Colorado info please!

[Sonya]

We are going to travel around Colorado this summer. I go to Estes almost every year to hike and last year we also visited Denver. This year I am thinking that we want to travel more in the mountains, the area west of Denver. Also Colorado Springs. I have a lot of info about what to do but what is really worth it? We aren't going up Pike's Peak, my twins are to young to be on a train that long w/o driving me crazy. And I don't think we will do the Silverton to Durango train but I want to do a shorter ride and I have a few ideas. What I need to know is, what shold we not miss? Any little towns that are fun to see? Also, We were looking at the map and it says that Durango to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon is only 6 hours away. Has anyone ever done that? Might be fun for an overnight trip. I have never been there.

 

[perdidobay]

double post...oops!

 

[perdidobay]

I absolutely love the Durango/Silverton area, the San Juan mountains too.
Second behind that is the Estes Park/RMNP area.

I hate that you think the train ride between Durango and Silverton will be too long for your twins, as that is one of the things I suggest to folks. Would a one way trip on the train be too long for them?
Some of the towns I'd suggest to see are: Near Colorado Springs- Canon City (and the Royal Gorge)
http://www.canoncitycolorado.com/
Cripple Creek
http://www.cripple-creek.co.us/
and if you head south on interstate 25 to Walsenburg, then west on 160, there is Great Sand Dunes National Park.
http://www.nps.gov/grsa/index.htm

Continuing on 160 west, Pagosa Springs is a neat town...
http://www.visitpagosasprings.com/
then you head on west to Durango
http://www.durango.org/

From Durango, north on 550 to Silverton
http://www.silvertoncolorado.com/
then through Ouray
http://www.ouraycolorado.com/
to Telluride
http://www.visittelluride.com/?gclid=CLHL--qOz6gCFcgZ2godAxoIjQ

All of the towns listed have great things to do and they are all set in the most incredible scenery.
When my kids were little we did hiking, horseback riding, touring old mines and ghost towns, and 4 wheel jeeping.
There is also rafting and tubing on the Animas river, fishing,etc etc etc!

I forgot to mention, I've never driven from Durango to the Grand Canyon, but we went last year driving from Albuquerque NM. The problem with a trip to the Grand Canyon is, it is so popular, finding a place to stay for an overnight this summer might be hard.

I hope some of this info was helpful to you, have a great time.

 

[Sonya]

That does help, thank you. I hadn't thought of a hotel room reserved at the GC. Hopefully I can decide soon so I can book a room!

The train from Silverton to Durango is just too long, I know my twinadoes and they would be up and down the isle unless I sat on them. It is also a bit expensive. I know it would be fun though.

Anyone else have anything to add?

 

[IUTBAM]

I've lived in Denver for two years, so I can add a little bit.

You can drive to the top of Pike's Peak if you like. We took the cog train up to the top of PP last spring and thought the ride was boring, lol. When we got the top, we saw people driving up, and thought, "wow, I wish we had done that". We want to drive up to the top this summer.

There's a little town called Bailey that has a "landmark" type hot dog stand (shaped like a hot dog) that is pretty interesting to see...it's not too far west of Denver. The dogs weren't bad, and your kids might get a kick out of it.

http://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WM6D9K_Coney_Island_Hot_Dog_Shaped_Diner_Bailey_Colorado

Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs is a MUST SEE, imho. It is beautiful, and FREE! Lots of beautiful scenery, hiking, and a nice visitor's center. My teens love the gift shop and cafe there as well.

http://www.gardenofgods.com/home/index.cfm?flash=1

The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in the Springs is really nice (and literally built into the side of the mountain):

http://www.cmzoo.org/

And if you go to the zoo, you'll pass right by the Broadmoor Hotel. Sunday Brunch there is an experience not to be missed (pricey, but awesome...it's been featured on the Travel Channel and the Food Channel):

http://www.broadmoor.com/lake-terrace-dining-room.php

We went on a two week long road trip last summer and one of our stops was the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. It is AMAZING! We weren't going there directly from Denver, so I have no idea how long of a drive it would be, but it was beautiful. It was every bit as beautiful as the South Rim (which we also went to), but far less crowded. And because food is important, haha , I should tell you that the Navajo Tacos they serve in the Grand Canyon Lodge Dining Room were amazing...my teenaged DD still talks about them. And there's a cute statue of Brighty of the Grand Canyon in the lodge too. If your kids are old enough, have them read the book before going.

Hope this helps a bit.

 

[dngnb8]

I absolutely love the Durango/Silverton area, the San Juan mountains too.
Second behind that is the Estes Park/RMNP area.

