Colorado Springs or Steamboat Springs (summer)

Question

I’m planning a road trip for early July. Will fly in to Denver. Planing on Buena Vista and Rocky Mountain NP.

Would you add Colorado Springs or Steamboat?

It’ll be me, my husband and kids (ages 9 and 11). We enjoy outdoors, adventure etc.

Thx!!

Answer

Both Colorado Springs and Steamboat Springs offer great outdoor activities, but they provide very different experiences, especially for a family with kids aged 9 and 11. Since you’re already planning Buena Vista and Rocky Mountain National Park, your route and interests can help guide the decision.

Colorado Springs: Colorado Springs is south of Denver and offers a mix of outdoor adventure and family-friendly attractions. It is easier to access from Denver and could be a nice addition before or after Rocky Mountain National Park.

Outdoor activities: Garden of the Gods with easy hiking trails and stunning rock formations; Pikes Peak via scenic drive or Cog Railway; Seven Falls waterfalls and short trails.
Family attractions: Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Cave of the Winds, or the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center tour.
Considerations: Summer can be busy, especially around Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods, but most attractions have parking and are well-suited for kids.

Steamboat Springs: Steamboat Springs is further northwest and more remote. It offers a quieter mountain town feel with lots of outdoor adventure, perfect if you want more hiking, river activities, and alpine experiences.

Outdoor activities: Hiking trails for all ages, hot springs soaking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. The Yampa River is great for tubing or casual rafting for kids.
Family attractions: Steamboat Ski Resort summer activities like alpine slides, zip lines, and gondola rides. Downtown has a charming small-town feel.
Considerations: Steamboat is a longer drive from Denver (~3.5-4 hours), which may make it less convenient if you’re focusing on Buena Vista and RMNP.

Recommendation: If your priority is outdoor adventure and exploring natural landscapes without too much driving, Colorado Springs is likely the better fit for a short trip with kids. It’s closer to your likely route from Denver to Buena Vista and has a variety of activities suitable for all ages. Steamboat Springs is amazing for a mountain escape but may add significant driving time to your itinerary.

In summary, for a family road trip in early July with your planned stops, Colorado Springs offers a good balance of convenience, kid-friendly adventure, and iconic Colorado scenery. Steamboat is better suited if your focus is more remote mountain experiences and extra driving is not an issue.

Colorado Springs or Steamboat Springs (summer)

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