| Why do we take family vacations? Because it | | | | Rivers offer intermediate whitewater. The rapids |
| provides an escape from the everyday and some | | | | range from class II-IV on these runs and require |
| quality time to bond with one another, right? Does | | | | a higher degree of navigation and teamwork from |
| lounging next to a pool really accomplish that? | | | | the guide and the paddlers. Class III and IV rapids |
| How about getting the gang involved in something | | | | are comprised of larger waves, more rocks and |
| challenging? This year's vacation could be an | | | | quicker moving water. Guides instruct their crews |
| adventure. Somewhere in between lying on a | | | | before the trip on various commands and plenty |
| beach and climbing Everest, lies a great mountain | | | | of safety information. The team then works |
| getaway where luxury meets outdoor recreation. | | | | together to manage the rapids, with breaks of |
| Steamboat Springs, Colorado is that somewhere. | | | | milder water in between to admire the views and |
| Steamboat is home to many small companies | | | | learn a bit about the area. |
| offering all types of outdoor activities. Each of the | | | | There won't be too much time for sight seeing on |
| activities are unique yet all offer their participants | | | | the class IV/V rafting trip. Cross Mountain Canyon |
| exposure to the magic of the Rocky Mountain | | | | on the Yampa River is the ultimate in intense |
| wilderness. Options range from the mild and scenic | | | | whitewater and requires past paddling experience |
| to adrenaline stirring adventures. Its not a | | | | and good physical condition. Steamboat Springs is |
| challenge to find something for a group of all ages | | | | an epicenter for river adventure. Pick a mild trip, |
| to enjoy. | | | | pick a wild trip, but be sure to make the rivers of |
| Steamboat Springs is blessed with four great | | | | northwest Colorado part of your vacation. |
| rivers weaving through the area, making | | | | Fly Fishing is another way to incorporate the river |
| whitewater sports highly accessible to locals and | | | | into your summer getaway. Steamboat Springs is |
| visitors alike. River sports such as rafting and | | | | home to some of Colorado's best Gold Medal |
| kayaking can be practiced privately or | | | | fishing waters. Lake and stream (river) fly fishing |
| commercially. Commercial outfitters must carry | | | | trips are very popular all year round, with the |
| special permits for each river that they run. The | | | | peak season being May through September. Large |
| best months of the year for whitewater are May, | | | | Rainbow, Brook Trout and Cutthroat are plentiful |
| June, July and August. There are a handful of tour | | | | and the guides know where just where to cast a |
| companies in and around Steamboat that provide | | | | line. Guided fly fishing tours offer you the use of |
| a variety of guided river rafting trips for mild to | | | | the best equipment on the market and a variety |
| wild adventure. | | | | of public and private water to choose from. |
| The Upper Colorado River makes a great | | | | Beginners and experienced anglers will have a |
| introductory rafting experience. Its safe for | | | | memorable experience. |
| younger children, with mostly flat water and a | | | | For fun on dry-land in Steamboat, select from |
| few nice waves and small rapids. Another great | | | | horseback rides, cattle drives, ATV tours, hot air |
| choice for beginners and youngsters is one of | | | | balloon rides, biking, rock climbing, hiking and a |
| Steamboat's treasures; the Yampa River town | | | | heavy equipment play area where guests operate |
| stretch. Because of its close proximity to town | | | | bulldozers and excavators! Watch for part 2 of |
| and its class II+ rating (on a scale of I-V), this trip | | | | the Summer in Steamboat article series for more |
| is ideal! | | | | details on these fabulous outdoor activities. |
| For older children and adults, the Elk and Eagle | | | | |