The destination of Colorado Springs encourages groups to get moving via various modes of transportation, including hiking boots and bicycles to walk or peddle along the area’s many picturesque trails.
Beyond those simple and satisfying options, planners can also arrange an outing on vehicles that are certain to “wow” attendees. Hot-air balloons, rafts, gondolas, horses, trains and more are all awaiting groups that would like to keep the momentum moving outside the meeting room.
Up, Up and Away
A hot-air balloon ride, certainly one of the most memorable activities for groups visiting Colorado Springs, can be arranged by Adventures Out West (AOW) or Rainbow Ryders Hot Air Balloon Ride Co.
“Our flights are about one hour and take place at sunrise,” said AOW’s owner, Greg Wellens, who added all flights include a breakfast and champagne toast in the field. “If you’d like, we can add a stop at Bristol Brewing Co., which is a really fun place.”
Before taking off with Rainbow Ryders, the group can “assist with the inflation of our gentle giants, or simply stand back and enjoy the view as they come to life,” said Amanda Rhea Warren, the outfitter’s spokesperson.
During the float, a Rainbow Ryders tour guide will discuss the scenery below and share local knowledge, and when the group lands, attendees can toast the experience and have a bite to eat.
“If a show-stopping backdrop is what you’re looking for, we can also set up a static balloon display for the perfect addition to any event,” Warren added. “Custom banners and branding awareness is also available for placement on the balloon.”
A River Runs Through It
An exciting rafting excursion is another way for groups to experience the lovely Colorado Springs area. Both Raft Masters and Echo Canyon River Expeditions facilitate white-water outings on the Arkansas River.
“The architecture of the lower Arkansas River is such that when you choose a trip for your group, no matter what level you are looking for, the excitement will build higher and higher,” said Will Colon, owner of Raft Masters. “Rushing water surrounded by steep canyon walls allows for an opportunity to forget about day-to-day stresses.”
Colon added that there is an on-site cafe where attendees can grab lunch after rafting, or they might like to add some time for wine tasting at the nearby Winery at Holy Cross Abbey.
Echo Canyon River Expedition’s “Battle of the Bighorn” teambuilding program and accompanying lunch is its signature group program, according to owner Andy Neinas.
“The fun, and at times silly, program features a minimum of three teams partaking in various activities,” he said. “Examples include the ‘Helmet Brigade,’ where teams fill up buckets carrying water in their helmets that are vented with large holes, navigating stretches of the river with upside down paddles, and memory games.”
A meal, typically featuring center cut sirloin steak, grilled chicken breast, potato salad and seasonal vegetables, can be arranged after rafting.
Scene-Stealers
Other group activities that highlight the area’s most scenic sights include a journey on the Pikes Peak Cog Railway, a guaranteed highlight for groups meeting here, including those staying at The Broadmoor.
“Of all the ways to reach the summit of Pikes Peak, the Cog Railway is the easiest, most reliable and offers the best views,” according to Caleb Rice, sales manager, executive meetings, at The Broadmoor. “I recommend this group activity to all my clients who want to experience the thrill of summiting a ‘14er’ that just happens to be in our backyard. PageBreak In nearby Canon City at Royal Gorge Bridge & Park, there are a number of exhilarating opportunities available to transport visitors while providing amazing views of Royal Gorge Bridge, a state landmark.
“Both the aerial gondola ride and the Royal Rush Skycoaster offer 360 degrees of pure Colorado scenery,” said Dona Basham, the attraction’s sales manager.
She explained the gondolas glide 2,200 feet across the gorge and over 1,200 feet above the Arkansas River, and on Royal Rush Skycoaster, a 50 mph freefall ride, harnessed passengers soar through the air and momentarily hang 1,200 feet above the Arkansas River.
“We are also able to accommodate simple outings, including walking across the Royal Gorge Bridge, and corporate lunches and dinners,” Basham said. “Imagine enjoying a unique and delicious meal while taking in the views of one of Colorado’s most scenic landmarks.”
Giddy Up!
Colorado Springs is also home to plenty of dude ranches and stables where groups who prefer a throwback mode of transportation can saddle up.
“A horseback ride through Pike National Forest or Garden of the Gods is a very unique way to experience the beauty of the region,” said Chelsy Offutt, director of communications for the Colorado Springs CVB. “A horseback ride taps into the area’s Western heritage as well as the first cultures that called Colorado Springs home. The area’s dude ranches are also a short drive from the city, providing the best of both worlds.”
The lineup of group-friendly dude ranches includes Bear Trap Ranch, Lost Valley Ranch and M Lazy C Ranch.
Area stables include Academy Riding Stables and Old Stage Riding Stables.
“Our group outings can be as simple as a one-hour mountain horseback ride, to a full Western event complete with teambuilding, horses, wagons, hiking, food and beverage,” said Laurie Zickefoose, owner of Old Stage Riding Stables.
She added that local caterers are on call to provide everything from a gourmet saddle bag lunch, including a sandwich and fresh-cut fruit salad, to an upscale barbecue, featuring sliced beef tri-tip, baby back pork ribs, grilled Portobello mushrooms, biscuits and jalapeno jelly.
Zip, Zip, Beep, Beep
Thrill-seeking groups may get a thrill by ziplining and/or taking a Jeep tour to liven things up after a morning sequestered in meeting rooms.
Ziplining is available at the already mentioned Royal Gorge Bridge & Park, which Basham said boasts the highest zipline in the country, and there are also zipline courses available at The Broadmoor.
Laurie Meacham, The Broadmoor’s director of national sales, Mid Atlantic Region, has a fear of heights and experienced trepidation before she tried the new Fins Course at The Broadmoor’s Soaring Adventure at Seven Falls.
“The staff couldn’t have been more accommodating and helped me gain confidence to try this amazing ziplining adventure,” she said. “My clients are mostly association and tend to reflect an older demographic. I love sharing my adventure with them, as I know they will love soaring above the canyons and waterfalls as much as I did.”
According to the Colorado Springs CVB’s Offutt, there are also a handful of wonderful Jeep tour operators in the area, including AOW and Colorado Jeep Tours.
“A Jeep tour is the perfect way to get some history of the area, take in the views and fresh mountain air in a short amount of time, or make a full day experiencing the best the destination has to offer while letting someone else worry about the route,” she said.
Scenic stops during a Jeep outing may include Helen Hunt Falls, Garden of the Gods and Royal Gorge Bridge, and packages including lunch, or dinner following a sunset ride, are generally offered.
