Heber Valley Railroad

Whenever you’re in Heber you have to take a trip on the Heber Valley Railroad. There are many different types of trips you can take and from what we experienced on the two we’ve taken I’m assuming they are all entertaining, incredibly scenic, and very hot! These are historic railcars so there’s no air conditioning and the hot summer sun bakes down on you so dress for the heat and bring water!

In 2021 the kids and I took the Provo Canyon Limited trip which was a longer ride, with a chance to get out and stretch your legs during a stop at Vivian Park. Getting to watch the train “turn around” as the engine switches sides of the train during the stop was very fun. A clever ice cream truck had stationed themselves at the park and, after a hot ride in the train, a giant line quickly formed for some cool treats. Reason number 5,768 why I always have a packet of travel wipes in my purse, you never know when there might be an ice cream truck!

Box lunches can be added to any train ticket and you’ll get a very tasty sandwich, a bag of potato chips, and a cookie! There are also snacks available for purchase in one of the cars that they’ve retrofitted to be a snack bar.

There is live entertainment on the ride. Musicians file into your car and give a brief, fun concert full of fiddles, guitars, and voices. Little ones might be scared by the railroad “bandits” that appear and pretend to hold up the train (Rowan still talks about how scary this was) so be forewarned and perhaps prepare your kiddos for the pretend robbery that may occur to help ease the fear.

In 2020 we took an adventure train ride that included box lunches and stopping halfway through the trip to be picked up by vans that took us down to the Provo River for an afternoon of rafting. This was such a fun afternoon and greatly enjoyed by all! I sadly don’t see that option on their website (in 2022) but hopefully it will return!

Raft the Provo River

Rafting and tubing the Provo River are a huge draw to the area and for good reason. This incredibly scenic river is perfect for a lazy day enjoying the water.

After we got off the Heber Valley Railroad we met our river guide. We had assumed we would be paddling but the guide was completely in charge (we weren’t even given paddles) but let Bobby and the kids do some paddling on extra quiet spots along the way.

It was a little less adventurous than we were hoping but we still had a great time chatting and getting to know our wonderful, patient guide. The kids had such a great time and the guide made sure to make it extra-special for them any chance he could get.

There’s an historic railroad bridge along the river where tubes need to exit due to safety concerns but our guide had been trained to maneuver through the small opening and it was pretty cool. There is currently a great debate about the safety versus the historical significance of the bridge and if it should continue to remain in the river. There were scuba divers present and busy diving for all the things that get dropped and lost along this section of the river from tubers flipping over and going into the water.

We had such a fun day on the water with very few, small rapids making this a perfect family outing for people with small children. Rowan was 3 and Jack 6 at the time of this trip.

Timpanogos Cave National Monument

I know I keep saying this but Timpanogos Cave National Monument is a MUST SEE! So, get your tickets early for this stunning natural wonder and enjoy an exceptional Ranger-led hike through three separate caves hidden in the Wasatch Mountains. You can only enter the caves with a ranger so a ticket is required and they sell out. If, like us, you forgot to plan ahead, check the website daily for cancellations. That’s how we were able to snag our spots on a late afternoon tour.

To get to the cave you do need to be exceptionally fit as the hike up is rather “dreadful” according to Jack. We were there in the afternoon for the 3:00 cave tour and it was HOT and the sun was baking the mountainside we needed to ascend to get to the cave.

While the trail to the cave opening is only 1.5 miles, it gains over 1,000 feet of elevation and has a crazy steep grade. I was surprised by how many kids were making it up to the top! We did encounter one gentlemen along the trail who was coming down and was vomiting so be sure to take your time, know your limits, and drink loads of water.

The trail is paved and incredibly well signed and marked. Interpretive signage teaches you about the geology, formation, and history of the caves. While handy dandy markers help you track your progress.

There are really neat markers imbedded in the trail that indicate what geological era of stone you are currently walking through. There are also yellow and red stripes painted on the trail in sections where stopping isn’t allowed due to the dangers of potential rock fall. The Rangers will tell you before embarking on your hike the correct protocol if you hear a rock fall and how to best keep yourself safe. Sometimes I wondered if the markings were put there just to keep everybody moving so as not to be late for the tour, since the threat of falling rocks definitely keeps your pace going!

The kids absolutely stunned us by getting up this incredibly strenuous trail in record time! We had 1.5 hours to make it to the top and we managed to do it in an hour! We had 1/2 an hour before our tour officially started and were so grateful for the small rock cave with seating that provided amazing shade and cooler temperatures to relax in, have a snack, and wait for our tour to start. If you arrive early there is a chance you may get on an earlier tour. Everybody had arrived for the 3:00 tour early and 3 people were chosen to attend the 2:30 tour since there was space.

The cave tour lasted almost a full hour and took us through three separate caves. We learned about the discovery, history, and geology of the area. The group limit per tour is set to 16 which makes this an intimate, and wonderful tour to do with kids. The rangers are patient, filled with knowledge, and happy to answer any and all questions. I can’t believe just how many rangers we saw while visiting this park. I’d say we saw at least 7 different rangers in a very short time!

While we may have been swelteringly hot moments before, the caves are 45 degrees so we had packed warm, fuzzy sweaters for everybody and were so glad we did! The kids argued with us when we asked them to put them on before we entered the cave but we insisted and, once again, were glad we did. Not having to pull out layers and put them on during a tour and in somewhat close quarters made things a lot easier. The kids were grateful we had done it before and begrudgingly admitted that we parents were right (score!).

The caves have some tight squeezes, and Bobby did manage to smack his head pretty hard at one point so be sure to take off hats while you explore so you can see everything around and above you.

The monument offers multiple cave tours, including an Introduction to Caving Tour, which we really wanted to do but kids have to be 14 years old. We can’t wait to come back to this stunning spot and explore more and try out that tour when the kids are older!

Mountain Biking

One of our favorite spots to bring the kids mountain biking when visiting Park City is Trailside Biking Park. With varying degrees of difficulty and a gentle uphill slope this makes Trailside an ideal spot to bring kids both beginners and advanced for an enjoyable evening of mountain biking. The various skills areas allows kids to build technique, confidence, and skills at their own pace. The giant playground at the base of the park is another bonus to this awesome spot!

Bobby has a good friend who lives in Salt Lake and they meet up every visit for a more difficult, and sometimes harrowing, ride down some pretty epic mountains in the area. With 450 miles of trails and singletrack Park City was recently ranked “Top Mountain Bike Destinations in the USA.” by singletrack.com. The International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) has also ranked Park City as a Gold-Level Ride Center for “the sheer miles of trails”.

No matter your experience level you will undoubtedly find a trail that fits your ability level, is beautiful, and super fun!

Hiking

Ruth Lake

At only 2.0 miles roundtrip, this lollipop loop is a popular hiking destination for families. With just over 250 feet of elevation gain this hike is doable for hikers of all ages.

As is usually the case, the first glimpse of the lake is always the most popular spot for people to stop and hang out. Be persistent and keep walking around the lake to find a more secluded, private spot and you will have luck!

We tried to extend the trip and hike further to Lofty Lake, but sadly we lost the trail and ended up roaming a bit aimlessly… We always have maps along and were easily able to make our way back to the main trail. We met some other hikers who were also searching for the trail that supposedly continued so we weren’t the only ones struggling.

This hike is very popular for families so don’t expect much solitude out here. We encountered loads of other families along the trail all out enjoying this easily accessible, beautiful lake.

When searching for the trail to Lofty Lake we would occasionally happen upon very well marked sections of trail!

Despite not being able to find the trail to the next lake we had a wonderful day on the trail and would recommend this trail to families visiting the area, looking for an easily doable hike with their young kids along.

Mary Lake

We drove to the Brighton Ski Resort, about 45 minutes from Mountain Valley RV Resort, to embark on an epic hiking adventure! While there are loads of amazing looking hikes near Guardsman Pass (that we had planned to do), all of the lots were full and overflowing by the time we arrived at the trailhead around 11:00 so we decided to continue to the ski resort itself where we knew we’d be able to find parking.

The Lake Mary trail in Big Cottonwood Canyon begins in full sun, under ski lifts with a fairly steep grade and we were soon huffing and puffing our way up the trail in the hot summer sun. The trail begins at over 8,000 feet and is only 2.2 miles but does have 778 feet of elevation gain making it a bit more difficult. It’s a very popular hike and you will encounter a lot of people along this trail.

The lake was created by a dam, you’ll walk by the dam before you get your first glimpse of the lake. The dam seemed to be in pretty rough shape, but the lake above it was absolutely stunning.

We stopped for lunch here and were very careful not to touch or disturb the water in anyway as this is a water source for drinking water and needs to be protected.

We weren’t ready to return to the car just yet, and weren’t excited about the large crowds that this popular trail boasted. So, we decided to traverse across the mountain, following the Twin Lakes Trail to make our way to Twin Lakes.

It was amazing how suddenly we were alone and enjoying a hike in the solitude only interrupted by an occasional trail runner or rock climbers off in the distance.

There were heavy rains in the area the night before our hike and as we traversed a boulder field we could hear water rushing beneath our feet but couldn’t see it. It was one of the coolest experiences I’ve ever had while hiking. I wondered if it would’ve been like that had it not rained the night before.

As we approached Twin Lakes the crowds once again began to form at this dam-created lake. We caught a quick glimpse of it and headed back down the mountain. This trail was even steeper than the Lake Mary Trail and was in much worse repair.

I think that Twin Lakes wasn’t nearly as scenic as Lake Mary, but the pleasant hike through the woods was very much worth it for us!

We ended at a boardwalk just 1/4 mile down the road from where we had parked our truck at the ski resort. We stopped in at the visitor center before walking the short distance back to the truck.

Park City

With a population just shy of 8,500 this charming town is bustling with activity. Restaurants and shops line the main street of this idyllic mountain town. Electric bikes seemed to be the preferred mode of transportation about town, and as main street lies on a somewhat steep hill that’s understandable!

We enjoyed an afternoon of shopping, ice cream indulging, and exploring while in town and had an absolutely fabulous time doing so!

It was HOT! But, while in town the previous day for a pedicure it had also been scorchingly hot and sunny when suddenly there was an absolute deluge of rain. People came in from the outside literally soaked to the bone and the storm had come from seemingly nowhere. It was a nice reminder that we were in the mountains and the weather can be extremely variable and unpredictable.

