Colorado’s Best: Raft, Balloon & Ride Horses With Your Grandchild

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Deposit, Transfer & Cancellation Policy

Deposit at Enrollment: 100
Final payment due: 59 days before departure date

Note: These fees apply to at least one date of this program, but may vary by date.

Date

fee will be applied if you do not call Road Scholar Participant Services at least one business day prior to the program start date.

Transfer Fee: 100 % of order total

Cancel Fee: 100 % of order total

less than 14 days prior to program start date

Transfer Fee: 50 % of order total

Cancel Fee: 50 % of order total

55 to 14 days prior to program start date

Cancel Fee: $200.00

119 to 56 days prior to program start date

Cancel Fee: $100.00

up to 120 days prior to program start date

Cancel Fee: $50.00

up to 14 days prior to program start date

Transfer Fee: $0.00

Date	Transfer Fee	Cancel Fee
fee will be applied if you do not call Road Scholar Participant Services at least one business day prior to the program start date.	100 % of order total	100 % of order total
less than 14 days prior to program start date	50 % of order total	50 % of order total
55 to 14 days prior to program start date		$200.00
119 to 56 days prior to program start date		$100.00
up to 120 days prior to program start date		$50.00
up to 14 days prior to program start date	$0.00

COVID-19 Vaccination Policy

For the greatest peace of mind and protection, we require all Road Scholar participants to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, including having received all recommended boosters if eligible.

Road Scholar Program Terms and Conditions

How to Enroll in a Program

Call Us or Enroll Online To enroll

Please call us toll free at (877) 426-8056, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. ET. You may also enroll online at www.roadscholar.org. To reserve space on a program, Road Scholar requires a deposit followed by final payment.

Road Scholar is Not-For-Profit

Road Scholar is a not-for-profit 501 (c)(3) organization that incurs over $5 million annually on credit card fees. Please help us reduce this cost by paying for your program with a check. Please consider our paperless check option when paying on the phone or over the Internet. Our Advisors are happy to explain this payment option to you.

Tax-Deductible Donations

As a not-for-profit organization, we appreciate and rely on charitable donations to help us develop and maintain high-quality educational programs with exceptional value. Donations from U.S. citizens are tax-deductible as provided by law. As Road Scholar is not a registered charity in Canada, donations are not tax deductible for Canadian citizens.

Financial Assistance

Road Scholar offers two kinds of assistance: Scholarships, for those with desire but not the financial means to participate in our U.S.- or Canada-based learning adventures; and Caregiver Grants, designed to provide a unique respite opportunity for unpaid family caregivers to participate in a U.S.- or Canada-based Road Scholar program. Visit https://www.roadscholar.org/about/financial-assistance/scholarships, email us at scholarships@roadscholar.org, or call us toll free at (877) 426-8056.

General Program Information

Activity Level Ratings

Each Road Scholar program is assigned an Activity Level rating, ranging from Easy Going to Challenging, which are noted on program webpages. Try our Advanced Search tool to find programs that match your activity level. If you have special needs, or need a little extra help in finding the right program for your level of fitness and ambition, please call us and we’ll work to find options for you.

Disabilities and Special Needs

Road Scholar is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to participants with special needs and disabilities. If you have special needs requiring accommodation, please communicate them to Road Scholar at the time of enrollment. We will discuss your request with you and make every effort to accommodate you.

Service Learning

Our Service Learning programs bring participants together to work as a team to serve worthy projects. Road Scholar and sponsoring service institutions are not-for-profit organizations and are tax-exempt under Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The program price may qualify as a tax-deductible gift. However, since individual circumstances vary, we suggest participants contact their tax advisors.

