Colorado Activities before Your Trip to Philmont
Philmont Pre-Trek Adventure
Arrive in Denver a Day Early and Start Your Philmont Trip with a True Colorado Experience
Your Philmont Pre-Trek Adventure begins here: Coming into Denver before your Philmont adventure? This is the perfect way to make the most of your extra day and experience the best of Colorado. Choose one thrilling activity between whitewater rafting, a guided via ferrata climb, or an exhilarating zipline tour and we’ll handle every detail. From planning and coordination to all transportation, we take care of the logistics so you can focus entirely on the fun. Dive into Colorado’s landscapes, tackle an unforgettable adventure, and return ready and energized for the journey ahead at Philmont.
Philmont Pre-Trek Adventure Shuttle Transportation
Ride in comfort and style with Peak 1 Express, offering private van shuttle service directly between Denver International Airport (DEN) or Colorado Springs Airport (COS) and Philmont Scout Ranch. With room for up to 14 people and luggage in a single Sprinter van, it’s perfect for Scout troops, families, or groups traveling together. Their flexible scheduling, professional drivers, and door-to-door convenience mean you don’t have to worry about logistics. You can just focus on the adventure ahead!
Book your Philmont Pre-Trek Adventure, including shuttle transportation and Colorado activities, now.
AVA Adventures: Your Essential Colorado Experience
If you’re coming into Denver with a day to spare, there’s no better way to dive into Colorado’s wild side than with an AVA day-trip. Whether you want to charge down rapids, scale cliff-faces, or fly above the treetops, we’ve got you covered. Pick one of our signature Colorado adventures from rafting, ziplining, or via ferrata and just show up: we handle all the planning, gear, and transportation. These activities are part of your Philmont Pre-Trek Adventure experience:
Rafting
Live the thrill of Colorado’s iconic waterways with two standout rafting options. Our Gold Rush Clear Creek Rafting Adventure is a ⅓-day trip just 30 minutes from Denver, great for families and beginners as you paddle through 11 class III rapids. For a bigger adrenaline rush, try the Upper Clear Creek Half-Day Rafting trip, which takes you through steep and technical class IV rapids across 4 miles of powerful river. Both trips showcase lush canyon scenery, wildlife spotting, and the rugged beauty of Clear Creek. Whether you’re new to rafting or looking for heart-pounding rapids, AVA’s guides make it safe and easy to jump in.
Ziplining
Fly high above the forest on our Cliffside Zipline Half-Day course in Idaho Springs. This 6-line tour includes a dual race line, a hanging bridge, and a log cross, all built into the side of a cliff for maximum mountain vibes. You’ll climb into a zip truck for a scenic ride up the mountain, then hike a short distance to the launch platforms with big views of Chicago Creek and the Rockies below. It’s family-friendly, and AVA provides all the gear from helmets, harnesses, gloves so you only need to bring solid shoes and good energy.
Via Ferrata
Challenge yourself on the Mount Blue Sky Via Ferrata, where iron rungs, cables, and ladders are built into a mountainside to help you navigate cliff-faces with a constant safety system. As you climb, you’ll be harnessed in at all times with their two-cable system, so you never unclip both carabiners, making it accessible even if you’re new to climbing. Once you reach key points, you’ll fly across sections on ziplines, rappel down dramatic cliffs, and soak in panoramic views of Idaho Springs and Clear Creek below.
Learn More About AVA
Discover what makes AVA one of Colorado’s top adventure providers. From award-winning whitewater rafting trips to thrilling zipline and via ferrata tours, our team is dedicated to delivering unforgettable outdoor experiences. Explore our mission, our expert guides, and the passion behind every adventure we offer.
Why Travelers Love the Gaylord Rockies Resort in Denver
Just minutes from Denver International Airport, the Gaylord Rockies Resort offers a true Colorado escape without the long mountain drive. Guests love its blend of rustic-chic design, sweeping mountain views, and a massive lineup of amenities fit for families, groups, and business travelers alike. Whether you’re staying for a layover, a conference, or a weekend getaway, the resort delivers convenience, comfort, and plenty to do.
1. Conveniently Close to Denver International Airport (DIA)
The Gaylord Rockies is one of the closest full-service resorts to DIA, making it an ideal choice for travelers who want convenience without sacrificing a premium experience. Its location eliminates long commutes after a flight, helping guests settle in quickly and start enjoying their stay. With easy shuttle and ride-share access, navigating between the airport and the resort is seamless. Many business travelers choose the Gaylord specifically for its accessibility, especially for quick conferences or early-morning flights. For families, its proximity to DIA makes it a stress-free option when coordinating travel with kids and luggage.
2. Stunning Mountain Views and Rustic-Luxury Design
The resort is known for its dramatic architecture and interiors inspired by Colorado’s alpine landscapes. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame views of the Front Range, giving guests a true mountain feel even though they’re still in Denver. Natural materials, warm lighting, and lodge-inspired décor create an inviting, upscale atmosphere throughout the property. Visitors often comment on how spacious and visually impressive the lobby and common areas are. It’s a setting that feels both relaxing and elevated, perfect for special occasions or a “staycation” escape.
