skippingbrooksSo Colorado is on your agenda for an upcoming trip? With so many places to visit, knowing where to go and what to do can be overwhelming. This guide will help you plan which best jaw-dropping family adventures in Colorado are right for you and your family.
From trains to sand dunes, this guide includes the best 8 places to visit while visiting Colorado. Not all places are in close proximity to each other however visiting all in one trip could be done if you had enough time.
Are you ready? Let’s get started!
Hint: As a family, we found the best adventures are in small towns, away from the big city.
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Jaw-Dropping Family Adventures in Colorado
1. Durango Train
All aboard!
Out of this world, jaw-dropping family adventures in Colorado on an authentic steam engine train through the San Juan National Forest traveling alongside the beautiful Animas River!
The railroad arrived in Durango in 1881 and construction on the line to the town of Silverton began almost immediately. By July of 1882, the tracks to Silverton were completed, and the train began transporting both freight and passengers.
In fact, the railroad was built to transport silver & gold ore from Southwest Colorado’s San Juan Mountains, but passengers quickly realized it was the view that was truly incredible.
This historic train has been in continuous operation between Durango and Silverton since 1882, carrying passengers using historic steam and diesel locomotives.
Speaking of 1882 and keeping things unchanged, there is no cell service through much of the route, so sit back and enjoy the beauty.
Rates for adults on the Durango Train range from $101-$224 and for children range from $65-$199. Children under 4 ride for free. Choose from steam or diesel (offers wilderness access for backpackers) trips.
2. Rent ATVs in Silverton
Animas Forks and Alpine Loop: Jaw-Dropping family Adventures in Colorado
The most epic ATV trail I have ever been on! To be honest, I was scared shitless a few times!
Take your own ATV or you will find rentals in the town of Silverton. Must be 16+ to drive an ATV. Be sure to dress in layers as the weather can change quickly and will be cooler the higher in elevation you get.
First stop, Animas Forks. The ghost town of Animas forks was built in 1873 and sits at 11,200 feet and includes several original buildings that remain still today. By 1876 Animas Forks was a bustling mining community. In fact, there were 30 cabins, a hotel, a saloon, a post office, and a general store with a population of around 450 people.
Animas Forks can be found on unpaved dirt roads (from Silverton, the trail is about 12 miles) known as the Alpine Loop and is only passable from Silverton in summer by two-wheel drive vehicles which could be a little sketchy if you ask me. I would recommend 4 wheel drive. Be sure to hop off your ATVs and check out the buildings, amazing! After you have walked on the grounds of Animas Forks continue your adventure on the trail which I highly recommend. However, past Animas Fork, it is only passable with 4 wheel drive.
The Alpine loop has more than 100,000 visitors a year over its 65-mile trail and for good reason!
3. Ouray
Let’s just say the road leading to Ouray from Silverton is a nail bitter but OMG, amazing!! Ouray, another beautiful mountain town surrounded by rugged canyons and the unparalleled beauty of the San Juan Mountains., “The Switzerland of America”.
Box Canyon Falls Park
On the edge of the town of Ouray, you will find Box Canyon Falls which is the summit of Canyon Creeks narrowing and spilling thousands of gallons a minute of water over the falls carving its way through the tall canyon walls. Definitely an impressive sight.
Hiking Box Canyon Falls is quick and easy with two separate hikes. With a ticket, you have access to Lower Box Canyon or up the stairs to Upper Box Canyon. Both are really short hikes, so there should be enough time to do both. Also, you will find a visitor center located at the trailhead where a ticket is required to access the trail.
- Children (4-17 years old) $3.00
- Adults and Teens (18 – 62) $5.00
- Seniors (62 – 74) $4.00
There are also bathrooms, a souvenir shop, and a museum located inside the visitor center.