Included Emergency Assistance and Medical Evacuation Insurance

Road Scholar’s continued commitment to our participants and their well-being is exemplified in our Road Scholar Assurance Plan. Whether participating on a program in the United States or on one of our programs overseas, every Road Scholar participant receives coverage under the Road Scholar Assurance Plan. This plan is purchased by Road Scholar on behalf of every participant. The plan provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program and insurance for emergency medical evacuation. This plan includes insurance benefits underwritten by Arch Insurance Company and emergency assistance services provided by LiveTravel Assist. To learn more about this plan, including its terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions, and to view and download a certificate of insurance, please visit: www.roadscholar.org/about/included-insurance/

Travel Health

In addition to maintaining necessary vaccinations, including seasonal influenza vaccination, Road Scholar recommends all participants consult with their physician, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Department of State regarding their health condition and any recommendations specific to the destinations they will visit or transit well before departure. While Road Scholar does its best to provide pertinent information regarding international health requirements and travel health precautions for travel abroad, please remember we are not health experts and can only share with you the recommendations made by the CDC and the US Department of State. It It is therefore your responsibility to consult with your physician and/or contact the CDC for health information specific to your travel destination. Your physician will be able to assess your overall health and fitness, provide information and guidance on health risks you may encounter while traveling, medication you may need to take, and other precautions for the prevention of injury and illness during your program.

Here is guidance from the Centers for Disease Control on how to avoid contracting and spreading an illness.

Only travel if you are healthy. Stay home if you are sick, displaying any symptoms of potential sickness.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

For those looking for additional resources on this topic, we recommend trusted sources such as your physician, the US Department of State, CDC, and WHO.

U.S. Department of State: www.travel.state.gov
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): www.cdc.gov/travel
World Health Organization (WHO): www.who.int/

Your health and safety are of the utmost importance to us. Click here to learn more about Road Scholar’s commitment to our participants’ well-being and the steps you can take to keep yourself healthy when traveling, or visit www.roadscholar.org/practical-information/general-health-safety/

Please also be sure to review our Travel Updates webpage for the latest travel information. Click here to review our Travel Updates page, or visit www.roadscholar.org/policies/

Domestic Travel Arrangements

Programs in the United States and Canada require independent arrivals and departures unless otherwise stated, meaning that you must make your own travel arrangements to and from the program site. If you are flying to your program, you will be responsible for getting yourself from the airport to the starting location of your program and returning to the airport at the end. Please keep in mind that many airlines assess penalties if you need to change or cancel your ticket— up to 100 percent of the ticket price in certain cases — for which you will be responsible. Please also be aware that Road Scholar may occasionally have to alter a program in a way that affects flight schedules, and you will be responsible for changing your flight arrangements and paying applicable fees. For the greatest protection, we recommend waiting until 60 days prior to your program in the United States or Canada to purchase airfare.

International Travel Arrangements

Road Scholar Can Help Arrange Your International Airfare

Almost all of our international programs can be purchased with airfare arranged by Road Scholar. We have negotiated special international rates with major airlines. A list of departure cities can be found by visiting our website or calling to speak with one of our experienced Advisors. As an added benefit, guaranteed airport transfers on the program’s published start and end date are included with your international air travel when arranged through Road Scholar. If your preferred airport is not listed, or you would like to travel on a different day, travel in premium or business class, specify the airline or routing, or travel independently before or after our program, we are happy to customize and create a personalized air travel itinerary to meet your needs. Select the “Custom Flight Arrangements” option and then the airport you want, or discuss your flight preferences with one of our expert air Travel Advisors.

Arranging Your Own International Airfare

If you choose to make your own international air travel arrangements, you will be responsible for getting yourself from the airport to the starting location of your program and returning to the airport at the end. Please keep in mind that many airlines assess penalties if you need to change or cancel your ticket— up to 100 percent of the ticket price in certain cases — for which you will be responsible. Please also be aware that Road Scholar may occasionally have to alter a program in a way that affects flight schedules, and you will be responsible for changing your flight arrangements and paying applicable fees. For the greatest protection, we recommend waiting until 90 days prior to your International program to purchase airfare,

