Author: Kristi Stanford

Buena Vista Location Moving May 1, 2022

Posted on by Kristi Stanford

Rocky Mountain Adventure Rentals continues to grow as leaders in the outdoor adventure industry of Colorado! To better serve our Chaffee County customers, the Buena Vista location will move on May 1 to 12985 Hwy 24/285. We are excited to kick off the summer season out of a bigger facility with high visibility on Hwy 285.

The remainder of the 2021-22 winter season will continue to operate out of our downtown Buena Vista location where we offer snowmobile and Timbersled rentals for riding on Cottonwood Pass. As the snow melts and summer returns, we look forward to amazing Slingshot rides over the pass and UTV tours in the Four Mile Recreation Area just outside of Buena Vista. Whether you’re in the mood for more winter or itching for shorts weather, give us a call for your Rocky Mountain adventure needs! 719.966.5233.

Snowmobiling on Cottonwood Pass near Buena Vista, the Heart of the Rockies!

Posted on by Kristi Stanford

Do you know exactly where the “heart” of the Rockies is? The heart is considered the center of Colorado and also happens to be where the most 14ers in the state of Colorado rise up, in Chaffee County. The heart of the Rockies is home to the tallest peaks in Colorado as well as a valley floor where the Arkansas River runs. The terrain is diverse and the area is known as an Alpine Desert. You might not believe it, but some of the best snowmobiling in the country is in here in Chaffee County, near the alpine desert. If you’re a resident of Denver, Colorado Springs, visiting Summit County or anywhere near Buena Vista, Colorado, you don’t want to miss snowmobiling at Cottonwood Pass!

Snowmobiling is a great winter activity for a family, a group on vacation or for outdoor adventurers who never want to stop exploring. It doesn’t require tremendous exertion so is a great acclimation activity for visitors. Small children can ride with their parents. Unlike skiing, there’s no waiting at the bottom of a ski run for others to catch up.

Pulling in to Buena Vista, Colorado, you won’t see a ton of snow on the ground, even in the middle of winter. You might think this valley with a wide river and tons of amazing rock formations wouldn’t be a great place for snowmobiling, but you’d be wrong! Just a short 10-15 minute drive from town center in Buena Vista, going west on 306, you’ll make an ascent up Cottonwood Pass. The road dead ends where it closes for the winter time due to the enormous amount of snow making passenger vehicle travel too dangerous and difficult. But the road is open to snowmobiles!

Riders can go all the way to the summit of Cottonwood Pass and enjoy 360 views of incredible vistas from surrounding mountain ranges and the Collegiate Peaks. This summit is one of the best in the state of Colorado! Cottonwood Pass also offers huge bowls, wide-open powder fields and snake trails through the trees. This is where some of the best snowmobilers in the country ride for practice. And just another perk- you won’t encounter any crowds. This area is a snowmobiling hidden gem!

Near our Buena Vista outpost in downtown Buena Vista, there is a wide selection of dining choices, one of the best breweries in the state (Eddyline) and a variety of boutique shopping. The streets are sunny and uncrowded. This is the perfect day trip to get away from the masses in Summit County or to see a different part of the state when visiting the Vail area.

Our guides will take your group of snowmobilers to the best and safest parts of Cottonwood Pass for your experience level. Enjoy free time on your own in the powder bowl and don’t worry about getting lost in the tree trails because we know the area well!

Snowmobiling is the perfect winter activity for groups and families of all sizes. To book a snowmobile tour on Cottonwood Pass, call Rocky Mountain Adventure Rentals today at (970) 471-8491

Hidden Gem Winter Activity

Posted on by Kristi Stanford

If you love cutting fresh tracks, just want to ski or ride without dodging beginner skiers, children and crowds, we think we’ve got just the hidden gem activity for you. If you’re an experienced skier or rider who dreams of hitting the backcountry powder but without the avalanche danger, going full send off a cliff and the grueling uphill trek, keep reading.

Have you heard the term “earn your turns”? It’s a phrase coined by backcountry skiers to playfully shame those who ride the lift to get to the top of the mountain. But what if you’re a beginner backcountry enthusiast without the knowledge, or coming from sea level where an uphill climb in the snow isn’t how you want to spend your vacation? How does motorized-assisted turn-earning sound?

Rocky Mountain Adventure Rentals is the only Eagle County outfitter with tow-in snowmobiles. Three backcountry peaks in the Vail Pass Recreation Area. No hiking and no lift lines. Powder, lots of powder! The ride up holding onto a tow rope behind a snowmobile is a bit like water skiing.

