Rocky Mountain Family Adventure

Ultimate Rocky Mountain family adventure:  a fantastic combination of diverse activities in the mountains, combined with an amazing rafting trip ideally suited for families on the mighty Colorado River.  The trip is ideal for active, adventurous families wanting to get "back to nature" without the comforts of home.

Day 1/  Arrival in Denver. Transfer to adventure base camp in Rocky Mountains
Day 2,3/  Mountain Adventure Base Camp. Guided rock climbing, hiking, mountain biking, horse back riding, all age appropriate activities
Day 4/  Breckenridge - Glenwood Springs. Transfer to Breckenridge for a half day of fun on the mountain, transfer to Glenwood Springs, swim in pools and enjoy the hot springs
Day 5/  Aspen. Walk to Maroon Bells
Day 6/  Drive to Moab, explore Arches National Park
Day 7/  Raft the Colorado River, class 1-2, camp on shore
Day 8/  Raft, afternoon in Moab
Day 9/  Transfer to Grand Junction airport.

Ultimate Rocky Mountain family adventure:  a fantastic combination of diverse activities in the mountains, combined with an amazing rafting trip ideally suited for families on the mighty Colorado River.  The trip is ideal for active, adventurous families wanting to get "back to nature" without the comforts of home.

Day 1/  Into the Rockies
After your flight to Denver Colorado, group meets at the Doubletree Hotel near the airport at 3 pm.  Welcoming the group, we transfer with our van to our adventure base camp in the Rocky Mountains near Lake George.  The transfer time is approx. 2 hours.  We check into our base camp, Outdoor Wilderness Adventures, which specializes in family adventure activities.  Here we sleep in rustic yurts, each family per yurt or at times sharing with other families.  There are excellent bathroom facilities on site.  All meals are taken at the main lodge's dining area.  Dinner is served casual family style. Please bring your own sleeping bags and towels.

Day 2,3/  Hike, Bike, Climb, Ride in the Rockies
We have 2 full days to take advantage of all the local activities, such as fully guided rock climbing for children, horse back riding at a local ranch, mountain biking or hiking. The scenery is very beautiful and wild.  

Day 4/  Breckenridge - Glenwood Springs
Breckenridge is a Colorado ski resort that has long been the playground for summer and winter adventures.  Via ski lift we access the top side family fun park, where kids can use the alpine slide, trampoline and other fun things.  In the afternoon we drive to Glenwood Springs, where we check into the historic Hotel Colorado.  This hotel once served as the "White House" for President Roosevelt and the beautiful structure speaks of the area of the gold rush and the railroad fortunes.  From the hotel we walk to the famous hot springs pool, where we have all afternoon to play in the warm and hot waters (entrance included). Spa treatments can be arranged on site.  

Day 5/  Aspen
Today we explore Aspen and the famous Maroon Bells.  Via shuttle we reach an amazingly beautiful valley, where we stroll along an alpine lake and aspen forest. This afternoon we walk the historic streets of Aspen before we return to our hotel in Glenwood Springs.

Day 6/  Moab and Arches
The morning is reserved for more pool time (entrance included).  We then continue to Utah's adventure capitol Moab.  Once the hot desert air cools we explore Arches National Park, where we walk to Delicate Arch, the most iconic natural feature in the south west. We stay in a comfortable hotel with pool.

Day 7/  Rafting on the Colorado River
Early departure for our 2 day rafting trip.  We will spend the next 2 days rafting through a deep, wild canyon, where we are greeted with small to mild rapids, ideal for children and families.  The rafting tour is fully guided and outfitted, no paddling required.  Those wanting can try their luck with an inflatable kayak.  At night we camp on the sandy beaches of the river and watch the stars while our chef prepares our dinner. (All tents & camping equipment is provided, but you must bring your own sleeping bag)

Day 8/  Rafting on the Colorado River - Canyonland
We continue towards Moab enjoying the fantastic scenery and "river play time".  After lunch we disembark from our rafts.  The afternoon is at leisure in Moab.  We check into our hotel for a shower. Then we suggest some fantastic adventures, such as jeep tours, canyoneering (optional), or you can join the guide on a guided excursion of Canyonlands National Park for sunset. We have one last dinner together as a group.

