through meadows lush with wildflowers Whitewater rafting on the Arkansas River Cruising down bike paths through gorgeous scenery Horseback riding on gentle paths with great views Enjoying the very popular mountain towns of Aspen and Snowmass Relaxing in beautiful condos with hot tubs and heated pools nearby Phone: Outside the US: Fax:

2 TRIP AT A GLANCE Dates: Jun 23-30, 2018 Location: Snowmass, CO Cost: $ Activities: Multisport Arrive: Arrive at the Denver airport anytime on June 23 Depart: We will be back at the Denver airport by 1:30 on June 30 and you can plan flights out after 3pm TRIP OVERVIEW The White River National Forest offers an incredible diversity of activities for anyone who loves the outdoors: hiking, whitewater rafting, mountain biking, lush meadows full of extravagant wildflowers, and soaring mountain peaks. We will experience it all during our week here: we'll go whitewater rafting, horseback riding, hiking, and gentle biking. During our week we will immerse ourselves in the history, geology, flora, and fauna of the Park. And at night we will retire to our comfortable vacation condos in Snowmass. RATING This trip is for women in moderate physical condition who enjoy trying lots of different activities in the gorgeous playground of the Colorado Rockies. The trip is rated as 2. A rating of 2 is suitable for any woman who regularly walks at a brisk pace 3 to 4 days a week for minutes. Rating: 1 [2] WHAT'S INCLUDED Experienced AGC and local guides All activities on the itinerary, including whitewater rafting, hiking, biking, and riding all meals from Sunday breakfast through breakfast the next Saturday with the exception of one lunch and dinner one night lodging in double occupancy rooms, all others in single rooms gratuities for local guides transportation during the trip including round trip transfer from the Denver airport Not included: transportation to Denver, alcoholic beverages, optional activities, AGC guide gratuities, and items of a personal nature

3 OUR ITINERARY Below is the proposed itinerary for the trip. As is true on any adventure travel trip, plans for any specific day may be modified due to weather considerations, unforeseen circumstances, new opportunities, and group interests. DAY 1 JUNE 23, SATURDAY Arrive anytime today at the Denver airport. We'll be staying at a nearby hotel with an airport shuttle so you can arrive whenever it's convenient. Our first formal get together will be tomorrow although everyone who's arrived can get together for dinner. DAY 2 JUNE 24, SUNDAY After meeting for breakfast, we'll leave Denver about 8:30AM for the four-hour drive to Snowmass Village. As we travel, you will quickly notice that the air is thinner here, something that takes a day or two for our bodies to adapt. Along the way we'll stop for a picnic lunch and begin both our enjoyment of Colorado hiking and the altitude acclimatization with a short hike before continuing to our accommodations in Snowmass. We'll be staying in 3 different condos at The Crestwood and we'll have time to settle in before getting together for our first shared dinner. DAY 3 JUNE 25, MONDAY Today we jump on bikes for a leisurely ride down the Rio Grande bike trail. We pick the trail up in Aspen and follow the river down valley, so we have a nice, slightly downhill grade during the ride. Our first stop will be at the Woody Creek Tavern for lunch. This unique roadside grill is a must see when visiting the area and has gained a well-known reputation over the years for being the anti-establishment, quirky eatery that offsets the posh restaurants of Aspen. This was the local hangout of Hunter S. Thompson, who had his own bar stool here and was base camp for many of his wild daily adventures. After lunch (on your own) we will continue pedaling along the Rio Grande Trail until we reach Woody Creek Distillers, where we will stop for a local whiskey tasting before shuttling back to Snowmass for a well-deserved shower! B, D

4 DAY 4 JUNE 26, TUESDAY It's whitewater rafting day!! Following breakfast, we will drive over scenic Independence Pass to the Arkansas River valley. Here we will spend a full day of whitewater rafting through America s newest national monument - Brown's Canyon. This is 15 miles of some of Colorado's best Class II and III whitewater, suitable for complete novices and experienced rafters alike. We'll keep our eyes out for the wildlife that abounds here, including bighorn sheep, mule deer and, if we were incredibly lucky, mountain lions. We'll stop midway for a delicious lunch, served on the banks of the Arkansas River. We'll return to our condos for another relaxed evening and shared meal. B,L,D DAY 5 JUNE 27, WEDNESDAY Today we return to the trails as we enjoy a hike in one of Aspen s most popular side valleys, the Hunter Creek Valley. Our hike meanders along Hunter Creek, through prime black bear and elk habitat. Old homesteads and wildflower meadows dot the landscape along the way and we ll have lunch in one of those wildflower meadows. After hiking back to our vans, we will return to the condos. Tonight is your night to explore the culinary options of Snowmass on your own. If that isn t appealing, you are welcome to join your guides for pizza and salad for a relaxing evening. B,L DAY 6 JUNE 28, THURSDAY Now that you have been here for 4 days, you undoubtedly have been told several times that no visit to Aspen/Snowmass is complete without a visit to the Maroon Bells. Known as the most photographed peaks in North America, you would be hard pressed to find a more scenic location to spend the day. After a short 3-mile hike, we will enjoy a light lunch consisting of local foods at a picnic spot along Maroon Creek. We will then get on hybrid cruiser bikes for a gentle downhill ride into Aspen. The 10-mile cruise on paved surfaces is a great way to see black bear or moose hanging out in the valley. Once arriving in Aspen, we have free time to enjoy this famous mountain resort and you can transfer back to Snowmass on a free shuttle when you choose. We ll gather again for another delicious dinner in the condo. B,L,D