Road Scholar Optional Trip Protection with “Cancel for Any Reason” Coverage

The optional Road Scholar Trip Protection Plan helps protect your investment if you must cancel or interrupt your program for specified, covered reasons, such as illness or injury to you, your traveling companion or an immediate family member of you or your traveling companion. Plus, if you need to cancel your program for any reason not covered by insurance, you will receive a credit good for future travel with Road Scholar for the full amount of the Road Scholar cancellation fee. The plan also provides benefits if you are delayed getting to or returning home from your program and protects your investment should you have an emergency during your program that causes you to miss program days or return home earlier than expected. Your airfare, whether purchased through Road Scholar or independently, is covered at no additional cost — an exceptional benefit and value offered exclusively to Road Scholar participants. You will receive information about this optional travel insurance plan when you enroll in a program. To learn more about this plan, including its terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions, and to view and download a certificate of insurance, please visit: www.roadscholar.org/about/protection-plan.

Additional Program Information

Our goal is to make sure our participants have the most enjoyable and rewarding program experience possible. Whether you are considering one of Road Scholar’s many educational adventures or are currently enrolled in a program, we highly recommend you review the additional program information available in the Practical Information section on our website. The section includes a wide range of topics and information -- everything from how to choose the perfect program to traveling solo to insurance. Please visit www.roadscholar.org/practical-information, or call us (877) 426-8056 if you have specific questions.

Program Policies

Deposit, Transfer and Cancellation Policy

Road Scholar requires deposits for all its programs, and charges fees if you transfer or cancel your enrollment. Deposits and fees vary between programs. Please refer to the Deposit, Transfer & Cancellation Policy on program webpages for specific deposit amounts, and transfer and cancellation fee schedules.

About Program Details and Itineraries

We make every effort to operate our programs as advertised. The information on our website is updated regularly, and reflects the most up to date information. We are committed to providing participants with final program details no later than three weeks before the start of land programs within the United States, four weeks for programs International and Afloat programs. and one week for online programs. However, itineraries or other aspects of a program may change due to situations beyond the control. If this happens we will do our best to notify you of the change prior to arriving on your program. We ask you to pack a little extra patience and flexibility, just in case there are last-minute changes to your program.

If Road Scholar Cancels or Interrupts a Program

Road Scholar reserves the right to cancel programs prior to departure, terminate a program early, and to take action as needed on an individual or group basis when, in Road Scholar’s opinion, the health, safety or well-being of participants requires such action. Additionally, due to low enrollment or other unforeseen circumstances, Road Scholar must occasionally cancel or change the dates of a program. When that occurs we will notify you as far in advance as possible and will assist you in transferring your enrollment to another program or refunding your full Road Scholar program payment. If you have made transportation arrangements, such as an airline ticket purchase, Road Scholar will give you a credit good for future travel with Road Scholar to help cover the cost of transferring your travel arrangements for use on a replacement program. The maximum value of the credit will be $300 and documentation of your paid fees is required before issuance of the credit.

Accuracy of Information

While every effort is made to provide accurate information on our website and in our catalogs, Road Scholar is not responsible for typographical errors, inaccuracies or omissions that may relate to program descriptions, pricing, and availability. Road Scholar reserves the right to correct any errors, inaccuracies or omissions that may appear in our publications, and to change or update information at any time without prior notice. If you discover an error on our website or catalog, please let us know.

Program Pricing

As a not-for-profit organization, we are dedicated to providing exceptional educational opportunities at a remarkable value. We do everything in our power to ensure that the published program price is the price you pay. On occasion, costs we can’t anticipate and that are beyond our control arise and may be passed along to you. If this occurs, we will let you know as soon as possible.

Terms and Conditions

Program Selection
We want every participant to have a safe, enjoyable and rewarding program experience. The travel and activities of Road Scholar programs require participants to be in good general health and capable of performing all program activities as described by the program description and its corresponding Activity Level. As a group travel experience, participants must be capable of caring for themselves during the program and agree not to impede the progress of the program or interfere with the enjoyment of other participants. Participants are required to disclose known medical and physical conditions that may interfere with their safety and well being or the safety and well being of others during this program. Road Scholar may limit or terminate the participation in the program at the participant’s expense and without refund any participants who fail to disclose all medical information or do not honestly assess their physical capabilities in advance. With this information in mind, carefully consider the travel and program demands as described on the Road Scholar website, and consult with your physician about your travel plans.