The terrain is 99% avalanche free. The conditions are monitored daily and you will receive thorough directions and instructions before heading out.

The only comparable experience is snow-cat skiing, however, tow-in skiing will provide you with more runs in a shorter amount of time, more control over your choice of terrain with the ability to easily traverse to different peaks, all at a lower cost. Difficulty can range from hard intermediate to expert. There are even some groomed trails to choose.

Most of the terrain is above tree line without the danger of tree wells and hidden objects making tow-in skiing perfect for backcountry newbies, but experienced backcountry users will love it too and the opportunity it provides to get in more runs than hike-to allows. Ledges can be found at varying difficulty levels as well.

All backcountry users should always have a buddy regardless of the activity and you will need your buddy for tow-in skiing. One will drive the snowmobile up and back down while the other is pulled up by the tow rope and then skis or boards down their chosen line under the watch of their buddy on the snowmobile. Our tow-in sleds are equipped with racks for ski and ride equipment.

If you need to rent downhill equipment, we can point you in the right direction.

Dressing in layers is crucial- the adrenaline fueled by this amazing experience will get your heart rate going!

The Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) promotes safety awareness, forecasts and education for backcountry users. A quick look at the home page of their website or social media accounts offers up-to-date information on conditions and warnings for the backcountry. Know the danger of tree wells, keep your buddy nearby and don’t venture into terrain beyond your ability. The CAIC offers avalanche safety courses for backcountry users. Always carry the proper equipment.

It’s a new season and never too late to try something new, to ski “out of bounds” without breaking resort or forest service rules. Give Rocky Mountain Adventure Rentals a call and broaden your outdoor adventure experience this winter. 970.471.8491

What Types of Snow Machines Does RMAR Have?

Posted on by Kristi Stanford

Just like cars, not all snowmobiles are created equal. Rocky Mountain Adventure Rentals takes pride in the variety and high quality of our premium snow machines. We cater to the gamut from families with riders who have never been on a snowmobile to advanced riders who enjoy deep powder thrills. 

For families and beginner/intermediate riders:

Touring / Trail Sled Snowmobiles (Trail Sleds)

Trail sleds are designed for groomed trails and comfort, offering two large cushioned seats for one or two riders. The air-cooled motors are designed for putting miles on over long distances without stopping (Vail Pass has 66,000 acres!). These machines are fantastic entry-level snowmobiles for anyone wanting to see the backcountry from the groomed trails on Vail Pass.

For advanced riders or outdoor enthusiasts looking for next level:

High-Performance Mountain Snowmobiles (Powder Sleds)

Powder sleds are for riders who want to push their limits and ride steep terrain. They have tons of power for “steep and deep” all day long. The motors are cooled by snow for riders who want to spend most of their time in the powder. Long rides on groomed trails are better suited to trail sleds (above). Equipped with Polaris Quickdrive, these machines have unmatched acceleration. Powder sleds are generally considered an excellent intermediate-to-advanced machine and are designed for single riders only.

Tow-In Skiing/Riding Utility Sleds

A utility sled is built to deliver performance wherever your snowmobiling day takes you in the backcountry. Utility sleds are primarily for pulling skiers and boarders with a tow rope to reach those hard-to-get-to powder lines. This is the ultimate experience for those who want to escape the crowds at the ski resorts. The aggressive tracks and wide skis on a utility sled keep riders on top of the snow and deliver the best off-trail performance with confident trail-handling at any speed.

Timbersleds

Timbersleds have quickly become the fastest growing winter motorsport. Think dirt biking on the snow! Instead of front and back tires, the Timbersled has a large ski in front and a narrow snowmobile track on the back. Timbersleds are often referred to as Snowbikes, but they are not to be confused with the motorless snow bikes you may see at the ski resorts. Rocky Mountain Adventure Rentals was the first company in the entire state of Colorado to offer Timbersleds as a winter rental. We have spent countless hours testing and improving these machines for guest use in our high-altitude environment. 

Rocky Mountain Adventure Rentals has Three Winter Locations

-Near Vail in Red Cliff CO for unguided tours at the Vail Pass Recreation Area. (970) 471-8491

-Minturn CO for unguided tours on Vail Pass and Meadow Mountain. (970) 471-8491

-Buena Vista CO for both guided and unguided tours on Cottonwood Pass and the St. Elmo Trail. (719) 966-5233

Call us today to book your snowmobile or Timbersled rental for winter 2021-2022.

