No More Adventures At Our Age? Don’t Be Silly.

By Sharon Kurtz

Embracing new experiences and seeking adventures can bring fulfillment, personal growth, and a sense of vitality, regardless of age.

The stereotype that adventurous endeavors are reserved for the young is just flat wrong—life is an ongoing journey with endless possibilities for discovery and excitement. By maintaining a curious and open mindset, we can continue to explore the world, try new things, and create meaningful memories at any stage of life.

White Water Rafting?

I recently experienced the thrill of white water rafting with Echo Canyon River Expeditions in Cañon City, Colorado.

A mecca for outdoor adventures, the Royal Gorge is a spectacular canyon along the Arkansas River. The narrow gorge cuts through solid granite with vertical walls more than 1,000 feet high. Royal Gorge's history began in the late 1870s when miners were attracted to the upper Arkansas Valley in search of gold and silver.

It is located in southern Colorado and is easily accessible from the nearby metropolitan areas of Colorado Springs and Pueblo and only a 2-hour drive from Denver.  

Rafting the Royal Gorge.

Echo Canyon River Expeditions offers exciting rafting adventures that cater to a wide range of participants, from first-time adventurers to extreme thrill seekers. Providing everything from relaxing floats to level V rapids, individuals can choose the level of adventure that suits their preferences and comfort level. Finding that perfect balance between excitement and relaxation, this can be an excellent destination for a multi-generational vacation with the grandkids. Rafting season in Colorado typically runs from April to September.  

For those new to outdoor adventures, they provide a supportive and guided experience, ensuring safety while delivering an exciting and memorable journey. This can be an excellent opportunity for beginners to step out of their comfort zones, try something new, and discover their love for outdoor activitie

Your Colorado Getaway Accommodations.

Royal Gorge Cabins is a great home base for the action-packed Royal Gorge Region. Conveniently owned by the rafting company, they offerfirst-class amenities just across the road from Echo Canyon RiverExpeditions. It is close to an abundance of outdoor adventures and incredible mountain views. The luxurious nine cabins have fireplaces and wrap-around private patios, and they had glamping tents, too.  The sunset views of the Sangre de Cristo mountains are spectacular. The cabins have small kitchen facilities and an outdoor grill. Still, after a day on the water, I suggest the ease of the 8 Mile Bar & Grill for lunch or dinner right across the road.

Take a Historic Train Ride.

Riding the rails through the gorge along the river is a great way to view the magnificent scenery up close. The Royal Gorge Route Railroad is a heritage railway that combines the beauty of the Royal Gorge and the nostalgia of 1950s train travel through the Colorado Rockies. The daily 2-hour excursions run from the Santa Fe Depot through the Royal Gorge along the famous section of the former Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad.

Visit Royal Gorge Bridge and Park .

The Royal Gorge Bridge, built in 1929, is the tallest suspension bridge in North America. The views are magnificent from the top of the bridge towers to the Arkansas River below. Walk across the bridge, fly over the gorge on the Skycoaster, enjoy the thrill of a zipline, or ride the gondola across.

Take some time to do a little hiking and enjoy the views on several nature trails in the park. Or, for the very adventurous, the park is home to the newest Via Ferrata course in Southern Colorado.   The Royal Gorge guided climbing adventure leads visitors through the massive granite walls on a cable system with iron rungs safely secured as you traverse across and up the rock walls. I almost can’t believe it, but at 68 years old, this first-time climber completed two of the courses, proving we can do anything we set our minds to.  

Embracing New Experiences.

Age should never limit one's aspirations or sense of adventure. Being open to new experiences and seeking adventures can bring fulfillment, personal growth, and a sense of vitality at any age.

Sharon Kurtz is a freelance writer who shares her love for travel and food by exploring unique customs, cultures, and flavors at home and around the globe. Follow her on her website, Instagram or Facebook.