Exploring Colorado by Train, Boat, or Hot Air Balloon
In the heart of southern Colorado, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad delivers an unforgettable journey through rugged wilderness about 330 miles southwest of Denver. This historic steam train chugs along 45 miles of scenic track between Durango and the old mining town of Silverton. Passengers wind through the Animas River Gorge, passing sheer cliffs and verdant forests with spectacular views of the San Juan Mountains. The train’s vintage cars and open-air gondolas evoke a bygone era, offering photo-worthy sights of cascading waterfalls and wildlife such as deer and eagles. Traveling in late spring through early fall enhances the experience—wildflowers bloom and rivers rush with snowmelt, making the landscapes especially vivid.
Near the town of Grand Lake, roughly 90 minutes northwest of Boulder, visitors find a water-based gateway to exploring Colorado’s rugged wilderness. Grand Lake sits on the western edge of Rocky Mountain National Park and is the state’s largest natural body of water. Renting a boat or paddleboard here brings you close to the towering peaks that line the horizon, including the dramatic silhouettes of the Never Summer Mountains. The lake’s calm waters mirror the sky and surrounding forest, creating an almost surreal backdrop for fishing or leisurely cruising. Early autumn is particularly magical, when the golden aspens glow brightly along the shoreline, contrasting beautifully with the deep blues of the lake.
In the northern reaches of the state, near Boulder, the town of Nederland offers a thrilling take on Colorado’s skyward adventures with its proximity to hot air balloon rides that launch in the nearby open spaces. Just a 30-minute drive from the city, these flights drift over the rugged foothills, offering sweeping views of the Continental Divide and the patchwork of forests, rivers, and alpine meadows below. Floating gently above the landscape at dawn reveals a panorama bathed in soft, warm light—perfect for capturing photos of the waking wilderness. The unique combination of easy access from a vibrant mountain town and the dramatic vistas makes this ballooning experience stand out among Colorado’s many outdoor offerings.
Further east, the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park sits about an hour and a half southwest of Denver near Cañon City, providing a dramatic vantage point over the Arkansas River. While the gorge is best known for its long suspension bridge, the Arkansas River itself invites boating enthusiasts to explore a thrilling stretch of whitewater rapids or calmer sections for scenic floats. Guided rafting trips launch near the park, threading through steep canyon walls carved over millennia. The gorge’s geology is mesmerizing—layers of red sandstone and granite reveal the Earth’s ancient history, while the towering cliffs give a sense of scale that’s rare in the state’s mountainous landscapes. Summer and early fall bring ideal water levels and warm temperatures, making for an exhilarating but safe river experience.
Returning to the San Juan Mountains, the historic mining town of Silverton offers access to unique rail excursions and surrounding trails about 45 minutes north of Durango. The Silverton Railroad Museum captures the town’s rich heritage, but the real adventure begins with the train rides that connect Silverton back to Durango, winding through alpine forests and alongside roaring streams. For those who prefer to stay on foot, the nearby Ice Lakes Trail starts just outside Silverton and climbs steadily through wildflower-filled meadows to shimmering turquoise alpine lakes at over 12,000 feet. The trail is rated moderately strenuous, rewarding hikers with some of the most vivid high-country scenery in the state. Late summer usually presents the best conditions, as snow has melted but the wildflowers are still in bloom.
On the western slope near Glenwood Springs, about 90 minutes west of Denver, the Colorado River offers another spectacular boating destination framed by dramatic canyon walls. Glenwood Canyon is accessible for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, where the river’s emerald waters carve through towering cliffs adorned with hanging gardens and ancient rock art. This stretch features calmer waters mixed with sections of whitewater, appealing to a range of paddling skill levels. The nearby Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park provides a thrilling alternative for visitors wanting to explore caves and mountain rides after a day on the river. Spring and early summer present the best balance of water flow and mild weather, perfect for combining river excursions with canyon hikes.
Far north near Fort Collins, the Cache la Poudre River offers a blend of history, nature, and recreation just 15 minutes from downtown. This federally designated Wild and Scenic River channels crystal-clear mountain water through steep canyons and broad valleys. Kayaking or floating here provides a peaceful way to see wildlife like bald eagles and otters against a backdrop of rugged rock formations and pine forests. The Poudre River Trail parallels much of the waterway, making it easy to combine paddling with hiking or biking. Early summer ensures higher water levels from snowmelt, which creates more dynamic rapids and vibrant riverbanks.
Finally, touching the skies once again, the town of Colorado Springs, about 70 miles south of Denver, offers hot air balloon rides that soar over the foothills and the iconic Garden of the Gods park. This red sandstone wonderland comes alive from above, its towering spires and arches illuminated by morning sun. Balloonists glide gently over the formations and nearby Pikes Peak, revealing a mix of desert flora and mountain grandeur that’s unique to this part of Colorado. Mornings in late summer or early fall bring crisp air and stable weather, ideal for ballooning adventures that combine natural beauty with a dash of exhilaration.