There are plenty of adventures to experience in your own backyard this year, but if you’re in the mood for something a bit more daring we’ve got you covered. Here are five of the best adrenaline-pumping activities to get your heart racing (in a good way) this summer.
Mountain Marmot Trail Run
Lace up your shoes, runners. One of the year’s best races is right around the corner. Taking place at Purgatory Resort, the Mountain Marmot Train Run is a 12-mile mountain race. Though the elevation gain on the way up is sure to be challenging, the grade is fairly steady throughout, making the race manageable for novice runners. The event takes place on September 25, so you have plenty of time to start training before the big day.
Ziplining
See Durango in a whole new way by booking a ziplining tour from Soaring Colorado. From a bird’s-eye view of the Animas River to the surrounding hills, ziplining provides an unforgettable way to experience the incredible scenery surrounding Glacier. Guests can choose from 27 different zip lines that range from 56 to 1,400 feet in length.
The Ouray Via Ferrata
A must-do summer adventure perfect for the whole family, the brand new Via Ferrata is one of the most unique ways to experience Ouray’s spectacular mountain scenery. Constructed by a world-class team of climbers and professionals, the route features 4000’ of climbing and traversing through breathtaking the Uncompagahre Gorge. Designed to accommodate a variety of ages and skill levels, the terrain ranges from casual hiking routes to substantial vertical climbing along rock ledges and across the river via “The Skyladder” – the first of its kind in North America.
Inferno Mountain Coaster
Buckle up, adventure seekers. The Inferno Mountain Coaster in Durango’s Purgatory Resort offers plenty of twists, turns and thrills that you won’t soon forget. Riders control the car’s speed with a handbrake, which means you can easily change the pace as you go careening through the trees and over the mountainside.
Summit a 14er
When you live in the shadow of the San Juan Mountains, you have a wealth of hiking options at your fingertips. If you’re ready for a true challenge, why not summit a 14er? From Sunlight to Wisdom to Eolus, you can choose from various difficulty levels and vantage points.