Hogle Zoo

It may seem like Salt Lake City is too far for a day trip but it’s really only about an hours drive from Heber and totally worth it for a fun day out with kids! We visited the Hogle Zoo two years in a row because of how much fun it is. Not only are the animals aplenty and wonderful to view there’s a splash pad, playground, zoo train, and dog show (yes you heard me right dog show, not bird show like most zoos…).

The kids and I love exploring zoos and this is up there as a favorite. I will say, I would totally skip the giraffe feeding “experience”. It’s super expensive at $5 per person and each person only gets three pieces of lettuce and are told not to rip them up into smaller pieces… So, the feeding experience only lasts about 45 seconds. The only good thing about the feeding experience was each station had a zoo keeper present, answering questions and letting you know about the individual giraffe you were feeding. While definitely a cool bonus, I still don’t think it was worth the extra money.

We were super excited to have lunch with a view! Having elephants roam about just outside your window while you enjoy some air conditioning and tasty food is perfect and this zoo definitely ranks #1 for best lunch spot!

The zoo train here ($3 per person to ride) is worth the money on your first visit. It takes you around the giraffes and zebras which is really fun to view animals from a tiny train car! But, soon you’re going through a sad, abandoned part of the zoo where they’ve attempted to put some stuff around to make it feel like you aren’t simply viewing the backlot of the zoo but really you are. There is a fun tunnel that’s exciting but this is really only worth a single ride. There were signs up when we were there in July 2022 stating that it would be closed down for a major refurbishment soon so not sure when or how long but be warned it might be shut down.

Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum

We LOVE visiting cities that have Children’s Museums and Salt Lake City’s Discover Gateway Children’s Museum is a must see when visiting the area with kids! It’s not the largest but it’s not the smallest children’s museum we’ve ever visited but it was a very fun stop!

One section is laid out like a small town including a farm, bank, home, grocery store, automotive repair shop, construction site, and post office. This was, by far, Rowan’s favorite section of the museum

Rowan’s absolute favorite part was delivering the mail around town! This made me super happy as I have very strong, fond memories of doing the same thing and loving every minute of it at the Children’s Museum in my hometown, St. Paul, MN.

The little house had everything from a kitchen, to a working piano, an upstairs loft with baby dolls, and a secret passage!

While visiting in July 2022 the special exhibit on the top floor was an archeological dinosaur dig site complete with lab.

The highlight of the visit for Jack was a rescue helicopter on the exterior, terrace where the kids had a blast inside the helicopter and outside in the control tower communicating with the helicopter by radio and in the hospital, assessing the injuries being brought in.

There are no food options available at the museum and the only place to eat a packed picnic is on this small terrace where there are a few picnic tables and a couple of benches without much shade. I must say, I’ve never been to a children’s museum that didn’t have indoor seating or any spot indoors for a snack…

There was a beehive-like, multi-story climbing structure and other hands on activities in the main entryway of the museum. The museum also had a large water table, that the kids were oddly uninterested in. When they were toddlers that would’ve been the highlight of the day. I love watching and seeing how they grow and change and what parts of each museum intrigues them the most.

Clark Planetarium

Before leaving MN we got a membership to our local Science Museum which is a part of the ASTC (Association of Science and Technology Centers) passport program. By purchasing a membership for our hometown museum we have discounted or free admission to hundreds of science museums/centers around the country! Salt Lake City happens to be home to one of the many science centers where we got free entry to a show at the Clark Planetarium.

Be sure to come early for your show as there are dozens of exhibits with hands-on learning activities and a small indoor playground to explore before your show! Our show was in the Hansen Dome theater that began with a lesson on what constellations could currently be seen in the night sky around Salt Lake City.

This theater doesn’t allow food or beverages but the IMAX theater does. However, they offer super cheap popcorn and icees so we got some snacks after our show and enjoyed them while sitting at one of several tables they have in the lobby area.

Park City continues to be an absolute favorite stop for us on any adventure and we already can’t wait to go back, see our favorite places and explore so much more.

While we may not have been in our preferred location it did actually work out well as we had excellent access to Curecanti National Recreation Area and were closer for our planned day trip to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. I will say, the one downside to this campground is that it is next door to a regional airport. Planes and helicopters begin making a rather noisy ruckus pretty early in the morning and I felt really bad for all the tent campers in the campground. Crested Butte is becoming incredibly popular with wealthy visitors so private jets soar in and out with much more regularity than we had expected when we first saw the airport.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is only 60 miles from the KOA in Gunnison, however, while we were visiting in July of 2022, the road to the park was under major construction and was down to one lane, alternating traffic during the day and closed at night. It was open for two-way traffic on the weekends. We went on a Friday afternoon for our day trip and ended up waiting two hours at the alternating traffic spot which was a lot longer than we had anticipated. However, when we returned late Friday night both lanes of traffic were open and we had no issues getting back to the campground.

Our first stop upon arriving at the park was the visitor center. Due to our delayed traffic incident we had arrived in the park right before the visitor center was going to close. Thankfully, we had gotten our Junior Ranger books earlier in the week from a visitor center at Curecanti and the kids were able to get their badges at the last possible moment!

The South Rim Drive through the park is exceptional and with 12 overlooks into this stunning canyon you choose your own adventure. We stopped at several overlooks, each one with very minimal walking, and were absolutely amazed by the beauty of this area.

Jack kept saying, “I totally think that drive was worth it!”

After exploring the top we decided to do the drive down into the canyon. We took East Portal Road and were expecting a harrowing, difficult journey as there are constant warning signs indicating the steep grade and hairpin curves. It was completely paved, newly paved at that, and while it was steep and had sharp curves it wasn’t nearly as scary as we had anticipated.

There’s a small picnic area near the dam and famous Gunnison Tunnel, a tunnel that runs under the mountains 6 miles to bring water to nearby Uncompahgre Valley. We had a picnic dinner there before embarking on a short hike along the river.

Rowan has been super interested in rocks and geology on this trip. She loves looking for rocks and wants to identify them so we got her a rock identification book that she brings along on many hikes so she can investigate as we go.

Dusk was falling and we still had a long drive back to our campground. I wish we could’ve had more time here. More time to explore and learn about this incredible area.

Crested Butte Day Trip

Crested Butte is a short 40 minute drive up from Gunnison and is completely worth at least one day, if not two days, for a visit and some exploration. We spent an entire Saturday here and did so much! We hiked, explored town, paddle boarded, and had an excellent dinner.

We met up with our friend Laura who suggested we hike Budd Trail and the Lower Loop Trail just on the outside of town. We were there the second week of July and the wildflowers were absolutely amazing! We definitely hit it at peak time. We saw Lupine, Columbine, Wild Rose, Skunk Cabbage, Paint Brush, and so many others it was absolutely breathtaking.

This trail is multi-use so hikers should remember to yield for mountain bikers and bikers should be aware that slower walkers are present on the trail. The trail is also in full sun for most of the time, and at almost 9,000 feet sunscreen should be reapplied hourly. Something we neglected to do and we all got a bit crispy…

We stopped for lunch alongside the Slate River where the kids enjoyed throwing rocks and wading into the shallow water.

We ended up hiking over 5 miles along this trail and were so glad we did. Not only were the wildflowers stunning but there was also abandoned mine detritus and two stops at the Slate River made this an awesome day hike to do with kids. There was some elevation gain but never anything too strenuous.

After our lengthy, hot hike in the full sun we definitely needed a treat! We headed into town to get some ice cream. One thing about Crested Butte, while there is cell phone reception it is so overused in this booming town that we could never actually get our phones to work… A lot of what we explored and found was by happenstance. So, you may want to plan ahead a bit more than we did!

After a brief break in town the kids really wanted to go paddle boarding. We headed to beautiful Lake Irwin, only a short 30 minute drive outside of town. This is a very popular spot, but since we were there so late in the day we were able to get a parking spot as many people were packing up and leaving for the day. However, I wonder if this would’ve been the case had we come earlier. We were there around 4:00 and it seemed to be perfect timing.

The lake was calm with a few cabins around it and Jack loves exploring every part of a lake and this one was a good size where he was able to explore on his board without getting too far away. There’s a campground here also, right on the shores of the lake which seems like an amazing weekend spent on the water. also a potentially rowdy weekend based upon what we saw, but who knows?

As our day of adventuring and exploring came to an end we headed to The Secret Stash for some pizza. Rowan was most excited about the “fancy drink” she got (frozen strawberry lemonade). Jack wasn’t a huge fan of this restaurant. We were immediately seated (despite a busy Saturday night) down in their really fun basement, but Jack soon began to panic because he couldn’t see the exit and became convinced there would be a fire and we would be trapped. You never know when or how his anxiety would strike. We did everything we could to alleviate his fears but finally had to give him a phone to play on (something we rarely ever do in restaurants) and he finally found some calm. He ate super fast and then begged to go walk outside where he felt he would be safer. I left with him and we roamed town while Bobby and Rowan continued to eat.

The pizza was pretty good, but I would say the fries we had as an appetizer were actually better! The table next to us got GIANT soft pretzels and were we to do it all again I would get those in a heartbeat, they looked amazing.

We ended up finding a jewelry shop that our friend had told us about where they make pieces from locally mined Lapis Lazuli, the Crested Butte Lapis Lazuli! Bobby surprised me by buying me a gorgeous necklace from there to commemorate a most excellent day spent in stunning Crested Butte.

The town of Crested Butte is so incredible and we can’t wait to go back, stay more locally, and explore everything (especially the mountain biking) this place has to offer.

Blue Mesa Reservoir

A thirty minute drive away from the campground is one of Colorado’s largest bodies of water, the Blue Mesa Reservoir. At 20 miles long there is ample opportunity for both motorized and non-motorized boaters alike. We went to the Bay of Chickens, located within Curecanti National Recreation Area for an evening of paddle boarding and a picnic dinner.

The water levels are shockingly low and we ended up having to drive off road for a little bit to get down to the beach/water area. Once there, we found ourselves with one other paddle boarder and a lot to explore.

Rowan loves jumping off the board and going for a swim while Jack finds shear joy in paddling solo and embarking on adventures to islands or nearby tracts of land. We have two Retrospec inflatable boards and absolutely love them. While we considered getting child-sized boards we eventually decided to get them adult-sized boards so we can all use them. The kids don’t have any problem maneuvering or paddling them and we have been very happy with our choice.

There are so many pulloffs throughout the Curecanti on the Blue Mesa, some seem to be more popular with motorized boats, those are the areas nearer the boat ramps. And there are numerous spots like the ones we found at Bay of Chickens that have little inlets and quieter spots to do some paddling with kids without any worries.

