Colorado & California for Teenagers

Teenagers and parents looking for a Stateside summer holiday, full of excitement and new experiences, should look no further than this dude ranch and Rocky Mountain adventure that finishes with an injection of LA cool on the sunny California coast.

1. Days 1-2: Denver

   The adventure starts in the mile high city of Denver, and after a restful and acclimatising night at Four Seasons Hotel, collect your Jeep and drive over Independence Pass towards Smith Fork Ranch, at 3725 meters this drive is a glorious introduction to the American Rocky Mountains.

   Accommodation: Four Seasons Hotel Denver (1 night)

2. Days 2-8: Crawford, Colorado

   Stay for 6 nights at Smith Fork Ranch set amid striking mountains and the Gunnison National Forest; Smith Fork is a dude ranch for active families that still like to be pampered. With a genuinely Western spirit, it's a place for teenagers to disconnect from high-speed life and have a real taste of adventure. They can chose to spend days enjoying their favourite sports, or learning new ones.

   From horse-riding and rodeo arena lessons, fly-fishing, biking, archery, shooting sporting clays and cooking classes to hanging out on the pontoon at the swimming pond, there's something to capture every imagination and all are included in the price of your stay. Families can try new activities together or go their separate ways with private guides, and then reconnect in the evening for star-gazing, roasting marshmallow s'mores around the camp fire and the freshest farm-to-table cuisine. Parents will enjoy the Wine Spectator awarded private cellar.

   Accommodation: Smith Fork Ranch (6 nights)

3. Days 8-11: Aspen (Summer)

   Next, drive 2 hours over spectacular McClure Pass to stay three-nights at Viceroy Snowmass, with hip, luxurious studios designed for a true home-from-home experience for all the family. Snowmass is a hub for outdoor adventure, with the Viceroy being ideally located at Base Village for the Elk Camp Gondola that accesses the epic downhill mountain biking trails designed for all levels. We have included a mountain biking experience for all the family so you can get out and enjoy the terrain on two wheels. At Snowmass, hot air ballooning, white water rafting, fly-fishing and mountain-top hiking are also not to be missed. Aspen itself, the picture-postcard 19th century silver boomtown with designer shops to rival Bond Street, trendy cafes and restaurants and renowned Art Museum, is an easy seven-mile drive from Snowmass Base Village.

   Accommodation: Viceroy Hotel Snowmass (3 nights)

4. Days 11-15: Los Angeles

   Finish with a short flight from Aspen into Los Angeles. Located just off the famous Sunset Strip, The London West Hollywood boasts a fantastic roof top pool with views of the Hollywood Hills and provides the perfect base for exploring the best of LA. We have included admission to Universal Studios for you as it really is a must do, but there are so many other activities to choose from. From star-spotting on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, cheering on the Dodgers at the ballpark, pop concerts at the Staples Center to learning to surf off Santa Monica Pier, this holiday will provide teens with some serious back-to-school bragging rights and indelible family memories together.

   Accommodation: The London West Hollywood (4 nights)

• Catch a Baseball Game

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• Universal Studios Hollywood

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Colorado and California

Fly into Denver and begin with a night at the Four Seasons before continuing to begin your ranch adventure at Smith Fork Ranch. Spend a week here amongst stunning Colorado scenery, enjoying riding and the fun family-focussed activities. Head to the slopes of Aspen, staying at the gorgeous Viceroy Snowmass which offers exciting outdoor adventures and plenty of luxurious facilities. End in LA, staying at the London in West Hollywood for convenient access to the highlights of Hollywood, dining and a number of attractions within easy walking distance.

How to get there

Direct 9-hour flight with British Airways into Denver International; self drive through the Rocky Mountains; domestic 2-hour flight to Los Angeles; self-drive or private transfers in Los Angeles; 10-hour 39-minutes direct flight with British Airways from Los Angeles home.