Potential summer trip with kids

Substitute the CO Natl Monument for Arches in Busskipper's itinerary, and you have a good plan! :)

I would suggest adding the following short drive to see more sandstone from the air-conditioned interior of your vehicle. Heading west from Ridgway on 62, you start with views of mountain peaks. After cresting the Dallas Divide you descend steadily. Take 145 west and continue descent into the varying sandstone strata. 145 crosses the San Miguel River and then climbs sharply, again showing the different layers of sandstone with their differing colors, until the highway tops out on a verdant farmland plateau near Norwood. There you could turn back or, if you wish to make it a circle tour, you could take 141 north (it goes almost to Grand Junction), then return to Ridgway on 50 & 550. Or a longer circle tour variant would be to continue west on 90 (which becomes Utah 46) to US191 north into Moab, then scenic hwy 128 to the expressway which takes you back to Grand Junction. On this last route, there is a nice arch right along the side of US191 a few miles south of Moab, where you can climb around on the sandstone and take pictures.

I still want to get back to Ouray someday and take one of the Jeep tours over the Black Bear Pass, which descends on steep switchbacks into Telluride. The pass doesn't usually open up until mid-July due to snow.

dolbsss wrote:

4runnerguy wrote:
Several here have suggested staying in resort style campgrounds so the kids can be entertained. Let me put forward an opposing view.

Most kids get plenty of "artificial" stimulation in their lives already. Taking a camping trip is a good way to let them connect with nature on their terms. Look around at NFS or NPS type CG's and see what the young kids are doing. Often, they on the ground examining an ant hill, poking at a centipede, or building minature cities with the sticks and pine cones laying around.

Kids are focussed much more on things up close. It seems like for most kids, they are 6 or 7 before they really spend any time looking at scenery moving by their window outside the car. So when you plan your days, make sure you spend a fair amount of time at your campsite. Sure, you should take a hike or drive and see some of the scenery that you want to see. But at RMNP, make sure you stop where there is some snow to play in. There are also places with lots of squirrels and chipmonks, but just make sure to keep them at a distance from the kids.

As for your trip, I'd skip hitting Utah altogether, as it will be hot and a lot more time in the car. As Busskipper noted, you might plan a stop in the upper Arkansas River Valley around Leadville/Buena Vista/Salida. Lots of great NFS CG's around there. Spend an afternoon throwing rocks in a lake (under close supervision, of course). Head up to the ghost town of St. Elmo and walk on the wooden sidewalkds. Check the schedule and see if there's a concert in the park downtown Salida.

Finding the right mix of activities for you and your kids is key to a successful trip. And allowing them to play and interact with nature at their level will (hopefully) instill in them a life long love of the outdoors.

getting away from artificial stimulation is the exact reason we bought the trailer in the first place. Parking for a week at a time at a "kids" campground is probably never going to happen. My wife and I are avid hikers. We also run Tough Mudders so we will be going to those with the kids sometimes also. We have a couple of Osprey kid carriers so we carry the kids(when the 5 year old is tired I carry her, when she walks I carry the 1 year old. Only my wife gets the break :-) ) My daughter is currently infatuated with bugs and worms and carrying them around and showing people. She is great when I get her detached from her tablet so limiting the WiFi on a trip is needed....and as a business owner, I need a break from reality also. The whole idea of this is supposed to be family+nature=memories. I'm glad to have read your post, I thought I was the only one that valued kids getting dirty, lol.

Trust me you are not alone - Son only will tent camp with the Girls - They all hike in and out and enjoy the nature that's there. Son will be on the slopes this morning, then will do conference calls as he drive back to the Office - Isn't it Mid May - and A-basin is still over 50 percent skiable. (Don't think Ken got the snow in Glenwood/Aspen or he would be out)

Those who worry that we are getting soft just aren't in touch with the youth today, while some may just play on the IPads there are many who still do the Jungle Gym.

If you are looking for good Advice - just do a search on the area with Ken's name (4runnerguy) you will find a ton of good info.

