Best Ways to Explore the Hidden Charms of Colorado with Your Family

Whether you’re drawn to expansive landscapes, wildlife spotting, or historic locales, Colorado has it all. And if you want to make the most of the state with your family in tow here are some of the best ways to tackle its hidden charms.

How to Explore Colorado with Your Family

Are you planning a family trip to Colorado? Look no further! In this guide, we will explore the best ways to enjoy the beauty of Colorado with your kids. From breathtaking mountains to exciting outdoor activities, Colorado offers top attractions and hidden gems that make Colorado the perfect destination for a fun-filled family vacation.

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Adventuring by Car

One of the best ways to explore Colorado’s hidden charms is by car. The state offers numerous stunning scenic drives that are captivating for every member of your family.

For instance, take a ride on the Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park or experience Million Dollar Highway’s breathtaking views. Also see this Road Trip Itinerary – Denver to Rocky Mountain National Park for a single day trip that one of my very favorite road trips.

And if you don’t yet have a vehicle, you could even pick up a bargain at a used car dealership in Thornton and use this to get around the state in style and comfort.

With the flexibility and convenience, only road-tripping provides, seeing the idyllic countryside or mesmerizing red rock formations synonymous with Colorado’s unique landscape at your own pace is achievable.

Hiking Mountain Trails

When it comes to immersing yourself in Colorado’s natural splendor, nothing beats hiking its trails. Discover a variety of terrains as you explore different paths with your family.

Beginners might enjoy the Bear Lake Trail or Lily Lake Loop in Rocky Mountain National Park, both offering flat walks paired with astonishing views. If you want to go hiking in Colorado Springs, the Garden of the Gods is a must-see for its stunning red rock formations and family-friendly hiking trails.

If you’re feeling adventurous, try tackling one of Colorado’s famous 14ers (mountains with an elevation of at least 14,000 feet). For an unforgettable high-altitude experience, ascend to Mt Elbert, which is Colorado’s tallest peak at over 14,000 feet. Some other popular options include Mount Bierstadt and Quandary Peak, but make sure to do your research and be prepared for the high altitude and strenuous hike.

For a more unique outdoor experience, consider visiting Great Sand Dunes National Park. Here, you can climb up and slide down towering sand dunes, making it a fun activity for kids (and adults!) of all ages.

These exhilarating climbs up mountain trails will reward you with sweeping panoramas and wildlife encounters that only Colorado can provide. Just be sure to pack the right gear!

AllTrails is a free mobile app and website with detailed, hand-curated trail maps, along with crowd-sourced reviews and photos. With 300,000+ trails, users can filter to find the route that’s right for them.

Upgrade to the PRO version for offline maps and more.

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Camping Under the Stars

There’s something magical about gazing at the starry night sky, especially when you’re surrounded by Colorado’s majestic landscapes. Connecting with nature by camping can lead to those unforgettable family moments.

Consider camping in The Great Sand Dunes National Park. Its surreal surroundings of giant sand hills are a stargazer’s dream come true.

If forest camping is more your style, then Pikes Peak offers lush settings and an opportunity to rise above the clouds with its famed summit nearby.

For lakefront views while grilling dinner over campfires, Turquoise Lake outside Leadville provides serene beachside campsites.

If you decide to camp in Colorado, be sure to book early and respect park rules for a safe and memorable outdoors experience.

Related: Not Sure How to Go Stargazing – Read these 11 Ways to Enjoy the Night Sky

Discovering Historic Towns

You can immerse your family in Colorado’s rich past by visiting its historic towns, and get more out of your adventure than the memories alone.

Starting with Georgetown, which is known as the Silver Queen of Colorado, you can wander past charmingly preserved Victorian houses and consider boarding a vintage steam train for a breathtaking ride. In Durango, you’ll find plenty more historic structures hailing from the late 19th-century mining boom period, giving it an authentic Western feel.

Next, visit Telluride encased within box canyon walls that boomtown tales couldn’t contain. Today it is famed for festivals held against the backdrop of dramatic mountainscapes.

For hot spring lovers, Ouray provides soothing thermal pools surrounded by stunning Alpine scenery. Walking around these beautiful and storied towns gives an incomparable sense of Colorado’s pioneer history rooted in Wild West legends.

The Cliff Dwellings in Southwest Colorado’s Mesa Verde National Park are a fascinating historical treasure that provides a glimpse into the lives of the ancient Puebloan people. Nestled amidst towering cliffs and breathtaking scenery, these ancient dwellings offer a unique window into the past. One of the most well-known Cliff Dwelling sites, this UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts numerous cliff dwellings that were built between the 6th and 12th centuries. The most famous of these is the Cliff Palace, a massive complex that contains more than 150 rooms and 23 kivas. It is an awe-inspiring sight, perched precariously on the edge of a steep cliff.

Related: Read more about the only place to go camping inside Mesa Verde National Park.

Rafting on Colorado’s Rivers

When it comes to bonding and adventure, rafting on Colorado’s mighty rivers stands out. Perfect for thrill-seeking families, experience the exhilaration of white water rafting down rapids surrounded by Colorado’s stunning landscapes.

Whether you choose the lively Arkansas River or gentle Clear Creek, a guided raft tour can provide unforgettable moments filled with laughter, excitement, and perhaps a splash or two!

Of course safety is paramount in this context, so always opt to go rafting with certified adventure companies providing well-maintained equipment and experienced guides.

Biking Through the Backcountry

For those who love to feel the wind on their faces and watch landscapes shift at a pace of their choosing, biking through Colorado’s backcountry can be quite rewarding. Whether you aim to traverse tranquil trails or maneuver across mountain terrain, there’s variety for riders of all skill levels.

Places like Fruita are ideal for seasoned cyclists offering challenging rides, while Boulder’s paved paths provide easier routes perfect for family cycling trips.

Aim to check local regulations before setting off, and always take precautions, ensuring that your bikes are in good condition and you have relevant safety gear. And of course not all bicycles are suitable for the tougher terrain you’ll encounter, so consider upgrading if necessary, or sticking to the asphalt.

For more travel ideas in Colorado, see:

Final Thoughts

As you can see, Colorado is bursting with activities for the entire family. From driving scenic byways to hiking mountain trails and soaking up a sense of the past in quaint towns, there’s something unique around every corner. So pack your bags and gear up for an unforgettable family adventure in colorful Colorado.