Colorado Family Outdoor Adventure

An All-Ages Guide to Hiking, Camping, and Getting Outside

Heather Mundt

• Publisher: UNM Press
• Year: 2022
• Print ISBN: 9780826363770
• eBook ISBN: 9780826363787
• Topic: Personal Development
• Subtopic: Travel

Colorado Family Outdoor Adventure is the definitive guide for families of all ages to experiencing the natural splendors of Colorado. Whether you are planning your first family adventure or you are an experienced outdoors family, Heather Mundt provides everything parents, grandparents, children, and teenagers need to know to enjoy activities throughout the state. As an experienced outdoors writer, adventurer, and family traveler, Mundt shares more than sixty destinations across Colorado, outlining family adventures in hiking, biking, paddling, horseback riding, whitewater rafting, camping, skiing, sledding, rockhounding, wildlife watching, fishing, climbing, enjoying cultural activities, and more in this go-to guide.

Every one of these outdoor activities is graded in terms of difficulty and age-appropriateness, so every reader will know exactly which activities are right for their young kids, teens, and older relatives. Organized geographically with easy-to-use maps alongside detailed descriptions and beautiful photography, Colorado Family Outdoor Adventure explores every corner of the state with memory-making activities for every family.

MOUNTAINS AND MESAS

MOUNTAINS AND MESAS

1 Crested Butte

2 Durango

3 Fruita

4 Grand Junction

5 Gunnison

6 Mesa Verde Country

7 Montrose

8 Ouray

9 Pagosa Springs

10 Silverton

11 Telluride

Crested Butte

Miles from Denver: 228

Best known as the Wildflower Capital of Colorado, celebrated annually during the Crested Butte Wildflower Festival in July, this former mining-camp supply hub and coal-mining spot is also nicknamed “the last great Colorado ski town.” Founded in 1880, its main drag, Elk Avenue, is also one of the most colorful and charming of all the state’s Victorian mountain towns—roughly 85 percent of the buildings date back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries—and is both a designated National Historic District and Certified Colorado Creative District. www.visitcrestedbutte.com

Other Highlights

It’s more than 270 miles to drive from Crested Butte to Aspen, but the hike between them is less than 11 miles (6–10 hours). The Nordic Inn at Mt. Crested Butte can help coordinate the trek between the two towns, including arranging Aspen lodging. 14 Treasury Rd., 970.349.5542, www.nordicinncb.com.

My older son, Brody, came up with the idea in 2014 to bring our Lego likenesses on adventures. Here Michael is photobombing us in front of Mt. Crested Butte. Photo by the author.

Tour Operators

Colorado Backcountry Guide Services offers year-round guiding services around Crested Butte, from hiking to biking, snowshoeing, and more. 970.349.0800, www.coloradobc.com.

For extreme skiers and riders, head up 12,000 feet toward Colorado’s steepest cat-serviced terrain with Irwin Guides (about 12 miles west of town) ($$). 866.479.4677, www.irwinguides.com.

Try fly-fishing tours with Dragonfly Anglers, who have guided throughout Gunnison and Crested Butte since 1983. 307 Elk Ave., 800.491.3079, www.dragonflyanglers.com.

Crested Butte Mountain Resort

Stats: 121 designated trails, 1,547 skiable acres, 15 lifts, 4 terrain parks

Trail classification: 18 percent Beginner; 29 percent Intermediate; 53 percent Advanced

Base elevation: 9,375 feet

Opened in 1961 just 3 miles from downtown, it was Colorado’s second resort to open a gondola (after Vail). Considered the birthplace of freeskiing (tricks, jumps, and terrain parks), this resort is known for offering extreme terrain.

Away from slopes, take a dog-sled tour via Cosmic Cruisers, which leaves just minutes from the resort on a one-hour tour, where you can ride or drive your own team ($$). All ages. Full-day tour available. 970.641.0529, www.gunnisonsleddogs.com.

There’s also the base-area Adventure Park, located next to the Treasury Building and the Red Lady Express, offering many activities in winter and summer, including the Crested Butte Zipline Tour ($), 6 ziplines ranging from 120- to 400-feet long, about two hours. (Minimum 70 pounds.) There’s also miniature golf, a bungy-jump trampoline, and a climbing wall (970.349. 2211). Summer’s highlight is the Crested Butte Mountain Bike Park, offering 29 trails traversing more than 30 miles of terrain. (Lift-served biking via the Red Lady Express.) The park features trails for all skill levels, from the beginner Hotdogger (green circle) to the expert Psycho Rocks (double-black-diamond).

The Crested Butte Mountain Bike Park features 29 trails for all skill levels. Photo by Michael Mundt.

My boys also enjoyed a full day of camp via the resort’s Mountain Adventures, offering activities such as rafting, fly-fishing, swimming, and biking. They chose a full day of rock climbing at Hartman Rocks (see “Gunnison” entry) while we parents hiked. Everyone wins! There’s also free transportation from the mountain to town via the Mountain Express Town Shuttle, which operates every 15 minutes (970.349.5616). www.skicb.com.

