The Denver area has an extremely versatile choice of outstanding destinations that will create a memorable vacation whether you want a romantic getaway or outdoor activities such as white water rafting or so many other ways to have fun and explore spectacular scenery and adventures.
Devil’s Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa
Located west of Denver in Tabernash, have the experience of a working ranch that covers 6,000 acres with a breathtaking view of the Continental Divide, creeks, meadows, and some of North America’s best cross-country trails. There are 52 guest rooms in the main lodge, private dog-friendly cabins, a fitness center, a spa, a miniature bowling alley, a theater, a pub and bistro, and more.
Romance packages make this site even more appealing. So does knowing that since back in 1938 ranchers, cowboys, skiers and poets have joined with city folk in enjoying all the amenities of this getaway.
White Water Rafting
The area near Denver in the Colorado Rocky Mountain region offers the very best scenic raft trips on the Upper Colorado River, Clear Creek and the Arkansas River, the latter being North America’s most popular river that runs parallel to the Continental Divide with its 14,000-foot peaks. You can go for part of a day, a full day, one day and overnight, or a multi-day experience.
This exciting adventure is for a novice or an advanced rafter and families to have whitewater thrills and is available for most ages and abilities. Experienced staff members maintain an excellent safety record, look out for everyone, and let you relax while they do the “driving” unless you choose to help control the raft and assist the guide.
Group transportation is available, and discounts are usually given for parties of ten or more and for children 12 years and younger. Reservations are normally required.
Romantic RiverSong Bed And Breakfast
Close to Denver outside the small mountain village of Estes Park, this B&B is located down a winding country road in the middle of 27 forested acres in the snow-capped Rocky Mountains that are also an animal refuge and wildlife habitat with a RiverSong Trail. The Inn features only 10 cozy guest rooms, which are all named after local wildflowers such as Indian Paintbrush. Private cottages have waterfall showers, jetted tubs for two, beds suspended by logging chains to gently rock you to sleep, fireplaces, and magnificent views.
Delicious meals and warm cookies add to the ambience. Imagine at breakfast selecting from 30 different choices with names like John Wayne Casserole with Happy Trail Muffins, Irish Potato Pancakes and Mountain Man French Toast. Guests may choose a fireside candlelight chef-prepared five-course dinner with white lace linen, silver service, bone china and background jazz in front of a crackling fire.
The ultimate in Romance Packages is offered for an engagement or an actual “elopement” package which includes a private wedding ceremony! This is a place to come back to in order to celebrate later anniversaries or just to get away in beautiful private and hospitable surroundings.
This article was written by Ryan Thomas for Rocky Mountain Whitewater Rafting. Rocky Mountain Whitewater Rafting has guided thousands of whitewater rafting trips on Clear Creek and throughout Colorado.