These guided hikes take you into Colorado’s mountains without the “roughing it” part

Colorado has long been a destination for those seeking to bag a fourteener or two, or have an epic wilderness backpacking adventure.

But hiking also has an appeal to those who may not be so keen on scrambling over scree and boulders, opting to take in Colorado’s scenic vistas in ways providing them with more of an overall experience instead of focusing on getting to the destination.

Some of the biggest champions of these experiences are Colorado’s ski resorts that find ways to put existing infrastructure to use by developing programs to attract summer and fall visitors.

“Summer activities in the area over the past few years have exploded,” said Chris Linsmayer, Colorado Ski Country USA public affairs director.

There are many ways to experience Colorado’s higher elevations in a way that doesn’t require “roughing it.” Just about any kind of adventure is available, from private, guided, gourmet hiking tours to self-guided hikes where a shuttle whisks you off to a happy hour. Here’s a selection of some.

Conquer the Continental Divide

The Over the Divide Hike is being promoted by Winter Park as a moderately difficult out-and-back destination hike. The roughly 24-mile roundtrip journey starts at the Hessie Trailhead in Nederland, goes over the Continental Divide and ends at the Devil’s Thumb Trailhead on the other side, just outside of Fraser.

Every weekend in September and for the first two weekends in October, Winter Park Resort’s hiking shuttle will pick up hikers at the Devil’s Thumb Trailhead and take them to the Vintage Hotel at the base of the mountain to check in for the night and meet other travelers for a hiker happy hour. The following morning, the shuttle leaves at 7 a.m. to take hikers back to Devil’s Thumb Trailhead to make the return 12-mile hike. The package is $149 and breakfast and dinner are on your own.

Top a 14er

Although not every resort offers a destination hike, nearly all offer well-thought-out adventures that take advantage of each area’s unique topography and infrastructure.

Beaver Creek offers a variety of scheduled and private guided hikes for all ages and ability levels. You can sign up for a private three-hour hike with your family or, if you’re hearty, reserve a guide to take you to the top of your first fourteener. Depending on what kind of reward you’re looking for at the end of your hike, you can also book a guided hike wine excursion that ends in a celebration of food and drink at Beano’s Cabin. Reservations are required. The wine tour is $160 per person. Check with the resort for pricing guided and private tour pricing.

Hire a personal guide

Aspen Snowmass also offers the opportunity for you to design your own activity and provides the guides to help you do it through its Free Spirit Adventures. You and up to three of your friends can hire a guide for three or six hours ($300 and $500, respectively) to take you on a hike or adventure of your choosing. If you have a larger group or specific activity, you can design your own adventure. Pricing is dependent on the number of people and choice of activity.

Ride a gondola

Steamboat Springs offers a package for $49 that includes a gondola ride to the top of Mount Werner, a gentle, family-friendly, 1-mile hike along the Vista Nature Trail, followed by lunch on the Oasis Sundeck at the Thunderhead Lodge. The guided gourmet hike is offered Fridays and Sundays through Sept. 30 and on Sunday, Oct. 7 and 14. Reservations are required.

Talk to the mountain concierge

Increasingly, resorts are offering concierge-type planning services to customize an adventure or outing suited to the interests and abilities of all those in your group. Winter Park staffs The Hut at the base for custom-planned adventures that can focus on the many hiking destinations in the area, but also incorporate other activities over a period of days, which is a great option for families and other groups who may not be familiar with the area. Crested Butte also offers its mountain concierge to guide guests as far as the peak of Mount Crested Butte if they so desire (after riding the lift up).

Note: The list is limited to those programs being offered through September.

[Read More …]