You are a good parent to allow your kids to not only see these beautiful places but to Touch - and Experience them also.

Why are all the State Parks full on the weekends?, "Because you are not alone" Colorado, gets into those Mountains!

Enjoy the trip,

4runnerguy wrote:
Several here have suggested staying in resort style campgrounds so the kids can be entertained. Let me put forward an opposing view.

Most kids get plenty of "artificial" stimulation in their lives already. Taking a camping trip is a good way to let them connect with nature on their terms. Look around at NFS or NPS type CG's and see what the young kids are doing. Often, they on the ground examining an ant hill, poking at a centipede, or building minature cities with the sticks and pine cones laying around.

Kids are focussed much more on things up close. It seems like for most kids, they are 6 or 7 before they really spend any time looking at scenery moving by their window outside the car. So when you plan your days, make sure you spend a fair amount of time at your campsite. Sure, you should take a hike or drive and see some of the scenery that you want to see. But at RMNP, make sure you stop where there is some snow to play in. There are also places with lots of squirrels and chipmonks, but just make sure to keep them at a distance from the kids.

As for your trip, I'd skip hitting Utah altogether, as it will be hot and a lot more time in the car. As Busskipper noted, you might plan a stop in the upper Arkansas River Valley around Leadville/Buena Vista/Salida. Lots of great NFS CG's around there. Spend an afternoon throwing rocks in a lake (under close supervision, of course). Head up to the ghost town of St. Elmo and walk on the wooden sidewalkds. Check the schedule and see if there's a concert in the park downtown Salida.

Finding the right mix of activities for you and your kids is key to a successful trip. And allowing them to play and interact with nature at their level will (hopefully) instill in them a life long love of the outdoors.

getting away from artificial stimulation is the exact reason we bought the trailer in the first place. Parking for a week at a time at a "kids" campground is probably never going to happen. My wife and I are avid hikers. We also run Tough Mudders so we will be going to those with the kids sometimes also. We have a couple of Osprey kid carriers so we carry the kids(when the 5 year old is tired I carry her, when she walks I carry the 1 year old. Only my wife gets the break :-) ) My daughter is currently infatuated with bugs and worms and carrying them around and showing people. She is great when I get her detached from her tablet so limiting the WiFi on a trip is needed....and as a business owner, I need a break from reality also. The whole idea of this is supposed to be family+nature=memories. I'm glad to have read your post, I thought I was the only one that valued kids getting dirty, lol.

I like this last one from Busskipper even more than the first. though I would still leave Moab for later and give the days involved to Colorado.

dolbsss wrote:

Busskipper wrote:

dolbsss wrote:
...
wife and 2 kids(5,1.5yrs) and was thinking of a

16-17 day trip hitting National parks out west

from Columbus, Ohio as a start point. We are absolute

newbs to travel trailering(Jayco 284BHSW)(2015 2500HD) but

I drive trailers every day for work with my truck(landscaping and hardscaping) and we

drove to Estes Park last year with the kids and Tampa as well so we

have long trip experience with the kids. I have a

few questions I'll ask which I'll number at the end and my plan I'll list first by day. Looking for suggestions on camp grounds and comments about any and everything.

1 Columbus to St. Louis *
2 St Louis to Salina? *
3 Salina to Longmont Co.(friends live there, park at their house)
4 RMNP or Estes Park *
5 RMNP or Estes Park *
6 Longmont (friends again)
7 Arches NP *
8 Arches NP *
9 Bryce Canyon NP *
10 Zion/ Bryce Canyon NP *
11 Zion NP *
12 Grand Canyon NP *
13 Grand Canyon NP *
14-18 Return to Columbus.

Questions:

1. Is this too much to do? Too Ambitious?

2. Will you suggest campgrounds for the nights with the *? Most likely we will try for NP campsites a lot of times but if there is one I can't miss out on, I'd like a suggestion.

3. What are your average driving days? long driving days? look like mileage wise? Hour wise? I'd conservatively say I'd average 55-60 mph depending on the length of drive.