Day 9/  Depart from Grand Junction or Denver
We conclude our tour with an early transfer to Grand Junction or Denver.

- The walking time schedules are given only as an estimate.
- For different reasons involving trip organization, daily schedules and planned altitude gains (ascent or descent) may be modified without any prior notice.

Soft duffel bag
Bring your own waterproof case for your camera electronic equipment for rafting
Each participant walks with a light back pack, carrying only the personal items necessary for the half day (water bottle, camera, protective clothing, etc). Transport is ensured by the vehicle of assistance and the logistic team during the excursions.

A local driver - guide
Local guides for activities at the Adventure Base Camp
Local raft guides for Colorado River rafting.

Private 15 pax van with or without trailer depending on group size.

The names of accommodations (hotels, lodges, etc...) when they are indicated, are only indicative.
Depending on availability, accommodations (hotels/Lodges, etc...) may be replaced by another equivalent type.
It is possible that accommodations may change without prior notice due to a number of factors.
Bring your own sleeping bag, pillow and towels for the adventure base camp and when rafting.

Breakfast and diners are at hotels, lodges, restaurants and while rafting meals cooked by outfitter staff.
Lunches are sometimes, provided by lodge, self made picnic sandwich from group food, provided by local Outfitter or at restaurant. 

Although we are an experienced adventure travel company doing our best to respect the itinerary schedule as presented on this detailed itinerary, there is always the possibility that we may need to modify it for different reasons beyond our control. Please read the Registration Conditions: Terms and Booking conditions - Limitations of Liability.

• Flight in to Denver/out of Grand Junction or Denver
• Two diners in Glenwood Springs and one diner in Moab
• All services mentioned in Services +/extensions /options
• Personal medical & Travel Insurance
• All items not expressively mentioned in "What's included".

All other optional excursions
Drinks (except mineral water during meals at restaurant)
Personal expenses
Tips for guides and drivers
All items not expressively mentioned in ‘What's included".

As airfare is NOT included in our adventures, please check if your trip is "a guaranteed departure" before confirming your own airline travel arrangements. You can check your trip status at the Mountain World Travel website or contact the Mountain World Travel office at 1 888-MWT-TREK (698-8735).

Acclimatization and preventive treatment against altitude sickness
We conceive our routes by first taking into consideration the best means for "altitude acclimatization". However, it is preferable to consider, with your doctor, a preventive treatment against altitude sickness (Diamox) and to check your capacity to evolve in altitude (specific tests should be considered).
Please visit: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/yellowBookCh6-AltitudeIllness.aspx

Regular walking, preferably on uneven terrain for 2 month leading up to this journey and regular physical exercise.

Basic equipment
- A warm fleece hat
- A cap or a hat to protect from the sun
- Sun glasses (minimum index 3 or 4 for high mountain)
- Thermal top and bottom, short and long underwear (fast drying).
- Fleece turtle neck top
- A warm fleece jacket (light weight/well insulated).
- A waterproof/breathable shell jacket (Gore-Tex).
- A pair of gloves
- A rain poncho
- Hiking shorts
- Lightweight hiking long pants
- A Camelback or a water bottle.

Shoes and technical material
- Hiking socks
- Light ventilated hiking shoes with a good traction on different type of terrain, for people with fragile ankles: waterproof ankle hiking boots and a sole offering good traction.

Luggage
- A back pack equipped with broad straps, with an adjustable anatomical back reinforcement, and a capacity of 7 to 9 gallons, for your daily belongings
- A soft duffel travel bag, which can hold between 18 to 23 gallons that will be transported by vehicle during the day.

Sleeping
Bring your own sleeping bag, pillow and towels for the adventure base camp and when rafting

Miscellaneous
- A change of clothes.
- A pair of replacement shoe laces
- A dop-kit and a bath towel.
- Toilet paper.
- A pocket knife (not in carry on luggage).
- Some plastic bags to protect your belongings.
- A bathing suit.
- A small pocket anti-theft protection device, to always keep on yourself, along with your identity papers, money, certificate of insurance.

Some advice
During your flight your back pack should contain fragile and useful items that you might need while on the plane (camera, memory cards, jacket, books, magazines, medication, dop-kit etc).