Day 5: Adventure Day
Hiking, exploration, and optional backcountry experience.
The Day at a Glance
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 6:00–7:00 | Early start for hikers |
| 7:00–8:00 | Breakfast (light for hikers, regular for others) |
| 8:00–12:00 | Morning hike or adventure activity |
| 12:00–1:00 | Trail lunch or return to camp |
| 1:00–3:00 | Rest and recovery |
| 3:30–5:30 | Afternoon choice activity |
| 6:00–7:30 | Celebration dinner |
| 8:00–10:00 | Campfire stories, stargazing |
Morning: Adventure Options
Today is for pushing comfort zones (within reason). Options based on group interests and abilities:
Option A: Extended Park Hike
Combine multiple park trails for a longer exploration:
- 4–6 mile loop covering various terrain
- Pack lunch to eat on trail
- Focus on reaching new areas of the park
- Wildlife watching along the way
See Hiking Guide for trail combinations.
Option B: Backcountry Camping Prep or Trip
For adventurous subgroup:
- Drop-off at backcountry trailhead
- Overnight at walk-in sites (if reserved)
- Or: Day hike to scout backcountry area
See Backpacking Guide for details.
Option C: Eleven Mile Canyon Exploration
Half-day at the canyon:
- Scenic drive through entire canyon
- Fishing in moving water (different from reservoir)
- Picnic at riverside pullout
Option D: Cripple Creek Day Trip
For those wanting something different:
- Disc golf at Mountain View Adventure Park
- Historic mining town exploration
- Mollie Kathleen Mine tour
See Cripple Creek Guide.
Split Group Strategy
Day 5 works well for splitting the group by interest/ability:
Adventure Group:
- Extended hike or canyon exploration
- Higher activity level
- Early start, moderate return time
Comfort Group:
- Camp-based activities
- Fishing at reservoir
- Reading, games, relaxation
- Grandparent-grandchild time
Both groups: Reunite for celebration dinner.
Afternoon
Recovery Time
After morning adventure, enforce rest:
- Feet up for hikers
- Hydration for everyone
- Naps encouraged
- No guilt about doing nothing
Late Afternoon
Options:
- Evening fishing (prime time)
- Easy shoreline walk
- Camp games
- Prep for dinner
Evening: Celebration Dinner
Day 5 marks the trip’s unofficial halfway point. Make dinner special.
Menu Ideas
- Dutch oven meal (started early afternoon)
- Steak and potatoes over fire
- Fresh catch from the week’s fishing
- Kabobs with everyone involved in prep
Celebration Elements
- Toast with beverages of choice
- Go around: “Best moment so far”
- Look at photos from the week
- Plan remaining days
Stargazing Tonight
If moon phase permits, tonight should offer excellent viewing:
- You’re acclimated and comfortable
- You’ve learned the sky over previous nights
- Time to try more ambitious identification
- Photography attempts if interested
For the Adventurous
Teen Independence
Day 5 is a good opportunity for:
- Letting responsible teens take on challenges
- Kayak solo (with communication plan)
- Fish independently nearby
- Photography missions
Physical Challenge
For those who want to push:
- Longest hike of the trip
- Combined activities (hike + fish)
- Early morning + evening activity sandwich
The Peak of the Trip: Day 5 is often when trips feel most alive. Acclimation is complete, routines are established, and everyone’s comfortable enough to push a bit. Take advantage of this sweet spot.