I hate that you think the train ride between Durango and Silverton will be too long for your twins, as that is one of the things I suggest to folks. Would a one way trip on the train be too long for them?
Some of the towns I'd suggest to see are: Near Colorado Springs- Canon City (and the Royal Gorge)
http://www.canoncitycolorado.com/
Cripple Creek
http://www.cripple-creek.co.us/
and if you head south on interstate 25 to Walsenburg, then west on 160, there is Great Sand Dunes National Park.
http://www.nps.gov/grsa/index.htm

Continuing on 160 west, Pagosa Springs is a neat town...
http://www.visitpagosasprings.com/
then you head on west to Durango
http://www.durango.org/

From Durango, north on 550 to Silverton
http://www.silvertoncolorado.com/
then through Ouray
http://www.ouraycolorado.com/
to Telluride
http://www.visittelluride.com/?gclid=CLHL--qOz6gCFcgZ2godAxoIjQ

All of the towns listed have great things to do and they are all set in the most incredible scenery.
When my kids were little we did hiking, horseback riding, touring old mines and ghost towns, and 4 wheel jeeping.
There is also rafting and tubing on the Animas river, fishing,etc etc etc!

I forgot to mention, I've never driven from Durango to the Grand Canyon, but we went last year driving from Albuquerque NM. The problem with a trip to the Grand Canyon is, it is so popular, finding a place to stay for an overnight this summer might be hard.

I hope some of this info was helpful to you, have a great time.

I love the Pagosa Springs area! HOT SPRINGS ARE PRO!

In fact, the wife and I are planning to build a home there now. Ahhhhhh

 

[Sandy V.]

Colorado is a big state; you could spend a long time exploring. Many options exist.

To add to what's been listed, Glenwood Springs is a pretty area with a nice hot springs pool. There is a paved biking trail to the east of town along the river that goes to the Hanging Lake trail. It's not difficult except for a couple steeper places where your kids might have to get off their bikes and walk them up a short bit. Your kids might be a little young for the Hanging Lake Trail, but I urge you to come back when they're older and do it. Gorgeous at the top. Further south from Glenwood is Aspen and that can be fun too. We like the Maroon Bells area over there - beautiful!! Independence Pass is a great drive over in the summertime - the wildflowers can be amazing.

Steamboat Springs is also a great place, more paved biking and yet another really cool hot springs pool. Some moderate hiking at Fish Creek Falls - that's the waterfall on the Coors Beer can. Our kids have been on this trail since they were younger; maybe your kids' age.

And our family loves Vail, Breckenridge and that whole region. You really can't go wrong. What you miss this time, you can catch another time.

Have fun!!

 

[Sonya]

Do you think I wil have to make hotel ressies anywhere? Does any part of Colorado get that busy in the summer? I know we usually make them for Estes. But I wanted to be more relaxed this trip.

 

[Sandy V.]

Any time around the 4th of July, you probably should make reservations ahead of time. Vail has some summer soccer tournaments in early August, so you definitely would need to make reservations if you're going there during that time. Aspen has a music festival in the summer that might also book things up too. You may want to go to a Colorado state tourism website to double check what's going on during the time you're planning on visiting here.

 

[merekc]

If you are in Denver, take in a Rockies game. It is a beautiful stadium and awesome to watch a game with the sun setting over the mountains. When we went a few years ago they had a kids club pack for $12 that included shirt, hat, bag and other things (made a great cheap souvenir). They also have reasonably priced tickets and it is fun to go early and try to get a ball during batting practice. We've got a ball both times we've gone (a trip highlight for my kids).

BeauJos pizza several locations, we really like Idaho Springs. We hit it every trip. Idaho Springs is west of Denver and a cute town.

Casa de Bonita - terrible food but a unique Denver experience.

Pan for gold. Tour a gold mine.

Outside Denver is Buffalo Bill Cody's gravesite with museum.

If down by Colorado Springs, there are the Manitou Springs Cliff Dwellings. Sometimes you can find dancers.

Whitewater rafting. Not sure in Colorado but some places will let young kids go.

 

[pigletgirl]

What about the area in and around Grand Lake? I can't remember the name of that little town, but its definitely less congested than Estes Park, but just as gorgeous (if that is the kind of thing you're looking for).

I have also done Santa's Workshop in Colorado Springs http://www.santas-colo.com/rides_kiddie.htm
It definitely caters to your age of children!

Best of luck planning!

 

[perdidobay]

I love the Pagosa Springs area! HOT SPRINGS ARE PRO!

In fact, the wife and I are planning to build a home there now. Ahhhhhh

I'm jealous! In a really nice way.

 

[bjgrazi]

Colorado Springs, make sure you go to Garden of the Gods. Amazingly beautiful and free.

Drive to the top of Pikes Peak if you don't want to take the Cog, but go and drink lots of water.

Manitou Springs has some great shops and lots of weekend things.

In July there is a fantastic rodeo in Westcliffe which is south of Springs.

 

[rie'smom]

I lived in Telluride and we loved to hike. There are also a lot of caves with mineral springs for relaxing. The town itself is very pretty and there are loads of unique craft shops and clothing boutiques.

 

[Sonya]

Casa de Bonita What a crazy place.

Great ideas everyone! So many things to do. Now I just have to figure out if we are going to the Grand Canyon for an overnight trip!

Thank you!