Because Bobby works during the day we do a lot of activities in the evenings and have picnic dinners. We are loving our new cooler bag from Hydroflask and our new picnic blanket from Pendleton, they are both getting lots of use and love on this trip!

One of the things we love about paddle boarding is what a relaxing activity it is. It’s an activity easily done in the evenings after work without a lot of effort and it’s such amazing time spent together as a family. Having the boards be inflatable makes them so easily transportable and stow away easily in our camper storage area.

Curecanti National Recreation Area

Our first day in Gunnison we headed to the Curecanti visitor center to learn more about the area that was located so closely to our campground. Oddly enough when I asked for Junior Ranger books they gave us books for Black Canyon of the Gunnison… While strange it ended up working out for the best as we were able to complete most of the book before we arrived at the canyon, and, due to the traffic jam and closing visitor center it really worked out well!

The Ranger at the Visitor Center recommended a hike for me to do with the kids, but with no cell service, and forgetting our emergency beacon back at the camper, we opted for a shorter hike, closer to the campground that had cell service. Because of Jack’s bee allergy we always hike with a Garmin InReach. Should he get stung or somebody gets hurt and we need assistance getting out I can push the emergency button and communicate with first responders. I also carry 4 epipens when in the backcountry to ensure we have ample meds if needed.

We opted to hike the Neversink Trail, a 1.3 mile out and back trail along the Gunnison River. The trail was flat and easy but soon became super buggy… The trail also got increasingly narrow and overgrown and with the swarms of bugs descending upon us we decided to turn around after a picture-perfect stop along the bank of the river and some fun playing in the water.

We returned the following day to Curecanti to hike the trail originally recommended by the ranger, with our beacon! The Pine Creek Trail descends down 232 steps into the canyon. A 2.3 mile out and back hike make this an awesome hike to do with kids. Interpretive signage about the railroad that once brought visitors down into the canyon line the trail.

We ran into a park ranger along the way who told us that if we look closely we might spy some artifacts leftover from the railroad. Jack looked super hard and we spotted a couple pipes and holes as we went, high above us on the rock faces.

Jack loves hikes with stairs and this was no exception! We had a great time going down and up as the creek roared along side us. The best way to distract any hiker on a slog up a bunch of stairs in the blazing sun, count those stairs!

In normal times this trail brings visitors to a boat launch where the National Park Service offers guided boat tours down into the canyon. Due to low water levels the boats were sadly not running. There are picnic shelters along the way and we happily stopped for lunch at one.

While not getting to take a boat tour was a bummer, we did enjoy a very peaceful hike only seeing a handful of other visitors while there. I found myself wondering how different our experience would be had it been full of people hiking down to take the boat.

Rowan loves flowers, and they were in perfect bloom while we were hiking in the canyon. She always manages to find fallen flowers that she befriends and carries for awhile along the trail. She never brings them home and knows to never pick them. It’s never too young to teach Leave No Trace!

The flowers were so amazing!

This was an absolutely perfect day hike to do with kids and I highly recommend it if you’re ever in the area.

We know that we only scratched the surface of all that Gunnison and its surrounding areas have to offer. I am so glad we visited this area and can’t wait to go back and explore more!

Experience

Riverside Park

Historic Downtown Salida is nestled along the Arkansas River. Our favorite spot to hang out and spend lazy afternoons was Riverside Park. This playground has raft-themed playground equipment that is fun for all ages. My one beef as a parent is the lack of shady seating for the adults while the kids play.

With the river right there, a whitewater park has been built in the heart of downtown. Even if you aren’t a kayaker practicing your rolls, cruising down in a raft, or floating with only a lifejacket like many of the locals do daily, just watching all of this happening is entertainment for hours!

The highlight of the park for our family was the bouldering wall. With routes of varying difficulty there truly is a climb for everybody here. I will say, Jack got stuck on a route and started to panic and called me to help him, but, the wall was too tall and I couldn’t reach him. While the ground is a little squishy here, I was suddenly panicking wondering what would happen if he fell over 6 feet. Another Dad also tried to help me but neither of us could reach him. Another kiddo climbing also tried to help him from above. He was able to muster his strength and energy and pull himself over the top but, after that, I was a little more leery of this area… But, it was yet another example of how wonderful this local community was by having so many people quickly step in to help us.

The park also has a bandshell and we were able to catch a really fun concert by the Air Force Academy Jazz band. We stumbled upon the event and were grateful that we always keep a picnic blanket and collapsible camping chairs in our truck at all times for just such an occasion!

Hot Springs Pool

Eight miles from Salida is a hot springs, back in 1937 a pipeline was built to bring the warm, 80-100 degree water to the Hot Springs Aquatic Facility in town. The facility has two pools, one larger and much deeper pool that runs between 82-84 degrees and has lanes for lap swimming, a small water slide, a climbing wall, and a diving board in the 12 foot deep section. The smaller, much warmer pool, usually between 94-100 degrees, is great for kids. Water spouts and sprays in here and a small net between two sections of the smaller pool for bopping a beach ball around (provided by the facility) made this our favorite area to hang out.

If your children 14 and younger want to use the diving board or climbing wall they need to pass a swim test and get a wristband. The swimming test is swimming one full length of the large pool. We had the kids in swimming lessons all year in preparation for this trip, hoping they would become more proficient swimmers to make pools less stressful. Jack insisted on taking the swimming test and I was very leery, I really didn’t think he would pass, but, I wanted to let him try and knowing a lifeguard was right next to him the whole time reminded me he was safe. I was SHOCKED when he rocked the swim test and swam the length of the pool!! He almost gave up at the end because he was tired but we all cheered him on and he made it! Soon he was jumping into the 12 foot deep section (the deepest pool he’s ever been in) and easily swimming back to the side like he’d been doing it for years!

He was so very proud of himself for passing the test he asked me to take a picture of his fancy wristband! We ended up visiting the pool twice during our stay and you can tell them when you check-in that you’ve already passed the swim test and receive your wristband again so, much to Jack’s pleasure, he didn’t have to take the swim test again!

The pool is very reasonably priced with adults being $14, ages 6-17 are $7 and children up to age 5 are $4. The whole facility from the changing rooms, to the bathrooms, and the pools are impeccably maintained and can be enjoyed for hours on end. There is an area for having a picnic lunch inside and the main desk sells ice cream treats so you can very easily spend most of the day here.

Monarch Crest Scenic Tramway

About 30 miles west of Salida is Monarch Pass with a ski area in winter and a scenic tramway in summer. The cost of the ride is $12/adult and $7/child. A 9 minute gondola ride takes you to the top of the pass for spectacular views of the Continental Divide atop the 11,312 ft mountain. The tram has been in operation since 1966 and it definitely shows its age. We watched as some visitors had windows fall out and need to be crammed back into place.

Atop the mountain, aside from the seriously amazing views, there isn’t much else to do. There’s an observation deck over the tramway with information about surrounding mountains, pay-to-use binocular viewers, and a whole heck of a lot of cellphone towers.

The gift shop at the base, where you buy your tram tickets, is surprisingly large and has a small cafe. After your ride up and down the gondola you are eligible for some free popcorn (included with the price of your ticket).

If you have small children or people in your group who aren’t able to hike far this is an absolutely excellent way to get some stellar mountain views. Plus, who doesn’t love a ride in a gondola?!?

Explore

Hike Browns Canyon National Monument

In 2015 President Obama designated Browns Canyon as a National Monument. With almost 22,000 acres and the nation’s most popular spot for whitewater rafting this is a must-see when visiting the area. The Arkansas River roars through this canyon offering class 1-5 rapids. When we first arrived to the area we opted to hike. The area has many hikes with varying degrees of difficulty and we opted for the brief 2.1 mile Arkansas River Trail from Hecla Junction. With minimal elevation and stunning views of the river this is a great hike for kids.

The trail was very rocky but no steep elevation made exploring very fun!

The kids loved watching the rafters go by as we hiked. Many of the companies actually take out at Hecla Junction but a few keep going beyond that point for longer all day trips.

This out and back hike was a fun one and I would definitely recommend if you’re looking to get out an explore with young children along.

Raft Browns Canyon National Park

As this is the most popular river to raft in America it seems only fitting that your whole party should book a rafting adventure. There’s a myriad of companies that offer rafting in the area with everything from a family-friendly float to multi-day trips. Sifting through the companies and landing on a good one can be difficult but we definitely nailed it when we chose Independent Whitewater. They had a rafting trip that Jack (aged 7) could participate on that included 12 miles down the Arkansas river and navigated 12 class 3 rapids and went beyond the usual takeout at Hecla Junction, continuing further down the river than most tours and getting two bonus rapids. Rowan was too young and would only have been able to do a family float so she opted to have a morning shopping excursion with Grandma and Grandpa who were with us.

Our river guide, Grant, was amazing, fun, and endlessly patient with our curious and question-filled Jack. (Don’t forget some cash to tip these wonderful humans who spend their days on the river keeping you safe and above water!) He made sure to make the trip was extra fun for our raft and was happy to oblige Jack’s frequent requests to do spins or go backwards down rapids!

Be warned, there isn’t a snack break and no bathrooms are available once the river trip begins. We had packed some snacks in a dry bag along with Jack’s epi pens (for his bee allergy) and thankfully, because it had epinephrine in it, the guide strapped it down with his gear. I’m not sure if they would’ve done that or not had we just had a bag of snacks but I think it’s worth it to ask! About halfway through your trip you pull off onto shore to experience “Jump Rock” I think you could all probably imagine what this entails, a little cliff jumping. Jack and I opted to stay safely on shore and were able to have our snacks then. This rafting trip doesn’t finish until almost 12:30 and begins at 8:15 so we were all seriously hungry by the time we were finished.

The rapids were so much fun and we definitely got wet and the water is COLD! We opted to rent wetsuits (you can wear your own if you have them) and booties for the journey but we were all honestly very hot as the sun was blazing down on us despite the chilly morning temps. I think you could probably get away with not renting either and save a little money.

Great Sand Dune National Park

About 2 hours from Salida is Great Sand Dune National Park. That seems like a pretty far drive but it actually made for an absolutely perfect day trip! If you are visiting the park with kids you definitely need to stop at one of the businesses along the way that rents sand boards and/or sand sleds. Trust me when I say this will make your trip far more enjoyable and far more memorable than if you arrive and simply hike through the sand in the blazing desert sun.