Responsibility

Road Scholar’s responsibility is limited. Road Scholar organizes, promotes, and sells educational programs consisting of certain travel services, including land, air, and water transportation, excursions, and cruise/barge/hotel accommodations that Road Scholar purchases or reserves from various suppliers (collectively, “Suppliers”). Road Scholar neither owns nor operates any of these Suppliers; they are independent contractors and are not Road Scholar’s agents. Therefore, Road Scholar is not responsible for any negligent or willful act or failure to act of any Supplier or any other third party. You agree that you will look to such Suppliers, and not to Road Scholar or its agents, for any accident, injury, property damage, or personal loss you may suffer. Without limitation, Road Scholar is not responsible for any injury, loss, or damage to person or property, death, delay, or inconvenience in connection with the provision of, or failure to provide, any goods or services occasioned by or resulting from — but not limited to — acts of God or force majeure, acts of war or civil unrest, insurrection or revolt, strikes or other labor activities, criminal or terrorist activities of any kind, mechanical or other failure of airplanes or other means of transportation, or the failure of any transportation mechanism to arrive or depart on time, or for any other cause beyond the direct control of Road Scholar.

Safety & Risks

Certain risks — from natural disasters to accidents, outbreaks of illness, crime, insect-borne and other infectious diseases, environmental risks to health, terrorism and other unforeseen events — are inherent in travel. While such occurrences are beyond our control, we make substantial efforts to be prepared for such possibilities. Participants are encouraged to review the safety and travel information provided by the U.S. Department of State and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to learn about current security issues, travel advisories and warnings, recent embassy notices, country-specific health information, health risks you may encounter while traveling, precautions for the prevention of illness, disease and general health issues during your program and other helpful destination-specific information. By enrolling in a program, you agree to assume responsibility for your own health, safety, and welfare, and acknowledge that Road Scholar cannot guarantee your safety or health at any time.

Admission & Participation Policy

The granting or denial of admission to a program is within the sole discretion of Road Scholar. Road Scholar reserves the right to revoke admission or terminate or limit participation at any time if Road Scholar reasonably determines a participant’s condition, behavior or actions are inappropriate or disruptive, or adversely affect the participant’s health or safety, or the health, safety or enjoyment of other participants. Road Scholar reserves the right to take action as needed on an individual or group basis when, in Road Scholar’s sole opinion, the health, safety or well-being of participants requires such action.

Photography and Video

Road Scholar reserves the right to take photographs, videos or audio/visual recordings during the operation of any program or part thereof and to use them, whether taken by a representative of Road Scholar or by other participants, for promotional purposes. By enrolling in a Road Scholar program, participants agree to allow their images or recordings to be used for such purposes. Participants who prefer that their images or recordings not be used are asked to identify themselves to program staff and the photographer at the commencement of their program. For Road Scholar online programs, all audio or video recordings, content and materials are the property of Road Scholar. Participants are prohibited from taking screen captures, or making, copying or distributing all or part of any audio or video recordings of online programs.

Online Program Terms

If you enroll in one of Road Scholar’s online programs, you are responsible for the integrity of the device on which you will attend this online program, as well as your own high-speed internet connection. Road Scholar is not responsible for outages or interruptions in internet service. Road Scholar cannot and will not provide recordings, content or materials, or provide reimbursement of any kind, for missed portion(s) of your online program, regardless of the reason.

Seller of Travel Information

Road Scholar’s state of Washington Seller of Travel Reg. No. 602244658. CST #2068427-40. Florida Seller of Travel Reg. No. ST35594.

Modifications to Terms and Conditions

Road Scholar reserves the right at any time to update, change, modify, or revise these Terms and Conditions at any time. Any changes will become effective upon posting the changes, modifications or revisions to the Terms and Conditions. Accordingly, participants should review Road Scholar’s Terms and Conditions regularly prior to travel in order to ensure they are aware of any changes.

