The name Duckies was originally termed to explain how ducks learn to swim by following their mother ducky down the river. The theory is that by observation one can take the best lines without having to be an expert. Our inflatable kayaks are very stable and easy to master. They're perfect as an introduction to kayaking and make smaller whitewater more exciting. Small 12-foot rafts are also available for this section.The Roaring Fork River meanders through the valley from Independence Pass until it empties into the Colorado River. The Middle section, which begins just 15 miles from Aspen, winds 6 miles through the valley floor, featuring beautiful scenery, wildlife and exceptional whitewater.
Paddle through rapids with names like "Members Hole," "Big Nasty," "Fish Falls," and "Big Drop." Good for beginner through expert paddlers.
Minimum Age: 12. Time required is 3 1/2-4 hours including transfer- on-river time is 1 1/2 hours. Season: July - mid Aug.
NOTE: THIS TRIP IS NOW OPERATING OUT OF THE COLORADO RIVER DUE TO WATER LEVELS. TRIP INCLUDES A RIVERSIDE BBQ LUNCH!
NOTE: THIS TRIP IS NOW OPERATING ON THE COLORADO RIVER DUE TO WATER LEVELS.
The pinnacle, renowned for it's brutal nature. A solid Class IV with a boiling Class V section right in the middle. This is a trip to be feared and respected. Paddlers will need to negotiate rapids like "Pine Creek" and the "Gauntlet" with total commitment and teamwork. Previous rafting experience is mandatory. Lunch Included. Full day trip.
Minimum age for Pine Creek trips is 18 years. Season: May - Mid August.
This section is full of fun little rapids including "Wingo Madness", "Par 3", "Members Hole", "Big Nasty" and "Fish Falls". These are great Class II/III and low water rapids right in Aspen/Snowmass's backyard.
Minimum Age: 7. Length: 4 hours (1.5 hrs on the river). Season: May-Mid August.
Nestled in the deep gorge of beautiful Glenwood Canyon, the "Shoshone Rapids" section of the Colorado River comes to life in early July. These rapids, with names like "Superstition", "The Wall" and "Pinball" create an exhilarating section of unforgettable whitewater. The first section has Class III rapids and then declines to Class I & II as we focus on the beautiful scenery in the canyon. Younger children and less adventuresome adults can enter the rafts after the first set of larger rapids. Good for beginners as well as experienced rafters. Trip ends at our private river park with an "all you can eat" BBQ. Shaded picnic area and room for kids to run an play; alcoholic beverage available for purchase.
Minimum Age: 6-12, depending on water level. Length 5-6 hrs, Season: May to October.
Prices: (AM trip includes BBQ lunch); (PM trip includes refreshments)
Nestled in the deep gorge of beautiful Glenwood Canyon, the "Shoshone Rapids" section of the Colorado River comes to life in early July. These rapids, with names like "Superstition", "The Wall" and "Pinball" create an exhilarating section of unforgettable whitewater. The first section has Class III rapids and then declines to Class I & II as we focus on the beautiful scenery in the canyon. Younger children and less adventuresome adults can enter the rafts after the first set of larger rapids. Good for beginners as well as experienced rafters. Trip ends at our private river park where alcoholic beverages are available for purchase. Water, soda & snacks are complimentary.
As the name suggests, this extreme adventure is not for the timid. We will wake you up in "Entrance Exam," drop you over "Slaughterhouse Falls," blast you through, "Hells Half Mile" and fling you through the "Junk Yard". Previous rafting experience is recommended.
Minimum Age: 16 years. Snack included. Half day trip. Season: Late May to early July.
Rapids, rapids, rapids! We start at the Shoshone put-in and shoot through the rapids. Then, instead of continuing on through Glenwood Canyon, we take the boats out and head back to the top of the river. Two more laps through the whitewater will make it the most exciting day on the Colorado!
Minimum Age: 8-12, depending on water level. Length: 5-6 hrs. Season: May to October. Prices include refreshments.
