Colorado Springs, Denver, Estes Park Area
 

We are planning a trip in July to this area. What sites should we include. We are traveling with our 13 year old grandchildren. Where are most economical places to stay?

A drive through and stops in the Rocky Mountain National Park should a must!

For a typical thirteen year old, the dinosaur bones at the Denver Museum of Natural History will be a real thrill. <BR> <BR>Colorado Springs has numerous mountain drives with wonderful scenery. Most are NOT recommended if it's raining, so check the weather before you leave. <BR> <BR>If the weather is really clear, go to the top of Pike's Peak. You'll see spacious skies, amber waves of grain, and purple mountain majesty above the fruited plain :^)

Don - Regarding CO Springs.....if the day is a clear one, Pikes Peak should not be missed. My husband and I greatly enjoyed the Air Force Academy. If your grandchildren are into figure skating, the World Museum is another fun place. Garden of The Gods was a highlight for us, as well. Whatever you do, that area od the country, particluarly CO Springs, is brethtakingly gorgeous. Enjoy!

La Quinta seems to have good sales. Get an Entertainment Book and use some of the discount hotel deals in it. Red Rocks Amphitheatre is an outdoor arena and the site of many concerts. Water World in Federal Heights-although not especially educational, it is great fun. <BR>NORAD in Colorado Springs sometimes has tours, (and sometimes they don't) Try to find out if tours are on this summer. Chairlift rides and alpine slide rides are fun (Winter Park). Estes Park has some good horseback ride tours. How about a Colorado Rockies games. You can get cheap seats in the Rockpile section-the stadium is an interesting site itself.

Near Colorado Springs, there is the Gold Camp Road (or used to be) out to Cripple Creek. In Cripple Creek there is a mine that you can tour. <BR>In Rocky Mountain National park I have two places to suggest that I have enjoyed many times: 1. hike up to The Loch via Alberta Falls. 2. Drive over Trail Ridge Road. The Loch is a beautiful lake set deep in the mountains. Trail Ridge Road is spectacular!!