The Colorado Rockies
June 12- 19, 2027
Eight Days of Amazing Adventures
Our home for the eight days is Colorado Springs, with an average elevation of 6,035 feet above sea level.
Enrollment Update
The Colorado trip is currently full. There is a chance we will take an additional one to three boys depending on several factors including available rental van options. If your son is interested in being considered for an opening, you should return the application as soon as you’ve decided. There is no deposit due until we let you know if we have space for him. The director will be in touch with you as soon as the application is received.
The Colorado trip is currently full. There is a chance we will take an additional one to three boys depending on several factors including available rental van options. If your son is interested in being considered for an opening, you should return the application as soon as you’ve decided. There is no deposit due until we let you know if we have space for him. The director will be in touch with you as soon as the application is received.
Three friends enjoying a hike to Linville Falls in June 2026.
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We were last in the Colorado Rockies in 2023. We're ready to get back.
We will base in the Colorado Springs area with activities taking place there as well as in the surrounding mountains. Most day trips are within minutes of our base and all are less than one hour away. Check over the activities on this page and then go to "more to know" for additional information about how the program works. We've picked high-interest activities that boys have enjoyed on past adventures...and as always we have added a few new twists. |
A Note on Enrollment...
We're holding enrollment to a small and manageable number. If you're interested in grabbing a place, you should inquire or sign up now. There's always a chance someone will drop out, so we'll add you to the waitlist once enrollment is full.
We're holding enrollment to a small and manageable number. If you're interested in grabbing a place, you should inquire or sign up now. There's always a chance someone will drop out, so we'll add you to the waitlist once enrollment is full.
Get ready for an amazing experience. Each day is totally different than any of the others.
Ask anyone who has been on a MindStretch Travel Adventures trip and you'll quickly realize that no two days are alike. That's one of the advantages of a travel camp. There is no routine. We don't even eat meals at the same time, and other than breakfast, our other meals are usually eaten at a different restaurant each day. We are no ordinary camp. Some of the differences include motel beds with private baths (as opposed to a cabin with 8 or more boys and a shared bath), a swimming pool (instead of a lake), and restaurants where you get to choose from the menu (instead of a mess hall). And instead of 250 boys, this trip will have
no more than a dozen.
no more than a dozen.
What will we do for fun?
Below you'll find some of the planned activities we'll be squeezing into our trip. There could always be changes. Sometimes weather will mean we have to switch something for another adventure...but usually what we list here will be the activities we'll be enjoying.
Garden of the Gods is one area we'll explore, both on foot and on horseback.
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Cave of the Winds
Cave of the Winds is just a few miles away in Manitou Springs. There are several activities boys can choose from including a climbing course and tower. There's also a basic zip line, "Bat-a-Pult" if you're into that kind of thing. If you're an adrenaline junkie, you might want to try out the unique opportunity called the "Terror Dactyl." There's a reason "terror" is in the name. Not all boys will want to do this, but the opportunity is offered. There's plenty to do if you choose not to be tossed hundreds of feet out and over Williams Canyon.
Other activities at Cave of the Winds you can choose from include the Wind Walker Challenge Course, the Cliffhangers Climbing Wall, Geronimo's Leap, and even some gemstone mining. 
If you would rather stay grounded, there's gemstone mining and other activities to choose from.
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These two boys dared the Terror-Dactyl experience on the last trip to Colorado. There are other videos from that year on the MindStretch Flickr site. You can look for the albums from Colorado 2023. Be warned, many of those contain a few choice words you wouldn't want your grandmother to hear. Those boys were older, but not necessarily wiser. And they screamed as loud as some of the 2026 boys did on "The Giant Swing" in Blowing Rock.
(Please note that there is a minimum weight requirement of 100 pounds for the Terror Dactyl activity, fully dressed with shoes.) |
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
We've been to Colorado eight times but have never been to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. It is considered to be one of the top zoos in the US and the only "mountainside" zoo in the country.
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Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is about sharing the wonders of the natural world with kids of all ages and providing memories for a lifetime. Here, you do more than just look. Ranked as one of the top zoos in the country by USA Today 10Best and TripAdvisor, you’ll get to explore newly renovated and award-winning exhibits.
We'll also take the Sky Ride (think ski lift) to the top of the mountain for a wonderful view of the zoo and the mountains. |
A moose awaits us...along with hundreds of other amazing animals.
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Horseback Ride in Garden of the Gods
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Garden of the Gods is a unique rock outcropping that's a Colorado landmark. We plan to do a little hiking there, check out the visitor center, and for sure we'll be taking a one-hour guided trip by horseback to see some of this unique park from a different perspective.
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Take the Cog Railway to the Top of Pikes Peak
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Pikes Peak is one of the most recognized names in America's landscape. It reaches 14,125 feet above sea level. We'll get there by cog railway, a special way of moving passenger cars up a steep incline - something impossible to do with a regular train. The oxygen will be thin on top, but their special "only made here" donuts will be worth the trip. Of course the views will be outstanding. Temperatures are likely to drop 60 degrees from our start at the base in Manitou Springs to the top of Pikes Peak.
Pikes Peak Cog Railway churns the nine miles up to the top of the mountain.
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Tour of the United States Air Force Academy
We'll tour the United States Air Force Academy. This large group is from our 2017 trip. They're standing in front of a model of a B-24 WWII bomber, the type of plane Papa Mark's dad flew during the war.