This trip begins just 5 miles outside of Aspen at the Woody Creek Bridge and ends 3 miles below Basalt. The Roaring Fork River meanders through the valley from above Aspen and empties into the Colorado River. The Upper Section of this river winds 13 miles through the valley. This section features beautiful scenery and exceptional whitewater (Upper and Lower Toothache Rapids). Class III and IV water, good for beginners as well as experienced rafters. This is a MUST trip if you're in the Aspen area early in the summer season.
Minimum Age: 6-12, depending on water level. Length: 4 hrs. Season: May to mid-June. (Includes refreshments)
A backcountry Jeep tour and picnic to the top of the Elk Camp on Snowmass Mountain is a delightful 'get away from it all' experience. The Elk Camp area is privately maintained by the U.S Forest Service and the Snowmass Ski Area; Blazing Trails Jeep Tours is the only licensed activity on the mountain. The area is closed to public transportation, which allows for a very private and peaceful visit to the top of the 11,325 Elk Camp Summit. From the summit you will be treated to a fantastic view of the High Mountain Ridges, beautiful Willow Creek Canyons, and the breathtaking Maroon Bells. It is not uncommon to see various wildlife that make their summer residence in the area.
Minimum Age: None. Length: 3? hrs. Season: June to October. (Includes refreshments)
Please contact the office if you require a car seat
This tour travels up the front side of Aspen Mountain, traversing through winter ski runs, under lifts and Blue spruce forests. Once on top, we skirt along the crest of Richmond Ridge, boasting fantastic views of the Continental Divide on the one side and the Castle Creek and Conundrum Canyons on the other. Finally, we head back down through Little Annie Basin, past old mines and cabins dating back to Aspen's earliest days. Wildflowers are in abundance and there is ample opportunity to take photos and discover some of our local history.
Minimum Age: None. Length: 3 hrs. Season: May to October. (Includes refreshments)
Please contact the office if you require a car seat.
Minimum Age: None. Length: 3? hrs. Season: May to October. (Includes refreshments)
Evening Jeep excursion and dinner - First we will Jeep you up to the historic "Burlingame Cabin," located on Snowmass Mountain. There you can take an extended Jeep tour, or sit back and let us tend to all your needs! We'll have a delicious dinner hot off the grill, a campfire, live music and s'mores! Watch the sun drop behind the mountain ranges that extend across the Roaring Fork Valley. A great family activity and true Colorado experience! All attendees will meet in Snowmass Village with pick ups available in Aspen.
Length: 4 hours. Season: June to October
This trip starts with a spectacular drive up Aspen Mountain. We tour 12 miles from the top of Aspen Mountain out Richmond Ridge to the summit of Taylor Pass (snow permitting). On the way you will pass through the high alpine flora and fauna and see some of the most spectacular views of Colorado "Fourteeners," which are peaks that reach 14, 000 feet above sea level and higher. After Taylor Pass we continue to Express Creek Canyon and Ashcroft. We stop for a brief historic stroll through the ghost town of Ashcroft. The tour ends with a drive down Castle Creek Canyon which we believe to be one of the most beautiful valleys in our area. During this ride, which reaches the highest elevation of any of our Jeep tours, you will pass one the of the oldest forests, a colorful field of wild geraniums, and intriguing evidence of avalanches.
Minimum Age: None. Length: 5? hrs. Season: June to October. (Includes lunch)
This bicycle trip is for those of you who fancy history. Ashcroft was the first silver mining town in the valley, but became a ghost town the minute silver was found in Aspen. Our guides will discuss much of the interesting history regarding this area. There is also time to take photos as you walk through Ashcroft, so don't forget your camera. From here, we jump on our bikes and begin downhill through alpine meadows. Along our paved, 11 mile route back down into Aspen, we are surrounded by 14,000 foot peaks. This is one of the most beautiful areas in the Rocky Mountains. Your guide will stop along the way to identify flowers and tress, answer any of your questions. Moderate to easy terrain on the paved road from Ashcroft: light car traffic.