4. Great Sand Dunes: A Must-Do Jaw-Dropping Family Adventures in Colorado
Sand Dunes in the middle of Colorado sounds crazy right! In fact, it is actually a national park. Great Sand Dunes National Park. The highest mountains…of SAND! A cat’s dream, ha!
Located in southern Colorado about 3 hours south of Colorado Springs, the Dunes provide a multitude of activities. The most popular activity is sand sledding! Click here for sled rental locations. Other activities include backpacking and hiking however be prepared for fluctuating weather and most importantly sand temperatures. In fact, sand surface temperatures may rise up to 150 degrees in the summer.
Stargazing is another popular activity at the Dunes. The grandness of the dunes and proximity away from the light of town provides an ideal location for stargazing. In fact, make your trip an epic experience, bring your tent, and camp in the dunes for the night. However, you will need a backcountry permit to camp anywhere within the dune field.
Fees are required to enter.
5. Hot Springs-One of My Most Favorite Jaw-Dropping Family Adventures in Colorado
One of our favorite places to relax, especially on a snowy day is at a hot spring. Just writing about them, I long for a visit back. They are that impactful. We have visited many in Colorado however our favorite is Mount Princeton near Buena Vista. Yet, we also enjoy Pagosa Springs. Both of these locations offer Spa amenities and overnight lodging.
Hot Springs have long been used for their therapeutic benefits. For example, sulfate relieves pain and is essential for maintaining healthy skin, hair, and nails (coming from a girl who loves her skincare this is an added bonus) or Magnesium which can increase energy levels. There are so many other minerals that are beneficial to hot springs.
Each hot spring is unique and has different features. For example, or most favorite feature of Mount Princeton is the multiple “hot tub-like” spots within the river. You can lay in the sand along the river and snuggle up against the rocks wherever the hot water spring flows and enjoy the warmth of the spring and the beauty of the mountains around you. Trust me, you will never want to leave!
6. Cripple Creek Gold Mine
Visiting Colorado and exploring its history wouldn’t be complete without visiting a gold mine. Cripple Creek is the perfect place to do just that.
In 1890 gold was discovered in the now named town of Cripple Creek which was known back then as the “World’s Greatest Gold Camp.” With over 500 mines and more than 22,400,000 ounces of gold mined, the Cripple Creek Historic District was designated as a National Historic Landmark by the National Park Service.
So you need to visit a mine to really get a sense of how people worked a mine, it will blow your mind! The Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine is by far this is the best mine we have visited! This tour will take you 1000 feet underground which is equivalent to 100 stories.
You are probably wondering how do you get down into the mine? Well, in the same elevator shaft that the miners used. It’s definitely a jaw-dropping family adventures in Colorado at its best! Our kids have loved this tour every time we visit, no matter what their age.
7. Pikes Peak
Pikes Peak is a popular destination that every family should visit. The drive to the summit which takes you to 14,115 feet, is quite the experience. In fact, Pikes Peak is the highest summit of the southern Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, in North America.
Twists and turns with nerve-racking drop-offs near the summit are what make this such an incredible drive. However, be prepared to feel the effects of the altitude at the summit called altitude sickness. This is the only time I have ever felt “sick” when visiting Colorado and don’t worry, it’s a short-lived feeling. For me, symptoms disappeared before reaching the bottom of the park. The most common symptoms are headache, nausea, dizziness, and shortness of breath. Be sure to stay hydrated while visiting higher altitudes.
Click here for resources on altitude sickness.
8. Rocky Mountain National Park
With so much to do in Rocky Mountain National Park, the possibilities are endless. However, I want to tell you one thing you MUST do on your visit.
First of all, you can enter Rocky Mountain National Park from 4 different locations. For this epic hike, you will want to enter from the east side location which is in Estes Park.
My husband and I recently took a long weekend to visit Rocky Mountain NP to hike our hearts out one last time before winter. We had the ability to get cheap flights to Denver from our home airport and this was the best option on short notice.
