US Rocky Mountain Family-friendly activities in Colorado (between Denver and Durango)

[DRAX]

We hit the road back to Colorado in just under 2 weeks and we're working on making a list of activities to do aside from exploring and camping. Family friendly meaning wife, 17 year old daughter, and myself. What we currently have...

• Royal Gorge (ziplining, etc)
• Rafting or tubing but not sure where the best place to do this would be.
• Mission: Wolf, wolf sanctuary tour and camp nearby to hear them at night.
• Butterfly Pavilion in Denver

We'll be coming from the east and are considering doing a bit of a loop using the Colorado BDR, either from I-70 south and head towards Silverton or the reverse direction, we're not sure as it depends on when we'll be meeting up with my mother-in-law in Silverton. Does anyone else have any activity suggestions in the general Denver-to-Durango swath of land that you thought was worth doing?

 

[Neal A. Tew]

Hogan,

In case you're not aware, there are several rafting companies between Canon City (Royal Gorge) and Buena Vista. I once rafted through the canyon under the Royal Gorge Bridge. We used Echo Canyon, but I'm sure others are just as good. The Royal Gorge park has it's own fast zip line across the gorge. There's another zip line along Hwy 50 just west of the gorge exit. There is also quite the zip line adventure course along Hwy 50 closer to Salida. I don't remember the names, but I can find them if you're interested.

Mission Wolf is pretty close to the turn off for Medano Pass 4WD road that takes you over the mountain into the Great Sand Dunes National Park. My favorite part of the park is along this route. There is some good camping along this route, both inside and outside the park/reserve.

The Gold Belt tour is a scenic route between the Canon City area and Cripple Creek/Victor. You might try working in parts of that Shelf Road or Phantom Canyon Rd if you're in that area.

Of course, there is an insane amount of 4WD roads and other stuff to do around Silverton. There are several interesting options to get you into that area avoiding pavement.

The areas discussed in the first three paragraphs are pretty near me. If you have any interest in companionship or a guide look me up. I'm family friendly. Either way, hit me with any other follow up questions.

 

[DRAX]

Hogan,

In case you're not aware, there are several rafting companies between Canon City (Royal Gorge) and Buena Vista. I once rafted through the canyon under the Royal Gorge Bridge. We used Echo Canyon, but I'm sure others are just as good. The Royal Gorge park has it's own fast zip line across the gorge. There's another zip line along Hwy 50 just west of the gorge exit. There is also quite the zip line adventure course along Hwy 50 closer to Salida. I don't remember the names, but I can find them if you're interested.

Mission Wolf is pretty close to the turn off for Medano Pass 4WD road that takes you over the mountain into the Great Sand Dunes National Park. My favorite part of the park is along this route. There is some good camping along this route, both inside and outside the park/reserve.

The Gold Belt tour is a scenic route between the Canon City area and Cripple Creek/Victor. You might try working in parts of that Shelf Road or Phantom Canyon Rd if you're in that area.

Of course, there is an insane amount of 4WD roads and other stuff to do around Silverton. There are several interesting options to get you into that area avoiding pavement.

The areas discussed in the first three paragraphs are pretty near me. If you have any interest in companionship or a guide look me up. I'm family friendly. Either way, hit me with any other follow up questions.

Thanks! I'll make notes in Gaia for the Medano Pass and check out the Gold Belt tour. We've been to Silverton and the surrounding areas previously which is why we want to go back. We've got some awesome campsites marked from then as well and then we'll also do some more exploring in places we haven't been, of course. This time we're just trying to shake things up a bit to give our daughter things to look forward to besides being forced off of social media due to no cell service. :D Also open to restaurant suggestions. I already know where the good pizza and coffee spots are and we can't wait to go back to the Packer Saloon & Cannibal Grill in Lake City, but any other suggestions for excellent lunch/dinner options would be welcome too.

 

[zgfiredude]

Hit up the little town of Creede and visit the Fire Station there.......It's entirely inside the mountain in old mining tunnels and is pretty close to to Lake City. The drive from Creede to Lake City is pretty as well.

 

[M Rose]

Denver: Six Flags, Water park, and the Denver Zoo are my top three places to go.

Tubing down the Arkansas river through Canyon City is fun… but usually the water is low this time of year… I would put in at Centennial Park on the west side of town (just off of HWY 50) and float down to HWY 115 just east of Florence.