Eat, Sleep, Ride, Repeat- Winter Version

Posted on by Kristi Stanford

Our Summer Eat, Sleep, Ride, Repeat Package is so popular, we now have one for the winter season. It’s likely the most amazing deal you’ll find anywhere in Colorado for the 2021-2022 winter season. We’ve done all the planning and you will have all the fun! The Rocky Mountain Adventure Rentals Eat, Sleep, Ride, Repeat Winter Package includes all you need to get fed, rested, and stoked for a true adventure in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Make some fresh tracks and explore backcountry powder, glamp at the beautiful Green Bridge Inn in Red Cliff, Colorado and then explore a new area the next day. This amazing winter package can be one, two, or three days long!

Included in your Eat, Sleep, Ride, Repeat Winter Package is 10% off rentals from Rocky Mountain Adventure Rentals, 10% off 4 meals at Mango’s Mountain Grill, and 10% off 3 nights of lodging at Green Bridge Inn. This is the ultimate weekend or half-week adventure. See details below.

Our winter season typically begins end of November or early December, dependent on the Forest Service and Mother Nature.

Day One: Whether it’s your first time on a snowmobile or you are a seasoned rider, we’ve got the best machine for your ability. Your Rocky Mountain winter adventure begins as you head out the back door of Red Cliff, Colorado on Shrine Pass Road. Explore 66,000 acres of backcountry wonderland on Vail Pass and Camp Hale. Packed trails will guide the way for beginner riders and more experienced riders can venture off into playgrounds of fresh powder in open meadows or trees. Sensational views of the Gore and Sawatch Ranges provide perfect photo opportunities and awe-inspiring backdrops. Terrain types vary and are suitable for all levels.

Day Two: After resting up overnight at the Green Bridge Inn and plenty to eat at Mango’s Mountain Grill, you’re ready for another day of adventure. Skip the lines, crowds and boring chairlift rides at the ski resorts and make some fresh tracks on your skis or board in the backcountry. You don’t even have to “earn your turns.” You can ride up or be towed up on our exclusive utility snowmobiles, designed with equipment racks for skis or boards. If you’ve wanted to try backcountry skiing, this is the way to do it without hassle and within safe bounds.

Day Three: You’re a true outdoor adventure seeker and can’t get enough of the winter-time thrills. We get it! There’s more to do and see. We invite you to change up your machine and try out the fastest-growing winter sport- Timbersleds (think dirt biking on snow). Travel south to Buena Vista and explore Cottonwood Pass with a final destination at over 12,000 feet to a frozen alpine lake. The charming town of Buena Vista sits at the base of the Continental Divide with the backdrop of Colorado’s tallest mountain peaks. Cottonwood Pass is Colorado’s best-kept snowmobiling secret.

The Eat, Sleep, Ride, Repeat Winter Package was created by our local experts with YOU in mind. Likely your Colorado ski vacation time is never long enough and you want to make the most of it. Our local staff knows the Rocky Mountain backcountry like no one else. For you this means maximum fun and no guesswork. Consider us your local friends with the insider tips. We will listen to the particular wants and needs of your group and offer customized suggestions for each day of your stay in the Colorado mountains near Vail or Buena Vista, Colorado. Please give us a call today, we are eager to hear from you.

Red Cliff location (970) 471-8491 / Buena Vista location (719) 966-5233

*Minimum requirements to qualify for the Eat, Sleep, Ride, Repeat Winter Package are a 2-day rental from RMAR and a 1-night stay at the Green Bridge Inn. Holidays are excluded.

ATV/UTV Rentals Make Colorado Fall Better

Posted on by Kristi Stanford

Everyone knows the Rockies are famous for skiing in the winter and pleasant temps in the summer, but if you’ve never visited Colorado in the fall months of September or October when the aspens are changing, you are missing out on the spectacular beauty of our shortest season, all the more special because of its fleeting nature. White Aspen trunks topped in vibrant yellow against a bluebird sky creates a stunning scene. We’re going to tell you where and how to see the best fall colors in Colorado.

Aspen trees grow in groves. One grove is a single organism and each tree shares the same root system meaning that you’ll rarely see a lone aspen tree because they grow from the ground up in clusters. Instead of a flaming gold tree here and there, you’ll see large sections or even entire Colorado mountainsides covered in yellow.