So, let’s dive in. Once you arrive at RMNP the first trail you want to check out is Bear Loop Trail. Bear Loop Trail is a quick 0.6-mile walk around a cute little lake with great photo opportunities of the lake and the Rocky Mountains. From this trail, you will find your next AMAZING hike. The hike to Emerald Lake!
Emerald Lake Trail is one of the most accessible hikes in RMNP and if you have limited time to visit, this trail is an excellent option. Emerald Lake trail is about 3.6 miles round trip with some steep grades which will take 2-3 hours to complete. As I said, this hike was just my husband and me, and we found ourselves stopping frequently to take a break. However, we are confident that our kids would have been able to do this hike with us had they been there. A definite jaw-dropping family adventures in Colorado.
Waterfalls, multiple lakes (trout can be seen from the shores), lookouts, and varieties of landscapes are sure to aw you throughout your hike.
Hint: Parking can be tricky. Plan to arrive early or take the many buses from the park-n-ride to the trailhead.
9. Breweries
Yeah yeah, I know. This isn’t a kid-friendly option however some of the best breweries are in Colorado and I think they are worth sharing. Also, kids are always welcome in breweries and typically have games and boast a family atmosphere. Think of them as high-class “bars”, ha! And, most are dog friendly, too!
Eddyline Brewery
Eddyline Brewery lies within the center of the state and at the heart of the Rocky Mountains in the small town of Buena Vista. A cute little small mountain town with magnificent views along the banks of the Arkansas River. In fact, Buena Vista means “beautiful view”.
Eddyline Brewery produces over 1.5 million pints of craft beer annually and employs 20+ Coloradans. Also won medals at the Great American Beer Festival, World Beer Cup, and dozens of other competitions for their delicious beer. My favorite is Lime Guava Gose, a sour, made with sea salt, lime, and guava. Oh so refreshing on a hot day!
Don’t forget to eat while visiting the brewery. They offer burgers, sandwiches, pizza, pasta, salads, and a kid’s menu.
Outer Range Brewery
Outer Range Brewery is located in the adorable little town of Frisco nestled next to Dillion Reservior and is popular among skiers. Also called “Main Street of the Rockies” for its charming downtown filled with shopping and restaurants. Located only 7 miles from Breckenridge.
Outer Range has been recognized by USA 10 Best Breweries, Forbes Breweries to Watch, Beer and Brewing, Beer Advocate, and Western Colorado Brewery of the year 2021. In fact, my favorite is Weekend Friends Kettle Sour.
Hungry? No problem. The taproom includes a Thai-style chicken shack and a coffee shop. Besides, with plenty of space inside and out, be sure to take advantage of the mountain air and atmosphere in the outdoor seating.
Storm Peak Brewery
Storm Peak Brewery is located in the ski town of Steamboat Springs. The brewery offers a wide range of beer styles in the 20 barrel brewhouse. Once again, food is available however not within the brewery. Next door restaurants are available or bring your own. Once again, my favorite, a sour named Hoochie Mama!
So What is First on Your List of Jaw-Dropping Family Adventures in Colorado?
Throughout my list of the 9 best places to visit in Colorado, I would choose and have chosen the hot springs over and over again. I am a water nut, probably half fish, and what better way to enjoy swimming than being surrounded by the mountains. It’s a slice of heaven.
Safe adventures,
Brooke
In case you missed some of my previous posts, check them out:
- Camping With a Travel Trailer (+ How To Score Free Camping)
- Grand Teton and Yellowstone Itinerary (An Awesome 4 Day Guide)
- Best Things To Do In Grand Teton National Park
- The Best Jackson Hole Family Vacation (+ 3 Day Itinerary)
- Yellowstone Packing List (+ Grand Tetons): 21 Ultimate Things to Pack
- BLM Camping: How to Score Free Camping and Overnight Camping
- The Ultimate Guide To Visiting Glacier National Park (3 Days At Its Best )
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