We stopped at Kristi Mountain Sports in Alamosa to pick up some sleds and a board for $20 each for the day. We debated hotly whether or not the kids would enjoy sledding or boarding more and got it completely wrong! We rented two sand sleds thinking that would be much easier and more enjoyable for them. Well, it turns out they both took quickly to sand boarding and soon Bobby, Jack, and Rowan were all vying for turns on the board!

The sleds and boards come in both adult and youth sizes (all are the same cost)

The sand is super hot so I would recommend putting small kids in socks as they won’t want to wear shoes but bare feet will get burned on the sand. There is zero shade here so if you are traveling with infants I would definitely recommend bringing an umbrella to keep them covered and protected from the intense sun.

I still can’t get over how well the kids did sand boarding and what an absolute blast we had doing it! The hike from the carpark (which fills up quickly) is longer than expected so, be sure to pack snacks and loads of water. We brought a picnic lunch and enjoyed it on the dunes. There is a picnic area near the parking lot that is also available for visitor use.

This is a really remarkable park and I’m so glad we made the long drive to go visit it. We returned our boards and sleds to Alamos and enjoyed dinner in town before making the long drive back.

Zapata Falls

Located just outside of Great Sand Dunes National Park is the super cool hike to Zapata Falls. At less than a mile long this out and back hike is brief and extremely popular. You begin along a wide, rocky path and soon transition to walking through the river up to the falls that, while you can hear them early on, are difficult to spot. You have to wade into the ankle-deep, freezing water to catch a glimpse of this thunderous natural wonder.

Bring good hiking water shoes, chacos are Rowan’s favorite while Jack prefers Tevas. If you have little toddlers I recommend Keens due to their close-toed options that help save tiny stubbed toes. If I had my way the kids would still be in Keens, but now that they’re older they have a lot more opinions on the clothes and shoes they wear so we often have to compromise. As Rowan prefers to be barefoot but frequently cuts and stubs her toes the sturdier, taller Chaco is the perfect option. Jack prefers lightweight, less bulky so the thinner, more flexible Teva works well for him!

A note to all you hikers out there who are on a popular trail that culminates at a small, popular photo op. Don’t be rude, don’t budge, and just chill out. Our family was patiently waiting for our chance to take a picture at the falls when younger couples pushed passed us and began taking numerous photos, including checking to make sure the pictures met with their approval and multiple poses. I asked why they felt the need to push past others who were waiting patiently to take their pictures when it happened the second time and both couples played dumb like they didn’t realize we were waiting… It made me super sad to see this pretty appalling trail behavior and once again reminds me that hiking seems to becoming almost too popular.

Jack was so silly throughout this hike, as Rowan and I charged ahead, getting wet and cold in the rushing water, he insisted on finding stranger, more difficult paths through so as to prevent himself from getting wet at all on the hike.

The kid that we usually can’t keep out and can’t get out of the water made it this entire hike without getting wet at all! I still don’t really know how he managed it but it was hilarious, and somewhat frustrating to watch throughout the hike. It may have taken him a bit longer, and this is when that magical parental patience comes majorly into play, but he managed to successfully stay perfectly dry!

This really is an absolutely stunning spot, with amazing views of Great Sand Dunes National Park along the way. Despite the crowds I would still highly recommend this family-friendly hike. There are warnings at the base of the winding entrance road that there is a “rough road” ahead but it was recently redone and vehicles have no issues making it to the busy trailhead. There are privies at the trailhead.

Eat

Moonlight Pizza

After a full day of adventuring in and around Salida some sustenance is definitely needed! For a super kid-friendly and absolutely delicious dining experience look no further than Moonlight Pizza. This wonderfully charming restaurant has indoor and ample outdoor seating. The food is all made from scratch on site and you can tell the care that goes into their food. The kids quickly gobbled up their own cheese pizza and requested daily that we go back for more. Which we did return for one last slice on our last evening in town.

Bobby and I enjoyed a delicious salad with the most amazing honey balsamic vinaigrette we’ve ever had! Thankfully they sell it by the bottle and we have enjoyed numerous spinach salads with their amazing homemade dressing over and over again!

The Boathouse

The Boathouse, a fun restaurant located right on the shore of the Arkansas river with a mix of American and Mexican fare. It was pretty good and the views couldn’t be beat! We were able to request a riverside table and only had to wait a few extra minutes and I definitely think it’s worth the wait.

Mo Burrito

We had lunch at the very tasty Mo Burrito, similar to Chipotle, and equally, if not more tasty stop for quesadillas, salads, burritos, and more. Mo Burrito did have a Foosball table and an old Skee-Ball game that were free to use and super fun for the kids.

Chill Ice Cream

Head to Chill Ice Cream for some ridiculously tasty ice cream! It has varied, patio seating in this cool little alley for a relaxing reprieve from the sun. And is located only steps away from the river. Relax in the shade, head to the river, or even enjoy some live music out on the patio while you enjoy this absolutely delicious ice cream!

We enjoyed this ice cream so much we may have returned multiple times…

1. Garden of the Gods

Garden of the Gods is such a beautiful and fun stop in Colorado Springs, we actually stopped here with some friends on our way to New Mexico for Spring Break in 2020. It was a chilly spring morning and the kids had a blast scrambling and climbing the rocks and finding secret, seemingly undiscovered tunnels.

This place gets busy quickly, so early morning seems to be a good time to visit, especially when that early morning timeframe also brings the wonders of some local wildlife!

We didn’t have a lot of time here, as we were making our way further south and definitely wished we had brought our climbing gear with us! One unexpected aspect of this rocky natural wonder was the sheer amount of geese loitering atop the cliffs making quite the cacophony of sound…

2. Manitou Springs

We ended up visiting Manitou Springs during our visit in 2021 thanks to a local visitor’s guide that touted “Free Pottery Making” on Tuesdays. It just so happened to be Tuesday as I read it and the timing was perfect. This town is SO MUCH FUN! A giant arcade, with a sea of coin operated rideable attractions, ice cream shops, art boutiques, restaurants and a really fun playground had us spending a very enjoyable afternoon here.

I jokingly told my in-laws, who were along, to be in the picture since only Grandparents actually pay for these rides. The Grandma next to us laughed and wholeheartedly agreed as her granddaughter enjoyed her 30 second ride.

At the beginning of the summer we always ask the kids what some of their goals or wishes are for the summer. One item on their list was, “Visit 30 new Playgrouds”. They love exploring and discovering what new parks have to offer and quickly make friends with whomever is at the park that day.

The free pottery making in the park was super fun and from what I understand is a common occurrence in the summer months. Both kids got to make a bowl with the help of a local, volunteer potter. The finished products were placed in a kiln, and since we wouldn’t be in town long enough they told us they would be given away at the next free event they hosted.

3. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

We have visited a lot of zoos on our adventures, but this one was by far the coolest zoo we’ve ever been to, so cool we’ve visited two years in a row (2021 and 2022)! Built on the side of a mountain you slowly gain elevation with each new animal enclosure you visit.

The misting fans located around the park provide excellent relief from the intense heat and sun you will experience here during the summer months. There are also several delicious dining options here and outside food is allowed to be brought in.

The two years we visited timed entry tickets were required to be purchased in advance so keep that in mind when planning your itinerary. Keep in mind the heat and try to get the earliest ticket possible to make your day last longer and to make parking easier because from what I’ve seen when we leave in the afternoon their lots fill up!

The zoo even has a t-bar lift to bring you to the top of the mountain for some pretty epic views and a yurt with a bouldering cave inside (yes we thought it was a little strange also). The lift does cost extra and I’m not sure I would pay for it again (much to the kiddos chagrin I said no to the lift for our second visit…) as the kids weren’t that interested in the viewpoint at the top, but it was fun to do once!

This zoo has so much to see and do including a carousel (Rowan’s FAVORITE thing) and an opportunity to feed the giraffes which is definitely worth the added cost ($5 for a large bundle of lettuce) as well as a myriad of other animal feeding opportunities, for an added cost, and various animal enrichment talks that are free to attend. I’m not joking that returning to this zoo a year later was even more fun then the first time! We got to see so much more of the zoo that we somehow missed on our first visit we spent over 4 hours at the zoo during our second trip so plan for at least a half day here.

Pro Tip: A lot of people crowd around the larger herd of giraffes near the lettuce pay station, if you walk further along the path solo giraffes will still come seek you out and happily gobble up your lettuce and you won’t be stuck in the crowds!

4. Royal Gorge

The Royal Gorge can be pricey as there is a lot to do and see but this was definitely a memorable stop on our trip in 2021 that the kids still talk about today.

Per the Royal Gorge website, “General Admission includes access to America’s Bridge, Aerial Gondola’s, the Plaza Theater, the Children’s Playland, and Spectacular views of the Royal Gorge. Zipline, Skycoaster, and Via Ferrata are extra pay experiences.”

Your entry ticket allows you to take the gondola over the gorge which is really cool, you can return the same way or walk across the famous, highest suspension bridge in the US. The bridge came very close to being destroyed by wildfires in 2013. The rest of the complex was destroyed but the bridge, built in 1929, was saved. The complex was rebuilt and reopened in 2015.

While your kids might not be able to do the zipline over the gorge don’t worry, there are plenty of activities for them to do! A wonderful playground, dip ‘n dots, a carousel, and lots of room to run make this a great stop for the whole family! You can also get a scavenger hunt from the main office that has a junior ranger style badge as a reward for completing it. There is, of course, a gift shop to explore at the end.

5. Skyline Drive Dinosaur Prints

Skyline Drive is a truly epic driving experience located just outside of Canon City, CO. The one-way, narrow drive built by inmates from the nearby prison in the early 1900s first takes you under a beautiful stone archway built in 1932 before you make your way up to a razor, ridgeline with no guardrails, just steep drop-offs on either side of your vehicle! Leave plenty of time for this 2.6 mile drive as you’ll definitely want to go slowly AND you won’t want to miss the opportunity to pull off and get out and explore, especially at the amazing dinosaur tracks!

We often make day trips or detours for the specific purpose of seeing ancient dinosaur tracks and the tracks located on the incredible Skyline Drive are absolutely worth a trip! William Kurtz discovered and subsequently led the excavation of these amazing reverse cast (meaning you’re actually seeing them from below!) ankylosaurus tracks in 1999. The tracks are estimated to be between 65-68 million years old. They were a little tricky to find as there’s a trailhead at the pullout that we had assumed the tracks were along. The trail does NOT take you to the tracks. Instead walk the road back to the interpretive signage and marvel at these incredible historic fossils.

