Colorado | Sage Outdoor Adventures

Find Fun Things to Do in Avon, Colorado All Year Long

Posted October 27, 2022 by by Eric

We offer year-round adventures here at Sage, and if you’re staying nearby in the Avon area you may be wondering how close our activities are to you – and what other fun things there are to do in Avon, Colorado.

Check out our offerings below, along with other worthwhile attractions and things to do in and near Avon.

Get Your Colorado Adventures On With Us Near Avon

Our various guided trips and adventure offerings are perfect jumping off points to plan your Avon, Colorado trip:

Whitewater Rafting

Whitewater rafting is the holy grail of what we offer here at Sage. We provide a variety of trip options that cover all the rapid classifications, to accommodate everyone from beginners to those looking for class 4 whitewater rafting in Colorado.

Two of our rafting trips begin at the base of Beaver Creek in Avon, where we pick you up for rafting on the Eagle River. The Lower Eagle/Class III trip is classic Colorado whitewater rafting at its best; the class 3 is moderate in the rapid classification system, with medium-sized waves and some maneuvering required.

The Upper Eagle/Class IV trip is what you’d likely think of with class 4 whitewater rafting in Colorado: although not as extreme as class V or VI, you can expect intense, awesome rapids. Guests must have the ability to swim for this one, and some fitness is required.

Our Colorado whitewater rafting trips are offered spring through summer, and sometimes into early fall depending on the rapids.

Snowmobiling

Colorado snowmobile tours can be an overlooked winter attraction in ski country, but there’s no better way to experience incredible terrain and mountain views in the colder months. Our snowmobile trips can run from November through April, weather depending.

We generally ask guests to meet us at our snowmobile facility situated in Wolcott, about 25 minutes from Avon. However, we are able to offer pickups at your accommodations if needed in Avon, Vail, or Beaver Creek.

Side-by-Side ATVing

We offer incredible ATV tours on 6,000 acres of private land plus 14,000 acres of public land near the Castle Peak Wilderness Study Area. In other words, we ride on 20,000 acres of picturesque land for a quintessential Colorado experience. Two-hour tours are offered. Our ATV base is located seven miles north of Wolcott, Colorado.

Horseback Riding

Enjoy stunning views of the Castle Peak Mountain and Vail Valley, and ride through fields of sage, juniper, aspen, and pine groves. Two-hour and one-hour guided horseback riding tours are offered. Our happy horses live in their stables in Wolcott, close to Avon.

Fishing

If you’re looking for fly fishing near Avon, Colorado you’ll be happy to hear that we have a private stretch of land along the Eagle River, the main river that runs by Avon. This river is known to have healthy populations of brown, rainbow, and cutthroat trout.

Discover More Fun Things to Do in Avon, Colorado

If you’re joining us for one of our adventures, the following are all close by and can make excellent additions to your Avon, Colorado vacation itinerary:

Beaver Creek Resort

Although Beaver Creek Resort has a Beaver Creek address, it sits right next to Avon, and is considered a gateway to the Colorado town. This internationally-known ski resort offers skiing for all levels and does a great job of catering to beginners; they also have an ice skating rink and many other offerings, including hiking and mountain biking trails in the summer.

Harry A. Nottingham Park

Harry A. Nottingham Park is a 48-acre park in the heart of Avon. There is a walking path around the Nottingham Lake, opportunities for swimming, paddling, or fishing, and there are also volleyball courts, an outdoor performance venue, and views of Beaver Creek Mountain. It’s also a great place to just relax!

Walking Mountains Science Center

The highly rated Walking Mountains Science Center in Avon offers interactive exhibits and is a fascinating place to learn about animals, plants, the environment, and technology. A bonus is that the indoor portion is just as fantastic as outside, so this is a good pick if the weather isn’t being favorable.

EagleVail Golf Club

If you’re a golfer, you can’t miss up a chance to get in a round at the EagleVail Golf Club in Avon. Picturesque scenery and changes in elevation boost a great game, there are 18-hole and 9-hole course options, and you can end the day at their on-site bar and grill.

Vail, another renowned Colorado tourist destination, is only 10 minutes from Avon and here you’ll find the Colorado Snowsports Museum, Vail Ski Resort, Vail Brewing Company, Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, and plenty of chances for prime Colorado hiking like at Booth Creek Falls.

Plan a family reunion with us at Sage >>

Colorado Snow Update & Whitewater Rafting Forecast

Posted March 15, 2022 by by Ryan McSparran

Well, it has been an awesome winter season here in the Vail Valley and it seems nothing can stop all these smiles! Sage owner Darryl Bangert said it best, “Through our second year amid the pandemic, we’ve witnessed a big demand to get outside and reconnect with nature,” he said. “Seeing our guests come alive during these trips is very rewarding for our staff.”

