Colorado, kayaking, rafting, and camping advice...

[BigRichard]

Starting a new job in a few weeks and I was thinking about taking a week to go over to Colorado. Never been and hear it is beautiful. I was thinking about doing some kayaking or rafting and some camping. The wife and I have never kayaked before so would you recommend doing this down some rapids? Or would you probably just go with a guide and a raft?

Do you have any suggestions on where to go in Colorado? I don't really have any gear so probably would like to go to something that provides all the gear. But I wouldn't be against purchasing some if need be. Any and all advice welcome.

[Frazod]

Originally Posted by Donger

It isn't hard, as long as you are relatively fit. You'll see old ladies climbing it.

This shot doesn't do it justice. The water is absolutely clear and almost turquoise. You can walk out on that fallen tree, too, and the water is full of little fish.



If you go, MAKE SURE that you also go up to Spouting Rock, which is the source of the lake.

Damn, that's nice. I need to add that to the list.

[DaFace]

Originally Posted by Donger

It isn't hard, as long as you are relatively fit. You'll see old ladies climbing it.

This shot doesn't do it justice. The water is absolutely clear and almost turquoise. You can walk out on that fallen tree, too, and the water is full of little fish.



If you go, MAKE SURE that you also go up to Spouting Rock, which is the source of the lake.

That damn lake is the bane of my existence. The first time we tried to do it, it was too early and the trail was still snowpacked (and I hadn't yet figured out the whole yaktrax/snowshoe option). The second time, the trail was under construction. And the last time, the road was under construction and the exit was closed off.

I'll do it someday, but man, that's a lot of effort to never do the damn hike.

[Iowanian]

After that hike, go soak your ass in the hot sulfur springs at Glennwood.

[Donger]

Originally Posted by DaFace

That damn lake is the bane of my existence. The first time we tried to do it, it was too early and the trail was still snowpacked (and I hadn't yet figured out the whole yaktrax/snowshoe option). The second time, the trail was under construction. And the last time, the road was under construction and the exit was closed off.

I'll do it someday, but man, that's a lot of effort to never do the damn hike.

We last went about two years ago and I think they had just finished the new walkway and deck around the lake, but yeah, the exit was still under construction.

[Ace Gunner]

I'm a white water freak, have owned my own river rafts, w/w kayaks. it's a dangerous sport for beginners unless you are up for it and use a guide service. you'll have teriffic fun on class II & class III rapids, the guide will put you in and take you out the right areas of the river for this type fun.

w/w kayak i recommend taking the class where you'll learn to roll etc in water. you need to know how to do this if you want to ww kayak or you are asking for trouble.

river rafting is fun too, with a guide until you have navigational experience. need big water for the good fun, but it's a great "group" experience. y'all learn to "team" it. and, of course it is a drier experience than w/w kayaking is.

[Donger]

Originally Posted by Iowanian

After that hike, go soak your ass in the hot sulfur springs at Glennwood.

I had great memories of the springs from my childhood, so we went one weekend trip. My daughter took one step outside and puked from the smell.

[Ace Gunner]

Originally Posted by Donger

It isn't hard, as long as you are relatively fit. You'll see old ladies climbing it.

This shot doesn't do it justice. The water is absolutely clear and almost turquoise. You can walk out on that fallen tree, too, and the water is full of little fish.



If you go, MAKE SURE that you also go up to Spouting Rock, which is the source of the lake.

is that matt cassel in a buddha position by that tree?

[Easy 6]

Originally Posted by BigRichard

I was thinking it would be pretty neat to ride the train and see the state a little bit. Might just decide to drive if I can't find a cheaper price. It was like $550 for round trip on a train for 2 adults.

The train is a GREAT way to see country that you never will on the interstate or at 30,000 feet, its hassle free, big comfortable chairs that lean back nicely for sleeping, go down to the bar car for a few drinks, the longer trips get a smokers car which basically turns into a nightclub in the evening... its great.

For rafting, i know that Royal Gorge has several different places that offer trips.

[Donger]

Although I'm starting to feel like a Tour Guide Barbie, I also recommend the hike to Devil's Head. It's a very short drive from Denver and has great views. It's also not very difficult at all. Well, at least until the climb up the steps to the ranger hut.

[007]

Adam's Falls is a nice little item to see on your way to Rocky Mountain National Park as well. Just went up there yesterday.

[mr. tegu]

Originally Posted by Donger

It isn't hard, as long as you are relatively fit. You'll see old ladies climbing it.

This shot doesn't do it justice. The water is absolutely clear and almost turquoise. You can walk out on that fallen tree, too, and the water is full of little fish.



If you go, MAKE SURE that you also go up to Spouting Rock, which is the source of the lake.

So is it a small little stream that fills the lake and then the stream continues on after the lake? Also when is the best time of year to go? Summer I assume.

We are eventually going to do a outdoorsy vacation which may also include the trains which can give you uninstructed views unlike any other form of transportation.

[Donger]

Originally Posted by mr. tegu

So is it a small little stream that fills the lake and then the stream continues on after the lake? Also when is the best time of year to go? Summer I assume.

We are eventually going to do a outdoorsy vacation which may also include the trains which can give you uninstructed views unlike any other form of transportation.

Spouting Rock is a short hike above the waterfall you see. The water comes flying out of the rock above, forms a stream that flows to the waterfall above. You can walk around, under and through the water, both at Spouting Rock and also the waterfall above at the lake. There's a walkway all the way to it on the right of that picture.

Yes, the stream continues down from the lake. You basically follow that stream up all the way to the lake along the trail. There are a bunch of little bridges that criss-cross the stream all the ay up (7, IIRC).

Yes, do it in the summer, not winter. It is a block of ice in winter.

[Donger]

Here's a picture of Spouting Rock. It's about 40 feet high.

[Donger]

[mr. tegu]

Hanger lake hike looks pretty sweet. But it's a paved trail? Not exactly what I'm thinking if I want to go to Colorado for a hike.