June - 2 days in RMNP with the family: lodging? rafting?
Apr 29th, 2011, 05:34 AM
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June - 2 days in RMNP with the family: lodging? rafting?
My husband and I (along with our boys, 9 and 11) are planning a trip to Colorado. We will be in Denver for two nights, Boulder for a night and then two nights in RMNP/Estes Park area. We have lodging in Denver and Boulder but are looking for low budget but CLEAN/comfortable lodging recommendations for the RMNP leg of the trip. Any input on Gateway Inn or Rocky Mountain Park Inn? Also, we would like to go whitewater rafting. Can you recommend an outfit that will be appropriate for families. I want to go with a reputable group. I also welcome any suggestions (hikes, restaurants, etc.).
Thanks Fodorites, you are the best!!
Thanks Fodorites, you are the best!!
Apr 29th, 2011, 08:44 AM
#2
This company has been doing it for over 25 years. They must be doing something right. http://www.rapidtransitrafting.com/
What are you going to see in your two days in Denver?
I'm sure others will chime in on where to hike and lodging.
What are you going to see in your two days in Denver?
I'm sure others will chime in on where to hike and lodging.
Apr 29th, 2011, 02:47 PM
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do you have any suggestions? I have to be there for work so my husband is going to take my boys somewhere (the Capital, the mint, etc.). He will have a car. Let me know if you have any ideas. Thanks!!
Apr 29th, 2011, 03:19 PM
#4
I took a tour of the Capitol building many years ago on July 4.
Of course the mint was closed.
If he wanted to take a daytrip, one of my favorites is Glenwood Springs. The trip through Glenwood Canyon on I70 is really scenic. On the north side of Glenwood Springs is a water park and a gondola ride up to the Glenwood Caverns.
The old hotel next to the Colorado River has the largest hot spring fed swimming pool in the US.
In GS I have hiked up to the cemetery and saw the fenced memorial stone for Doc Holliday. The view of the town from up there is good.
Of course the mint was closed.
If he wanted to take a daytrip, one of my favorites is Glenwood Springs. The trip through Glenwood Canyon on I70 is really scenic. On the north side of Glenwood Springs is a water park and a gondola ride up to the Glenwood Caverns.
The old hotel next to the Colorado River has the largest hot spring fed swimming pool in the US.
In GS I have hiked up to the cemetery and saw the fenced memorial stone for Doc Holliday. The view of the town from up there is good.
Apr 29th, 2011, 05:27 PM
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Other options include the Denver Zoo and the Denver Museum of Nature and Science.
I'm not sure what month you plan on being in Denver but boys that age would probably also enjoy Water World www.waterworldcolorado.com and Adventure Golf www.adventuregolfandraceway.com.
Red Rocks Park & Amphitheater www.redrocksonline.com is a short drive from Denver. If you want to wear your boys out, let them run the benches. Due to the altitude, they will probably lose steam sooner than expected. Just check to make sure there isn't a concert scheduled on the day you plan to visit.
In Boulder the Celestial Seasoning tour is interesting. www.celestialseasonings.com/visit-us/
Have fun!
I'm not sure what month you plan on being in Denver but boys that age would probably also enjoy Water World www.waterworldcolorado.com and Adventure Golf www.adventuregolfandraceway.com.
Red Rocks Park & Amphitheater www.redrocksonline.com is a short drive from Denver. If you want to wear your boys out, let them run the benches. Due to the altitude, they will probably lose steam sooner than expected. Just check to make sure there isn't a concert scheduled on the day you plan to visit.
In Boulder the Celestial Seasoning tour is interesting. www.celestialseasonings.com/visit-us/
Have fun!
Apr 29th, 2011, 08:35 PM
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We've gone rafting with both KODI:
http://www.whitewatercolorado.com/
and Liquid Descent:
http://www.liquiddescent.com/
Both were professional, dedicated to your safety, and very pleasant to raft with.
With all the snow we've had in the mountains this year, I imagine that by the beginning of June all the rivers will be raging and some trips won't be offered until the waters calm down. By the end of June, all rafting should be in full swing.
http://www.whitewatercolorado.com/
and Liquid Descent:
http://www.liquiddescent.com/
Both were professional, dedicated to your safety, and very pleasant to raft with.
With all the snow we've had in the mountains this year, I imagine that by the beginning of June all the rivers will be raging and some trips won't be offered until the waters calm down. By the end of June, all rafting should be in full swing.
Apr 29th, 2011, 09:15 PM
#7
For RMNP hikes the standard popular trailheads near Estes are along the Bear Lake Road, and with good reason. At Bear Lake itself the walk up to Nymph, Dream and Emerald Lake is spectacular.
Slightly lower the Glacier Gorge trail system past Alberta Falls and on to Mills Lake or Loch Vale is wonderful.
In June there still may be deep snow on parts of these trails, which may be great fun for your kids. The main trails are normally packed down by June, but hard to say from year to year, or even day to day.
If there's too much snow then farther down the road are the Hallowell Park and Cub Lake trail systems, which should be dry. Both of those offer miles of easy hiking with an excellent chance for spotting wildlife including deer and elk. I've also seen beaver, porcupine, and stunning birds such as the Stellar's Jay, Mountain Bluebird and Western Tanager on those trails.
Have fun!
Slightly lower the Glacier Gorge trail system past Alberta Falls and on to Mills Lake or Loch Vale is wonderful.
In June there still may be deep snow on parts of these trails, which may be great fun for your kids. The main trails are normally packed down by June, but hard to say from year to year, or even day to day.
If there's too much snow then farther down the road are the Hallowell Park and Cub Lake trail systems, which should be dry. Both of those offer miles of easy hiking with an excellent chance for spotting wildlife including deer and elk. I've also seen beaver, porcupine, and stunning birds such as the Stellar's Jay, Mountain Bluebird and Western Tanager on those trails.
Have fun!
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