rafting | Sage Outdoor Adventures

Get Ideas for Your Unique Bachelorette Party in Colorado

Posted October 6, 2022 by by Eric

women with arms around each other look out over mountain summit

For bachelorette party groups that want something with a bit more exertion and excitement than a wine tasting or a paint and sip, try one of these three activities that we offer here at Sage. Find details below, talk to your group, then nail down that reservation with us!

For the Outdoorsy Bride & Their Crew

Professionals in the wedding industry agree that the best bachelorette parties center around what the bride loves most. Although you do need to consider the needs and preferences of your group, the maid of honor (who typically plans this party) should keep the bride at the forefront of mind.

And if the bride loves adrenaline-pumping activities coupled with stunning Colorado terrain (and doesn’t mind getting a little dirty or wet), we have the friendly and knowledgeable guides to lead the group into a memorable experience. See our top ideas for bachelorette party ideas for Colorado wives-to-be:

Whitewater Rafting

No prior experience is needed for whitewater rafting with us! In fact, we’re one of the best companies for beginner whitewater rafting in Colorado. We provide trips for all abilities and skill levels. Our beginner-level rafting trips (class I and II) can accommodate between 8 to 10 people per raft, while most class III, IV, and V rafting excursions can take 6.

We offer prime Colorado river rafting at 1-day excursions, 1/2 day, or 3/4 day – there’s no need to commit to a multi-day trip down the river, which can be rewarding but a lot, especially if you’ve never whitewater rafted or camped before.

Whitewater rafting is a teamwork-centered activity, with everyone paddling and working together. If your group didn’t all know each other beforehand, they will be bonded after this experience!

See FAQ for a breakdown of rapid classifications and more >>

Find info on all the rivers we raft >>

Horseback Riding

When it comes to unique bachelorette party ideas in Colorado it doesn’t get better than horseback riding adventure with Sage. Although there are other companies that offer guided tours with these majestic animals, what’s special about Sage is that it’s a true in-the-Colorado-wilderness experience.

Our horses, that live at Castle Peak Sage Stables on our 6,000-acre private ranch, are trained to ride alongside each other (as opposed to nose-to-tail in a single file line), and we’re on private land for our rides. In other words, we aren’t restricted to where we go – we can blaze our own trail! And, private trips are an option.

View details on our 2-hour and 1-hour guided tours >>

Snowmobiling

For a magical winter experience with the bridal party, give snowmobiling a try at our private mountain and trail system that is larger than the Vail ski area itself. We have several tour options available – everyone can snowmobile with us, whether you’re never sat on a Ski Doo before, or you’re an expert at the activity.

As with horseback riding, snowmobiling with Sage is not an out-and-back on one trail experience. Get out there and explore gorgeous Colorado terrain! Plus, there’s the added convenience of our log cabin with woodburning stoves and restrooms, so you can begin and end your excursion in comfort.

Get your questions answered on snowmobiling >>

And, did you know? We here at Sage also offer side-by-side ATV tours and guided fishing trips, either of which would also be a great choice for a memorable bachelorette party in Colorado. Our Colorado outdoor adventures are perfect for an Avon, Beaver Creek, Edwards, or Vail bachelorette party.

Book your bachelorette adventure today >>

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.

Experience a September Adventure in Colorado

Posted September 2, 2021 by by Ryan McSparran

It has been a beautiful summer here in the Vail Valley – there’s nothing like a quintessential Colorado Vail summer filled with outdoor recreation and stunning sights. We’ve had a blast on rafting trips on the Eagle, Colorado, and Arkansas Rivers. The fishing on the Piney River has been excellent. And at our mountain base, we’re having a blast on horseback rides and side-by-side ATV rides with all of our guests.

As we welcome September, we’re thrilled for one of the best months of the year here in Colorado. The temperatures are still warm, and the September weather is idyllic. Cool mornings lead to warm, sunny afternoons. Soon, the aspens will be turning a bright gold. And wildflowers are still growing throughout the mountain meadows. This is where summer meets fall, and it is spectacular!

September Horseback Rides

Horseback riding here at our private mountain base is an awesome experience in September. You’ll ride through old-growth aspen stands and witness incredible scenery. And in typical Sage fashion, these are not your average nose-to-tail horseback rides. Being on a 6,000-acre private mountain means that we aren’t restricted to designated Forest Service trails. We can explore the entire place, and ride freely through this historic ranch that’s larger than the Vail ski area!

Side-By-Side ATV Adventures

Side-by-side rides are also a great way to see Colorado in September. These rides also take place on this expansive private mountain, where you’ll have incredible views of the entire Vail Valley. In addition to the adjoining public land, we have more than 20,000 acres of wild country to explore!

Scenic September Rafting in Colorado

We would be remiss if we didn’t mention the incredible rafting opportunities here in Colorado in September. River conditions are perfect on many of our favorite stretches of the river. There are a number of fun and incredibly scenic river trips to experience in September around Vail and Beaver Creek. Experience whitewater rafting near Vail during this special time of year.

September Fly Fishing on the Piney River

And finally, this is one of the best times of year to experience fly fishing. When it comes to fly fishing, we offer some of the best guided fishing trips in Colorado. And in September, big brown trout begin moving in advance of their fall spawn. Rainbow and cutthroat trout take advantage of grasshoppers and big hatches of late summer insects as they prepare for the lean winter.