6. Royal Gorge Railroad

We were initially supposed to take the Cog Railway to the top of Pikes Peak during our visit in 2021,  but when our ride was unexpectedly cancelled by the company we were left feeling really bummed at not having a train ride to look forward to. We did some quick research and found the Royal Gorge Railroad and booked it quickly! This is a more expensive ride but we soon found out why. The train itself had the best kept historic railcars we’ve ever ridden in, had waitstaff visit you to take your orders for meals or snacks, and the ride itself was longer than average and had some of the most incredible views we’ve ever had on a scenic railway tour. It was so neat to see the gorge from below after having spent our morning exploring the top of it! If I were to pick one of the two I would see it from below on the train rather than from above on the bridge and gondola.

7. Pikes Peak/Cog Railway

The Cog Railroad is the premiere way to make your way to the top of this iconic 14,115 foot mountain. Sadly for us, our trip out to Colorado Springs in 2021 our train ride was unexpectedly cancelled due to track maintenance so we didn’t get to experience summiting from a railcar. We ended up driving to the top which cost us $35 for the carload of 5 people we had along.

The mountain is run by a private vendor so everything has a cost even the junior ranger books they offer… The drive wasn’t all that harrowing for us as we have pretty substantial experience driving in mountainous terrain. That, with the added benefit of having a truck with engine brakes made our descent a piece of cake and we easily passed the brake temperature testing point. If your brakes are too hot they have you stop and wait until they cool.

A few important things to remember before driving up: DO fill up with gas before leaving as there are no services and you will go through a lot more gas than you would expect. DO bring extra layers, especially windbreakers, for exploring the summit as it is significantly colder up there. DON’T be like us and forget to do all of these things! We had a harrowing drive down as our gas tank read empty the entire way. We had a 55 gallon gas tank installed on our F350 so we could tow longer but that means gas really moves around and away from the sensor especially when going downhill. We were fine and made it out no problem but it was beyond stressful and really didn’t have to be. The kids were so cold at the top that they only left the safety of the truck for approximately 2.5 minutes.

Our second visit to the city meant we were able to once again get tickets on the railway and it wasn’t cancelled! We got to experience the hour long trek up the mountain on the iconic Cog Railway. Food and beverages are not allowed on the train (also no bathrooms are on the train) but we packed a picnic dinner to enjoy at the summit. Once you reach the summit you have 45 minutes to explore before your return trip departs. I highly recommend taking the last train of the day as we had the run of the visitor center, cafe, and gift shop as drivers are told to leave before we arrived, the mountain shuts down in the evening.

Not only was our train ride cancelled our first visit to Pikes Peak but the visitor center was also under construction and was, therefore, closed. This time we were able to go into the visitor center, explore and eat the famous 14,000 ft donuts! Having both driven and taken the railway to the top I would recommend the railway every time. It’s an expensive trip but worth the cost as you listen to the stories of the conductor who will also answer questions and getting that historic background and having zero stress about your vehicle is completely worth it! There was one gentleman on our ride down that had hiked up beginning at 5:30 that morning and opted to take the train down, which you can also do in reverse, take the train up and hike back down!

If you are feeling disappointed that you didn’t get the opportunity to drive to the summit of a Colorado 14er, you can always head to Mount Evans, a much less controlled and popular mountain, that is actually slightly taller then Pikes Peak and drive to the top of that!

Where to Eat

The city of Colorado Springs is huge with a population of 464,871 so the dining options are endless. We ate out at some of the areas more iconic eateries.

Flying W Chuckwagon

My Father-in-law really wanted to bring his grandkids to experience the Chuckwagon in Colorado Springs because he had visited with scout troops in the past. The tickets are expensive but you soon realize why as a lot is offered AND this family is working incredibly hard to bring their business back to life as it had been completely destroyed by the Waldo Canyon Fire in 2012. This business has been in the family for generations and it’s great to see them making a comeback. Before dinner there were many fun things to do with our highlight being the tiny train that went through a tunnel in a small rock mountain. I lost track of how many times we did that. There was also roping, dutchoven cooking demonstrations, and animals to see and pet.

Dinner was a fun ordeal of a ranch-style home cooked meal on giant tin plates with lemonade and spiced cake. Following dinner there was live music that the kids absolutely loved! I will say, as a parent, the gap between eating and the music is really long so bring along some coloring books or stories to read between the two. I finally bit the bullet and bought some sticker books from their gift shop to quiet the whining.

The Airplane Restaurant

This restaurant is SO COOL! They turned a fully intact 1953 Boeing KC-97 into a restaurant! we were lucky enough to be seated inside the plane itself as the plane is built partially into a building there is normal seating like any other restaurant. The main restaurant area has lots of fun memorabilia around to admire, not to mention the airplane wing that looms overhead. Being seated inside the plane was awesome as the cockpit is open for diners to explore. The kids loved sitting in the pilot’s chairs and playing with all the gadgets! The food wasn’t too bad either.

The Whitewater Bar and Grill

If you’ve spent a whole day exploring the Royal Gorge and need a family friendly spot to grab some lunch or dinner, I cannot recommend the Whitewater Bar and Grill more.

A playground, beach volleyball court, live music and fun and varied seating make this a must stop! The food is okay, nothing amazing but tasty and the atmosphere of the restaurant makes it definitely worth the stop!

Day Trip Options

If you’re visiting Colorado Springs for an extended period of time Colorado has endless options for day trips and options to explore.

Shelf Road Gold Belt Tour National Scenic Byway

If you’re already in Canon City to see the Royal Gorge why not take the really long way around and drive some sections of the Gold Belt Tour. The Shelf Road section that we opted to drive between Cripple Creek and Canon City is harrowing at times and is called “Shelf Road” for a reason!

Getting to glimpse window rock was incredibly fun and the road itself is actually in fairly decent shape!

Take note, if your destination for the day is Cripple Creek, maybe to check out the famous wild donkey heard that roams town, be warned that this is not a very kid-friendly town.

It’s mainly casinos with only a few restaurants that admit anybody under the age of 21. We found a table at The Creek which has charming decor and very friendly staff. However, we did wait for food for over an hour only to be told they ran out of bread so Jack couldn’t get the grilled cheese sandwich he’d ordered…

Florissant Fossil Bed National Monument

I know that most all national park/monument sites have wonderful staff but I have to say that the staff at Florissant Fossil Bed National Monument were by far the friendliest, most helpful, and knowledgable park staff I have come across in our travels. We got to meet their resident geologist, Dr. Bob who taught us all about what makes this fossil bed site so incredibly unique.

The kids got to touch real fossils found on the site. And I finally learned what petrified wood was, because I’m gonna be honest, I never really understood what it was before Dr. Bob patiently explained it to me!

The short, 1 mile interpretive hike takes you through the history of the area and allows viewing of many giant sequoia petrified stumps. It’s in an open prairie so bring sunscreen and hats along!

Allow plenty of time to also visit the visitor center, it has wonderful, informative displays not to mention many fossils to learn about.

Pro Tip: Most National Park sites have videos giving brief histories and highlight points of interest for visitors. While these can usually be viewed at the visitor center, I recommend finding them on YouTube before you visit the site. This allows all members of your group to get excited about what they are going to see. 

Vindicator Valley Trail

If you have a history buff kiddo, like we do, this hike is for you! Dozens of abandoned mines, in various states of disrepair line this hike with historical, informational signage to accompany each.

Some of the mines still have open doors and no fencing so you can go in an explore. Jack loved exploring the old buildings while Rowan was pretty freaked out by it and often refused to go in and explore. There are nails, glass, and lots of rusted metal so good, strong-souled shoes are definitely recommended for this hike.

The trail is a loop and at 2.1 miles with minimal elevation gain it’s good for all experience levels. The lower loop of the trail doesn’t have much in the way of exciting mines to explore/see so I would recommend taking the upper loop first so you get to start off with a bang and see lots of cool stuff right away. Leave the boring section of the hike for the end to discuss all that you saw along the interesting parts! And, busting out some fun trail treats during the boring sections (DumDums and Starburst minis are family favorites) never hurts…

However, we wouldn’t change this for anything. We definitely have our, “holy crap what did we get ourselves into” moments but then we look out the camper window and see the mountains around us and remember all that we are going to see and experience with our family, we’re reminded why we made this decision. Our evenings, when work is done, are spent exploring and adventuring together as a family which is when we are at our most happy.

Our journey began back in June by spending three consecutive days traveling to make it to Colorado, our first official stop on this journey. We pulled into a stunning campground at 9,000 feet outside of Central City, CO, this KOA Campground is situated atop a mountain and we were immediately struck by the incredibly nice staff during our registration process and were stunned by how well maintained, and fully equipped the campground was. The playground was wonderful, there was a beautiful GaGa Ball pit (Jack’s favorite game), and loads of fun over-sized camp games like Jenga, Connect 4 and Checkers. I cannot recommend this campground highly enough, it was absolutely amazing!

We got an end campsite, just steps away from the hot tubs, bathrooms, and playground, a huge advantage for us as we can always be within eyesight or earshot of the kids while allowing them some freedom to explore and discover on their own (obviously not alone in the hot tubs but at the playground).

The Central City/Idaho Springs area is teeming with outdoor recreation opportunities and it was super difficult to choose what to do and where we would go during our stay.

Mountain Biking

Bobby quickly found a nearby mountain biking option in Blackhawk on Maryland Mountain and we loaded up our bikes and went to hit the trails! Unfortunately, the green trail we were hoping to do ran along the side of the mountain with steep dropoffs on one side of the trail at all times.

For experienced, predictable riders this wouldn’t be a problem as the trail was wide, but with little kids who aren’t always good at staying on track and focused while riding their bikes, this was a terrifying ride. We only made it a little more than a mile up the trail before we were all exhausted, not just because of the high elevation we were exerting ourselves at, but also because of the steady and constant incline of the trail and the stress of staying focused, staying on track, and staying safe.

Rowan whined out, “My hands are so sore from gripping too hard!” So were mine. We turned around and split into two groups, Bobby and Jack went faster down the trail while Rowan and I wanted to take our time and frequently got off our bikes to walk them down when she wasn’t feeling safe.

Gold Mine Tour

Being so close to Idaho Springs where the Colorado Gold Rush started we had to tour a mine! The Argo Gold Mill and Mine Tour fit the bill perfectly, it was a little pricey but I felt it was totally worth the money.

