Colorado

Colorado is a fantastic destination for a family adventure, especially with its stunning national parks and diverse landscapes. Here’s a fun and family-friendly 23-day itinerary that maximizes your time in national parks, including a visit to Mesa Verde. Let’s get started!

Day 1: Arrival in Denver

• Morning: Arrive in Denver. Settle into your hotel.
• Afternoon: Explore the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. It’s interactive and great for kids!
• Evening: Dinner at a family-friendly restaurant in the city, like Casa Bonita for a unique experience.

Day 2: Denver to Rocky Mountain National Park

• Morning: Drive to Rocky Mountain National Park (about 1.5 hours).
• Afternoon: Stop at the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center for maps and info. Hike the Bear Lake Trail (easy, 0.6 miles round trip).
• Evening: Camp or stay in Estes Park. Enjoy a family campfire if camping!

Day 3: Rocky Mountain National Park

• All Day: Explore more of the park! Drive the Trail Ridge Road (weather permitting) and stop at various overlooks. Hike the Alberta Falls Trail (1.6 miles round trip) for a beautiful waterfall view.
• Evening: Return to Estes Park for dinner and ice cream!

Day 4: Rocky Mountain National Park to Glenwood Springs

• Morning: Depart for Glenwood Springs (about 3 hours).
• Afternoon: Visit the Glenwood Hot Springs Pool for some relaxation and fun.
• Evening: Dinner in Glenwood Springs. Try the local pizza place!

Day 5: Glenwood Springs to Aspen

• Morning: Drive to Aspen (about 1 hour).
• Afternoon: Explore the Maroon Bells area. Take a family-friendly hike around Maroon Lake.
• Evening: Enjoy a picnic dinner with a view of the mountains.

Day 6: Aspen to Colorado Springs

• Morning: Depart for Colorado Springs (about 3.5 hours).
• Afternoon: Visit the Garden of the Gods. Walk the easy trails and take in the stunning rock formations.
• Evening: Dinner in Colorado Springs. Try a local BBQ joint!

Day 7: Colorado Springs

• All Day: Visit Pikes Peak. Take the cog railway or drive up. Enjoy the views and have a picnic at the summit.
• Evening: Return to Colorado Springs for a relaxing evening.

Day 8: Colorado Springs to Great Sand Dunes National Park

• Morning: Drive to Great Sand Dunes National Park (about 2.5 hours).
• Afternoon: Explore the dunes! Rent sandboards or sleds for some family fun.
• Evening: Camp at the park or stay in nearby Alamosa.

Day 9: Great Sand Dunes National Park

• All Day: Spend another day at the park. Hike the Mosca Pass Trail for stunning views.
• Evening: Stargazing at the park if conditions allow!

Day 10: Great Sand Dunes to Mesa Verde National Park

• Morning: Depart for Mesa Verde (about 3.5 hours).
• Afternoon: Visit the Mesa Verde Visitor Center. Take a short hike to Spruce Tree House.
• Evening: Camp or stay in nearby Cortez.

Day 11: Mesa Verde National Park

• All Day: Explore the park! Take a guided tour of Cliff Palace or Balcony House. Learn about the Ancestral Puebloans.
• Evening: Enjoy a family dinner in Cortez.

Day 12: Mesa Verde to Durango

• Morning: Drive to Durango (about 1 hour).
• Afternoon: Ride the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad for a scenic train ride.
• Evening: Explore downtown Durango and have dinner.

Day 13: Durango to Telluride

• Morning: Depart for Telluride (about 2 hours).
• Afternoon: Explore the charming town and take the free gondola for stunning views.
• Evening: Dinner in Telluride. Try a local burger joint!

Day 14: Telluride

• All Day: Enjoy outdoor activities! Hike the Jud Wiebe Trail or take a family-friendly mountain biking trail.
• Evening: Relax and enjoy a movie night at your accommodation.

Day 15: Telluride to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

• Morning: Drive to Black Canyon of the Gunnison (about 2 hours).
• Afternoon: Visit the South Rim. Hike the Rim Rock Trail for breathtaking views.
• Evening: Camp or stay in nearby Montrose.

Day 16: Black Canyon of the Gunnison to Crested Butte

• Morning: Depart for Crested Butte (about 1.5 hours).
• Afternoon: Explore the town and take a family-friendly hike in the area.
• Evening: Dinner in Crested Butte. Enjoy the local vibe!

Day 17: Crested Butte

• All Day: Spend the day hiking or biking. The Snodgrass Trail is a great option for families.
• Evening: Relax and enjoy a family game night at your accommodation.

Day 18: Crested Butte to Rocky Mountain National Park

• Morning: Drive back to Rocky Mountain National Park (about 4 hours).
• Afternoon: Settle in and explore a different area of the park, like the Wild Basin.
• Evening: Camp or stay in Estes Park.

Day 19: Rocky Mountain National Park

• All Day: Enjoy a full day of hiking! Consider the easy hike to Gem Lake (1.5 miles round trip).
• Evening: Dinner in Estes Park and maybe some shopping for souvenirs.

Day 20: Rocky Mountain National Park to Fort Collins

• Morning: Depart for Fort Collins (about 1 hour).
• Afternoon: Visit the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery. It’s interactive and fun for kids!
• Evening: Dinner at a local brewery with a family-friendly atmosphere.

Day 21: Fort Collins to Denver

• Morning: Drive back to Denver (about 1.5 hours).
• Afternoon: Visit the Denver Zoo or the Denver Botanic Gardens.
• Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner in Denver.

Day 22: Denver

• All Day: Take a day trip to Mount Evans (if open) or visit the Red Rocks Amphitheatre for a hike and some stunning views.
• Evening: Relax and pack for your departure.

Day 23: Departure

• Morning: Last-minute shopping or sightseeing in Denver.
• Afternoon: Depart for home.

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This itinerary balances outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and family-friendly activities, ensuring everyone has a blast! Make sure to check the weather and park conditions, and have a fantastic trip exploring the beauty of Colorado! 🌄✨