COLORADO BACKCOUNTRY, CRESTED BUTTE

Women’s Escape to the Colorado Mountains Join Colorado Backcountry for a women only weekend vacation.

Road trip with the girls or fly into Gunnison and leave the rest of this hiking and spa vacation to one of Crested Butte’s premiere outfitter, which is operated by a husband and wife team. ·

Take the first evening to get settled in, relax and enjoy dinner on your own schedule. ·

Day 1 – Join in a sunrise jog through the enchanting Woods Walk or sleep in and meet for breakfast at McGill’s. Head out for a half-day hike among the flowers and enjoy a catered picnic lunch. Arriving back in town early afternoon, there is plenty of time to enjoy a discounted treatment of your choice at a Crested Butte spa before dining at Timberline Restaurant and enjoying a nightcap at the Princess Wine Bar. ·

Day 2 - Enjoy a late start and breakfast at the lodge. Take the morning to do as you please before heading out for an afternoon hike to get a view of the famous Maroon Bells. Finish off the weekend with a fantastic evening picnic catered by Le Bosquet, replete with wildflowers and the chance for a sunset you’ll never forget.

This two-day, three-night girlfriend getaway starts at $400 per person. Mountain biking options also are available.

TO BOOK:  Call (970) 349-0800 for reservations and more information or visit www.coloradobc.com .

Cowgirls Getaway

Grab your favorite girlfriends and stay at The Ruby for two fun-filled nights.

Gift baskets filled with Boss Lady smokin’ hot bath and body products will greet you, then head out the next day for an adventurous day of horseback riding with Fantasy Ranch Horseback Adventures and come back for one-hour massages and soaks in the hut tub. Then, get all dolled up in your “going out duds” for a night out on the town because this package includes dinner for two. Wake up the next day feeling refreshed and ready to wrangle the world! The package price starts at $450 per person, per night, and is valid Sept. 1 – Oct. 5, 2008. Book by May 1, 2008, and receive an additional 15 percent discount.

All packages are exclusive of each other, based on availability, subject to change at any time and include a gourmet hot breakfast at The Ruby. Additional nights can sometimes be added at a discounted rate. You must mention the package at the time of booking. Taxes and gratuities are not included, and packages may not be available on holidays.

TO BOOK:  Call (800) 390-1338 or visitwww.therubyofcrestedbutte.com.

Girlfriend getaways are all about reconnecting with friends and sharing experiences.  Adrenaline rushes count as experiences, and while yes, we do get a fierce high from shoe-shopping, this Top 10 list involves some activities you won't want to do in high heels. 

Top 10 Girlfriend Getaway Adrenaline Rushes:

1)  Skydiving - if you haven't done this yet, you will think it is completely crazy, but it is one of the most exhilirating experiences.  Most skydive outfits require tandem jumps, with an expert, so there are no real responsibilities for you, other than pulling the cord when ordered.  You and your girlfriends will go through the prep class together, and can take unflattering photographs in the airplane, while wearing a helmet and goggles, and then GERONIMO!

 Photo: tahoesun.com

2)  Bungee jumping - slightly more nerve-wracking than skydiving, as you do this solo and are bound at the ankles, it is no less-exhilarating.  You'll need your girlfriends there to help talk each other into jumping off a tiny square platform, while attached to a very thick, bouncy cord.  There may or may not be a good deal of swearing on the way down.

Photo: extremesportscafe.com

3)  Horseback riding - most rides in the United States will not really get your blood pumping, as there are restrictions on how fast the horses can go, liability, blah blah.  However, in other countries, you may be permitted a good canter or two, so you and your girls can yell "YeeeHaaa!" while singing the theme to "Bonanza" at the top of your lungs.

Photo: Seven Devils Lodge

4)  Trapeze school -fans of "Sex & The City" will remember the episode where Carrie faces her fears and quite literally lets go at the trapeze school.  This is a great girlfriend getaway activity, as well as a metaphor for life.  Bring your most uptight friends with serious control issues.

Photo: pixelcharmer.com

5)  Skiing - by far the most common activity, and easiest to consider, skiing will absolutely give you that rush.  Particularly if you are under the impression you will be doing a Blue run called "Lucky's Run", and instead find yourself at the top of a Double Black Diamond named "Fright Gulley".

Photo: bigwhitevacationrentals

6)  Whitewater rafting - a sunny day, a rubber boat, and you and your girlfriends paddling through Class IV rapids while shrieking and trying not to fall off the side.  Even if your feet are partially frozen from the icy water, keep them tucked under the protective straps.  Trust us on this.

Photo: inceptmarine.com

7)  Hot-air ballooning - the adrenaline rush will come mostly from your sharp intakes of breath from the stunning views you'll be privy to, in the basket of a hot-air balloon.  Up, up and away!

Photo: fantasyfliers.com

8)  Paragliding - another activity most safely done in tandem-style with an expert.  You're running, you're running, you're running...and you're jumping!  And then you're floating.  Ahhhhhhhh.

Photo: freespiritparagliding

9)  Surfing - zip up those wetsuits, pull back your hair, and get out on those boards.  Surfing is not only an adrenaline rush (once you finally get up on the board), but it is one of the best total-body workouts you'll find.  

 Photo: barbadossurfcams.com

10)  Okay, shoe-shopping -  I mean when you are just browsing for nothing in particular, and happen to stumble across a pair of Stella McCartney slingbacks, marked 80% off, just try to keep your heart rate down.

Make your girlfriend getaway even more memorable by incorporating one (or more) of these thrilling rides, and make sure someone is there with a camera!