December family trip

Question

Hello

From Houston here, my family and I are going to Colorado December 29-January 4th. We’re staying in Granby, CO.

I wanted to ask if this looks like a good itinerary? I know we will have to adjust if weather is bad but what do yall think? We are not big on skiing, just want kid friendly activities and the train ride. How will our driving be like? Is there shuttles from granby to Breck?

Day 1- Denver airport to hotel in granby, co

Day 2- sight see at Rocky Mountain national park, kids do some sledding.

Day 3-hang out at winter park resort

Day 4-drive to Leadville for train ride

Day 5-drive to Breckenridge for the day, do sleigh ride and sight see

Day 6-hang out at hotel and rest,

Day 7- home

Answer

Your December family trip to Granby, CO, looks well-paced and manageable, especially with kids. Granby is a great base for winter activities, and your itinerary balances sightseeing, outdoor fun, and relaxation. Here’s a detailed look at your plan and some tips:

Day 1 – Arrival: Driving from Denver Airport to Granby typically takes around 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours via I-70 and US-40. In winter, weather can affect conditions, especially around mountain passes, so check road conditions before you depart. Winter tires or chains may be required if there’s snow. The drive is scenic with mountain views.

Day 2 – Rocky Mountain National Park and sledding: Rocky Mountain National Park is close to Granby (roughly 20–30 minutes to the Grand Lake entrance). Snow in late December is likely, which is perfect for sledding and playing in the snow. Popular kid-friendly sledding spots include Hidden Valley (if open) or accessible areas near Grand Lake. Dress warmly in layers and bring waterproof boots.

Day 3 – Winter Park Resort: Winter Park is about a 20-minute drive from Granby. Even if your family isn’t skiing, there are plenty of kid-friendly activities:

Snow tubing – a fun activity for kids and adults, with designated tubing hills and lifts.
Scenic gondola ride – provides great views without needing to ski.
Ice skating – check if the resort has an open rink.

Day 4 – Drive to Leadville for train ride: Leadville is about 2 hours 15 minutes from Granby. The historic Leadville, Colorado & Southern Railroad offers scenic winter train rides, which are very kid-friendly. Note that weather can make mountain driving slower; start early to ensure a comfortable schedule.

Day 5 – Breckenridge day trip: Breckenridge is roughly 2 hours 15 minutes from Granby. Activities for families include:

Horse-drawn sleigh rides – a festive and kid-friendly experience.
Walking around the historic downtown – shops, restaurants, and holiday decorations.
Optional light snow play – check nearby areas for safe, accessible sledding spots.

There isn’t a direct shuttle from Granby to Breckenridge. Driving is the main option. Consider starting early to maximize your day.

Day 6 – Relax at hotel: After several days of driving and activities, a rest day is a good idea. Many hotels in Granby offer indoor pools, hot tubs, or fireplaces that can be enjoyable for families. You could also do short local walks or play in the snow near your hotel.

Day 7 – Departure: Drive back to Denver for your flight. Winter conditions may slow travel, so allow extra time. Leaving Granby 3–4 hours before your flight is recommended, depending on airport check-in and weather.

Additional Tips:

Check road conditions daily via CDOT (Colorado Department of Transportation) for mountain passes.
Pack layers, waterproof gear, hats, gloves, and snow boots for everyone.
Reservations for activities like sleigh rides, tubing, and train rides are strongly recommended during the holiday season.
Granby is a quiet town, so grocery stores and restaurants may have limited hours; plan ahead if you want to cook meals.

Overall, your itinerary is realistic and balanced. You’ve included fun kid-focused activities without overloading travel days, and you’ve allowed for a rest day. With good winter preparation, it should be an enjoyable family trip.

December family trip

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