kapstreak

We are leaving on July 19 to drive to Colorado from Michigan. We have never been to Colorado and are wondering what the must see places would be. We have looked at the guide books and found out that they suggest Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado River Gorge, Mesa Verde, Pikes Peak. We have also noticed that there are many different scenic train rides and would like to know which would be the best for our family. We have 3 children traveling with us, 12, 10 and 8. We have approximately 5 days in Colorado. What do you suggest would be the best things to do while we are there.

fmpden

First off, it is a big state not unlike Michigan. It is many hours of driving between Denver and M Verde for example so you may need to narrow your choices. The best train probably is Durango to Silverton BUT that is in the far SW corner of the state. Doable if you are also going to M Verde.

Georgetown, hour west of Denver, has about an hour train. Very scenic and for that age kids they would enjoy it. Include the silver mind stop. The ski areas, Breckenridge, Vail, Keystone have a variety of summer rides for kids.

The cog railroad up Pikes Peak is fun but doesn't have the flavor of a steam train. Once to the top there is not much to do except to wait for the train down.

However, bring jackets, sweatshirts, long sleeve shirts and pants. It can be cold in the mountains especially in the evenings.

You could center in Frisco/Breckenridge and do some day trips to some of the surrounding areas.

virginia

if you center in frisco/breck you can do the train from leadville up to climax mine. then go have good mexican food at The Grill.

fmpden

That train is pulled by a diesel and not the same as the old, narrow gauge steam out of Georgetown. Leadville also had the Mineral Belt Loop trail -- 12 miles -- rent bikes or hike. It is a terrific outdoor museum of what mining looked like a hundred years ago.

SusanM

Hi Kapstreak, we're driving to Colorado from Chicago - leaving tomorrow. We're staying in Beaver Creek, which is just West of Vail. One place we're most excited about visiting while there is Glenwood Springs and Glenwood Canyon, which is just a little further West from BC.

There's a hot spring there, as well as canyon raft trips and other things to see and do. Check it out:

http://www.colorado.com/GlenwoodSprings.aspx