Blazing Adventures, Snowmass Village

Mountain-bikers cruise down unpaved roads past llama ranches. All these Colorado adventures are accessible even to first-timers and youngsters thanks to Blazing Adventures. The company was spawned on the whitewater in 1973, and today, its guides lead outdoor activities suited for all ages and adrenaline-tolerance levels.

On the more relaxing end of the spectrum, there's the Backcountry Sunset Dinner. As the colors of the setting sun paint the mountains, groups gather around a campfire for live music, s'mores, and a dinner fresh off the grill. The dinner can easily cap a day of adventure, spending it winding through high mountain passes in a fleet of Jeeps. At the other end of the spectrum is the company's half-day "Slaughterhouse Raft" whitewater excursion, which tests experienced rafters with a Class IV course along the Roaring Fork River, dotted with boulder gardens and a six-foot waterfall drop. Whatever the adventure, all of the guides keep things safe with their numerous credentials, including certifications in first aid, CPR, and stealing fire from the heavens.