2022 Elderhostel. All rights reserved. The Road Scholar service marks, logos, website address and other marks are owned by Elderhostel, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to inspiring adults to learn, discover and travel.

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Optional Trip Protection Plan

6 days

5 nights

13 meals

5B 4L 4D

1

Check-in, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner

Steamboat Springs, CO

2

River Ecology, Yampa River Rafting, Hot Air Balloon Workshop

Steamboat Springs, CO

3

Hike Fish Creek Falls, Mesa Schoolhouse

Steamboat Springs, CO

4

Launch Tissue Paper Hot Air Balloons, Horseback Ride

Steamboat Springs, CO

5

Hot Air Balloon Ride, Steamboat Lake State Park

Steamboat Springs, CO

6

Program Concludes

Steamboat Springs, CO

View Full Itinerary

At a Glance

Venture out to the Old West with your grandchild in tow as you explore together by land, water and air! Raft down a river through rugged scenery and ride back in time on horseback. Hike to 280-foot Fish Creek Falls. Learn about hot-air balloons, build your own prototype, then soar above the Yampa Valley in the basket of the Wild West Hot Air Balloon! This is a mountain adventure you’ll never forget.

Small Group

Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

Best of all, you’ll…

Raft down a section of the Yampa River, experiencing white water rapids and beautiful scenery along the way.
Gather by the coral at a local ranch to meet the wranglers who operate it, and meet your new four-legged friend for a horseback ride with mountain views.
Learn about hot-air balloons, build your own prototype, then soar above the Yampa Valley in the basket of the Wild West Hot Air Balloon!

General Notes

Program is for grandchildren ages 10-13. Due to the nature of this program, listening devices are not available. Hot air balloons cannot fly in excessively windy conditions for safety reasons. Although cancellations happen infrequently, it remains a possibility. Alternate activities can vary based on date and other options available, but in the past have included a visit to Steamboat Resort for a scenic gondola and thrilling mountain coaster ride.

Featured Expert

All Experts

Ryan Kirkpatrick

Ryan Kirkpatrick is the director of operations for Mountains & Plains Institute for Lifelong Learning and Service, and has led hundreds of Road Scholar programs since 2003. A native of Colorado, Ryan has a master’s in sports science, is a Wilderness First Responder, and a “Master Naturalist” for the city of Fort Collins. In addition, he is an ASEP certified instructor and received his Level 1 USATF Coaching Certification from the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. He is also a volunteer nordic ski ranger for the Colorado State Forest, and as a photographer is a member of Canon Professional Services.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Ryan Kirkpatrick View biography

Ryan Kirkpatrick is the director of operations for Mountains & Plains Institute for Lifelong Learning and Service, and has led hundreds of Road Scholar programs since 2003. A native of Colorado, Ryan has a master’s in sports science, is a Wilderness First Responder, and a “Master Naturalist” for the city of Fort Collins. In addition, he is an ASEP certified instructor and received his Level 1 USATF Coaching Certification from the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. He is also a volunteer nordic ski ranger for the Colorado State Forest, and as a photographer is a member of Canon Professional Services.

Suggested Reading List (3 books)

Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop

You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.

Search for a Title

Scenic Driving Colorado, 3rd (Scenic Routes & Byways)

by Stewart M. Green

This guidebook offers travel and historical information for 30 visually stunning driving routes, from Pawnee National Grassland of the Great Plains to Rocky Mountain National Park, the San Juan Mountains, and the deserts of the Colorado Plateau.

Steamboat: Ski Town USA

by Tom Bie

Steamboat Springs, Colorado, is an uncommon mountain town-part cowboy capital, part internationally renowned winter sports playground. It's a magical place, where snow falls in prodigious amounts and Olympians seem to sprout like weeds. "Steamboat: Ski Town USA captures it all. From the earliest ski jumpers on Howelsen Hill to the nordic skiers and freestylers of today, from the legendary tree skiing on Mount Werner to the remarkable fly-fishing on the Yampa River, this book captures the essence of both the town and the resort as never before.

