Tabernash2

Winter Park is "deeper into the mountains".

They only have two nights, and don't want to drive that much. I don't get the Summit County fixation myself.

Last time I drove that back route, from Vail over to Tabernash, it was in the summer and it took almost two hours. They are driving further than that, to Grand Lake and into the park?? Doesn't make sense just to see Summit. There's plenty to do in Grand County.

sylvia3

For a scenic route:
From Boulder, I'd go up Boulder Canyon (119), go through Nederland, stay on 119 up to Central City, then take the new Central City Parkway to I-70. On I70 west to 40, over Berthoud Pass, down into Winter Park (lots of places to stay, things to do). An easy drive (the day you need to be in Estes) on 40 to 34, past Shadow Mt. Lake and Lake Granby (lunch at Grand Lake Lodge: http://grandlakelodge.rtrk.com/?scid...id=9339692628B) and then over Trail Ridge Road right into Estes Park.

Tabernash2

sylvia, that's a good plan.

wave725

The nice thing about Estes Park is a large selection of accommodations, restaurants and activities for the kids, especially since you will only be doing short hikes, you'll need something else for the kids to do the rest of the day (miniature golf, marina, family amusement park, etc)!

http://www.visitestespark.com/things...ds-and-family/

If you think the kids won't get too bored, I would make the scenic drive across the park on Trail Ridge Road - at least up to the visitor's center. They have a nice gift shop and cafeteria up there to stop for lunch/snack.

The best hiking is on the east side of the park (Estes Park area), and there are lots of easy hikes to choose from:

http://www.rockymountainhikingtrails...easy-hikes.htm

chcordova

If you have not made reservations in Estes I would highly recommend http://ymcarockies.org/ it's a great all inclusive place to stay with kids. Sylvia has a great plan.