If you find yourself in Vail, Beaver Creek, or Avon this September, consider yourself one of the lucky ones! Not only is it one of the most beautiful months of the year in Colorado. But it’s also usually a little bit quieter after the peak summer season. Take advantage of it, and find some adventure!

Coming from out of state and staying in Avon? If you’re looking for fun things to do in Avon, Colorado in September, know that all these above Sage-centric adventures at your fingertips. Plan your early fall excursion with us today!

For information on our trips, please explore our website at SageOutdoorAdventures.com. For details and booking you can contact us online or give us a call at 970-476-3700.

Featured River: The Arkansas River

Posted August 12, 2021 by by Ryan McSparran

Rafting on the Arkansas River in Colorado

Whitewater rafting has always been outstanding here in the Vail Valley and across Colorado, and we’d like to introduce you to another one of our favorite rivers.

In case you missed our previous featured rivers, go back and check out our profile on the Shoshone rapids through Glenwood Canyon – Shoshone rafting is great for families. Also check out the Upper Eagle River and Gore Creek, which offer some of Colorado’s best early-season rafting from Vail, down through Avon and Beaver Creek.

Arkansas River: Whitewater Rafting on Colorado’s Ultimate Rafting River

This time, let’s talk about the Arkansas River. The ‘Ark’ is well-known in Colorado for its incredible whitewater all summer long. But there’s more than just rapids that make the Arkansas special.

“The Arkansas River brings to mind crystal clear, relatively warm water, in a semi-arid desert with warm air temps that create a perfect rafting environment,” Commented Cole Bangert, owner and guide here at Sage. “It’s totally unique in the west. The flows on the Ark are augmented by reservoirs upstream, so rafting is phenomenal all summer; not just during early snowmelt periods.”

Those experienced with Clear Creek Colorado rafting, or trips on the Eagle River, know that those are a couple of Colorado rafting trips that rely heavily on that early snowmelt period.

Enjoy Stunning Views While Rafting Through Browns Canyon Rapids

According to Cole, the backdrop on the Arkansas, with Browns Canyon rafting trips or the Numbers excursions, also makes it unique. The entire corridor is lined with towering 14,000-foot peaks, the highest concentration of “14-ers” in the state. With snow-capped peaks above and desert granite boulders below, the banks of the Arkansas River are scattered ponderosa pine, and the vanilla aroma from their bark fills the air.

If all that isn’t enough, the whitewater is top quality.

Tackle the Arkansas River’s Powerful Rapids

“The upper stretches of the Arkansas River boast big class V rapids, with the steepest commercially-run rapid in the U.S.,” Cole added. “The Pine Creek section drops at a gradient of over 200 feet per mile. This is a mile-long class V rapid with tricky moves, fast water, big waves, and big hydraulics that must be run with precision and power.”

Just below Pine Creek is the popular, “Numbers” stretch, where rafters will find some of the most fun class IV drops anywhere in Colorado. The numbers rapids of the Arkansas River are some of the most famous waters for experienced rafters to enjoy in this great state.

Float Through a National Monument While Arkansas River Rafting

And finally, below the town of Buena Vista is the most popular stretch on the Arkansas River, Browns Canyon National Monument. This spectacular canyon was designated a National Monument in 2015, and for good reason.

“Here, you have the opportunity to float through a jaw-dropping gorge,” Cole concluded. “It consists of ten miles of class III rapids, where groups and families can enjoy an incredible experience amid these impressive natural surroundings.”

Even if you’re looking for fun things to do in Avon, CO, which is closest to the Eagle River, don’t discount the Arkansas River close by.

Explore the rest of our site for more info on rafting trips and other activities offered at Sage, or give us a call at 970-476-3700.

3 Things You Need For Every Colorado Vail Summer Adventure

Posted July 10, 2021 by by Ryan McSparran

The summer season is flying by, and we’re having a blast on rafting trips, horseback rides, side-by-side ATV rides and fly fishing trips with all of our guests. It has been a beautiful summer so far here in the Colorado high country in the Vail area.

As you prepare for your own summer adventures, here are three easy-to-overlook items that you’ll need for any Colorado summer adventure. Whether you’re on the water or on the trail, don’t forget to pack these critical items.

1. Sunblock

In the Colorado high country, the sun comes full-strength. If you appreciate your skin, don’t leave home, or your hotel room without it. We’ve seen plenty of folks put a damper on their trip by getting burned on the first day. Whether you’re out for a couple of hours of horseback riding or a full day of rafting, take the time to apply some sunblock, even if you don’t burn easily. Don’t underestimate the power of the summer sun here at altitude.

2. Sunglasses

Again, the sun at high elevations in the Rockies runs hot. It can be hard on your eyes if you’re not wearing UV protection. Glare from water and snow can be especially harmful. Be sure to pack a pair of sunglasses when you set out for a day of adventuring. If you’re headed for the river, don’t forget sunglass straps!

3. Water Bottle

The arid Colorado climate and the high altitude combine to cause quick dehydration. Headaches are the most common reaction to altitude. Fortunately, drinking plenty of water is usually the best prevention. And in an effort to limit the large amount of waste generated by plastic bottles, remember to bring your own reusable water bottle on each day’s adventure.

Finally, come with a flexible attitude and ready to have fun! Our crew will take care of the controllable factors – but on any mountain adventure, weather and conditions can vary. A smile and a sense of adventure will go a long way toward making any situation a fun one. If you have questions about summer trips with Sage Outdoor Adventures, give us a call at 970-476-3700. Explore the rest of our website for trip information, booking and more.