Why a ATV/UTV Rental: Fall splendor is not a secret and you’ll be among the masses fighting traffic if you take the well-known scenic drives. Rocky Mountain Adventure Rentals can help you break away from the pack and make your gold-finding quest all the more fun with one of our ATV/UTV rentals.

We have multiple Rocky Mountain Adventure Rental outposts, one in Chaffee County and two in Eagle County to better serve our guests and provide a variety of scenery and terrain.

Ghost Town Tour: Take a tour south of our Buena Vista outpost and combine leaf peeping with a ghost town tour. Travel through a golden aspen tunnel to the “abandoned” town of St. Elmo and step back into 1890. St. Elmo was a mining town with a population of nearly 2000 until fires and the end of the mining era drove most residents away. With a remaining 43 original buildings still standing, St. Elmo is dubbed the best-preserved ghost town in the west, giving visitors an authentic look at life in the late 1800s.

Mt. Princeton, the chalk cliffs, roadside rivers and waterfalls are also part of the scenery on a trip to St. Elmo.

Vail Pass: Just outside of our Red Cliff outpost, Shrine Pass also transforms with incredible beauty from summer to winter. With visitorship being slower in the fall, you may find a mountainside all to yourself in the Shrine Pass area. As an off-road trail, this area remains off the radar for mainstream leaf peeping. There is an abundance of aspen groves in this area that are all the more breathtaking with the surrounding mountain range backdrops.

Leaf viewing can be a nice weekend getaway with our Eat, Sleep, Ride, Repeat Adventure Package which is available through fall until the snow flies and we transition to snowmobiles and Timbersleds for the winter season. Our guides love their jobs as much as they love Colorado. Don’t waste time with travel blogs or misinformation on social media pages. The Rocky Mountain Adventure Rental staff lives locally and loves to share insider tips with our rental guests. Call us today to set up ATV/UTV/RZR/side-by-side rentals for leaf viewing this fall. (719) 966-5233 for the Buena Vista area or (970) 471-8491 for the Vail area.

Eat, Sleep, Ride, Repeat Adventure Package

Posted on by Kristi Stanford

We’ve got the ultimate weekend adventure that won’t require any planning on your part! The Rocky Mountain Adventure Rentals Eat, Sleep, Ride, Repeat Package includes all you need to know to get fed, get rested, and get stoked for all the fun in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Explore the top destinations in Colorado in the shortest amount of time while glamping at the beautiful Green Bridge Inn in Red Cliff, Colorado. This incredible package can be one, two, three or even FOUR days long!

Included in your Eat, Sleep, Ridge, Repeat Package is 10% off rentals from Rocky Mountain Adventure Rentals, 10% off 6 meals at Mango’s Mountain Grill, and 10% off 3 nights of lodging at Green Bridge Inn. This may just be one of the most amazing deals you’ll find in the entire state of Colorado. See details below.

Day One: Your Rocky Mountain Adventure begins as you head out Red Cliff’s back door on Shrine Pass Road. Explore the backcountry of Vail Pass in a UTV/side-by-side. Discover wide-open meadows full of wildflowers (and an enormous herd of sheep that moves around the valley), thick pine forests and glorious views of the Gore and Sawatch Ranges. The aspen trees explode with color in the fall. Terrain types vary and are suitable for all levels.

Day Two: Pull out of Red Cliff in style driving a Polaris Slingshot. This open-air roadster feels like driving a life-sized version of the Hot Wheels cars you played with as a kid. Heads will turn, but you’ll be having too much fun to notice.

Because Red Cliff really is in the center of it all, you’ve got two options for your Slingshot journey:

1. Cruise south on the Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway to Leadville, the highest city in Colorado. Stay awhile for some laid back Main Street shopping and dining in Leadville or turn west and make the drive over Independence Pass to Aspen.

2. Leave north out of Red Cliff over Battle Mountain Pass to I-70 East. Take the Vail exit and browse the elite boutiques in Vail Village. If high-end shops aren’t your thing, just keep going east over Vail Pass to Summit County (the most beautiful stretch of I-70 in the country). Frisco welcomes visitors with an iconic Main Street where you can enjoy family-friendly dining and shopping, a historic park, art exhibits, and hassle-free parking. From Frisco drive over Swan Mountain Road for the breathtaking views and scenic overlooks of Lake Dillon. This is an easy loop back to I-70 West.