Prepare your kiddos though, the majority of the tour took place in the mill, and we only spent about 10 minutes in a mine tunnel on the side of the mountain mainly discussing how much work the EPA has had to do to help clean up the environmental disaster this mine managed to create.

Hearing how this mine and mill worked, the physical toll the miners experienced and the overall science and ingenuity that was developed at the mine was really remarkable. The tour ended with an opportunity for everybody to pan for gold or gems. I would recommend panning for gems as you get a baggie full of fun gems/rocks, when you pan for gold you get 2-4 flecks. The tour guide was very knowledgable, kind, and patient and happily answered all of our questions.

There is an amazing playground just across the river from the mine, we arrived a little early and opted to spend the time playing there!

Children’s Museum of Denver

This is an ABSOLUTE MUST if you’re in the area with small children. The kids and I all agreed that this was the coolest Children’s Museum of ALL TIME! It was worth the cost, worth the almost 50 minute drive from our campground and I only wish we could go back there on a weekly basis.

Some protips for visiting, pack lunches they don’t have much in the way of food choices while there, it’s a grab and go station of prepackaged sandwiches and salads with some snack and beverage choices. Pack swimsuits, sunscreen, and hats; a lot of this museum is outside with sand/water features to play in and explore and there isn’t a lot of shade coverage. Bring good shoes for the kids; a lot of climbing and exploring happen here (seriously when two different areas require the kids to put helmets on for safety you know it’s an awesome place!).

St. Mary’s Glacier

The popular hike to St. Mary’s Glacier is one that shouldn’t be missed if you’re in the area. This may be the most rewarding hike with such little effort we’ve ever done.

The trail is steep, but short, with absolutely spectacular views at the top! Getting to touch a glacier, or even hike up the glacier if you are feeling so inclined can be done.

There is a $5 fee to park, as this is managed by a private entity and the parking lot is about 900 feet from the actual trailhead, so some road walking will start and end your journey.

The day we were out hiking we literally experienced all 4 seasons, sun and heat, drizzle, downpour, and sleet. Come prepared! We made the unfortunate mistake of wearing shorts as it was hot that day at our nearby campground but overall we were cold the entire trek. The trail is rocky and a paradise for the climber in your life as our kids thrilled at the innumerable chances to climb giant boulders and test their limits.

Mount Evans

This 14,247 foot peak just outside of Idaho Springs is actually taller than nearby Pikes Peak and much less visited. A timed entry permit is required to go to the summit, or the highest city park at summit lake. However, if just driving the road without stopping, an entry permit is not required.

If you stop at Dos Chappell Nature Center you can pick up your Junior Ranger books, just out for the taking when the area isn’t staffed. This is the absolute perfect thing to grab on your way up the mountain as it kept our kids entertained throughout the drive, and the book follows the drive up as you make your way through the various ecosystems of the mountains. We finished our books as we reached the top. We asked a ranger we saw on the way if we could grab our badges from them, she said she didn’t have any on her and that we should get them from the entrance booth at the bottom of the mountain. We felt guilty interrupting the flow of traffic to get our badges but the ranger at the booth was happy to oblige!

The summit was spectacular and includes a brief hike up to the tippity top among large boulders. Keep young ones very close or in a carrier here as there were big dropoffs on the top. We have Rowan, who is more than happy to remain an awkwardly big distance from the edge and Jack, who loves to test the boundaries and the limits of my patience at summits.

Remember, this peak is over 14,000 feet and elevation sickness can be a very real concern. Watch kiddos closely for changes in behavior and remember the best cure for altitude sickness is to just go down! Don’t worry if you miss the picture or don’t reach the summit, it’s better to be safe. For our hiking crew, Bobby is the one that suffers the most from being at high altitude, the kids generally do okay, and their biggest complaints are usually ears that have popped or are feeling uncomfortable. We bring lots of chewy snacks, like Starburst minis, skittles, or even DumDum suckers to help ears stay open during drives or hikes.

This is also a prime spot for wildlife viewing, we saw loads of Marmots and 6 mountain goats! Remember to keep your distance and never feed the wildlife.

Overall, our time in Central City was amazing filled with adventure and learning! I would happily return the area and the campground again to explore further.

This is a busy national park with an average of 1.2 million visitors annually so plan for crowds, shuttle bus rides, and traffic. The road into the park is winding and long so additional drive time should be planned when staying outside of the park.

If you’re wondering how many days you’ll need to explore Sequoia and Kings Canyon, I would say a minimum of 3, preferably 4. The two parks have a combined total of over 865,000 acres, not to mention the 1.1 million acres Sequoia National Forest covers. That’s a lot of area to cover, sights to see, and experiences to have so plan for a longer stay.

*Note – when you buy gear through the links on our site we get a small percentage of any sales. We use that to support our family adventures. You pay the same price you normally would

1. Kings Canyon Road

From the entrance station at the south end of Sequoia National Park, it’s a 78 mile drive through the park, along the Generals Highway and the Kings Canyon Scenic Highway The drive is winding, narrow, and does have a length restriction. If you are 22 feet or more be aware and read the guidelines before making the drive. The road seems to switchback endlessly so allow ample time when heading anywhere into the park due to the roads and the expected traffic. The estimated drive time is around 2.5 hours to make it through the parks but you should allow a lot more than that.

You can easily get stuck behind a slow, inexperienced driver, encounter wildlife on the trail (watch out for bears!), and want to pull off for the numerous, awe-inspiring, pull-offs.

We headed into the park late in the afternoon and decided to drive the length of the road so we could be sure to see the harder to access Kings Canyon. We were staying 18 miles south of the park and knew we had a long afternoon and evening of driving so we packed a picnic dinner and decided to see how far we could make it.

There are a lot of stops to make along the way and we stopped whenever we needed a break from the traffic or the roads or just needed to get out and explore a little. As always, driving a park’s main road on your first day of visiting allows you to orientate yourself and take note of all the park has to offer. Stop at the Visitor Center, talk to the rangers, and make a plan for the rest of your stay.

2. Roaring River Falls

As dusk approached we had made it deep into Kings Canyon after a couple hours of driving. Our first stop on the Kings Canyon Scenic Highway was Roaring River Falls a beautiful waterfall found tucked into the rocks at the end of a short trail. There is a trail that connects Zumwalt Meadow with the falls but at 3.9 miles we didn’t have the time as dark was quickly approaching, so drove the road instead.

We found a spot nestled amongst the rocks along the riverbank and enjoyed a picnic dinner.

3. Zumwalt Meadow Loop

After a hearty picnic dinner we were ready for one more stop on the road.  We stopped for a short hike to the Zumwalt Meadow. .2 miles down the trail there is a stunning suspension bridge crossing over the South Fork Kings River. Due to the late hour of our visit we only had a few other stray hikers joining us along this generally heavy trafficked area.

We journeyed further down the trail only to discover that the meadow itself was closed to allow for restoration so we made our way back to the parking area. Our oldest, Jack, often runs ahead but knows that he must always stay within sight of us, years of hiking and he completely understands this. He was running ahead of us on the trail when he abruptly stopped and came running back to us. He had arrived at the suspension bridge and could see a Momma bear with 2 cubs in the river below.

This was our first-ever bear encounter while on trail with the kids (and wouldn’t be our last during this visit to Sequoia) and it was a stark reminder that old habits should be amended based upon our location. We knew we were in bear country and we were making plenty of noise but we shouldn’t have allowed Jack to run ahead solo. Thankful they were just black bears and there was a bridge and water protecting us from the trio. They clearly weren’t concerned by our presence and continued their evening routine in the water while we gave them a wide berth as we walked back to our car.

This hike is generally 1.5 miles long, out and back, with minimal elevation gain. I wish we could’ve seen more than just a peek-a-boo of the meadow but we weren’t willing to impact the land by sneaking across the clearly cordoned off trail just for a picture.

The drive back in the dark was definitely a pretty intense experience. But, pulling off at one of the many pullouts and getting out to see the stars definitely made up for the intimidating drive. Overall, I was really glad we opted to do this in the evening as there were minimal crowds, we saw a lot more wildlife, it wasn’t too hot, and parking was a breeze.

Pro Tip: there are no gas stations available within the park so be sure to fill up before entering the park and making the lengthy drive.

4. Big Trees Loop

Th Big Trees Loop might be the most iconic stop in Sequoia National Park. This .3 mile, paved trail through the Mariposa Grove is incredibly popular so be prepared to arrive early to get a parking spot!

The kids and I found an out of the way spot for a picnic lunch near the Sentinel tree, an iconic tree that stands over 257 feet tall and is aged at 2,172 years old. The first glimpse at these astounding living behemoths had us all in awe. Jack was completely awestruck and exclaimed, “I’m going to remember seeing these trees for the rest of my life.”

It was a reminder of why we take these trips. Why we explore. Why we never want to stop doing it. We are making memories that will last a lifetime. We are giving our children an in-depth, personal experience with some of the world’s most extraordinary natural wonders.

We had parked at the Giant Forest Museum parking lot and began our hike on the South Side of the generals highway. As we were visiting in 2021 COVID was a very real concern and the museum was closed. Rangers were available to answer questions at tables outside the building. At 1.3 miles with minimal elevation gain this really is the perfect family-friendly hike to get up close and personal with the Giants!

This trail has wonderful interpretive signage all along the trail so we learned a lot about the unique ecosystem that provides the habitat for these trees to grow and thrive. Did you know that this section of the California Coast is the only place in the world where a giant sequoia can grow?

We found an enormous pine cone which was really fun but we learned it wasn’t actually from a giant sequoia, that their cones are actually rather small. This comes from a sugar pine. The kids examined this amazing wonder closely, took lots of pictures and then carefully replaced the cone where they had found it. Remember, the opportunities to teach kids about the essential Leave no Trace principals are endless when out exploring, and getting that real world experience.

According to a study conducted by Cambridge University in 2017, “found that 87 percent of those surveyed who played outside when they were young still held a love of nature into adulthood. In addition, 84 percent of those young adults said taking care of the natural environment is a priority to them.”

When Bobby and I became parents it became a priority for us to introduce our kids to the natural world so that we could foster a love of the outdoors in the hopes of molding them into stewards of the land.

The trail itself can get a little boring for the kids, so be sure to find the fun spots to explore along the way. While, as an adult, the stunning beauty of this meadow is enough to capture our imaginations and wonderings, for the kids, look for the boulders to climb, the hollow logs to explore, and maybe even a slide inside a downed log!

