Seeking a rejuvenating outdoor adventure near Denver? The Birding Hike and Hot Spring Soak could be the perfect escape. This 8-hour excursion combines a guided nature walk through a scenic forest with a soothing soak in mineral-rich hot springs. Along the way, participants can spot diverse wildlife and enjoy breathtaking mountain views. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply in need of some relaxation, this experience promises an unforgettable journey into the great outdoors.
Key Points
- A full-day outdoor adventure that combines birdwatching in a spruce-fir forest with a relaxing soak in mineral-rich hot springs.
- Includes hotel pickup/drop-off, a professional naturalist guide, optics, traction devices, snacks, water, and hot drinks.
- Offers opportunities to spot wildlife like Pine Marten, Snowshoe Hare, and Red Squirrel during the 2.5-hour birding hike.
- Provides a 2-hour visit to a hot spring with a guided tour, allowing participants to unwind and recharge.
- Not suitable for those with mobility issues, and additional fees apply for optional lunch and hot spring entry for more than two guests.
Activity Overview
The activity is a Birding Hike and Hot Spring Soak offered from Denver, priced at Kč 6,325 per person and lasting 8 hours.
Guests can reserve now and pay later. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a professional naturalist guide, optics, traction devices, snacks, water, and hot drinks.
Guests can reserve now and pay later. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a professional naturalist guide, optics, traction devices, snacks, water, and hot drinks.
Participants can soak in a mineral water swimming pool. Lunch at a local restaurant is optional.
The tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility issues. Customers highlight the flexibility, guide’s knowledge, and the enjoyable blend of learning, hiking, and relaxation.
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Itinerary Details
Pickup location for the tour is Denver, and transportation is provided via Jeep/SUV for the 45-minute drive to Clear Creek County.
The itinerary includes:
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Sightseeing and hiking for 2.5 hours through the spruce-fir forest.
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An optional 1-hour lunch at a local restaurant.
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A 2-hour visit to a hot spring with a guided tour.
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A 40-minute return trip to Denver.
Note that the itinerary is subject to change.
After the hiking and sightseeing, guests can relax and unwind in the soothing waters of the hot spring.
Guided Experience
During the birding hike, a naturalist guide leads the way through the spruce-fir forest, sharing insights about the subalpine ecology and helping participants spot wildlife like Pine Marten, Snowshoe Hare, Red Squirrel, Clark’s Nutcracker, Canada Jay, Brown-capped Rosy Finch, and Pine Grosbeak.
The hike covers less than 2 miles round trip, with a moderate challenge at the high elevation. A hot drink is provided while taking in the mountain views.
The guided experience blends learning, hiking, and relaxation, giving participants an enjoyable and informative outdoor adventure.
Inclusions and Exclusions
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a professional naturalist guide, binoculars and spotting scope, spikes and/or snowshoes, snacks, water, and a hot drink.
Lunch, alcohol, and entry for the 3rd and 4th guests to the hot springs are excluded. Additional fees may apply for:
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Lunch (optional)
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Towel rental ($3.50)
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Entry for the 3rd and 4th guests to the hot springs ($25 per person)
Gratuities are also not included.
The tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility impairments, and participants should bring swimwear, a towel, and warm clothing.
More Great Tours NearbyImportant Information
Although the tour isn’t suitable for people with mobility impairments, participants should bring swimwear, a towel, and warm clothing.
Towel rental is available at the hot springs for $3.50.
The overall rating for this experience is 5/5 based on 3 reviews, highlighting the flexibility, knowledge of the guide, and the enjoyable blend of learning, hiking, and relaxation.
The experience earns a perfect 5/5 rating for its flexibility, knowledgeable guide, and engaging mix of learning, hiking, and relaxation.
Customers can expect a naturalist-guided birding hike through a spruce-fir forest, where they’ll learn about subalpine ecology and search for wildlife.
The hot spring soak provides a chance to relax and take in the mountain views.
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Pickup Location and Transportation
The experience begins with pickup from a centralized location in Denver. Guests are transported in a comfortable Jeep or SUV for the 45-minute drive to Clear Creek County.
The journey provides stunning mountain views and a preview of the day’s activities.
The transportation:
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Ensures a seamless start to the adventure
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Allows for a stress-free transfer to the hiking trails
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Offers a glimpse of the picturesque landscape
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Lays the foundation for an immersive, nature-focused exploration.
Wildlife Spotting Opportunities
As guests embark on the naturalist-guided birding hike, they’ll have the chance to spot an array of fascinating wildlife in the spruce-fir forest.
Guides will help them search for elusive Pine Martens, nimble Snowshoe Hares, and chatty Red Squirrels.
Overhead, they may spot the acrobatic Clark’s Nutcracker, hear the call of the Canada Jay, and glimpse the vibrant Brown-capped Rosy Finch and Pine Grosbeak.
The hike’s moderately challenging terrain and high elevation provide an immersive mountain experience as guests learn about the local ecology and ecosystems from their knowledgeable guide.
Relaxation at the Hot Springs
After the invigorating hike, guests can look forward to the rejuvenating soak in the mineral-rich hot springs.
The hot springs offer a blissful respite, with soothing waters that soothe aching muscles and nourish the skin.
Soothing waters that soothe aching muscles and nourish the skin – the blissful respite of the hot springs.
Guests can:
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Bask in the serene ambiance, surrounded by breathtaking mountain views
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Indulge in the therapeutic benefits of the mineral-infused waters
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Unwind and recharge in the tranquil atmosphere
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Emerge feeling refreshed, revitalized, and ready to continue the adventure.
The hot spring soak is the perfect complement to the birding hike, providing a harmonious blend of exploration and relaxation.
Ask Away
Do We Need to Bring Our Own Binoculars?
No, binoculars are included in the tour. The tour provider will supply binoculars and a spotting scope for participants to use during the birding hike portion of the experience.
Is the Hiking Trail Suitable for Children?
The hiking trail is moderately challenging at high elevation, so it may not be suitable for young children. The tour operator recommends it only for participants with good mobility and fitness levels.
Can We Extend Our Time at the Hot Springs?
The activity’s itinerary includes 2 hours at the hot springs, but customers can’t extend their time. However, they can pay an additional fee to bring extra guests to the hot springs if they’d like to spend more time there.
What Is the Minimum Group Size for This Tour?
The minimum group size for this tour is not specified. However, the activity overview notes that the price is per person, indicating it’s suitable for individual bookings. The tour likely runs with any number of participants.
Is There an Option to Add a Photography Guide?
There’s no explicit option to add a photography guide, but given the diverse wildlife and natural scenery, a photography enthusiast could likely benefit from the expertise of the naturalist guide. Inquiring about this possibility when booking may be worthwhile.
Final Words
Experience the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation with the Birding Hike and Hot Spring Soak from Denver. Enjoy a scenic drive, hike through a stunning forest, and soak in mineral-rich hot springs amidst breathtaking mountain views. This excursion offers an unforgettable escape into nature, combining wildlife spotting and therapeutic relaxation for an unparalleled outdoor adventure.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Spa & Hot Springs in Denver
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