An outdoor snowmobile adventure is the ultimate socially distanced activity and we have continued to keep excellent safety protocols in place. Snowmobiling throughout this season has been a ton of fun. Recent storms have led to great snow conditions. And now, we’re excited that spring is around the corner. Before we know it, we will be making the transition from snowmobiling to rafting season! Who’s ready for a Colorado whitewater rafting trip?

Colorado’s Whitewater Rafting Season

As we look forward to spring and the summer Colorado river rafting season, we can’t help but get excited. This winter was unique, as every year is. Winter seemed to arrive late, with a relatively dry start to the winter sports season. But as is so often the case, when the snow did arrive, it came with a vengeance.

When is Whitewater Rafting Season in Colorado? When the Snowmelt Comes!

Since the holidays, snowpack across the state has hovered at or above median levels for much of the winter. Lots of snow on the mountains means great conditions ahead for Colorado river raft trips! Take a look at the expected conditions for our awesome Colorado river rafting 1-day and half-day trips, and prepare for an awesome Colorado white water rafting season.

Gore Creek and Eagle River Rafting Conditions

Right here in the Colorado River basin, the current snowpack sits at about 95% of average levels with more spring storms in the forecast. With a high snowpack in the high country, we can expect good early season rafting on Gore Creek and the Eagle River, which are some of Colorado’s best early summer trips.

In fact, when the Eagle River is at its peak, it’s some of the best whitewater in the country. But what makes the Eagle River is unique, is the steady downward gradient. The upper section from Minturn to Avon features a consistent elevation drop, essentially creating a 10-mile long wave train.

If you’ve never experienced Gore Creek or the Eagle River, don’t wait – come experience it this year! They’re some of the best places to consider when looking at where to whitewater raft in Colorado.

Arkansas River Rafting Conditions

Meanwhile, over in the Arkansas River basin, we have a solid snowpack, which currently sits at about 94% of median. This is the most famous stretch of whitewater in Colorado for good reason. Once the spring thaw begins, we’re in for a memorable summer of whitewater rafting on the Ark.

The world-famous Pine Creek and Numbers sections of the Arkansas River boast some of the best class IV and V whitewater rafting in the country. Further downstream, Browns Canyon National Monument offers a trip through an incredibly scenic gorge with 10 miles of class III rapids. Add to this a backdrop of 14,000-foot peaks and rocky desert landscapes, and it’s easy to see why the Ark is a popular rafting destination, particularly with Browns Canyon rafting trips.

It’s shaping up to be a great season for whitewater rafting in Colorado! If you’re planning a trip to Colorado this year, be sure and reserve dates early for your whitewater adventure.

To learn more, visit our Rafting Page. If you have questions or to book a trip, please call us at 970-476-3700 or contact us online.

Technology Improves Backcountry Snowmobiling in Colorado

Posted February 18, 2022 by by Ryan McSparran

These aren’t your father’s snowmobiles. When arriving for a snowmobile tour, many of our guests are surprised at the change in snowmobiles since they last rode as a kid. Machines used to be noisy, and emit a strong smell of gas exhaust. But the modern snowmobile experience is something completely different.

Gone are the days of loud engines and the smell of exhaust. Ever since the pressure on snowmobile manufacturers to clean up emissions in places like Yellowstone National Park, the industry has responded with some incredible new technology. In addition to being cleaner, the new era of snowmobiles creates the opportunity for wilderness experiences like never before.

Reduced Snowmobile Emissions Due to New Technology

You might be surprised to learn that snowmobiles have an incredibly small carbon footprint, particularly compared to the amount of energy required to operate ski lifts. On an average snowmobile tour, your sled will use less than a gallon of gas. In the modern era of sled technology, Colorado snowmobile tours are an environmentally responsible and memorable way to experience the beautiful backcountry of this state.

Sage’s Ski-Doo Snowmobiles

Here at Sage Outdoor Adventures, our guests get the very best in snowmobile technology. We are proud to have a lineup of 90 Ski-Doo Grand Touring Sport sleds. These snowmobiles feature 4 stroke engines, which are incredibly quiet, clean and very fuel-efficient. They are lightweight, comfortable and fun to ride!

They are so quiet that you’re more likely to hear the tracks turning on the snow than the engine itself. With extremely low emissions and no odor, there’s little else to distract from the beautiful mountain experience. In fact, the number one reason among guests to go snowmobiling is the wilderness experience.

