Things to Do in Pueblo

CrossFit SoCo’s functional-training exercises aren’t just inspired by Olympic events such as weightlifting, gymnastics, and track and field. They’re taught by certified coaches who’ve trained for them and other high-level competitions. When director Kevin Montford is not at the gym, he helms America For Gold, a nonprofit that supports athletes training for the Olympics. In addition to leading challenging CrossFit fundamentals group workouts, he demonstrates his athletic prowess at the Ironman triathlon and adventure races such as the ESPN X-Games.

During the classes and one-on-one training sessions, the instructors motivate patrons of all fitness levels through functional-training movements such as pushing, pulling, and lifting. They add resistance to these movements with tools such as barbells, gymnastics rings, and tires large enough to outfit Paul Bunyan’s stretch limo. Running fortifies many workouts as well, boosting endurance as it torches calories. Personal attention helps exercisers perfect their form and technique, and an encouraging atmosphere propels them toward goals such as weight loss, increased strength, and the ability to crab-walk across the entire 7,500-square-foot gym.

Valley Hi Golf Course’s 18 fairways have been flourishing with rye grass and deciduous trees since 1954, when golfers first began cursing the course’s tricky water hazards and bunker-guarded greens with old-timey swear words such as "leaping argyle!" The 1st hole boasts the course’s longest fairway, whereas the 7th hole stops short to become the shortest par five – the best hope for a birdie. The putting green at the 18th hole keeps golfers on their cleated toes until the very end by demanding, like medieval kings, to be approached from the left and on one’s knees. Those hoping to hone their game can take lessons with a staff headed by PGA golf pro Mike Northern, whose more than 30 years in the game have netted him a full trophy case. Before hitting the greens in the morning, golfers drop by the Caddie Shack Restaurant and Bar to fill their bellies with omelets, and those finishing up a later round can bite into sandwiches or burgers.

Course at a Glance:

• 18-hole, par-72 course
• Length of 6,806 yards from the farthest tees
• Course rating of 71.1 from the farthest tees
• Slope rating of 116 from the farthest tees
• Four tee options
• See the course layout

Nestled in the cool shadows of Cheyenne Mountain, Cheyenne Shadows Golf Club’s 18-hole course invites clubbers with its scenic layout cleaved through high-desert terrain. Drives knife through the air with a little extra gusto, as the dry desert air—at an elevation of 6,224-feet above sea level—and golf angels conspire to add length to shots. The club’s verdant expanse also encompasses a multifaceted learning center, including a driving range with grass hitting areas, a short-game green flanked by a practice bunker, a putting green, and a three-hole children’s course. The casual dining room of Mulligan’s Grill awaits to quench hunger pangs with a menu of burgers, Philly cheesesteak sandwiches, and salads.

As reputable as Colorado is for its mountains and athletes, it's also a top fly-fishing state. You and a partner, or just you alone, will join a licensed, bonded, and insured fishing guide with excellent casting skills and a strong understanding of the local waters. Gain insight into the hottest fishing spots as your small and merry band enjoys a day immersed in the wonders of nature and the pleasant mariner-speak that inevitably enters into conversation.

Echo Canyon River Expeditions' whitecap wunderkinds have rafted swashbucklers through Colorado's thrilling and picturesque valley rapids for more than 30 years. The half-day Bighorn Sheep Canyon/Parkdale Run trip through the Arkansas River's Bighorn Sheep Canyon remains a popular choice for families, first-time floaters, and vacationing fish-people. After the friendly staff outfits guests with equipment, each voyager will board a buoyant apparatus and take to 10 miles of the river's surging swells for a healthy mix of exciting paddle action and serene sightseeing. During the approximately three-hour trip, one of Echo Canyon River Expeditions' knowledgeable guides will dish on the natural and historical wonders of the environs, including the local bighorn sheep and their fascinating hopscotch tournaments, while helping rafters dodge the rapids effortlessly and safely.

Surrounded by lush alpine scenery and rushing rivers banked by boulders, brush, and thicket, rafters ride the rapids during Performance Tours' half-day, full-day, and multi-day trips. The company requires their guides to complete training beyond the state's requirements, ensuring a crew with exceptional rafting prowess in addition to a special affinity for the Arkansas, Clear Creek, Blue, and Colorado Rivers. During tours, groups take in the scenery, spotting wildlife including bighorn sheep, while navigating river regions with names such as "Devil's Punchbowl". Now with more than 25 years' experience taming the bucking local waterways, the team can craft experiences ideal for families and rookie rafters, as well as the seasoned boater looking for a challenge and an impressive story to tell their salmon buddies.