Best Excuse to Get Down and Dirty 2003 | Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado | Best of DenverĀ® | Best Restaurants, Bars, Clubs, Music and Stores in Denver | Westword
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Best Excuse to Get Down and Dirty

Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado

Believe it or not, two-thirds of Colorado is public land. And maintaining trails, parks and open spaces so that everyone can enjoy them is no easy task. That's where Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado comes in. Established in 1984, the non-profit environmental organization is dedicated to improving, preserving and protecting our natural resources. New volunteers are always welcome and training is provided, so grab a shovel and dig in!

Best Excuse to Get Down and Dirty

Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado

Believe it or not, two-thirds of Colorado is public land. And maintaining trails, parks and open spaces so that everyone can enjoy them is no easy task. That's where Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado comes in. Established in 1984, the non-profit environmental organization is dedicated to improving, preserving and protecting our natural resources. New volunteers are always welcome and training is provided, so grab a shovel and dig in!

Best Horse-Friendly Lodging

Winding River Ranch & Equestrian Center

One of the best ways to experience the stunning scenery of Rocky Mountain National Park is on horseback, and horses enjoy it, too. If you want to bring your best equine pal for extended exploring, make Winding River Ranch, two miles north of Grand Lake, your base of operations. The Colorado River flows through the ranch, the park trails are easily accessible, and the apartments and two- and three-bedroom riverside cabins offer all the comforts of home, especially if your home includes an indoor pool, sauna, massage center and family-style dining hall. Your hoofed companion gets his own stall in the barn and use of a training area for only $15 per night; he can even bring his dog along for a fee.

Best Horse-Friendly Lodging

Winding River Ranch & Equestrian Center

One of the best ways to experience the stunning scenery of Rocky Mountain National Park is on horseback, and horses enjoy it, too. If you want to bring your best equine pal for extended exploring, make Winding River Ranch, two miles north of Grand Lake, your base of operations. The Colorado River flows through the ranch, the park trails are easily accessible, and the apartments and two- and three-bedroom riverside cabins offer all the comforts of home, especially if your home includes an indoor pool, sauna, massage center and family-style dining hall. Your hoofed companion gets his own stall in the barn and use of a training area for only $15 per night; he can even bring his dog along for a fee.

Best Way to See the Royal Gorge

Raft-N-Rail
Echo Canyon River Expeditions

Echo Canyon River Expeditions offers a combo view of the Royal Gorge: from a train and from a raft. Participants can choose from two different tours; both include a ride on the Royal Gorge railroad, lunch at a scenic spot, and a raft trip. Families float through the Bighorn Canyon; more advanced adults tackle the challenging Arkansas River through the gorge itself. With prices ranging from $52.75 for kids twelve and under to $89.75 for advanced adults, this trip makes for an adventure to gorge on.

Best Way to See the Royal Gorge

Raft-N-Rail
Echo Canyon River Expeditions

Echo Canyon River Expeditions offers a combo view of the Royal Gorge: from a train and from a raft. Participants can choose from two different tours; both include a ride on the Royal Gorge railroad, lunch at a scenic spot, and a raft trip. Families float through the Bighorn Canyon; more advanced adults tackle the challenging Arkansas River through the gorge itself. With prices ranging from $52.75 for kids twelve and under to $89.75 for advanced adults, this trip makes for an adventure to gorge on.

Best Place to Learn Kupigana Ngumi

Moyo Nguvu Cultural Arts Center

Kupigana Ngumi, a style of African martial arts founded in the 1960s, is based on rhythmic, dance-like movements. There are three empowerment areas in the training: cultural, in which students' self-esteem and cultural understanding are increased; emotional and mental, in which students are taught to make good choices and avoid confrontation, as well as learn anger and stress management; and fitness, in which students develop mental focus, coordination, endurance, flexibility and strength. Classes are held at the Moyo Nguvu Cultural Arts Center, whose programs are built around cultural diversity and helping young people take pride in themselves and their community.

Best Place to Learn Kupigana Ngumi

Moyo Nguvu Cultural Arts Center

Kupigana Ngumi, a style of African martial arts founded in the 1960s, is based on rhythmic, dance-like movements. There are three empowerment areas in the training: cultural, in which students' self-esteem and cultural understanding are increased; emotional and mental, in which students are taught to make good choices and avoid confrontation, as well as learn anger and stress management; and fitness, in which students develop mental focus, coordination, endurance, flexibility and strength. Classes are held at the Moyo Nguvu Cultural Arts Center, whose programs are built around cultural diversity and helping young people take pride in themselves and their community.

Best Exotic Martial Arts Class

Capoeira N'gola
Mercury Cafe

If the same old kicks and yells are wearing on you, you may be ripe for capoeira, the Brazilian dance/fight/acrobatic hybrid art form. And if you can study under Mestre Usamah Zaid, otherwise known as Baba, you'll progress quickly. Held in the Merc's spacious ballroom, the class features live music, expert instruction and a feeling of group accomplishment that's hard to describe. Students at any level are welcome anytime. Prepare to sweat!

Best Exotic Martial Arts Class

Capoeira N'gola
Mercury Cafe

If the same old kicks and yells are wearing on you, you may be ripe for capoeira, the Brazilian dance/fight/acrobatic hybrid art form. And if you can study under Mestre Usamah Zaid, otherwise known as Baba, you'll progress quickly. Held in the Merc's spacious ballroom, the class features live music, expert instruction and a feeling of group accomplishment that's hard to describe. Students at any level are welcome anytime. Prepare to sweat!

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