5 DAY 7 JUNE 29, FRIDAY For the morning we have options! We can spend a relaxing morning hanging out at the condos, exploring the village or your guide will offer a short morning hike - whatever feels right for you. Lunch will be at the condos and after lunch, we're on for our last adventure. A week in Colorado would not be complete without enjoying some of the Western heritage the state is known for. We will be spending the afternoon in the saddle on one of the world class horseback rides in the Roaring Fork Valley, choosing the trail that is most scenic for the time of year. After the ride, jeeps will pick us up at the trailhead as we head up Snowmass Mountain for a backcountry sunset dinner. This rustic, BBQ dinner begins by climbing to the Coney Glade overlook. Here we will be treated to a local brew and spirits tasting with the crafters themselves onsite to explain a little about each of their creations. Dinner itself will be outside of a historic sheep herders cabin and includes a musician and an evening spent around a raging bonfire. A true Colorado experience and a great way to wrap up our day! B,L,D DAY 8 JUNE 30, SATURDAY After breakfast we'll retrace our original journey back to Denver, through the mountains we've had so much fun exploring this past week. We'll be back to the airport by 1 pm and you can plan flights out for any time after 3pm. B ADDITIONAL TRIP INFORMATION GETTING THERE If you are flying, plan to fly into the Denver (DEN) airport anytime on June 23. We will be spending the first night at the Courtyard Marriott which has a hotel shuttle. Call If you are driving, contact the Marriott for their "Park Here, Fly There" rates. Phone: If you would like help with any travel plans we recommend our travel agent Barbara Nelson, Scan East West Travel, at bnelson@scaneastwest.com or call

6 ACCOMMODATIONS We will be stay the first night at Courtyard Marriott in Denver near the airport. The first night of the trip is in Denver and is double occupancy. There are singles available if you prefer. Cost for a single in Denver will be an additional $85/person. Our next 5 nights are at The Crestwood condos in Snowmass. We will have 3 condos: two 3-bedroom and one 4-bedroom. Most rooms are singles. There are 2 twin rooms available with a $200 reduction/person for sharing the room. The condos have three outdoor hot tubs, a heated pool, and a fitness center with steam room and sauna. WEATHER Late June is a beautiful time in Colorado. Typically, high temperatures in Snowmass Village are in the mid-70s and lows are in the mid-40s. Temperatures can be degrees cooler at high elevations. Colorado is known for its afternoon thunderstorms and while that is more typical later in the summer, we will always be keeping that in mind as we plan our daily schedules TRAVEL INSURANCE WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND TRIP CANCELLATION/TRIP INTERRUPTION INSURANCE, WHICH COVERS YOUR COST IF YOU NEED TO CANCEL OR INTERRUPT YOUR TRIP for medical reasons, trip delay, lost baggage, and other unforeseen emergencies. Adventures in Good Company will send you information about travel insurance with your registration information, or you may purchase coverage through your own insurance company. In order to avoid disappointment and expense in the event that you must cancel your trip we strongly urge you to purchase some type of insurance coverage. You can also sign up for it online at Travelex Insurance. To get the best rates, use as your location number on the Get A Quote page.

7 PACKING LIST FOOTWEAR 1 pair of (lightweight to midweight) hiking boots 1 pair closed toed shoes for biking (athletic/biking shoes) 1 pair of comfortable shoes for general use (sandals or same shoes you use for biking would work) 2-3 pairs of hiking socks (wool or synthetic equivalent: Smartwool, Thorlo, Darn Tough) CLOTHING 1-2 pair of comfortable synthetic long (3/4) pants for hiking - zip-offs work well 1-2 pairs of shorts/ 2-3 synthetic or lightweight merino wool T-shirts or short-sleeved shirts 1 lightweight, long-sleeved shirt for hiking/sun protection - button up front is the best 1 pair jeans for horseback riding 1 medium-weight top layer synthetic/wool/down pull over fleece/wool or down vest works well 1 lightweight fleece/down jacket/sweater/sweatshirt 1 lightweight set (top and bottom) long underwear silk, wool or synthetic equivalent 1 rain jacket/poncho and rain pants waterproof/breathable fabric like Gore-tex 1 wide brimmed or baseball style hat for protection from the sun/rain 1 swimsuit 1 2 changes of casual clothes to wear at end of day Underwear/nightwear EQUIPMENT/ESSENTIALS 1 pair Trekking poles (recommended) 1 daypack (see notes on packing list for recommended capacity 1 Rain Cover for your pack Capacity to carry 2 liters of water (Please see Notes on Packing List) Note: If your method for water is to use a hydration system, please also bring a water bottle with a 1 Liter capacity. Sunglasses (100% UV protection) w/retention strap Small headlamp or flashlight Ear plugs (for a good night s sleep!) Tupperware-like container for sandwich/lunch Wristwatch/travel alarm clock 1-2 bandanas Insect Repellant TOILETRIES (small everything) Toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, hand sanitizer, shampoo, contact lens paraphernalia, sanitary supplies Sunscreen and lip protection with sunblock of at least SPF 15 Personal first aid/patch kit - Band-Aids, 1 safety pin, moleskin, Compeed (or blister bandages), ibuprofen, any personal medications Please note: Individuals who have had or have the potential for a severe allergic reaction to insect stings, specific foods or medications must bring an epi-pen. Please consult your physician and tell your guide OPTIONAL Camera Binoculars Wrist watch/travel alarm clock

