Top 5 Pagosa Springs Adventure Tours: Your Guide

So, you’re thinking of visiting Pagosa Springs, huh? Very good choice, really. Beyond the, you know, famous hot springs – those are a must-see, of course – you, well, you absolutely have to get out and explore the area, in my view. And, for that, that means grabbing an adventure tour. I thought about gathering five tours, you see, those truly capture the spirit of the place, for anyone, that wants some excitement. The kind of experience that will remain a long time once you leave, like it did for me. This is, as a matter of fact, your guide to seeing the best of what Pagosa has to offer.

1. Rocky Mountain Recreation: Whitewater Rafting on the San Juan

I suppose if there’s just one thing I’d tell folks that you, more or less, have to experience in Pagosa Springs, very, very likely, it’s got to be rafting down the San Juan River. That company, Rocky Mountain Recreation, they run some, rather interesting rafting tours. We chose them a few summers ago, you know, and the thrill? Amazing! Imagine this: you’re paddling furiously, still laughing a little, now the cold water splashes your face. This area? Well, you get unreal landscapes flying past as you, well, go down these thrilling rapids, is that crazy or what? I found they’re wonderful, the guides, very safety-conscious too, which is certainly important, more or less, and full of information on the area. You, well, just get this combination of pure excitement coupled with some views you simply won’t get anywhere else.

Honestly, I consider this ideal for anyone, even complete beginners, as the trips range, you see, from mellow scenic floats to downright thrilling class III rapids. They really do have something for all levels, is what I feel. This experience made me see why people visit Colorado to, in my view, grab these awesome outdoor things you simply can’t find elsewhere. If that’s the type of adventure you look for, you, basically, will appreciate a day on the San Juan, seriously.

Read our full review: San Juan River Rafting Full Review and Details

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2. Pagosa Springs Outfitters: Horseback Riding Through the Rockies

Anyway, now if being on the water ain’t what you really want, just a bit, you could definitely get lost in some mountain scenes riding on horseback. Seriously. The San Juan National Forest all around Pagosa Springs? Almost a place calling out for you to just, as a matter of fact, experience it from the back of a horse. A friend and I chose Pagosa Springs Outfitters because they’ve had a rather good reputation, honestly, for years and their guides are so experienced. I have to say, there is absolutely some tranquility about taking that path as you gently walk up, or more or less, even trot some rocky routes and quiet forest paths. A kind of a different experience as you listen to, actually, nature close by instead of traffic from afar.

It really doesn’t matter your experience level, in some respects, as they’ll pair you, like your skills, with an appropriate horse and make it relaxing as you just, like, enjoy those sights. The views we got were unreal; sprawling meadows, tall peaks that touched the sky – scenes like those, that, well, photos don’t really do any justice to. Pagosa Springs Outfitters, really, really, they have various tours available too. That range might be something brief if you prefer, but could be, rather, whole-day trips out into the wilderness if you’d rather explore. In a way, a good choice is right for anyone just trying something peaceful or wanting the real cowboy/cowgirl kind of experience.

Read our full review: Horseback Riding Pagosa Springs Full Review and Details

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3. Pagosa Adventureworks: Ziplining for an Adrenaline Rush

Just a little seeking, well, something to pump up that adrenaline of yours? Just like I was! Well, ziplining with Pagosa Adventureworks, really, basically, becomes absolutely memorable. We went to try it at their high-ropes course and this, well, definitely wasn’t your average stroll. As a matter of fact! High up, so that you go whizzing through trees? Honestly, that’s some experience for, like, your senses.

What they’ve constructed is, like, a series of ziplines and aerial bridges set right in this forest canopy; think excitement mixed with outstanding sights. They certainly, obviously, put emphasis on their safety protocols which made you feel really confident even up that high, which could be a little unnerving as you look down. From start to finish I think there were probably six different zip lines, each a touch different as you gained that comfort level as you moved, just like, a little faster, a little farther too. The sensation of that air blasting through, really, definitely, I feel, can’t be replicated – well, certainly, obviously, I found the scenes quite epic also. It’s likely, probably, an awesome option for families (with slightly older kids), couples seeking, just, very, very, a little, excitement together or perhaps a small group wanting something unique.

Read our full review: Pagosa Springs Ziplining Full Review and Details

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4. Wolf Creek Ski Area: Summer Hiking and Scenic Lift Rides

Many folks really know about Wolf Creek Ski Area because, typically, it is the skiing scene, and yet? Summer’s another secret season that can definitely turn into a pleasant surprise to, basically, anyone checking that mountain region around. And a really simple yet cool choice you might find satisfying is what they provide with scenic chairlift rides up the mountain that have wonderful panoramic scenery. We, basically, took advantage of their trail offerings one summer so we hiked some trails, you see. It got so picturesque I had a hard time knowing which view I’d consider, actually, even more unreal to be very honest, really.

Honestly, as it stands, those hiking paths branch through those forests that are dense up toward these wide-open spaces – some challenge, just like, what anyone looking to have those heart-pumping type workout wants! However, you know, there also remain simpler things for those that just prefer a casual meander with, basically, a camera on hand. Another good option, which I really thought became exceptional too, became, actually, riding up their lift at peak so folks can, literally, just sit while enjoying a 360 degree view of the vast wilderness up here. Take a moment with Wolf Creek Ski Area in summertime since these peaceful moments that still showcase San Juan Mountain brilliance could pleasantly surprise any adventure buff going here at any given time.

Read our full review: Wolf Creek Ski Area Hiking Full Review and Details

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5. The Springs Resort & Spa: Hot Air Balloon Ride

You might think I’d only focus just a little on active tours… nope. You will, arguably, enjoy something that offers something serene to experience? Alright so, the adventure gets another outlook when enjoying the stunning landscapes, still doing something relaxing and unique as a balloon journey happens to be! Believe that Pagosa has one very cool vantage point: an opportunity provided only from a trip in a hot air balloon! Several years back, our small group reserved the visit in air over a location near The Springs Resort & Spa which really created, very, very, that quiet time for my partner while soaring high!

Honestly imagine this. While at one given location, watching those sunrises/sunsets as it casts those stunning shades, right across the mountain valleys! I observed then what feels almost as silent when suspended very gently with one basket because everything became absolutely still yet, while floating very slightly while suspended over everything so small thousands measure that size on these landscapes lying far underneath everything as any air moves! You will probably locate options for rides located on this region although various factors impact the tours so think of researching these selections around a few resorts, possibly like these ones near those spots similar for The Springs so it happens so others too could potentially benefit getting a memorable air escape alongside any luxury break found there already. I guess while here at Pagosa don’t simply visit their Earth or these rapids still have a unique possibility so this occurs along the airy escapade from overtop every landscape; a good way as everything seems still quite simple though impressive right there!

Read our full review: Pagosa Springs Hot Air Balloon Full Review and Details

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