3. Endless On-Site Amenities, Including Pools, Dining, and Entertainment
The Gaylord Rockies features a huge range of amenities, from indoor and outdoor pools to a lazy river, fitness center, and spa. Guests can choose from multiple restaurants offering everything from casual bites to elevated dining experiences. Seasonal events, immersive exhibits, and holiday experiences keep the resort lively year-round. With so many activities available onsite, many travelers find they don’t even need to leave the property once they arrive. It’s a top pick for families, couples, and groups who want all-in-one convenience.
4. Family-Friendly Activities and Spacious, Comfortable Rooms
Families love the resort for its kid-friendly attractions, including water features, organized activities, and themed seasonal programming. Rooms are designed with comfort and space in mind, making it easy for families to spread out and relax. Many accommodations offer mountain or city views, adding an extra level of enjoyment to the stay. The resort’s layout makes it simple for families to navigate between amenities, restaurants, and their rooms. Whether staying for one night or several, the Gaylord offers an experience that keeps both parents and kids happy.
What the Booking Process Looks Like
Here’s how you book and what to expect when you use the “Philmont Pre-Trek Adventure” adventure package from Peak 1 Express. Because you are able to choose not only standard shuttle service but also the vehicle type, adventure package (rafting, zip-lining, via ferrata), pickup lodging address, group size, and exact dates/times, the booking process can take a bit longer than a typical one-click trip. This extra time reflects the flexibility of building a fully customized travel plan tailored to your troop’s schedule and preferences.
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1. Visit the Booking Page
Start your reservation directly through our online booking portal.
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2. Select Your Adventure Package
Choose the adventure you’d like to pair with transportation:
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3. Choose Your Vehicle Type
Select the 14 Passenger Sprinter Shuttle for your group. It’s one price for the full group, and the adventure price is based on how many people in your group are participating.
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4. Pick Your Dates & Times
Choose both your adventure time and your transportation schedule to Philmont.
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5. Add Trip Details
Provide important information like your hotel or lodging address for pickup, total group size, and Scout troop number.
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6. Enter Contact Information
Add your primary contact email and phone number so we can send confirmations and updates.
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7. Complete Payment
Finalize your booking and keep an eye out for your confirmation email.
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8. Arrival Day: Follow Pickup Instructions
Once you land, follow the shuttle pickup instructions included in your confirmation to meet your driver and begin your adventure.
Philmont Adventure FAQs
What is included with the Philmont Pre-Trek Adventure?
The Philmont Pre-Trek Adventure includes private shuttle transportation for your group plus the option to add unforgettable Colorado adventures before heading to Philmont. Groups can customize their experience with activities such as whitewater rafting, ziplining, or via ferrata, all coordinated around your travel schedule. This package is designed to simplify logistics, maximize your time in Colorado, and give your crew an exciting, stress-free start to their Philmont trek.
Why should we arrive in Denver a day early before our Philmont trip?
Arriving early gives your group a buffer for travel delays while also providing the perfect chance to experience Colorado’s stunning landscapes. With AVA adventures located close to Denver, you can enjoy rafting, ziplining, or a via ferrata climb without straying far from the city. It’s an easy way to add excitement to your itinerary and start your Philmont adventure energized rather than rushed.
What activities can we choose from for the Philmont Arrival Adventure?
You can choose one adventure: whitewater rafting, a guided via ferrata climb, or a thrilling zipline tour. Each experience is beginner-friendly, professionally guided, and showcases the natural beauty of Colorado. All transportation and logistics are handled for you, so you just show up and enjoy.
Is transportation included for our adventure day?
Yes, all logistics and transportation are fully handled. You’ll be picked up, taken to your AVA adventure of choice, and driven back afterward. The goal is to make the experience seamless so your group can focus on the fun, not the planning.
How does private transportation to Philmont work?
Peak 1 Express offers private Sprinter vans that seat up to 14 passengers plus luggage. They provide door-to-door service between Denver International Airport (DEN), Colorado Springs Airport (COS), and Philmont Scout Ranch. This is ideal for Scout crews, families, or groups traveling together who want a smooth, coordinated transfer.
Why do travelers like staying at the Gaylord Rockies before or after Philmont?
The Gaylord Rockies is just minutes from DIA, making it incredibly convenient for travel days. Guests enjoy its mountain-inspired design, huge range of amenities, indoor/outdoor pools, dining options, and family-friendly activities. It provides a relaxing, resort-style experience without the long drive into the mountains.
How far are the AVA adventure locations from Denver?
Most adventures, including Clear Creek rafting, ziplining, and the via ferrata, are located in Idaho Springs, roughly 30–40 minutes from Denver. This makes them an ideal option for groups arriving a day early who want a true Colorado experience without significant travel time.
What Others Are Saying about AVA
★★★★★
One of the best times we have ever had as a group! Thank you so much for the amazing time zip lining, as someone scared of heights, I cannot recommend this enough- you will get over your fear and have fun and laugh the whole time.
Margo (Sep 2025)
★★★★★
We had a great day on Browns Canyon and Via Ferrata. All of the guides were awesome!
Matthew T. (July 2025)