Day Three: The past few days, you’ve gotten plenty to eat at Mango’s Mountain Grill and plenty of rest at the comfortable Green Bridge Inn. You’re ready for another day of adventure. Put on some sunscreen and get ready for a day on the lake on a stand-up paddleboard. This watercraft is so much better than a canoe or kayak because you have the option to sit, kneel, stand, or even take a break lying down while soaking in the sun. Floating on the water is incredibly relaxing! Options for your SUP time include Nottingham Lake in Avon or Piney Lake just south of Vail. For bonus fun on this day, take along a Onewheel rental from RMAR and hit a rec path to try out your flow skills. If you like snowboards or skateboards, the Onewheel will blow your mind!

Day Four: You’re a true adventure seeker and can’t get enough. We get it! There is still so much more to do and see. Today you’ll explore the rugged Four Mile Recreational area around the Brown’s Canyon National Monument and the Arkansas River near Buena Vista. This charming town sits at the base of the Continental Divide with the backdrop of Colorado’s tallest mountain peaks. Off-roading terrain includes rock scrambles (for those with advanced skills) and numerous breathtaking overlooks. Buena Vista is a mecca for river sports and if a float down the Arkansas is on your bucket list, we can point you in the right direction.

The Eat, Sleep, Ride, Repeat Package was created with YOU in mind. Your vacation time is precious and you want to make the most of it. Pick and choose from Days 1-4 above.

Our local staff knows the Rockies from the valleys to the high country like no one else. For you this means maximum fun without the guesswork and “wish we had knowns.” By listening to the particular wants and needs of your group, we can offer customized suggestions for each day of your stay in the Colorado mountains of Red Cliff.  Please call or email us today, we look forward to hearing from you. (970) 471-8491.

*Minimum requirements to qualify for the Eat, Sleep, Ridge, Repeat Package are a 2-day rental from RMAR and a 1-night stay at the Green Bridge Inn. Holidays are excluded.

Authored by K Stanford

Scenic Shrine Pass

Posted on by Kristi Stanford

Looking for a great summer activity while visiting Vail or Eagle County? Something scenic away from the crowds, but won’t leave you breathless and exhausted? Rocky Mountain Adventure Rentals has the answer for you in Shrine Pass. See more mountains, wildflowers, hidden gems, and beautiful scenery in a short amount of time without hiking uphill for miles and miles. Our UTV rentals (also known as Razers, Side-by-Sides, offroad vehicles, and ATVs) are the most fun you’ll have while visiting Colorado in the summer. Getting out in a UTV is a great summer activity for acclimating to the altitude and is something the whole family can enjoy at the same pace (children must be at least 8 years of age).

One of the most popular spots to explore in Eagle County is Shrine Pass, easily accessible from our Red Cliff location directly south of Vail. The Shrine Pass Trail is traversed by a narrow unpaved road connecting the eastern side of Vail Pass near Interstate 70 (East) with the upper valley of the Eagle River (west). When the road is not covered in snow, it is an off-road trail for ATVs but is also accessible to sturdy 2WD vehicles and light trucks. The Shrine Pass Trail was formerly the principal route between the upper valleys of the Blue and Eagle rivers before the construction of U.S Highway 6 over nearby Vail Pass which is now the main route for vehicular traffic.

The terrain in the Shrine Pass area offers something for all of levels of driving ability. Drivers must be licensed and over the age of 21. The landscape offers incredible mountain vistas, open meadows full of wildflowers, thick pine forests, and occasionally some wildlife sightings.

The Shrine Pass Trail runs north/south through the Vail Pass Recreation Area. There are 55,000 acres of backcountry paradise and 119 motorized and non/motorized trails to explore in the Vail Pass Recreational Area. Take one of our UTVs out for a half day or get lost deep in the woods and camp for a night or two.

For the hungers, you can fill up beforehand, take carryout, or end your day at Mango’s Mountain Grill in Red Cliff. The menu offers favorites such as fresh salads, char-grilled burgers, fries and an enviable selection of craft beer and spirits.

Year round, Shrine Pass is an incredible mountain mecca for adventure riding, UTVs in the summer and snowmobiling in the winter. Your safety is the top priority for the staff at Rocky Mountain Adventure Rentals. Our friendly guides will offer thorough instruction, provide maps and plenty of insider tips before you set out. To book your adventure, give us a call at (970) 471-8491 to get started. We hope to see you on the trail soon!