In places like beautifully scenic Colorado, it’s Mother Nature that generally stars in meeting itineraries.
Red Rocks Amphitheater, the Colorado Shakespeare Festival and Garden of the Gods Park are all wonderful contenders to spice up itineraries in, respectively, Denver, Boulder and Colorado Springs.
These and many other outdoor attractions and pursuits are musts when meeting in this Colorado trio, where attendees can’t wait to get out into the sunshine and fresh air.
Denver
A great way for groups to get out and discover all the culture and delights of Denver, which is one of the fittest cities in the country, is via Denver B-cycle, an automated bike-sharing system situated around the city near major attractions and neighborhoods.
“Denver B-cycle is best enjoyed by attendees to explore on their own,” says Deborah Park, spokeswoman for Visit Denver. “It’s really convenient for those wanting to have an outdoor, active experience, but they don’t necessarily have time to do a major bike ride.”
Red Rocks Amphitheatre, one of the most gorgeous venues in the world to experience live music, offers private tours for groups that teach participants about the geology of the natural amphitheater and take them into the Performers Hall of Fame and onto the stage, where everyone from Mr. Colorado himself, John Denver, to Bob Marley and, more recently, Steely Dan and My Morning Jacket have performed.
“There are spaces that can be rented out for meetings, including the Ship Rock Grill, which features indoor and outdoor space with breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains,” Park says.
Located 60 miles west of Denver is Mount Evans Scenic Byway, the highest paved road in North America and a popular day trip with groups.
Park says chartered buses via tour companies such as A Private Guide can provide “a unique, outdoor experience and great photo opportunity for groups.”
And back in the city, a favorite pastime among locals is just relaxing with a local microbrew or glass of wine at an outdoor eatery or beer garden.
Among the lineup of possibilities are the group-friendly ViewHouse, Tavern Downtown and Tamayo Denver restaurants, while Denver Beer Company, Prost Brewing, Mile High Spirits distillery and Infinite Monkey Theorem urban winery all have outdoor patios.
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Boulder
If groups are convening in Boulder any time from the beginning of June through August, planners might inquire about tickets to the Colorado Shakespeare Festival.
According to Mary Ann Mahoney, executive director of the Boulder CVB, the Bard’s plays are performed in the open air at the Mary Rippon Theatre on the University of Colorado campus and go over very well with groups.
“Groups can sit together in seats or pack a picnic and watch from the lawn,” she says.
During winter, planners can arrange a tour with Wilderness Rides & Guides, who facilitate skiing and snowshoeing outings for groups. The outfitter also offers fly-fishing, white-water rafting and other options during the warmer seasons, as well as teambuilding activities year-round.
“They will provide transportation and all tours are customized to suit the group’s abilities,” Mahoney says.
Boulder Walking Tours leads several tours that teach attendees about Boulder’s history and quirky folklore.
According to Mahoney, the downtown tour takes groups to popular Pearl Street and beyond; the Chautauqua: Living History Tour explores the National Historic Landmark via a lovely stroll through the grounds; and the last tour has groups kick around the University of Colorado campus.
The Bike to Farm Tour with Awe-Struck Outdoors offers a special and delicious outing for groups.
“Ride along to several local organic farms before partaking in a farm-to-table feast,” Mahoney says. “You’ll not only see beautiful scenery and views, but you’ll also learn why the local food trend is so important to Boulder.”
Awe-Struck Outdoors also arranges winter group events, including snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and naturalist hikes.
And an outing with MyHandleBar is perfect for smaller groups seeking a fun time.
The 16-passenger party bike is pedaled by participants and steered by a guide, and makes for a great teambonding exercise.
“You’ll pedal your way to various pubs and you can even enjoy a beverage on your way to the next destination,” Mahoney says.
Stops include Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant for a killer margarita and Conor O’Neill’s Traditional Irish Pub for a $5 Jameson.
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Colorado Springs
Near Colorado Springs on the Arkansas River, groups will experience some of the best whitewater rafting in the country.
According to Chelsy Murphy, spokeswoman for the Colorado Springs CVB, rapids range from class II to V, “meaning experiences range from a relaxing float trip to an epic battle with the cooling waters” of this gorgeous area.
“This is a fantastic option for teambuilding, as it has everyone working together,” she adds. “Larger groups can be put in multiple rafts to race and it’s a great time for all.”
Guided rock climbing excursions with Front Range Climbing Company are also available in Colorado Springs, and perhaps best suited for active and fit groups.
“It’s great exercise and a fun new way to experience the scenery of Colorado Springs,” Murphy says, adding that the outfitter helps groups navigate the red rock spires of Garden of the Gods Park and the various formations of North Cheyenne Canon Park, and offers ice climbing outings to various locations during the winter.
Garden of the Gods Park, a National Natural Landmark, is a must-see when convening in the area.
“There are so many ways to experience this geological wonder, whether with a Jeep tour, Segway tour, guided hike or even by horseback,” Murphy says. “There are picnic areas in the park and popular rock formations worth noting, like Kissing Camels and Balanced Rock.”
And Pikes Peak-America’s Mountain is the beautiful backdrop to almost everywhere in and around Colorado Springs.
According to Murphy, there are many ways to navigate the 14,115-foot summit, but perhaps the most popular with groups made up of all ages and fitness levels is an easy bike ride down the Pikes Peak Highway.
“It’s a great way to make some team connections, burn some calories and see unbeatable views,” Murphy says, adding that local outfitters who facilitate bike outings include Challenge Unlimited and Pikes Peak Mountain Bike Tours.
Murphy adds that the experience usually includes a continental breakfast, a van ride up the mountain and a guided ride down.
What one-time Colorado resident and frequent contributor Carolyn Blackburn would have given to see My Morning Jacket’s recent show at Red Rocks Amphitheatre.