Here's Elliott Jeray, in his dress blues, the MindStretch Travel Adventures camper with the most trips under his belt - seven in all. Elliott was with us as a senior counselor during our last trip to Colorado in 2023. We toured the Air Force Academy and Elliott knew then that that's where he wanted to go to college. Well, he might have had earlier inspiration...but I'm crediting his MindStretch trip experience for being the deciding factor.
Fast forward a few years, and Elliott enrolls in and is accepted into the Academy. If he happens to be around Colorado and can make himself free, he will be our personal tour guide. Otherwise, he'll find a friend to fill in for him. We're proud of you Elliott. |
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Enjoying a couple evenings of fun at the Historic Manitou Penny Arcade
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The Historic Manitou Springs Penny Arcade has been entertaining kids and adults for nearly 100 years. Spread out throughout several adjoining buildings, the arcade has over 500 games - many of them vintage.
Boys will earn tickets to use for cashing in on their choice of prizes. The Penny Arcade has been a favorite of MindStretch Travel Adventures boys every time we visit. 
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We'll visit the Colorado Wolf & Wildlife Center in Divide, Colorado
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Wolves in Colorado face a tough life. The Colorado Wolf & Wildlife Center helps protect wolves and other animals that they've received as unreleasable. Each animal has a story. You'll meet several wolves as well as other animals that live in Colorado and neighboring states.
And no, you can't bring one home. 
Check out our boys calling the wolves on a past trip to the Wolf Center.
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After leaving the Colorado Wolf & Wildlife Center, we'll head to the Cripple Creek & Victor Mining District
Mine in the background. Boys were able to get a view from the loading end of a mining truck. This truck bed will give kids the perspective of the size of trucks this mine uses.
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The drive between Divide (home of the Wolf Center) and Cripple Creek is stunning. Beautiful mountain views around curves as we reach an elevation of nearly 10,000 feet. Victor and Cripple Creek were once thriving gold mining towns. Then they became ghost towns, but they're back. Gold mining is still an active business in the area. We'll get to see a few mines as we travel the road into Cripple Creek and Victor. Both towns are at about 9,500 feet elevation. We'll explore the towns, have lunch, and take in the Outlaws and Lawmen Jail Museum.
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Some of our other Adventures...
Is there time for anything else? Of course, what did you expect? Our unofficial motto has always been, "Every day is an adventure." That is definitely true in a MindStretch Travel Adventures program where every day is different. We do add in an hour of chill time on a regular basis, but for the most part - we're on the go.
The next set of photos will give you an idea of more of what you can expect. You're going to love it.
The next set of photos will give you an idea of more of what you can expect. You're going to love it.
Miniature Golf is one of those activities we'll throw in as a filler. We do spice up the game with some prize money...but it's all just for fun.
We'll have a guided tour of the United States Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. We'll most likely get to see current Olympians there as well as future Olympians in training.
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For sure we'll be having our annual bowling tournament.
Good food keeps us going. You get to choose what you want to eat, though your parents might have some suggestions on just how much junk food you can consume.
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We'll take you to a super market by the second day of the trip so you can stock your room fridge with goodies to share with your roommates.
In Boone, Don & Rae provided us a morning filled with a variety of games including a trivia event. Boys loved it.
We're always on the lookout for short to medium-length hikes. Here we were on Grandfather Mountain in June 2026. The winds up top were over 40 mph.
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If the timing works out, we're planning on seeing a minor league baseball game with the Rocky Mountain Vibe. Their mascot is a "s'more."
We always save time for swimming...at least on most days.
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Will finish our trip with an afternoon and evening at the Flying W Ranch
You might not believe this now, but by the end of this trip you're going to appreciate authentic cowboy grub and music. We'll be having our last dinner at the famous Flying W Ranch.
During the day, it's a working cattle ranch. When we arrive we can check out the shops and engage in some offered activities including axe throwing, archery, horseshoes, biscuit tasting, etc.
Around about 4, the cowboys take a break and start preparing an authentic cowboy feast including roast beef (or you can get chicken), baked beans, apple sauce, spice cake, and lemonade.
But it continues. Several of those cowboys who just served you dinner head onto the stage to serve up an evening of cowboy entertainment with music and comedy. It has been a crowd pleaser with MindStretch Travel Adventures boys since 1978
During the day, it's a working cattle ranch. When we arrive we can check out the shops and engage in some offered activities including axe throwing, archery, horseshoes, biscuit tasting, etc.
Around about 4, the cowboys take a break and start preparing an authentic cowboy feast including roast beef (or you can get chicken), baked beans, apple sauce, spice cake, and lemonade.
But it continues. Several of those cowboys who just served you dinner head onto the stage to serve up an evening of cowboy entertainment with music and comedy. It has been a crowd pleaser with MindStretch Travel Adventures boys since 1978
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Above is just a snippet. Believe Papa Mark...you're gonna love this!
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Axe throwing at the Flying W Ranch before dinner and the show.
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Can there be anything else?
We're always looking for new things. On our Boone trip, we added several activities after this page was first published including seeing the Boone Bigfoots Baseball game, going to see "Shrek, the Musical," and swimming and paddle boarding in Wildcat Lake. Mrs. Rae is always on the lookout for other adventures yet unknown. Remember...every day is an adventure with MTA. All of these activities are planned. Please note that things can change because of weather or other circumstances out of our control that might necessitate a change to something else. But for sure...you'll have fun. 
What are you waiting for? says Tripp Teague,
MTA four-"trip" participant including his adventure to Colorado in 2017. It's time to sign up for your next adventure! |
We also provide some "chill" time.
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Click the links below to get started.