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The first of two articles on tours in and around Snowmass.
Blazing Adventures, NDAA’s tour company, has planned some really great adventures for you. Trips do fill up, so we encourage you to pre-register. Please visit the NDAA Web site (www.ndaa-apri.org) for further information and a registration form. Or contact Blazing Adventures directly at (970) 923-4544 and ask for the group services department (be sure to tell them you are with NDAA).
River Rafting Adventures
Browns Canyon, Arkansas River: The Arkansas River trip begins near the town of Buena Vista. To get to the river “put-in” we drive over beautiful 12,000-foot Independence Pass. Total river distance is 12-15 miles depending upon water conditions; total trip time is approximately eight-nine hours. This trip features some exceptionally beautiful scenery both on the river and during the ride to the river and some of the best whitewater to be found anywhere in the state.
Shoshone Rapids Shoot-Out, Colorado River: Nestled in the deep gorge of beautiful Glenwood Canyon, the Shoshone Rapids section of the Colorado River comes to life in early July. These rapids, with names like “superstition,” “the wall,” and “pinball,” create an exhilarating section of unforgettable white water. The first section has class III rapids and then declines to class II and I as we focus on the beautiful scenery in the canyon. Younger children and less adventuresome adults can enter the rafts after the first set of larger rapids. Total trip time is approximately six hours, including transportation.
Back Country Jeep Tours
Gold Hill Tour, Aspen Mountain: This tour travels up Aspen Mountain, traversing through verdant meadows and blue spruce forests. Once on top, we skirt along the crest of Gold Hill Ridge, affording fantastic views of the Continental Divide on one side, and the Montezuma Basin area on the other. Finally, we head back down past old mines and cabins dating back to Aspen’s earliest days. Wildflowers are abundant and there is ample opportunity for picture taking and strolling. A refreshing snack is served along the way.
Elk Camp Wilderness, Snowmass Mountain: A backcountry jeep tour to the top of Elk Camp on Snowmass Mountain is a delightful way to get away from it all. The Elk Camp area is privately maintained by the U.S. Forest Service and the Snowmass Ski Area. Blazing Trails Jeep Tours is the only licensed activity on the mountain. This tour offers a peaceful overlook of the Maroon Bells and a visit to Willow Creek. It is not uncommon to see local wildlife on your journey. A refreshing snack is served along the way.
Wilderness Hikes
Novice or Intermediate Half Day: A great introduction to hiking. These trips focus on a close look at the natural environment while you enjoy scenic, secluded trails. Let us choose the most picturesque trail depending on the time of year and group size. Trail choices include: Difficult Creek, Snowmass Creek, Castle Creek, Rim Trail, Sunnyside on Red Mountain or Rio Grande Trail.
Intermediate Three-Quarter Day: Moderate terrain for the experienced hiker. You’ll spend about five hours on the trail. These trails will allow you to reach heights that afford you great views of the surrounding mountain ranges. Trail choices include: American Lake, Sunnyside-Hunter Creek Loop or Snowmass Lake.
See the next issue for more exciting tours.
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