4. for days 14-18 I'm all open for suggestions on stop points and campgrounds.


Thanks in advance!

Map of a still very AMBITIOUS TRIP -- Bing Map

When leaving Moab take RT 128 out along the Colorado River - Beautiful drive - Much shorter but still Ambitious - Summer = Hot in Utah, so only put you there for a day or two, Keep the Altitude for the Kids - Lakes, Streams, Water just makes it easier/more fun for the kids.

Also suggest RT 36 on the drive out, possibly back as it, IMHO is just easier.

Only you know what everyone can put up with, so the drive times and days are on you.

Longmont - Estes - Peak to Peak? - Leadville (10,000 feet, COOL) - Turquoise Lake - Possible day trip to Maroon Bells RT 82 - Buena Vista, Collegiates, great Hikes, Rivers water - Ouray - Black Canyon - Possibly Moab - back - I-70 - Slide off RT 24 to Leadville again - Camp Hale then Home.

As I put in on the Paper it is VERY AMBITIOUS - so you will need to Pick and Choose as you go - drive through, not stop on many - but be exposed to Colorado and Utah for future trips.

Might look at this before the older one gets into school full time as a Fall Utah Trip.

Lot's to think about, just try to keep the distances down on the drive days as the 5-6 day getting and returning will burn sooo much of your time.

Hope this is of some help,

wow, I'm gonna consider this. Our Colorado friends want to tag along for awhile so this might be perfect.

Map of revised trip - Revised with Peak to Peak - RT6 - RT 128

If time gets short, and you have no need for the Heat in Moab, think/look at RT133 Marble/ Crystal Mill.

Then on up to Maroon Bells/Aspen, Beautiful and some great Hikes.

I-70 over under at Glenwood Springs - towards Vail, jump off at Minturn/Red Cliff/Leadville exit and think about staying at Camp Hale, just one more option.

SOOOOOO Much to see just never enough time.

Camp Hale

Peak to Peak - Golden Gate Canyon

Over Under I-70 Glenwood Springs


Crystal Mills

Maroon Bells Images


Utube RT 128 along Colorado River

RT 128



If you look at all this hard not to try to steal another Couple Weeks.

Best of Luck,

Several here have suggested staying in resort style campgrounds so the kids can be entertained. Let me put forward an opposing view.

Most kids get plenty of "artificial" stimulation in their lives already. Taking a camping trip is a good way to let them connect with nature on their terms. Look around at NFS or NPS type CG's and see what the young kids are doing. Often, they on the ground examining an ant hill, poking at a centipede, or building minature cities with the sticks and pine cones laying around.

Kids are focussed much more on things up close. It seems like for most kids, they are 6 or 7 before they really spend any time looking at scenery moving by their window outside the car. So when you plan your days, make sure you spend a fair amount of time at your campsite. Sure, you should take a hike or drive and see some of the scenery that you want to see. But at RMNP, make sure you stop where there is some snow to play in. There are also places with lots of squirrels and chipmonks, but just make sure to keep them at a distance from the kids.

As for your trip, I'd skip hitting Utah altogether, as it will be hot and a lot more time in the car. As Busskipper noted, you might plan a stop in the upper Arkansas River Valley around Leadville/Buena Vista/Salida. Lots of great NFS CG's around there. Spend an afternoon throwing rocks in a lake (under close supervision, of course). Head up to the ghost town of St. Elmo and walk on the wooden sidewalkds. Check the schedule and see if there's a concert in the park downtown Salida.

Finding the right mix of activities for you and your kids is key to a successful trip. And allowing them to play and interact with nature at their level will (hopefully) instill in them a life long love of the outdoors.

agesilaus wrote:
You are doing way too much with those kids. Arches will be hotter than Hades. A 18 mo old kid means you be carrying the kid, a 5 yr old is marginal on the trails too. You may end up carrying him too.

its out, too many people noted the heat and construction. I'm not messing with that.

