By Mary Anderson
Photos: Adventure Out West

Colorado’s 300 days of sun will shine brightly this weekend. Get outside and enjoy it with Adventures Out West and these epic outdoor experiences.

1. Hot Air Balloon Flight at Sunrise
Imagine the Rocky Mountain’s breathtaking alpenglow panoramic from 3,000 feet above the ground. Starting near the Colorado Springs Airport, Adventure West will take you above the clouds to take in the incredible views of the city’s backdrop or the beautiful high valley of South Park. Lasting about an hour, you’ll end the flight with a celebration of champagne, orange juice and breakfast in the field. Group and private reservations are available with four to 10 people per basket. But be prepared for Colorado’s less-than-predictable weather patterns. On average, 20 percent of flights get rescheduled due to weather. Luckily, Adventure West is well aware of this. With mobile command centers, several launch sites and rescheduling options, they’ll make sure you get the most of your experience, despite Mother Nature.
Planning your wedding? For adventurous couples, they’ll even let you say “I do” midair.

2. Jeep Tour
The famous Pikes Peak Cog Railway is closed. But that doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy the beauty Pikes Peak has to offer, the bumpy way. With “America the Beautiful” playing in your head, these guided Jeep tours offer the opportunity to see the stunning landscape that inspired the historic song. On the Garden of the Gods & Foothills Tour, you’ll ride through historic Old West mining towns, pass a 2,000-foot waterfall and traverse the iconic rock formations of Colorado Springs’ famous park. The High Country Extreme Tour is Adventures Out West’s most remote and scenic activity. With almost the entire tour on dirt roads, you’ll ride as high as 11,200 feet, taking in an incredible side view of “America’s Mountain.”

3. Segway Tour
Certainly, most visitors to Colorado Springs have driven or walked through Garden of the Gods Park. But with this Segway tour, you can experience the park in a new way, and without the crowded parking lots. The Juniper Loop Tour offers beginners the chance to experience unobscured views of the area’s iconic Kissing Camels, Sleeping Giant and more, learning about the cultural history of the park along the way. Recommended for experienced Segway riders, the Balanced Rock Tour features all the same sites as the Juniper Loop Tour, but with an extended trip out to Balanced Rock. It’s recommend you dress in layers and wear closed-toe shoes.

4. Zipline Tours
Combine adventure with mountain views on this zipline tour over the foothills of historic Manitou Springs. But, this isn’t your typical zipline. The course is carved into the natural-terrain. Varying in length from 200 feet to 650 feet, you’ll take off from cliff ledges, soaring 6,500 feet in the air over Gregory Gulch, landing in steep wooded forests. Need an extra adrenaline boost? Strap in belly down to see the view from a whole new angle.

5. Horseback Tours
Take in the Old West like a true cowboy (or cowgirl). Start by riding in an open-air Jeep through Old Stage Road and its railroad tunnels with a cowboy guide to tell historic tales along the way. Upon arriving at the Old Stage Riding Stables, you’ll take off on a one-hour scenic mountain horseback journey. Take in remarkable alpine overlooks and the fresh mountain air of Pike National Forest. The trip includes bottled water, sodas, light snacks and wool blankets.

Visit advoutwest.com for more information.