Minimum Age: Own bike - 11:in Burley - 2**. Length 4 hours. Season: May to October. (Includes refreshments) ** 2-3 year olds can ride in Burley and 4-7 years can ride with hook on bike.
Our tour begins with a drive to the "most photographed peaks in North America" and one of the most picturesque wilderness areas in Colorado (Maroon Bells). At Maroon Lake, your guide will lead you on a short nature walk acquainting you with some of the local wildflowers and trees. After everyone has limbered up, you will begin your 12 mile paved, mainly downhill descent, involving some pedaling. Along the way, you are welcome to stop and enjoy the spectacular views and take photos. Your trip finishes in Aspen. The Maroon Bells road is closed to most vehicular traffic for the majority of the summer, providing you a peaceful and enjoyable downhill ride. Our most popular trip with easy to moderate terrain.
Minimum Age: Own bike - 11; in Burley - 2**. Length: 4 hrs. Season: May to October. (includes refreshments) ** 2-3 year olds can ride in Burley and 4-7 year olds can ride on hook on bike.
Designed for the moderate to advanced rider, experience some of the Valley's renowned single-track trails. Gain more technical knowledge while surrounded by spectacular mountain views. Trips take place on either the Government, Tom Blake or Rim Trail. Experience is advised. Availability limited.
Minimum Age: Full-day trips (include lunch) 14 yr age minimum flexible depending on bike experience
Minimum Age: 12. Length: 3- 7 hrs. Season: June to October. Prices: Half-day trips (include refreshments), Full-day trips (include lunch)
Please note that there are numerous hiking options, depending on the time of year and the conditions on a particular day. Below are merely examples of hiking trips. It's best to book your hike given your ability level and the amount of time you wish to hike. Leave it up to our guides to show you what they think will be the most impressive hike on the day and you may be met with fields of wild flowers or well needed shade on a hot day.
DIFFICULT CREEK - Enjoy the magical sound of the running creek as you hike up this forested trail affording views of Aspen and the valley. Roundtrip distance is 3-4 miles. Minimum Age:12. Length: 3 ? hours. Season: May to October.
AMERICAN LAKE - See the scenic Castle Creek Valley and an alpine lake nested among 12, 000 and 13, 000 foot peaks. The lakeshore provides one of the best picnic sites you will ever experience! Minimum Age: 12. Length: 5-6 hours. Season: June to October.
CRATER LAKE : Beginning at beautiful Maroon Lake, stunning views of the 14, 000 ft. Maroon Bells reward you along the way. Learn about the formations of the Bells and native vegetation and wildlife as you gradually ascend to Crater Lake. Roundtrip distance is 3 miles. Minimum Age: 8. Length: 3 ? hrs. Season: May to October.
HUNTER CREEK: Enjoy great views of the Elk Mountain Range and the town of Aspen as you meander through aspen groves and colorful fields. Roundtrip distance is 3-4 miles. Minimum Age: 8. Length: 3 ? hours. Season: May to October.
BUCKSKIN PASS - Travel to heart of the Maroon - Snowmass Wilderness, experiencing views of the Maroon Bells, Pyramid Peak and Capitol Peak that will leave you breathless! Minimum Age: 16. Length: 8-9 hours. Season: June to October.
LOST MAN LOOP - Hike through delicate tundra and visit alpine lakes at an elevation of 11,500 feet. This high altitude trail near Independence Pass provides awesome views of the Continental Divide! Minimum Age: 16. Length: 8-9 hours. Season: June to October.
GRIZZLY LAKE: Beginning with a 4WD ride, this scenic trail leads you along the base of the Continental Divide to a deep alpine lake near the base of the 13,988-foot Grizzly Peak. Minimum Age:16. Length: 8-9 hours. Season: June to October.