You’ll quickly learn that fire is a key, and often repeated, theme in the sequoia habitat. The species depends on fire for reproduction and has evolved to withstand fire. Shortly after we left, in September of 2021 a massive fire went through the park and wasn’t completely extinguished until December 2021. Be sure to check the park’s website for updates on closures due to the fire.

5. Moro Rock

The road to Moro Rock was closed while we were visiting, as it’s closed on the weekends to private vehicles. So, we parked at the Giant Tree Museum and took the shuttle up the road. The trail of 350 steps takes you to the top of this stunning Granite Dome. Railings are there, but have large gaps so keep a close eye on small children. If I had a toddler, they would’ve been in a soft structured carrier and not allowed to walk. A larger, framed carrier may have been too bulky to maneuver through the small passageways with the crowds.

For our favorite carriers and more outdoor gear choices, check out our Amazon page.

Note – when you buy gear through the links on our site we get a small percentage of any sales that we use to support our family adventures. You pay the same price you normally would.

The kids did great on this hike and were really good listeners as we asked them to stick close to the walls and keep away from drop offs.

The views from the top are absolutely spectacular! There are a lot of drop offs and not a lot of protection so keep kids very close at the summit.

The stairs are uneven and oddly spaced so be cautious as you descend and encourage kiddos to hold the handrail to prevent slips.

6. Crescent Meadow

After our hike up Moro Rock, we hopped back on the shuttle to get to the trail for Crescent Meadow. This 1.5 mile, flat hike was so much fun for the whole family. We heard people at the trailhead talking about a bear just down the trail. We found him as we hiked, made lots of noise, and did our best to ignore him.

Trails that wind through magically ancient forests have always been a favorite of mine. They make me feel as though I’ve been transported through time. Sharing these trails with my children is such a special experience.

7. Tharp’s Log

Along the trail you’ll encounter Tharp’s Log, built in 1861 by Hale Tharp, a cattle rancher who wintered here and even hosted John Muir and his mule in 1875. The idea of living in a log just completely staggered us. It is so amazing that this historic site has been preserved and we all found ourselves wondering what it must’ve been like to live in a log.

We met a family from Australia as we hiked and they were there to bird watch and search for wildlife (they were bummed when they heard about our bear encounter since they had missed him). We encouraged the kids to be quiet so they could hear the bird calls. It was a great reminder of one of our favorite trail games, “What Can You Hear?” Try it with your kids they next time you’re out hiking and they’re driving you nuts with incessant chatter or whining. Stop, look serious and ask, “What can you hear?” It may only last for 5 minutes, but the quiet and the learning that takes place are really fun to experience with tiny humans. The family we walked with was lovely and we their older, teenage children pointed out some holes in the forest floor where tiny creatures surely called home.

8. Sequoia National Forest/National Monument

If you’re tired of the hoopla and crowds inside the National Park, head to the National Forest. We generally find amazing hikes in the surrounding areas that aren’t nearly as busy as those within the boundaries of the park.

Sadly, this wasn’t really the case with Sequoia National Forest. The crowds were everywhere and were incredibly disrespectful of the space they were visiting. Pets are allowed so there were dogs everywhere and even a parrot on one hiker’s shoulder.

Trail of 100 Giants

The Trail of 100 Giants is an accessible, paved 1.3 mile path that winds through an impressive number of ancient giant sequoias. We ate lunch at the base of a giant thousand year old tree before beginning our hike. Sadly, a large section of the trail was closed due to 3 downed sequoias that obliterated a good portion of a newly built boardwalk.

In 2021, after our visit, the Windy Fire destroyed the remaining boardwalk and this trail is currently closed as it goes through restoration.

Due to the large, rowdy crowds we didn’t stay long and continued on hoping to find a more secluded spot.

Noble Young Falls

This is a little known secret gem of Sequoia National Forest, at just 1 mile with some steep sections of trail this is an easily accomplished hike. The waterfall isn’t much but the rock formations create pools that are really fun to play around in. To get there, park at the pull off located at 36.016556, -118.562639 and follow the unmarked trail headed northeast from the dirt lot.

This was such a cool and refreshing spot to get out of the heat and splash for a little bit!

To make the journey through Sequoia National Forest extra scenic continue the drive along The Great Western Divide Highway through the rest of the park. We drove through sections of the forest that had been absolutely decimated by the Windy Fire of 2020 and saw the restoration and rebuilding process up close. Once again, it was a stark reminder of the importance, but also the impact these massive fires have on the ecosystem and the surrounding communities. We had lots of conversations about the brave humans who work so hard to protect these wild places.

Where to Stay

National Park Lodging

There are several lodges located within the National Park that are available for visitors. Several of the lodges are generally open year-round but, due to the KNP fire last year all of them are currently closed. Watch the park’s website for updated information.

Campgrounds

Sequoia and Kings Canyon have 14 campgrounds in all and 3 of those are open year round for use. These campgrounds are popular so be sure to get a reservation! Check out the park website for campground opening dates as they all open at different times and openings are subject to change.

None of the campgrounds offer hookups for RVs and there are generator hours, so be sure to check those out if you’re planning on dry camping in your rig.

Lemon Cove RV Park

We opted to stay south of the park at Lemon Cove Village RV Park. We absolutely loved this campground. The scenery was breathtaking, the pool was wonderful, and the hospitality was great. Sites range in price from $50-$70. Available sites include anything from partial to full hookups to tent to group camping. It was really hot while we visited and I felt bad for the tent campers sweating it out. I think temperatures would’ve been cooler inside the park, at higher elevations, however we need internet while we travel so Bobby can work during the day so this campground worked really well for us.

Bears

We declared this park, the park of the bears. We weren’t 5 miles down the entrance road when we had our first of 5 encounters with bears while visiting this park. The bears found within the park are black bears and are generally harmless and don’t approach people. That doesn’t mean our encounters weren’t frightening, especially for our Rowan who has a pretty strong fear of bears.

Remember to keep kids close on the trail and make lots of noise to alert bears to your presence, generally not a problem when hiking with small children!

For more general information on bears and the park check out their website for some helpful tips to plan your trip.

White Sands National Park, NM

We have found such immense joy spending our summers touring the country, discovering new and, sometimes, unexpected adventures along the way. Planning a great family road trip involves collaboration as a family, a lot of patience, and the ability to go with the flow.

Make a Bucket List

One of the first ways we start planning any trip is by referring to our Master Bucket Lists, we each have one. They grow and evolve over time into whatever we want them to be. The ideas are inspired by books, YouTube videos, documentaries, and hearing of other’s adventures. We live in Minnesota which means we have long, cold winters that make the perfect opportunity to sit and dream of far off, warmer destinations. Sometimes this results in poor, overly optimistic planning, like that super cold January where I thought 110+ temperatures in the desert didn’t sound too bad…. It was worse than we could’ve imagined especially when one of the AC units in our RV died!

As a family, allowing each child the opportunity to have a say in where you go and what adventures you go on is always a good idea. It allows them to be empowered and get excited for the adventure ahead and ensures that all participating humans get a say and are guaranteed to visit at least some places they really want to see.

Jack always wanted to see the Golden Spike National Monument

Taking a bucket list and narrowing it down is made easier when you have more people joining in the conversation, soon you see how your bucket list items overlap and correspond with one another and a trip will start to form from that group of ideas. I’m reminded of when we planned a trip years ago based on toddler Jack’s favorite activities. Or how Rowan’s current love of visiting “Old Towns” has led us to new, undiscovered favorite spots.

Rosslyn, WA

Start a Spreadsheet

Bobby is grinning with glee as I write this. That man’s love of spreadsheets is legendary. We have one for everything, packing lists, home improvement projects, which tent to buy, the list goes on and on… I start every trip spreadsheet with the obvious, dates! What dates are available and how long do we want the adventure to last. I work for a school so our summer starting dates are easy, when is the last day of school?!? From there we discuss what the goal of the trip is. Are we reaching a faraway destination where lots of travel time is going to be necessary, do we have other commitments, work or family, where we need to be at a certain location at a certain time, or are we winging it, hoping it will all work out in the end?

Again, the trip seemingly starts to form as conversation flows, ideas are added into the mix, others are tossed out, dreams are shared, compromises are made, and suddenly the plan is in place.

Grand Canyon National Park

We then make a second spreadsheet that has our destinations and the things we’d like to see/do while in the area. Again, input is given by all to make this plan. Bobby wants to mountain bike, Maura wants to check out the zoo, Jack and Rowan want to go to the waterpark. We crunch the numbers, divvy up the time we have in that area and come up with a rough outline of what we want to do and see. Always leave extra room for downtime and the unexpected! Talk to locals, park rangers, checkout clerks, anybody in the area once there and see if there’s a must-see that you haven’t heard about before!

Silverwood in Idaho

Duthie in Washington

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado

Check those Cancellation Policies

This is something we never used to worry about, but with the uncertainties of COVID we are now vigilant in reading cancellation policies when planing trips. We want to ensure we have an easy way out of a potentially bad or dangerous situation. If places don’t allow cancellations, look elsewhere. You want to be sure that you aren’t out a lot of money if a trip has to be cancelled or rescheduled due to unforeseen circumstances.

We have also discovered that sometimes you’re just out of luck, when we planned on spending time camping and climbing in Joshua Tree National Park and they had an epic snowfall with colder than normal temperatures. We opted to eat the cost of the campsite we had reserved and found a hotel instead as we were not prepared for the cold.

Joshua Tree National Park, CA

BOOK IT!

Have you ever planned a grand trip, had great ideas, and then waited to book it because you wanted to give yourself more time to think or you worry you’ll change your mind and then when you finally go to book a trip you realize you’ve waited too long and the campground is full, the plane tickets have shot up in price, or you can’t get the time off? We have been burned too many times to count by that hesitation, so now we forge ahead swiftly, without hesitation and are always grateful we do.

I always think of the trip over 4th of July that we planned for Isle Royale a few years ago and were able to get the last spots on the float plane before we had even finalized our backpacking itinerary but we knew if we waited we wouldn’t even be able to get to the island.

Float plane for Isle Royale National Park

Share the Fun

We have found that by sharing our itinerary via GoogleSpreadsheet with friends and family means that while we spend 1-2 months on the road we aren’t always alone. People join up for a day, a weekend, or even a week and the trip becomes that much more incredible.

Canoeing in Glacier National Park with a gaggle of cousins!

Planning Tools

Google Maps

We used to spend the money on expensive trip planning apps and tools but soon realized that Google Maps works just as well for planning road trips.

