Archives: Social Activities

White Water Rafting Big Horn Sheep Canyon- Depart From Colorado Springs This rafting trip is perfect for beginner and intermediate rafters. Here you’ll find several class III rapids- generally described as easy to navigate, generally broad water sections moving fast enough to create 1 - 3 foot whitecaps. You’ll find yourself splashing and laughing as you bounce from one rapid to the next, enjoying many peaceful stretches to take in the majesty of the river canyon. When rafting Bighorn Sheep Canyon, you’re likely to spot a variety of wildlife along this trip as you float past crowds of Willows and Cottonwood trees. You might catch birds like Golden Eagles and Peregrine Falcons flying above during a variety of trout swim below. The Arkansas River The Arkansas River is a world-renowned white water rafting destination. It flows through some of the most scenic parts of Colorado, including the Royal Gorge and the Browns Canyon National Monument. The river offers a variety of rapids, from Class II to Class IV, so there is a trip to suit everyone's skill level. Our Trip Our white water rafting trips depart from Broadmoor Outfitters in Colorado Springs. All of our trips include transportation to and from the river, as well as lunch. What to Expect On our white water rafting trips, you can expect to see some of the most beautiful scenery in Colorado. You will also experience the thrill of navigating challenging rapids. Our experienced guides will teach you how to paddle and navigate the raft, and they will make sure you are safe at all times. Safety Safety is our top priority at Wolfpack Rafting. All of our guides meet Colorado rafting guide requirements, have undergone extensive training and have years of experience leading white water rafting trips. We also use the highest quality equipment, including inflatable rafts, helmets, and life jackets. All reservations must be confirmed 48 hours prior to trip date. Please note that minimum age and weight may change based on the current conditions. Please call for current restrictions.

Cog Up/Bike Down Pikes Peak Adventure Feel the rush of adrenaline on this 13.5-mile downhill adventure from the summit of the country’s most famous mountain, Pikes Peak. During this 6 hour adventure you travel to the top of Pikes Peak on the Broadmoor Manitou Pikes Peak Cog Railway. Once atop Pikes Peak you will have a chance to check out the all new Summit House and soak in the views afforded by one of Colorado's most accessible 14'er.  After enjoying the ride up the Cog and taking in the views, the real adventure begins. The 13.5 mile downhill adventure begins with the safety briefing and gear up. While there is risk in every activity, we aim to keep you safe by providing full face helmets, gloves, hi-vis vests and custom built Trek Marlin hard tails. After gearing up, you downhill adventure begins. This fully supported ride has both a lead guide to moderate the group's speed and a sweep van in case any participant decides to exit the ride early. This guided ride offers some of the most sweeping views of Colorado’s magnificent rugged mountain landscape you’ll see anywhere, and an exhilarating feeling you’ll never forget. This unforgettable experience is designed for most abilities – however, some biking experience required . You will be starting the ride at 14,000 feet...if you have health concerns, please consult a physician for high altitude compatibility prior to participating. Broadmoor Outfitters is the official Partner of The Broadmoor Manitou Pikes Peak Cog Railway. If you book with us, you are guaranteed a hard to secure seat on the Cog Railway. All reservations must be confirmed 48 hours prior to trip date.

WHAT IS FALCONRY? Falconry, the art of flying trained birds of prey after wild quarry, is alive and well in the United States. Imagine the thrill of walking through a field with a falcon flying above your head at 1,000 feet or higher. She is waiting for you to flush a pheasant from the bushes. You know it is there because your well trained pointers have indicated. When the falcon is in the proper position, you flush the game, the falcon turns and begins its head first dive. Your adrenaline is rushing. The next thing you know, the falcon hits the pheasant in the air, binds to it, then carries it to the ground where she will patiently await her reward. This is Falconry….

Picture yourself walking through a field hitting every piece of brush and trying to flush out rabbits. Your Harris Hawk follows you from tree to tree, waiting and anticipating the flushing of game. Suddenly a rabbit breaks from the brush, the hawk quickly takes off, and turns to chase the rabbit in aggressive pursuit. Eventually the rabbit out maneuvers the hawk, he turns in mid-air and returns to your glove for a small reward.

This is Falconry….

THE SPORT OF KINGS.   Historically, falconry was used as status symbol for the nobles of Medieval Europe, Middle East, and Mongolian Empire. The sport was mainly restricted to these classes due to the commitment of time, money, and space. Although the nobles would not train the birds themselves, they would pay Master Falconers extravagant sums of money. The Master of the Mews was in charge of obtaining, grooming, and keeping the best hawks in constant readiness for hunting. Thus, Falconry became the Sport of Kings!Within nomadic societies, birds of prey were not a status symbol. Instead, falcons were trapped and used to hunt small game during the winter months. These falcons helped to supplement their very limited diet.

Falconry Experiences

Beginners Lesson

The Broadmoor Falconry Beginners Lesson offers guests the rare opportunity to experience the 4,000-year-old sport of falconry, or “the sport of kings”. This incredible beginners lesson allows you to feel the thrill of working with majestic birds of prey. Most of our lesson takes place against the backdrop of Colorado Springs, one of the most scenic areas in the country. You will get the chance to interact with a variety of captive-bred, trained birds, including owls, falcons, and hawks.The lesson begins with a flying demonstration and a chance to learn about the fascinating history of this sport. You will be transported to our mews where you will meet the rest of our birds. After learning the appropriate techniques from our professional guides, you will get to hold a trained hawk on your fist. This lesson is truly a once in a lifetime experience!

Intermediate Lesson. Once you’ve had a taste of falconry during the beginner’s lesson, you’ll want to book an intermediate lesson — an amazing, hands-on excursion with a trained Harris Hawk. Accompanied by an expert guide, you’ll venture out onto one of The Broadmoor’s scenic trails.Once there, you will don a falconry glove, and have a trained hawk placed on your gloved fist. Under supervision of our expert, you will cast the hawk into a nearby pine and watch as it follows you from tree to tree, returning right to your glove for a small reward. This is a once in a lifetime experience.