Centennial

by James A. Michener

Written to commemorate the Bicentennial in 1976, James A. Michener’s magnificent saga of Colorado is an enthralling celebration of the frontier. Brimming with the glory of America’s past, the story of Colorado—the Centennial State—is manifested through its people: Lame Beaver, the Arapaho chieftain and warrior, and his Comanche and Pawnee enemies; Levi Zendt, fleeing with his child bride from the Amish country; the cowboy, Jim Lloyd, who falls in love with a wealthy and cultured Englishwoman, Charlotte Seccombe. In Centennial, trappers, traders, homesteaders, gold seekers, ranchers, and hunters are brought together in the dramatic conflicts that shape the destiny of Colorado and the West.

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6 days

5 nights

13 meals

5 B 4 L 4 D

DAY

1

Check-in, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner

Steamboat Springs, CO

D

Rabbit Ears Motel

Activity note: Motel check-in available from 3:00 p.m.

Afternoon: Program Registration and Orientation, Dinner. After you have your room assignment, join us at 5:00 pm in the motel meeting room to register with the program staff and get your welcome packet containing the up-to-date schedule that reflects any changes, other important information. Orientation-The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. The motel is across the street from the hot springs complex for which daily complimentary passes will be available. This is a Road Scholar Grandparent program. Grandparents are responsible for their grandchildren. If/when separate age group activities are conducted concurrently, program staff will supervise. Children are never to be left unsupervised. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

Dinner: In the motel conference room, we’ll have a buffet with soft drinks, juice, lemonade, coffee, tea, water included.

Evening: At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

DAY

2

River Ecology, Yampa River Rafting, Hot Air Balloon Workshop

Steamboat Springs, CO

B,L,D

Rabbit Ears Motel

Activity note: Walking approximately 1/2 mile total throughout the day; level ground, sidewalks. Driving about 10 miles roundtrip; approximately 1/2 hour total. Getting in/out of rafts; rafting approximately 6 miles; about 1 hour, depending on water level.

Breakfast: At the motel, we’ll have a breakfast buffet featuring a variety of hot and cold items, plus milk, juice, coffee, tea, water.

Morning: In our classroom we’ll learn about the local river ecology and watershed from our expert staff. Next, we’ll travel by vans to the raft put-in location where we will meet our local rafting experts for a safety and technique orientation before climbing in our rafts and setting out on a beautiful river adventure. We’ll experience the excitement as we raft through rugged scenery and exciting rapids. If the river is below a certain water level, rafts are no longer allowed and we will take an expert-led tubing trip down the river instead, one of the most popular local activities.

Lunch: At a popular local restaurant, we’ll have a buffet meal with soft drinks, lemonade, iced tea, water included; other beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: In our hotel meeting room with our expert staff, we’ll experience a fun and informative presentation focused on hot air balloons. Each family will then build their own hot-air balloon prototype. Later in the week, we will put these to the test and watch from below during our own "test flight.”

Dinner: In our meeting room, we’ll have a buffet meal catered by favorite local restaurant, with soft drinks, lemonade, iced tea, water included; other beverages not available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure. You may wish to visit Steamboat's Old Town Hot Springs, located directly across the street from our motel. Complimentary admission tickets will be included each day. The hot springs facility features warm and cold pools, natural hot tubs, a poolside climbing wall, and water slides.

DAY

3

Hike Fish Creek Falls, Mesa Schoolhouse

Steamboat Springs, CO

B,L,D

Rabbit Ears Motel

Activity note: Walking approximately 1.5 miles total throughout the day; level ground, sidewalks. Driving approximately 20 miles roundtrip; about 1/2 hour total.

Breakfast: Light motel buffet.

Morning: We’ll travel by motorcoach from the motel for our hike, during which we will discover the 280 foot-high Fish Creek Falls. The hike is about a 1/2 mile roundtrip on an established trail with beautiful scenery, wildflowers, hummingbirds, and a great diversity of trees.

Lunch: By the river a short walk from the motel, we’ll have boxed lunches.