Summer 2021 Itinerary

Campendium

We often need internet everywhere we go as Bobby works as we travel and this resource is great to not only see overall campground reviews but also detailed internet information.

Custer State Park, SD

Planning Notebook

Call me old fashioned but I love having things written out and easily accessible in case we don’t have internet access. A 3 ring binder with plastic sleeves works really well to organize all the reservation confirmations and brochures and documents you get along the way. If you have kids who like to know the plan, reviewing this with them as you travel along helps them feel more a part of the process.

As the kids get older we are teaching them how to do research ahead of time and they are now creating their own planning notebooks that double as car activity bundles. Inside their trapper keepers are activity books of their choosing, looseleaf paper for journaling, homemade Bingo sheets, and homemade worksheets. Summer Kids Worksheet Blog

Calendar

For us, when we live on the road in our 5th wheel in the summer time, having a wall calendar with travel dates clearly laid out helps the whole family understand the plan. Especially for the kids who are living without consistency and lots of moving, the calendar allows them to understand how long they get at each campground before another move day is coming. We love making our own calendars using pictures from the previous years adventures to make it even more fun!

Guidebooks

We buy our guidebooks in 1 of 2 ways. The first being the planning stage buying where we use Amazon reviews to find books to help us get the big picture. The second is on site at local bookshops or National Park gift shops. We often find great, local options that give us information on exactly what we need whether it’s local hiking, biking, backpacking, or canoe options at the local stores. We prefer Falcon Guides because they are more comprehensive and offer more options for hikes to do in the area. The Moon guidebooks tend to be more general with overall things to do in an area and are less specific.

Another pro-tip is get books that are for a complete area and don’t limit themselves to one specific National Park, as we often find amazing hikes in the surrounding National Forest land.

Summer to Remember List

One of our favorite Vloggers, Keep Your Daydream, offers free, printable Summer to Remember Lists. We did this for the first time last year and it was so fun to see what the kids came up with. We spanned everything from “Visit Build-a-Bear” to summit 5 mountains. We didn’t achieve all of our goals but we managed to mark a lot of them off.

This otherworldly, breathtaking park is home to some incredible hikes, stunning views, and an insane amount of wildlife. 

The two incredible hikes we completed while there were the iconic Notch Trail and Saddle Pass  along with the two epic day trips we took to the nearby Black Hills made this a most excellent stop on our two month long journey in our camper. 

Saddle Pass

Bobby worked remotely for the majority of our journey and as we were living in a 35 foot camper it meant I had to find day trips for the kids to keep the camper relatively quiet. Although, thanks to his Bose noise cancelling headphones we were able to spend rainy days in the camper without distracting him too much! While in the Badlands the kids and I headed out for a day of adventure and ended up at the Saddle Pass trailhead. 

At only .73 miles I was confident the kids and I could easily complete this hike on our own. Rowan, only 3 at the time of the trip, was still a hesitant hiker and in order to bring a daypack with water, snacks, the ten essentials, and emergency med kit I couldn’t carry her easily on my back as I do when Bobby is along on our hikes. Rowan and Jack assured me they would complete this on their own and Jack was ready to guide us and lead the way!

Little did we know just how steep this trail would be and I was soon teaching the kids the art of the butt scootch to make it safely back down after we had reached the pass and were headed back to the car.

This trail is easy to lose so be sure to look out for the trail markers along the way. We couldn’t find them for a bit but the kids were so determined to find the way they sat down quietly and waited patiently while I did some scouting and eventually found the way and we made it to the top!

I was so impressed with how well the kids listened as there were some drop offs and it was hard being solo with them. Jack was so responsible and Rowan was extra brave and made this an incredibly fun hike for all three of us!

The kids really wanted to see some wildlife so we drove on hoping to find a fun spot to eat our picnic lunch. We made our way to Robert’s Prairie Dog Town where we picnicked in the bed of the truck and enjoyed watching the little prairie dogs while munching. PSA getting a good picture of a prairie dog is hard. Like, super hard. Thankfully some buffalo crossed our path so we had proof we did actually see wildlife while out!

The Notch Trail

Since Bobby was busy working during the day we would venture out in the late afternoon before dinner time to hike and explore with him. He took us to the legendary Notch Trail. At 1.3 miles this isn’t a long hike but the ladder makes this hike extraordinary. Waiting your turn and communicating with other hikers is key to your success here. For some reason people were not alternating groups going up and down, there was just a steady stream going down… Finally, I hollered up asking if we could come up before yet another group came down. People were happy to pause and wait for us to make our way.

This trail has a lot of steep drop offs and, of course, that sketchy ladder! I was once again very grateful to have our trusty Onya Pure along so I could easily strap Rowan (a 37 lb 3 year old) to my back without any fear of her falling out, as this is a toddler-specific carrier.

This hike was really beautiful and we saw a surprising number of families out and about. This trail is very easily accessible which makes it a popular spot. We went in the evening so we missed a good deal of the crowds.

This is a great hike for people with a little more experience that don’t mind sketchy ladders and drop offs. If that doesn’t sound like your ideal, I would steer clear of this one.

Day Trip Options!

While visiting Badlands we took two day trips to the Black Hills (somewhere between 1-2 hour drive time) to visit iconic Mount Rushmore, go down an Alpine Slide, took a drive through the legendary and, sometimes harrowing Needles Hwy in Custer State Park and went mountain biking at Hanson Larsen Memorial Park

Visiting Mount Rushmore during times of COVID and construction meant we couldn’t see much, there were still crowds and the kids weren’t nearly as impressed as we thought they would be… But, we made up for that by checking out a really sweet alpine slide later that day! Rush Mountain is expensive, so only go if you are really willing to spend some money. There is a cheaper and smaller alpine slide right in Keystone that would be a better option if you’re on a budget. This place did also have a high ropes course and a cave tour which, had we had the time we might have checked out.

We opted to take the long way back to Badlands by going through Custer State Park so we could drive through the tunnels cut out of stone along the Needles Highway. This drive was so amazing and completely worth the extra time in the car with hangry kids!!

The afternoon we spent mountain biking at Hanson Larsen Memorial Park in Rapid City was hot, difficult and fun in between! When downhill mountain biking, if there is a road available you often take it up to the top as it is usually the easier option. When visiting this park, DO NOT TAKE THE ROAD!!!! It was absolutely terrible and steep and rutted and rocky and steep and terrible. Seriously, DON’T DO IT!!! I digress… Once we finally made it to the top we had a grand time coming down! However, due to that terrible road of which we will never speak again, this was a one-run trip as we were all completely exhausted after that!

Overall, our trip to the Badlands, with day trips to the Black Hills mixed in was really fun. If we were to do it again, we would probably only book a short stay at the Badlands, if at all, with more time spent staying around the Black Hills as there are a lot more options of activities in that area. 

Campground Review

We stayed at Badlands Interior Campground, at only $36 per night with our Good Sam membership you definitely get what you pay for. The pool is pretty crappy, and was frequently closed due to high chlorine levels, the playgrounds were pretty rickety but we could tell they were doing some work to improve them. The dump station is awkwardly close to tenters and difficult to access with a big rig. Bobby’s endorsement was that the Verizon cell service was good, making remote work easy! We also had neighbors that had pulled in the wrong way so our doors faced each other and they continually walked through our campsite so that definitely made things more awkward… I wouldn’t stay here again and would rate it about 2 stars for the above reasons. 

The town itself has no services and was pretty sketchy, we had to drive a long way to find a grocery store and, even then, it was a small country market without many options but, friendly staff. The National Park has a campground just down the road and I would try and get in there next time, or find a spot in the Black Hills and day trip to the Badlands.

When I think of hotspots for adventure and excitement, the southern borders of Minnesota and South Dakota doesn’t really spring to mind. I think of flat, farmland that is quickly driven through and by. However, last year we spent several days camping in Palisade State Park and found that the area was not lacking in things to see or places to go for a day hike.

Pipestone National Monument

We left the Twin Cities area and made a stop before the state park at Pipestone National Monument. This culturally historic site is the home of pipestone rock quarries that have been used for generations by American Indians. The rock quarried here is used to make sacred pipes that are used in prayer.

There is a 3/4 mile paved trail that takes hikers by histroical markers, quarries, and to the stunning Winnewissa Falls.

The falls were extra fun because they can be viewed from both bottom and top. After crossing the base of the falls, a brief spur trail will take hikers up to the right and to the top of the falls.

The hike was easy, accessible and fun for everybody along on our trip. The best part was the parking area was big-rig friendly so we had no problems parking our 5th wheel in the visitor parking.

We visited in June 2020, at the height of COVID precautions so, unfortunately, the Visitor Center was closed.

Palisade State Park, SD

After our visit to Pipestone we continued on to Palisade State Park where we would be camping for the next four nights. This was only our second outing with our camper and we were still rookies when it came to backing the beast in. We had a helpful Park Ranger assist us and, while we may have held up traffic for a bit, we eventually got Samantha (our rig) into her spot. The sites here are beautiful, spacious, and filled with acorns!

The state park was home to hiking trails and rock climbing options!

The hike along the Split Rock Creek was a big highlight as the beautiful palisades lining it were absolutely breathtaking.

Devil’s Gulch, SD

In the town of Garretson, SD there is a small park with a brief hiking trail to the really neat Devil’s Gulch. This is an easy hike with a beautiful wooded section along the creek. There isn’t a lot to see here, but it’s a fun pitstop along the way!

Blue Mounds State Park, MN

A short drive away is Blue Mounds State Park, just across the border in MN. This park is known for its wild buffalo herd. We spent a morning here and did a hike through a prairie, looking for the elusive buffalo. Of course, the kids found every rock on that prairie and made sure to climb every one of them.

I would be lying if I said this park thrilled me. Walking through a blustery prairie on a 90 degree day isn’t my ideal hiking situation.

Maybe one day we’ll return and check out the rock climbing section of this park. But, we’ll give it a few years…

Split Rock Creek State Park, MN

This tiny little park is great for a beach day! We did a brief hike along the river and then spent some time playing in the sand and sun on the beach.

Garretson, SD

Within the town of Garretson there are also fun activities for the whole family. We visited the Garretson Swimming Pool, an outdoor community pool that was beautifully maintained. We also took a guided Jesse James Pontoon boat tour that was really fantastic! We got to see a cave where Jesse James hid out in while on the run. The tour guide is a teacher so did very well with kids, had plenty of bad puns in his arsenal, and a lot of local and geological knowledge.