From Florence take HWY115 to Penrose to get to Phantom Canyon Road, or to Red Rock Road… both offer excellent trails to get to Cripple Creek. From Cripple Creek you can either take Old Gold Camp Road and head to Colorado Springs, or take Colorado HWY 1 to Lost Burro Campground and visit the old mining museums…

 

[Boort]

@DRAX

If you choose to go white water rafting on the Arkansas River May I suggest Doing a full day trip and hitting both Browns Canyon and Royal Gorge, the numbers + Browns can also be fun if the Gorge is closed for water level being too high or low. ( Flows available on line at Daily Arkansas River Flow Report )
I recommend boondocking in the National Forest around the Angel of Shavano Cg ( You can also camp at the campground if you want more facilities. ) I used to also Camp off of the FR 250 series of roads but that burned a few years back and is not as nice these days probably still closed to recreation.

You're also a stones throw from Great Sanddunes NP which depending on the weather could be nice or a furnace over the next few weeks.

Are you planning a equipped to do the Alpine loop or parts of it? ~65 miles of Off road loop connecting Lake City, Ouray and Silverton. American basin will be beautiful that time of year. This is a Plan ahead trip that can be done in 6 hours but best to take your time and enjoy the area. Alpine Loop Best to hit Tue - Thurs to avoid the weekend crowds.

If you are planning to stay more North for a bit Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP is worth a stop if you've never been. IMHO: More interesting views from the top than Royal Gorge.

You might also look into the Durango Silverton railroad as a good way to relax, sight see, and spend the day. ( All Aboard! - Official Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Train )
If you are in or passing thru Pagosa springs in the morning I fully recommend stopping at the Pagosa Baking Co for breakfast and baked goods! ( Home - Handcrafted Baked Goods | Nourishing Simple Meals | Community Gathering Place ) The Egg, Potato, Chile and Cheese Breakfast Burrito will fill you up! They are one of 4 Colorado Pie shops that I fully recommend!

Boort

 

[DRAX]

Thanks for all the great suggestions so far, I really appreciate it!

@Boort We did half of the Alpine Loop a couple of years ago, amazing views! We'll probably do the other half this summer. We have a couple of favorite camp spots we'll be going back to (One by Bandora Mine and the other off Last Dollar Rd) and have various other areas to check out for additional camp spots. We'll be heading to the Alpine Loop/Silverton area first as we'll be meeting up with my mother-in-law in Silverton and camping together for a couple of days or so. After that I'll have to figure out what direction makes the most sense as I'd like to head up the BDR to I-70 at some point. I'll just have to plot our main stopping points/areas out and see the best way to connect them. That'll give me something to do when I'm bored over the next week.

I actually took my profile pic from the top of Engineer Pass.

 

[Boort]

Thanks for all the great suggestions so far, I really appreciate it!

@Boort
I actually took my profile pic from the top of Engineer Pass.

@DRAX LOL Mine is from the N Rim CG at Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP.

How are you getting to CO from Illinois? I-70? If so May I suggest stopping in Burlington Co (Just west of the Co|KS border) and check out the Kit Carson County Carousel (Kit Carson County Carousel |). This is a 100 year old fully operational Carousel with hand carved animals, that last I was out east, was still only a Quarter to ride. Great way to stretch your legs when coming in from the east.

You mentioned a trip to the Bug Barn (Butterfly pavilion), If you feel like a beer afterwards you might enjoy Westminster Brewing Company ( Westminster Brewing Co ) about 2 miles to the NW They have a tasting room and a rotation of some usually good food trucks to provide a late lunch / dinner.

What kind of stuff does your family enjoy? Can likely provide suggestions with more info.

Boort

 

[DRAX]

@DRAX LOL Mine is from the N Rim CG at Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP.

How are you getting to CO from Illinois? I-70? If so May I suggest stopping in Burlington Co (Just west of the Co|KS border) and check out the Kit Carson County Carousel (Kit Carson County Carousel |). This is a 100 year old fully operational Carousel with hand carved animals, that last I was out east, was still only a Quarter to ride. Great way to stretch your legs when coming in from the east.

Yeah, we'll be picking up I-70 either in Topeka or farther west near Colby, KS. I avoid the tolls roads which means staying off the interstate a bit more and seeing areas we normally wouldn't. I'll make a note about the carousel, if the timing works out either on the way there or the way back such that we'd be stopping for fuel/food in the area anyway then that would help. Generally speaking, we blast across the plains from IL to the front range in one long day. This trip won't be any different, we'll leave early in the morning and stop for the night around Colorado Springs, then get up and take our time getting to Silverton, getting in around dinnertime.