Busskipper wrote:

dolbsss wrote:
...
wife and 2 kids(5,1.5yrs) and was thinking of a

16-17 day trip hitting National parks out west

from Columbus, Ohio as a start point. We are absolute

newbs to travel trailering(Jayco 284BHSW)(2015 2500HD) but

I drive trailers every day for work with my truck(landscaping and hardscaping) and we

drove to Estes Park last year with the kids and Tampa as well so we

have long trip experience with the kids. I have a

few questions I'll ask which I'll number at the end and my plan I'll list first by day. Looking for suggestions on camp grounds and comments about any and everything.

1 Columbus to St. Louis *
2 St Louis to Salina? *
3 Salina to Longmont Co.(friends live there, park at their house)
4 RMNP or Estes Park *
5 RMNP or Estes Park *
6 Longmont (friends again)
7 Arches NP *
8 Arches NP *
9 Bryce Canyon NP *
10 Zion/ Bryce Canyon NP *
11 Zion NP *
12 Grand Canyon NP *
13 Grand Canyon NP *
14-18 Return to Columbus.

Questions:

1. Is this too much to do? Too Ambitious?

2. Will you suggest campgrounds for the nights with the *? Most likely we will try for NP campsites a lot of times but if there is one I can't miss out on, I'd like a suggestion.

3. What are your average driving days? long driving days? look like mileage wise? Hour wise? I'd conservatively say I'd average 55-60 mph depending on the length of drive.

4. for days 14-18 I'm all open for suggestions on stop points and campgrounds.


Thanks in advance!

Map of a still very AMBITIOUS TRIP -- Bing Map

When leaving Moab take RT 128 out along the Colorado River - Beautiful drive - Much shorter but still Ambitious - Summer = Hot in Utah, so only put you there for a day or two, Keep the Altitude for the Kids - Lakes, Streams, Water just makes it easier/more fun for the kids.

Also suggest RT 36 on the drive out, possibly back as it, IMHO is just easier.

Only you know what everyone can put up with, so the drive times and days are on you.

Longmont - Estes - Peak to Peak? - Leadville (10,000 feet, COOL) - Turquoise Lake - Possible day trip to Maroon Bells RT 82 - Buena Vista, Collegiates, great Hikes, Rivers water - Ouray - Black Canyon - Possibly Moab - back - I-70 - Slide off RT 24 to Leadville again - Camp Hale then Home.

As I put in on the Paper it is VERY AMBITIOUS - so you will need to Pick and Choose as you go - drive through, not stop on many - but be exposed to Colorado and Utah for future trips.

Might look at this before the older one gets into school full time as a Fall Utah Trip.

Lot's to think about, just try to keep the distances down on the drive days as the 5-6 day getting and returning will burn sooo much of your time.

Hope this is of some help,

wow, I'm gonna consider this. Our Colorado friends want to tag along for awhile so this might be perfect.

Matt_Colie wrote:
We did such things years ago with kids not too different an age. DW timed the stops so we would do the hold-up in striking range of the attraction.
Next morning:
Feed the kids and pack lunches
Go see/do whatever until the kids are pooped.
Load up and drive to the next bivouac. They kids usually slept on this leg.

Important thing learned - Carry all your planning material. We found it takes a best two days before you want to change the plan. Even today, we plan to change the plan. But now, the kids on board are grands.

Matt

honestly we are the wing it with basic plan types on vacation so this idea wouldn't be far from my thoughts.

profdant139 wrote:
60 years ago, my parents dragged me along on what we still call the "drive and drive" trip -- endless days in the car, punctuated by moments of sightseeing.

I am a slow learner, so I did the same thing with my kids 30 years ago. Only once, though.

We then started taking shorter trips, with more time on the ground for the kids, for us, for relaxing. That's the way to go, in my opinion.

Especially in the summer, I would avoid Utah and the Grand Canyon. Spend your time in RMNP -- cooler, lots to do and see.

well I love RMNP so if we rethink it we will be spending more time there without a doubt.