July 2025 trip

Question

Hi,

We plan on flying into Denver (from Houston) this July.

I am trying to build a 5-6 day itinerary that includes RMNP. However, I don’t want to spend the entire time at RMNP as we have a 2 year old and a 6 year old (we will do easy hikes and trail ridge road drive). Plan is to wear the 2 year old. The 6 year old has gone hiking before but can’t do long distances.

Any suggestions on what other areas to include? I don’t mind driving ~ 3 hrs and switching between 2-3 hotels. Would Breckenridge or vail be a good idea with young kids. Or would it be better to go to Colorado Springs?

FWIW: while I enjoy an adventurous vacation I also want some relaxation. My wife enjoys adventure and sight seeing. My older kid loves all modes of transportation and playing in water.

Also how many days should I expect to spend between Estes Park and RMNP?

Thanks!

Answer

Your plan for a July trip to Colorado with young children can be both enjoyable and manageable. Since you have a 2-year-old and a 6-year-old, balancing sightseeing, easy hikes, and some downtime is important. Flying into Denver gives you flexibility to explore different regions within a reasonable drive.

Estes Park & Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP):

Plan for 2 full days based in Estes Park. One day can be devoted to driving Trail Ridge Road and doing easy hikes such as Bear Lake, Alberta Falls, and Sprague Lake.
Another day can be spent exploring Estes Park itself—wandering the shops, taking a stroll along the Riverwalk, and enjoying casual dining. This keeps activities short and kid-friendly.
Accommodations in Estes Park are plentiful, but booking early is essential in July, as it’s peak season.

Other Areas to Include:

Breckenridge: About 2–2.5 hours from Denver. It is highly family-friendly with a pedestrian-friendly Main Street, scenic gondola rides, and easy hikes near town. The Riverwalk and nearby lakes are great for kids to play and explore.
Vail: Slightly further than Breckenridge (2.5–3 hours from Denver). Offers alpine village charm, gondolas, and short scenic walks. Great for relaxation and light adventure with kids. Vail’s Betty Ford Alpine Gardens and the river path are kid-friendly options.
Colorado Springs: Around 1.5 hours from Denver. Can be convenient if you want more structured attractions like Garden of the Gods (easy trails, stunning scenery), Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, or a short visit to Pikes Peak via the scenic highway. Less mountainous than Breckenridge/Vail for hiking.

Itinerary Suggestion for 5–6 Days:

Day 1: Arrive in Denver, pick up rental car, drive to Estes Park (~1.5–2 hours). Relax, explore town.
Day 2: RMNP – Trail Ridge Road scenic drive, Bear Lake loop, short easy hikes.
Day 3: RMNP or Estes Park – optional additional park hike or relax in Estes Park, perhaps take the kids to the Stanley Hotel area.
Day 4: Drive to Breckenridge (~2.5 hours). Explore Main Street, gondola ride, kid-friendly outdoor activity.
Day 5: Breckenridge or Vail day trip – short trails, lakes, alpine village activities.
Day 6: Drive back to Denver (~2 hours) for flight home. Possible stop at Red Rocks or Boulder along the way for sightseeing or lunch.

Tips:

Keep hikes short and flexible; a child carrier for the 2-year-old is ideal. Early mornings or late afternoons are best for avoiding crowds and heat.
Include water-based stops such as small lakes or rivers near Breckenridge and Estes Park for your 6-year-old to play safely.
Booking 2–3 hotels along the route keeps driving times manageable and gives your family time to relax between destinations.

In summary, 2–3 days in Estes Park/RMNP is sufficient for seeing highlights without overtaxing the kids. Breckenridge or Vail are excellent follow-ups for more relaxed mountain village experiences. Colorado Springs is another option if you prefer a shorter drive from Denver and want more structured attractions. Balancing scenic drives, short hikes, and kid-friendly play opportunities will ensure the trip is enjoyable for all ages.

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