Rocky Mountains / Estes Park area

cardtarget wrote:
Taking a trip this summer from North Carolina all the way to Yellowstone with 3 kids (9, 7, 4). Planning on having 2-3 days in the Denver/RMNP area and I'm looking for ideas for places to stay and great hikes or other outdoor activities that would be appropriate for the family. I'm guessing we could do about 2 miles of hiking before the little one gets too tired.

29 foot class C if it matters for any roads or campground recommendations.

We don't need full hookups for a day or two if anyone has any amazing vistas for dispersed/boondocking in that area.

So, what are your favorite places to stay or see in the greater Denver area?

Good info from the other posts - I'm not one to recommend specific camp grounds but more on areas - if you are into the crowds and and T shirts Estes is for you, if not you might look on the other side near Grand Lake, is more family and IMHO more up my alley when we have the Granddaughters. For the Kids the drive over Trail Ridge, with a stop to play in some left over snow, is always fun in the summer. Again in MHO most of the hikes will require you to carry the 4 YO back so you might really limit the 1/2 mile or more (remember you are in the Rockies and most of the hikes are UP HILL) so........ they can be a challenge for the little one's.

With your clan think about leaving RMNP and heading to Vernal and Dinosaur NM,I still remember my first time, my kids remember their first time and now the GK's remember and loved their first time. Seeing real fossils, will leave a lasting impression and if you can catch a spot on the Green River to Camp it is even better. From their up on the West side of Flaming Gorge and maybe even fishing - catching dinner on the lake would be fun.

Not sure of your time frame but because of time head to Jackson GTNP then Yellowstone, no matter how you plan it you will be pressed for time here - but remember the kids want to have fun so you will need to limit the things you want to do. Water tends to be our focus in these spots with the trip out the Beartooth and then down to Cody before heading to Mt Rushmore (Custer). Goood to figure on averaging a lot less than 25 MPH on this leg. If time allows catch Devils tower then on to Custer for Mt Rushmore and the Surrounds - again time will be an issue here as there is a lot to see and enjoy. Badlands and HOME.

Couple of web sites for you
Stan Parkers Photo Album

Family that did it every year

Stan's photo's will give you a glimpse of much of what you hope to see.

Lolo's trip reports are epic,

Hope this is of some help.

BOL,