Kick off your Philmont trek with an unforgettable adventure through Colorado! Explore the epic Red Rocks Amphitheatre, dive into the action at Great Wolf Lodge, hike the awe-inspiring Garden of the Gods, and take on the Royal Gorge’s whitewater rapids. Packed with scenery, thrills, and fun, this tour ends with a smooth transfer to Philmont—acclimated, energized, and ready for the trail.
Arrive in Denver by 11:00 AM and rendezvous with your Blue Sky Adventures tour guide. We will be waiting for you and will get you underway as soon as possible. With your Blue Sky Adventures water bottle in hand, it’s time to get acclimated!
Your guide will be with you all day to make sure everything is fun and happens as planned. The guide will bring Colorado “alive” with stories of local legends, history and culture. This is the difference maker on a Blue Sky Adventure.
Lunch – A Scout is Hungry! We will have a bag lunch waiting for you on the vehicle. This gives you the flexibility to overcome potential travel delays and helps ensure ample time for sightseeing on your arrival day.
We are on our way to Morrison, Colorado just west of Denver to visit the world-famous Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre.
If you think Red Rocks Park is just a beautiful place to see a concert, think again! Around you are 868 acres of deer, fossils, pines and prairie, geological wonders and spectacular vistas. At 6,450 feet above sea level, Red Rocks Park is a terrific place to begin your acclimation!
We will hike the 1.5 loop trail and explore the Red Rocks Amphitheatre. This is a geological phenomenon! The only naturally occurring, acoustically perfect amphitheatre in the world. From Sting and The Beatles, to opera stars and U2, every artist aspires to play on this magical, spiritual and emotional stage.
We'll make a stop at the United States Air Force Academy Visitor Center for about 45 minutes. You'll have time to explore the exhibits, learn about cadet life, and take in views of the iconic Cadet Chapel from afar. It’s a quick but meaningful glimpse into one of the country’s premier military institutions.
Check in to the beautiful Great Wolf Lodge in Colorado Springs where there’s lots to do. Indoor pools, water park, arcades, mini golf, bowling alley, climbing wall, a ropes course and much more!
Spend the afternoon poolside or play in the arcade with your crew and other Scouts from all over the country--this is some Scout trip!
Dinner at the hotel is good food and lots of it! An “all you can eat”, Scout friendly buffet!
Hot, all you can eat full breakfast buffet - eggs, sausage, fresh fruit and more!
Experience one of nature’s true wonders, the Garden of the Gods!
First, see the exciting 15-minute film at the Visitor Center.
Then, we will do a terrific hike from Kissing Camels to Balanced Rock! See Gateway Rock, the spectacular Central Garden, Scotsman Rock, Siamese Twins, and more!!
Lunch and a visit to the charming town of Manitou Springs.
After you eat, enjoy 45 minutes of free time to explore the shops, mineral springs, and tourist attractions in this historic western town.
Enjoy a delicious dinner!
Hold on tight for whitewater rafting on the “Royal Gorge” section of the Arkansas River, the premier whitewater rafting experience in the Southwest. It doesn’t get any better than this!
Western style cookout dinner at our rafting
outfitter. Laughter and great food…What a way to end the day!
Evening spent enjoying the hot tub and pool at the Great Wolf Lodge!
Hot, all you can eat full breakfast buffet - eggs, sausage, fresh fruit and more!
Review your homebound departure day pick up procedures and get your Blue Sky Adventures “give-a-ways and advisor tips” to make your trek even better.
All aboard the Blue Sky Express! You will be at Philmont by 10:00 AM.
Depart Philmont on the 7:30 AM Blue Sky Express. Exact departure time may change based on our transportation schedule.
Lunch! Enjoy a meal you don’t have to mix with water!
Arrive DIA by 1:30 PM. Departure flight must leave after 3 PM.
Note 1: The full day one itinerary is based on arrival in Denver before 11 AM. Arrivals after 11 AM will visit the Air Force Academy in lieu of Red Rocks. Arrivals after 2 PM will skip the Air Force Academy.
Note 2: We can substitute Garden of the Gods climbing program for Garden Hike on morning of Day 2. Please see Ultimate Adventure for details on climbing program. There is a $75 surcharge for climbing.