8 NOTES ON PACKING Adventures in Good Company's packing list covers everything you need to assure your safety and comfort. You may not use everything you bring; however, you need to come prepared for all possible weather conditions. At the same time, you must be able to carry your own luggage, sometimes up and down stairs. Daypacks: Your daypack should be large enough to hold the following items: 2 liters of water, rain gear, lunch/snacks (for the day), sun screen, warm layer (fleece pullover or vest), personal first aid kit, and personal items such as camera,etc. We recommend a daypack with a capacity of between 1800 and 2400 cubic inches with a hip belt, padded shoulder straps, and lifters. Line your daypack with a durable plastic bag to keep your belongings dry, or have an elasticized pack cover that fits snuggly over it. Before you leave home check to be sure that it is comfortable to wear all day and has sufficient space for all of your items. Note: Fanny-packs and hydration packs are not large enough to hold all of the items you will need for the day. Pack Cover: These are waterproof/resistant, usually elasticized covers designed to go over your backpack and keep both the pack and its contents dry in case of inclement weather. Pack covers are sized. If you are purchasing a pack cover be sure to either take your pack with you or know the size cover you need. Many daypacks come with built in pack covers. Footwear: Well-fitting, sturdy boots or trail shoes are very important to your safety and enjoyment. If you plan to buy new boots, break them in by wearing them around town and taking some short hikes before your trip. For general hiking, lightweight or midweight cordura or leather boots with a Vibram sole work well. If you have weak ankles or are recovering from an ankle injury, get boots that come above the ankle you ll find that this will give you more support in uneven or slippery terrain. Remember to waterproof your boots before the trip. Even boots billed as waterproof need to be treated with a waterproofing product. Clothing: The clothing listed on the packing list has been chosen for your specific trip conditions and for its versatility for layering. NO COTTON for your active wear! It should all be made from synthetic/synthetic blends, down/down blends or wool/wool blends. Layering is the most practical and efficient method of insulating the body. Several layers of varied weight materials provide better insulation than one thick Layer of clothing. Also, adding or subtracting layers allows you to adjust to the temperature at your particular level of activity. Rain Gear: You will need a parka or jacket made of a coated nylon or a waterproof/breathable fabric like Gore-tex, HellyTech, Membrane, H2No, or Ultrex. Be sure it keeps water out. Before making this important purchase, be sure that it fits you properly. It should be large enough to fit over all your layers. In particular, the hood needs to be effective. It should shield your face from the rain and turn with your head. Movement of your arms must not interfere with the hood. Put on your daypack; can you still raise your arms? Your wind/rain pants should be comfortable, allow enough room for your layers, and permit free movement of your legs (for example, can you crouch comfortably?). Partial or full-length leg zippers are useful for easily putting your pants on over your boots. An inexpensive plastic poncho will both leak and tear easily and is not recommended. Hydration: Being able to easily access your water without assistance, so that you can drink frequently, is important to your safety and enjoyment. One method is to have a water bottle attached to your waist strap. Another option is to use a hydration system such as CamelBak, Platypus, and MSR bladder bags, which are collapsible water bags with a hose attachment that you drink from. The bags fit inside or outside your pack with the hose positioned over your shoulder so that you can access your water as you hike. Bladder bags can hold 1-3 liters of water. Personal First Aid Kit: Bring a small first aid kit with familiar medicine and first aid supplies you might need. Recommendations include the following: blister or foot remedies like moleskin, Compeed, blister bandages, or similar, a small role of duct tape (always useful!), remedies for respiratory ailments, stomach ailments, sore muscles or joints. The guides will have a first aid kit but having what you know works well for you is a good idea. Trekking Poles: Trekking poles are always recommended for our hiking trips. Trekking poles contribute to your safety by improving your balance and stability, and to your health by saving stress on your hips and knees. If you are not familiar with trekking poles, read this blog post that addresses the most commonly asked questions: