A unique experience is a beautiful way to say “I love you” this holiday season
By Heather Shoning
Photos from Shutterstock, Unsplash,and Adobe Stock
Unwrapping presents is a time-honored tradition- especially for the kids- but consider gifts of a lifetime this year with experiences your loved ones will never forget. From an exceptional family getaway to a thrill-seeking adventure, you’re sure to create perfect memories for the special someone on your gift-giving list. Many companies across the Centennial State offer these adventures, and we’ve listed some to help you start your research.
Speed Demon
Does someone on your gift list love speed and luxury? They dream of getting behind the wheel of a high-performance supercar -think Ferrari, Lamborghini or McLaren-and feeling the raw
power as they navigate some of Colorado’s scenic winding roads, open highways and scenic routes. The engine’s roar echoes through stunning landscapes, from the Front Range to mountain passes, giving them an adrenaline rush like no other. It’s not just about the speed; it’s about the thrill of mastering a machine engineered for pure performance. Perhaps your loved one prefers a beastly off-road truck, designed for raw power and built to conquer the toughest terrains. With a rumble that shakes the ground, they’re ready to tackle rugged dirt trails, steep inclines and sharp turns with confidence. On the road or off, an exotic driving experience is the perfect bucket-list experience for the luxury vehicle lover or speed junkie on your holiday list.
Exotic Car Driving Tours, oxotic.com
Rally Truck Off-Road Driving Experience, drivenexperiences.com
Giddy Up
Staying on a dude ranch in Colorado is like stepping into a different world-a world where the rugged beauty of the Rocky Mountains meets the charm of the Old West. It’s an experience that combines adventure, relaxation and a deep connection to nature, all while living the cowboy lifestyle. Imagine waking up in a rustic cabin, having a hearty breakfast, then heading out on horseback to explore miles of scenic trails. Additionally, dude ranches offer fishing, hiking, mountain biking and even the opportunity to participate in cattle drives and roping lessons. The ranch hand and cowboys treat you like family, sharing their knowledge of the land, horses and Western traditions. It’s more than just a vacation- it’s an immersive experience where you feel connected to the land, the animals, and the rich history of the American West.
Colorado Dude & Guest Ranch Association, coloradoranch.com
Freefalling
Gift your favorite adrenaline junkie a skydiving rush. From the moment you leap from the plane, the world below opens up in a way you’ve never seen before- vast, endless and exhilarating.
Freefall is an incredible sensation- an intense feeling of weightlessness and speed where every second feels infinite. Senses are heightened, from the roar of the wind to the breathtaking views. The moment the parachute opens, the experience transforms from the rush to a slow, graceful glide, giving you time to soak in the panoramic views. The combination of fear, excitement and abandon makes skydiving a bucket-list adventure like no other.
Skydive Colorado Springs, skydivecoloradosprings.com
Ultimate Skydiving Adventures, ultimateskydivingadventures.com
Trail Time
Bond with the whole family with a family backpacking adventure. Leave the coordination and heavy lifting to the tour company, while you and your soak up the incredible views from the trail and chances to observe wildlife. This is all about creating lasting memories, where every moment of the trip becomes an opportunity for discovery, connection and adventure. The Centennial State offers a variety of adventures from hikes through thick forests, along alpine lakes, through wildflower meadows and up towering mountain peaks- there’s a perfect route for every family. Guide companies plan all the activities and itineraries for your trip, provide all the gear, pack meals and make sure your family can enjoy the adventure of a lifetime without the stress of planning your outdoor adventure. You can even choose lodge-to-lodge treks if tent camping is not your thing.
Wilderness Trek, wildernesstrek.org
Wildland Trekking, wildlandtrekking.com
Wild 4-Wheeling
A Jeep tour in Colorado is an exhilarating off-road adventure through some of the state’s most rugged and beautiful landscapes. Picture climbing into a 4×4 vehicle and winding through rocky trails, steep mountain passes, and remote, breathtaking terrain. The tour takes you to places that are often inaccessible by regular cars, like high alpine meadows, hidden lakes, and ancient mining towns.
Along the way, experienced guides share fascinating stories about the history, geology, and wildlife of the area, making the journey as informative as it is thrilling. Whether you’re bouncing over boulders or cruising through peaceful valleys, a Colorado Jeep tour gives you the perfect mix of adrenaline-pumping adventure and stunning panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains.
RMNP Green Jeep Tour, greenjeeptour.com
Durango Jeep Tours, coloradooutbackadventures.com
Fly Away, Cast a Line
Turn the weekend fishing trip into something extra special! A heli-fly fishing tour is an extraordinary adventure that combines the thrill of a helicopter ride with the serenity of fly fishing in remote, untouched locations. Your loved one will enjoy the breathtaking views from above mountains, rivers, forests and wilderness areas, making their way to a secluded, untouched fishing spot-often miles away from crowds or any signs of civilization. Experienced guides typically hand-pick locations for their abundance of fish and the quality of the natural environment. In addition to supplying top-of-the-line gear, they can offer tips and tricks to improve fly-fishing techniques.
Heli-Fly Fishing Adventure, gatewaycanyonsairtours.com
Singletrack Dreams
For the human-powered, two-wheel adventurer, a multi-day mountain biking trip in the high country is the perfect blend of thrill, endurance and breathtaking natural beauty. Crested Butte is a hotbed for a biking adventure, but the same is true for many statewide locals. Your biking lover will ride rugged mountain trails, where every turn reveals stunning views of towering peaks, dense forests and open meadows. The challenge of navigating steep climbs, technical descents and fast-flowing singletrack keeps the adrenaline pumping. A multi-day trip with friends or a guided experience is just the epic event your loved one will cherish for a lifetime.
Eleven, elevenexperience.com
Ride the Wind
A hot air balloon ride offers breathtaking, panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains, alpine forests and sweeping valleys of our beautiful state. Launching with the sunrise, you’ll float peacefully over landscapes bathed in golden morning light, spotting wildlife and taking in sights such as Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods and snow-capped mountain peaks. Many balloon rides typically last about an hour followed by a gentle landing and often a celebratory toast. It’s a serene, unforgettable way to see Colorado’s natural beauty from a new perspective, and it makes a wonderful family memory.
Aero-Cruise Balloon Adventures, aerocruiseballoonadventures.com
Fair Winds Balloon Flights, hotairballoonridescolorado.com
