3 Day Road Trip in May - Idaho Springs to somewhere? (Denver: how much, hotel)

[lalabear]

We moved to Idaho Springs a few months ago (that's in another post) and we haven't really explored much beyond our immediate area. So I'm planning a road trip for my 30th birthday in May, and I would love some suggestions. We have 3 kids (3,5,9), and all our activities will be centered around them. I know, it's my birthday, but if they aren't having fun, then nobody is having fun. Right now, I'm thinking about heading west on I-70 to spend a night in Grand Junction and visit places in between. But I'm open to any and all suggestions. The plan is to leave early Friday morning (May4) and get back to Idaho Springs Sunday evening (May6). Any ideas will be greatly appreciated!

[Snikt]

Originally Posted by lalabear

We moved to Idaho Springs a few months ago (that's in another post) and we haven't really explored much beyond our immediate area. So I'm planning a road trip for my 30th birthday in May, and I would love some suggestions. We have 3 kids (3,5,9), and all our activities will be centered around them. I know, it's my birthday, but if they aren't having fun, then nobody is having fun. Right now, I'm thinking about heading west on I-70 to spend a night in Grand Junction and visit places in between. But I'm open to any and all suggestions. The plan is to leave early Friday morning (May4) and get back to Idaho Springs Sunday evening (May6). Any ideas will be greatly appreciated!

Tons of choices, if you're in Grand Junction I would check out Colorado National Monument, it's like a little slice of Utah in Colorado.

I like to swing through Palisade and do some wine tastings to check out some local wines.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison national park is really cool if you want to drive that far down

[Mike from back east]

The hot springs in Glenwood Springs, right off I-70, might be good stop, the kids can play in the water, which should be a treat for them. The old Hotel Colorado there is like a trip back into history, and it's only a few blocks from the hot springs.

[SheridanL]

Well...you could ride the train in Georgetown ( called the Georgtown Loop) it is great for families!! The town is cute too!!
Maybe think about a dip in the Hot Springs Pool in Glenwood Springs!!

[Dogmama50]

I would vote for Glenwood too. The Hot Springs are fun and the Glenwood Caverns are amazing.

[Neditate]

Great ideas already mentioned. There is also an adventure park in Glenwood Springs: Glenwood Springs Colorado - Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park - Hours & Ticket information
The kids would love the Georgetown Loop RR (great suggestion) and your timing is great, the train starts running again on May 5. Historic Colorado Georgetown Loop Railroad, Train Rides & Family Vacation Activities Denver

[lalabear]

Great suggestions! Thank you everyone!!

[Idunn]

It may depend how much the kids like road trips, but a nice detour off of I-70, and then back to it, would be via Independence Pass.

I-70 to Grand Junction is a beautiful route and well worth seeing, although portions of it possible as well in reverse in traveling back home.

Independence Pass (elevation: 12,095 feet) is one of the premier passes and drives in Colorado. All two-lane, it is mountainous and windy enough to suite most anyone, and with great scenery the entire distance. To reach it from I-70 the best way is shortly after Frisco (at Copper Mountain Ski Area) to turn off for Leadville. Which is an interesting town, if mostly from a historical perspective. Although also notable for its scenic location and altitude. From there it is but a brief drive south to turn right towards the small but charming town of Twin Lakes, situated by the water at the base of the east side of the pass.

It is all very much mountains from there, until emerging at the far side directly into Aspen. Which may or not be a kid's favorite, unless liking to buy expensive things. But even if on a budget which precludes spending as much as a penny there, it is still a beautiful and interesting town. As well as all the rest of the drive from there down the Roaring Fork Valley to Glenwood Springs and I-70.

If really determined, one could turn off at Carbondale to drive up the lovely Crystal River to Redstone, and then over the slighter pass to continue in a long loop south through Paonia and around eventually to Grand Junction. But unless really liking diversions, this route not as scenic or perhaps amenable to those wanting to get 'somewhere.'

Keep in mind that Independence Pass closes for the winter, only reopening in late spring. Depending when in May, it may or not be open. This depends in part on the amount of snow. Hopefully we receive enough new snow between now and then to make this problematic; if not, then it really might be open earlier in May.

[80skeys]

Originally Posted by lalabear

Right now, I'm thinking about heading west on I-70 to spend a night in Grand Junction and visit places in between. But I'm open to any and all suggestions. The plan is to leave early Friday morning (May4) and get back to Idaho Springs Sunday evening (May6). Any ideas will be greatly appreciated!

Partake of the hot springs in Glenwood Springs.
Do the Hanging lake hike in Glenwood Canyon.
Take the highway from I-70 to Leadville. It's pretty cool.
Take the highway from I-70 to Aspen and hang out in Aspen.

[md21722]

Independence Pass is usually closed until Memorial Day or shortly thereafter.