You mentioned a trip to the Bug Barn (Butterfly pavilion), If you feel like a beer afterwards you might enjoy Westminster Brewing Company ( Westminster Brewing Co ) about 2 miles to the NW They have a tasting room and a rotation of some usually good food trucks to provide a late lunch / dinner.

What kind of stuff does your family enjoy? Can likely provide suggestions with more info.

Boort

We're generally up for about anything interesting or fun/exciting, my daughter mentioned wanting to find another butterfly exhibit since we all enjoyed the one on Mackinac Island so much (Wings of Mackinac | Welcome to the Wings of Mackinac web site. Our beautiful butterfly conservatory is located on historic Mackinac Island, Michigan.). We've also been to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo outside of Colorado Springs, that was pretty amazing as well. Especially feeding the giraffes. :) We've been up to the top of Pikes Peak, awesome views. Daughter was pretty bored, though, and it was windy and cold when we were up there so it was a quick trip. Old mine tours, ghost tours, tubing/rafting, ziplining, etc. It's all good, but since we'll only be in the area for a couple of weeks I'd say we'll probably only be looking to do a few "attractions" to break up the trip with the rest of the time just enjoying being out in nature and exploring or finding some great food in small towns.

 

[Boort]

Yeah, we'll be picking up I-70 either in Topeka or farther west near Colby, KS. I avoid the tolls roads which means staying off the interstate a bit more and seeing areas we normally wouldn't. I'll make a note about the carousel, if the timing works out either on the way there or the way back such that we'd be stopping for fuel/food in the area anyway then that would help. Generally speaking, we blast across the plains from IL to the front range in one long day. This trip won't be any different, we'll leave early in the morning and stop for the night around Colorado Springs, then get up and take our time getting to Silverton, getting in around dinnertime.



We're generally up for about anything interesting or fun/exciting, my daughter mentioned wanting to find another butterfly exhibit since we all enjoyed the one on Mackinac Island so much (Wings of Mackinac | Welcome to the Wings of Mackinac web site. Our beautiful butterfly conservatory is located on historic Mackinac Island, Michigan.). We've also been to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo outside of Colorado Springs, that was pretty amazing as well. Especially feeding the giraffes. :) We've been up to the top of Pikes Peak, awesome views. Daughter was pretty bored, though, and it was windy and cold when we were up there so it was a quick trip. Old mine tours, ghost tours, tubing/rafting, ziplining, etc. It's all good, but since we'll only be in the area for a couple of weeks I'd say we'll probably only be looking to do a few "attractions" to break up the trip with the rest of the time just enjoying being out in nature and exploring or finding some great food in small towns.

Gas stop coming back from either KC or The East Coast was how we originally learned about the carousel. It's not an all day event but a great way to get out of the car for a little bit and check out some history.

If your route coming or going takes you north of Denver check out the Wild Animal Sanctuary ( The Wild Animal Sanctuary | Keenesburg, CO | Home ) This is very much like the Wolf sanctuary that you mentioned for large carnivores (think Lions, Tigers and Bears... OH MY! :) ) They are about an hour NE of The Butterfly Pavilion out I-76

I'm told that the best Zipline in Co is in Durango. ( Durango Adventures And Zipline Tours | Get Your Adrenaline Running ) I wish I could say from first hand experience but I was over the weight limit the time I tried to go. :(

Best ghost tour that I know of is The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park. Taken Many family members up there and the SO and family have stayed over night a few times through Groupon or similar deals. Worth it if you are in that area in the future.

You mentioned Colorado Springs. some of my favorite things to do down there include:
Garden of the Gods in CO Spgs is a beautiful hike Esp in the early Morning, Sunrise can be spectacular on the red rocks with Pikes Peak and the Purple Mtns in the background.

Cave of the Winds ( Cave of the Winds Mountain Park | Your Colorado Adventure Awaits ) is a fun safe way to spend a cool day out of the hot sun. I've not been there since I was your Daughters age but enjoyed that trip at the time. I'm told they have a 40 MPH Arial cable coaster that is a blast that you can add on to your Cave tour.

Enjoy your trip!
Boort