Rolling mountains, tall snow-capped peaks, forests, rivers, plateaus, high plains, canyons, and deserts, Colorado has it all! I knew that a week-long vacation would not be enough to explore Colorful Colorado, especially when you are traveling with your big family of mixed age groups.
View from our Cabin, Fairplay, CO
We decided that everyone would make a wish list of 7 must-see and must-do things, and then we would shortlist the places to make the final list. We landed in Denver and drove to Fairplay where we rented our cabin. Fairplay was our base from where we took all our day trips. It is a quiet little town, with a few shops and stores. Our cabin was tucked in the woods, with beautiful views of the alpine trees. Give yourself and your family some time to acclimatize as needed. Here are the places we visited and enjoyed with my family and would like to recommend.
Garden of Gods
Garden of Gods
The landscape is distinct and fascinating. The Visitor & Nature Center is a state-of-the-art facility with interactive information about the flora and fauna, and the topography of the land. It is a great learning opportunity for school-aged kids, especially nature-loving ones.
This geographical marvel is a national natural landmark. These beautiful rock formations are the ancient sedimentary beds of deep-red, pink, and white sandstones, conglomerates, and limestone that were deposited horizontally but have now been tilted vertically.
The trails range from beginner to advanced levels, there were paved and some unpaved trails. We could see some rock climbers in action.
Independence Pass & Twin Lakes
Independence Pass
On the way to Aspen, these are great spots to stop and enjoy, Twin Lakes & Independence Pass. The drive through the pass is breathtaking, beyond words, but is also equally challenging and thrilling at the same time. It is one of the highest in North America. The drive is a test of the driver’s skill, it takes you to the Continental Divide, at the height of 12095 feet above sea level. A short hike on the Independence Pass Overlook, which starts at the Continental Divide is an easy and family-friendly hike that loops to a summit from where you can view the vast mountain range along with the winding Independence Pass and the great valley.
Maroon Bells & Aspen
Maroon Bells
This is one of the most beautiful and photographed places and was the top on our list as well. Due to its popularity, it has a vast number of tourist vehicles. To protect the environment, public vehicles have restricted access. Shuttles that run from Roaring Fork Transportation Authority are the best way to get to the Maroon Bells. I recommended making prior reservations, it can get busy depending on the time of the year. The weather at the Maroon Bells is unpredictable, it is therefore advisable to be prepared with a light jacket even in summer. The reflection of the two peaks in the lake, the tranquility, and the crisp air transfers you to another world.
After visiting Maroon Bells, we spent some time in Aspen. It is a ski resort town with plenty of opportunities for activities year-round. There are many fun things to do with a family of all age groups. It is fun exploring the streets of the town. The high-end boutiques, cute restaurants, and beautiful street landscaping are eye candy. There is a gondola ride for those who would like to experience one.
Vail
Vail Village
Nestled at the base of Vail Mountain, within the White River National Forest, Vail is a scenic little town. Famous for winter sports and equally popular during the summertime. It is famous for its ski resort, luxury accommodations, shopping, and great restaurants.
We decided to explore the beautiful trails of Vail. The route we picked was an easy one. It went along Gore Creek through gardens, lodges, resorts, and streets. The views on the way were just spectacular!
The family-friendly Vail village is a great place to hang out for the entire day. The pedestrian streets are lined up with attractive art galleries, fine restaurants, and boutique shops on both sides.
The Bavarian-inspired architecture transfers one to a Swiss chalet.
There are many fun activities for the entire family. The scenic gondola ride from Vail village to the top of Vail Mountain, biking, horseback riding, and exploring the nature trails are some of the popular ones during summer. There are more adventurous and fun activities for all age groups depending on their interests.
Breckenridge
Sawmill Reservoir Nature Trail, Breckenridge
This vibrant town has something for everyone. It is a very family-friendly destination for all age groups. From peaceful nature trails to the buzzing historic Main Street, there are many options to explore.
The Sawmill Reservoir nature trail is a beautiful hike meandering along the stream. It was an easy one with a ten-year-old. You come across different terrains, rocks, a little uphill, and through the woods. The view near the reservoir is so spectacular with the backdrop of the majestic mountains.
The town has many great options for restaurants and shops where you could go with the entire family. It can get chilly in the evening as you can imagine, it’s in the mountains, so keeping a jacket handy is a good idea.
The Illinois Creek trailhead is a very easy hike for all ages. It leads to Isak Heartstone, a sculpture, also known as the Breckenridge troll. It was created by the Danish artist Thomas Dambo, whose art speaks about recycling and upcycling. This sculpture too is made up of wooden scraps and recycled materials.
Rocky Mountain National Park & Estes Park
Nymph Lake
With picture-perfect views in every direction, Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most visited national parks in the nation. The park has many trails of different levels of difficulty.
Coyote Valley trail is a leisurely out-and-back trail great for the entire family, and easy even for those who cannot walk long distances. You walk along the Colorado River with postcard-worthy views on every corner.
To enjoy the park, you will need to reserve a permit in advance, with two different timed entrances. Make sure to check out the details on the park’s website.
On the way to Estes Park, you drive through Trail Ridge Road, an equally scenic drive. There are observation decks on the way at different points where vehicles stop by to get the most out of the views. The winding road leads to the Alpine Ridge Trail.
The hike starts from the Alpine Visitor Center which is 11796 feet above sea level. The trail has a steep incline, with breathtaking which takes to an elevation of 12005 feet above sea level. Although a short hike is quite challenging. Make sure to take a break, go at your own pace, and enjoy the breathtaking views in every direction. The alpine flowers and wildlife, the mighty mountains and the winding Alpine Ridge Road making its way through them is a view to behold.
Bear Lake is another scenic destination to visit on your trip to the Rocky Mountains and Estes Park, located at an elevation of 9449 feet above sea level. This is a very popular place and therefore parking can get filled up quickly. There are shuttle services that run from several points along Bear Lake Road. There are trails with different difficulty levels to explore. The Bear Lake Loop Trail is an easier one with the view of the pristine Bear Lake and the dense pine trees all around. It is an enjoyable hike with kids and even with people who cannot hike long distances as you could complete the loop or walk a short distance and return. The loop itself is about 0.7 miles.
The trail next to the Bear Lake Trail that connects is the Bear Lake- Dream Haiyaha Junction Trail. This trail also starts at the Bear Lake Stock Trailhead parking lot, like the Bear Lake Trail. This is an easy hike, but it does have an incline and a bit of an incline on the way to Nymph Lake. The entire cluster of trails around all the lakes, the Nymph Lake, Dream Lake, Haiyaha and Bear Lack are connected and are a great way to hike together.