Afternoon: We will take our motorcoach to the historic one-room Mesa Schoolhouse and experience student life at the turn-of-the century, during which we’ll learn from a local historian about historic toys, recess games, Routt County school history, and more. How is your school experience different from what your grandparents experienced? We will have a fun afternoon activity to be announced.

Dinner: At a favorite local restaurant, we’ll enjoy a plated meal, with soft drinks, lemonade, coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: We’ll then enjoy a supervised pool night at the Hot Springs. For any grandparents who would like a quiet evening after the fast-paced programming we've had so far this week, our staff will supervise the grandchildren tonight at the Hot Springs so that you can rest or enjoy the shops of downtown.

DAY

4

Launch Tissue Paper Hot Air Balloons, Horseback Ride

Steamboat Springs, CO

B,L

Rabbit Ears Motel

Activity note: Walking approximately 1 mile total throughout the day; level ground, sidewalks. Driving approximately 60 miles roundtrip; about 1 hour total. Getting on/off horses; riding approximately 8 miles; about 2 hours.

Breakfast: Light motel buffet.

Morning: It's time to test out the hot-air balloons we made! It is sure to be a highlight when the balloon you and your grandparent(s) made soars in the air above you and the other group members. Later in the morning, we will experience the best of Colorado's west on horseback. At a local, working ranch we will gather at the coral for a safety talk and riding instructions by the wranglers who operate it. Ride through the beautiful mountain scenery and enjoy the sounds of the forest!

Lunch: At a local general store in the valley, we’ll have boxed lunches.

Afternoon: Next, we’ll transfer to the Tread of Pioneers local museum for a scavenger hunt and a chance to win a prize. Grandparents and grandchildren will enjoy a self-led exploration of the museum with local museum historians available to answer any questions.

Dinner: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like in downtown Steamboat Springs. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY

5

Hot Air Balloon Ride, Steamboat Lake State Park

Steamboat Springs, CO

B,L,D

Rabbit Ears Motel

Activity note: Walking approximately 1 mile total throughout the day; level ground, sidewalks. Driving approximately 65 miles roundtrip; about 1.5 hours total.

Breakfast: Light motel buffet.

Morning: We will take a short motorcoach ride to our lift-off spot, then float above the valley in a hot air balloon with spectacular vistas of the Flat Tops Mountains. One group will ride in the balloon first while the other groups follow along as the ground crew takes photos and watches from below. After the balloon lands each time, the groups will switch. As we experience a hot air balloon ride, we’ll reinforce what we’ve learned throughout the program and enjoy some educational commentary given by our balloon pilot while in flight. Please Note: Hot air balloons cannot fly in excessively windy conditions for safety reasons. Although cancellations happen infrequently, it remains a possibility. While alternate activities can vary based on date and other options available, alternate activities in the past have included a visit to Steamboat Resort for a scenic gondola and thrilling mountain coaster ride.

Lunch: At a comfortable location of your individual choice, we’ll have our boxed lunches.

Afternoon: Boarding our vans, we’ll travel to beautiful Steamboat Lake State Park for some interpretive exhibits and an owl pellet dissection led by the interpretive rangers. Activities include looking for crayfish! We will then stroll down to the Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo.

Dinner: At the rodeo grounds, we will enjoy a plated traditional BBQ plated meal from the menu, plus soft drinks, lemonade, iced tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: Next, we will enjoy part of the rodeo culture of Steamboat Springs from well before the town was established over 100 years ago, which is still every bit as dynamic and exciting today. We’ll then return to the hotel. Be sure to prepare for check-out and departures in the morning.

DAY

6

Program Concludes

Steamboat Springs, CO

B

Activity note: Motel check-out by 10:00 a.m.

Breakfast: Light motel buffet. This concludes our program.

Morning: If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!

Colorado’s Best: Raft, Balloon & Ride Horses With Your Grandchild

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Colorado’s Best: Raft, Balloon & Ride Horses With Your Grandchild

Colorado’s Best: Raft, Balloon & Ride Horses With Your Grandchild

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Road Scholar Program Terms and Conditions

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General Program Information

Program Policies

Terms and Conditions

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Best of all, you’ll…

General Notes

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