Air
Those interested in flying a little closer to the canopy should check out Zip Adventures’ zip line tours near Vail. With six zip lines spanning up to 1,000 feet in length above cottonwood-lined Alkali Creek Canyon, the moderate-effort, three-hour tour offers autumn immersion with an adrenaline rush as riders cruise up to 30 mph past the fall foliage.
Info: 970-926-9470 or .
Land
Because there is a right way and a wrong way to ride an ATV, consider taking your fall tour through the Arapaho National Forest with Idaho Springs-based Rocky Mountain Quad Squad. Using quieter, four-stroke Suzuki KingQuad 450cc machines, RMQS has permits to ride several dirt roads around the region, enabling sightseers to ride up to 12,000-foot elevations on one-hour, two-hour, half-day and full-day tours.
Info: 303-408-2470, 866-935-ATVS or .
Water
There’s still enough water in the Colorado River through Glenwood Canyon to make for a fun, midafternoon fall float. If you’re looking for a splash, stay upstream on the Class III Shoshone section. If it’s only a splash of color you desire, put in at Grizzly Creek and make your way down the Class II water to Glenwood Springs. Just be sure to put in after noon if you want to see the sun.
Info: Rock Gardens Rafting at Glenwood Canyon Resort, 800-958-6737 or 970-945-6737. .
Scott Willoughby, The Denver Post
