Top Ten Active Baby-Boomer Vacations

1. Hiking in Colorado
The most adorable mountain town in a state filled with them is Telluride, Colorado. Its main street is recognizable from numerous TV commercials, and you can begin one of its most lovely, gentle hikes—the Bear Creek Trail—right from the town park. Walk about 2.25 miles to Bear Creek falls, with smaller waterfalls along the way, as well as stunning views of the snaggle-toothed San Juan Mountains. Take a picnic so you can absorb the "serenity and beauty that makes you feel like you're miles away from civilization," in the words of Telluride Tourism's Sandy Chio.

You gain about 1,000 feet of elevation on the Bear Creek hike, but keep in mind that the altitude in town is already 8,750 feet, so take it slowly. If you're more comfortable with a guide, you'll find one at the San Juan Outdoor School. Rates start at $150 per person for two people.

Other possibilities? There are relatively easy hiking trails, including the walk to Box Cañon Falls and Lower Blue Lakes Trail, starting in or near Ouray, another charming town tucked into the mountains a 90-minute drive from Telluride. Ouray also has the Beaumont, a restored Victorian hotel, plus a huge hot spring pool to soothe your aching muscles.

For more ideas on exploring the area on your own two feet, check out Away.com's Hiking Colorado Guide.