Today’s snowmobiles are much lighter with more horsepower than ever before. Improvements in clutching, throttle control, and suspensions offer an effortless riding experience, even in deep powder. What all that technology really means is that it’s an incredibly fun ride while maintaining a wonderful outdoor experience.

You can always count on Sage to have the best possible machines available. That’s because we are a Ski-Doo direct dealer, getting sleds direct from the factory and having factory-trained mechanics. Our snowmobiles are on a two-year rotation, guaranteeing our guests the newest and best technology available.

What to Expect while Snowmobiling

When you embark on that snowmobile tour, you can expect an outstanding Colorado mountain experience. Many of our guests have the opportunity to see wildlife that winters on the ranch. You’ll enjoy catching speed through some of our freshly groomed meadows, and winding peacefully through stands of aspen and spruce trees. And you’ll have to catch your breath as you see the incredible views over the Eagle River Canyon and the whole Vail Valley. Snowmobiling near Vail Colorado is a must-do activity if you’re here in the winter!

Snowmobile technology has certainly changed dramatically over the past 15 years. If you haven’t experienced it, it’s time to hop on and take a ride! Be sure to check out our Snowmobiling Page to learn more about our Colorado snowmobile trails and tours.

If you have questions about tours or availability, please call us at 970-476-3700. You can also contact us online for information.

Welcome to Our Family Snowmobile Paradise

Posted February 10, 2022 by by Ryan McSparran

It’s our own little slice of heaven in Colorado. We’re blessed to enjoy this private mountain, all on a 6,000-acre ranch. It’s an incredible experience for families. And it’s an experience you won’t find anywhere else: snowmobiling in Vail.

Our private mountain has more acreage than Vail ski area – without the lift lines. In fact, it’s exclusive to Sage guests. We’ve got the whole place to ourselves, creating an idyllic experience for families looking to go snowmobiling in Vail.

A Family Snowmobiling Adventure

Snowmobiling here is special, “because we put the trails where we want to put the trails.” All 100+ miles of them! A fleet of snowcats and grooming equipment maintains our custom-designed trail system that runs throughout this spectacular mountain area.

It’s an authentic, Colorado backcountry experience. You’ll experience the quiet stillness of snowy aspen groves and towering spruce forests. You’ll glide through open meadows and then look off the vertical red-rock cliffs of the Eagle River canyon.

Your friendly guides, outstanding trails, and a private mountain environment will make this a family experience to remember. Passengers as young as 5-years-old can enjoy a true Colorado mountain experience on the snow.

Experience Vail Snowmobile Tours With Us

To learn more, please explore our Snowmobile Trips on the website. If you have questions or would like to speak with someone about a trip, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 970-476-3700. We’d love to help you plan a memorable Colorado snowmobile adventure!

Bring the family whitewater rafting in Colorado come spring or summer >>

2022 Snowmobiling Update From Vail, Colorado

Posted January 20, 2022 by by Ryan McSparran

Our snowfall this winter at the end of 2021 started out slow. We hadn’t seen much snow in November and through most of December. Then just before Christmas, it finally arrived. Here’s a quick update…

“This was one of the biggest storms I’ve ever seen here in Colorado and it didn’t stop snowing for more than ten days,” said Sage owner and director of operations, Cole Bangert. “By our measurements we had about ten feet of snowfall on the Sage private snowmobile mountain here.”

In case you’re not already familiar with our Colorado snowmobile trails and operation here at Sage Outdoor Adventures, we get to play on a 6,000-acre private mountain that’s bigger than Vail ski area. Backcountry snowmobiling in Colorado has never looked so vast, rugged, and snow-filled. Cole pointed out that Sage sits to the west of the Vail and Beaver Creek ski areas, where this mountain catches storms from a number of different directions.

“Of course sometimes they get more snow than we do, but out of this recent storm system when Vail was getting six to ten inches, we were getting 16 to 20 inches,” Cole added. “The snow has arrived and it looks like it’s going to be a fantastic rest of the winter. And obviously that will lead into a fantastic summer of rafting on the rivers when all this snow starts to melt.”

Learn more about Vail, Colorado snowmobiling with us, and check out the full video update from Cole here:

To learn more about our snowmobiling program, see this recent blog post for a quick overview. Not sure what to wear on your guided snowmobile trip? We’ve got answers to your questions in this video and blog post.

Whether it’s snowmobiling and enjoying the beauty of the Rocky Mountains in the winter, or an unforgettable time on the water while rafting next summer, we can’t wait to see you here soon. If you’re in the Vail Valley, give us a call or explore the rest of our website to book your next adventure.