Thanksgiving week - trip to Colorado

Question

Hey,

We’re a family of three with an 11-year-old, and we love Colorado! We’ve spent the last two Christmas breaks there, both times doing road trips from Dallas.

This year we’re switching it up—flying from DFW to Denver, renting a car, and spending three nights in Estes Park. After that, we want to add another 3-day stop somewhere new.

We’re not into skiing but would love scenic mountain views, maybe a zoo, some easy hikes, and historical spots.

I was thinking Aspen—what do you think, or do you have other suggestions?

Our Plan:

11/22: Afternoon flight DFW → DEN, check in that evening

11/25: Check out, drive to the next destination

11/25–11/28: Stay at second location

11/28: Check out and fly back to DFW

P.S. Do you know if Bear Lake will be frozen around this time? We love visiting that spot!

Answer

Your Thanksgiving week plan sounds wonderful! Flying into Denver and starting with Estes Park is a classic choice, especially for families who love scenic mountain views. Spending three nights in Estes Park gives you plenty of time to explore Rocky Mountain National Park and the surrounding area without rushing.

Regarding Bear Lake, by late November it is very likely that the lake will be at least partially frozen, and snow or ice may be present on the trails. Early winter conditions can make hikes slippery, so be prepared with warm layers and traction devices for boots if you plan to hike around Bear Lake or Dream Lake.

For your second three-day stop, Aspen is a beautiful choice, but here are a few considerations and alternatives based on your interests:

Aspen: Known for its scenic beauty and charming town, Aspen is quieter in late November before ski season peaks. You’ll get stunning mountain views, easy hikes around Maroon Bells or nearby trails, and a few historical sites and small local museums. The Aspen Zoo itself is small but could be fun for your 11-year-old. Keep in mind that accommodations can be expensive even outside peak ski season.
Vail/Bachelor Gulch: Similar mountain scenery with a small-town vibe. There are scenic gondola rides, easy walking trails, and some family-friendly historical sites in the area. Less crowded than Aspen early in the season.
Glenwood Springs: Offers spectacular scenery, hot springs for relaxing, and hiking opportunities. The Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park is fun for families and adds an indoor/outdoor activity option if the weather is cold.
Colorado Springs/Pikes Peak area: If you want to explore a different side of the Rockies, this area has great scenic drives, easy hikes, historical attractions like the Garden of the Gods, and the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, which would be a hit for your child.
Durango: A bit farther, but the historic town, Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, and surrounding scenery offer a different Colorado experience with easy hikes and family-friendly activities.

Some tips for your trip:

Rent a car with good winter handling (AWD recommended), as late November can bring snow and icy roads.
Check weather forecasts frequently for both Estes Park and your second destination to plan hikes and outdoor activities safely.
Plan indoor backup activities such as small museums, visitor centers, or hot springs in case of cold weather.
For scenic drives, Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park will likely be closed in late November, but there are plenty of lower elevation loops and drives that are still beautiful.

In summary, Aspen works well for scenic beauty and light hikes, but if you want more variety in activities like zoos or family-friendly attractions, Glenwood Springs or Colorado Springs might be better fits. Late November at Bear Lake will be cold and possibly icy, so dress warmly and plan shorter hikes accordingly.

Thanksgiving week - trip to Colorado

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