Crested Butte Nordic Center

Maintaining over 30 miles of trail, some just steps from downtown, the center also rents gear and offers clinics, lessons, and backcountry tours for all ages. The Skate Ski 4 Free introduction takes place the first Thursday of every month. Youth (ages 5–16) and family lessons (minimum 5 years old) are offered daily through the season, 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Reservations required ($). There are also ski/snowshoe moonlight dinners at the Magic Meadows Yurt (roughly 45 minutes each way). Cost includes trail pass and equipment rental; dinner at 6:30 p.m. Kids welcome. 620 2nd St., 970.349.1707, www.cbnordic.org.

The town also owns and operates the Big Mine Ice Arena, adjacent to the center, featuring a warming house and skate rentals. Open daily Dec.–Mar., 10 a.m.–9 p.m. Free if you have skates. 970.349.5616.

There’s also a small tubing hill at Big Mine Park next to the center.

Durango

Miles from Denver: 337

A Nationally Registered Historic District, the welcoming downtown takes visitors back to circa 1880, when it was founded by the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad. Located 55 miles east of Mesa Verde National Park, it’s a great base camp for exploring Colorado’s Southwest. www.durango.org.

The Durango-La Plata Airport, roughly 19 miles southeast of downtown, is a regional airport with service from American Airlines and United Airlines. 1000 Airport Rd., 970.375.6050, www.flydurango.com.

Other Highlights

The Southern Ute Museum offers education, exhibits, and cultural events, giving meaning to the phrase “Numi Nuuchiyu, We Are the Ute People.” Free. About a 35-minute drive from Durango. Open daily 10 a.m.–5 p.m., 503 Ouray Dr., Ignacio, 970.563.9583, www.southernutemuseum.org.

Animas River

Referred to as “The River of Lost Souls” for the Spanish explorers who died here and whose bodies were never recovered, the Animas River runs right through Durango. Comprising 126 miles, the river offers Gold Medal waters and plenty of whitewater rapids for rafting and kayaking enthusiasts. For the nature lover who prefers to stay out of the water, head to the Animas River Trail (ART), a 7-mile, shared-use, riverside path that offers access to a variety of parks, open spaces, and more. We opted for a two-hour trip with Durango Rafting Company, which also offers four-hour and kayak trips. Kids 8 years and under raft for free! 305 S. Camino Del Rio, Suite V, 970.259.8313, www.durangoraft.com. Mild to Wild Rafting and Jeep Tours offers trips from two hours to four days for ages 4 and up; the half-day Lower Animas trip is a good introduction to rafting. (Jeep tours also available in Durango, Silverton, Mesa Verde, and more. All ages.) 50 Animas View Dr., 970.247.4789, www.mild2wildrafting.com.

At 4 Corners Riversports, located near the town’s Whitewater Park, you can rent SUPs, kayaks, and more. 360 S. Camino del Rio, Ste. 100, 970.259.3893, www.riversports.com.

Bar D Chuckwagon

This Old West Cowboy Music show and supper—which comprises the restaurant, stage show, shops, train, and activities—includes a short-line railroad and a playground, as well as gold panning, wagon rides, and more. Meal begins at 7 p.m. sharp. Ticket booth opens at 5 p.m. Reservations recommended. Season runs approximately June–Sept., 8080 CR 250, 970.749.2572, www.bardchuckwagon.com.

Blue Lake Ranch

Located 15 minutes from downtown Durango in Hesperus, this secluded, 200-acre estate offers family-friendly options, including suites, casitas, and cabins ($–$$). Walk the lakeside paths to view wildlife or fish for trout in the lake. Enjoy complimentary, Southwest-inspired breakfast featuring tamales, enchiladas, pozole, chorizo, and quiches with fresh produce from the garden. Order a picnic lunch for activities you can book from the hotel, such as fishing and mountain biking. Visit alpacas at nearby Pleasant Journey Alpacas (4128 CR 129, Hesperus, 970.259.3384, www.pleasantjourneyalpacas.com). 16919 CO-140, Hesperus, 970.385.4537, www.bluelakeranch.com.

Durango Adventures

Just 1 mile west of downtown Durango, the three-hour course features 12 ziplines and a choice between one that ends on a rooftop patio or offers a jump off a 45-foot-tall tower. Snacks and water included ($$). A 6-zipline option is also available ($). Other adventures include axe throwing, whitewater rafting, mountain biking, and the popular half-day, guided adventure ride ($$). Minimum 5 years old for most adventures. 20673 US-160, 970.759.9880, www.durangoadventures.com.

Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad (D&SNGRR)

Once a lifeline for Silverton mines, this historic train has continued operating since 1881 ($). Even if you don’t have time to ride the train to Silverton ($–$$), a 45-mile, four-hour (one way), cliff-hugging journey, be sure to check out the free museum located in the railyard just outside the Durango depot. (There’s a second museum in Silverton’s depot.)

The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is one of the most scenic train rides in Colorado. Photo by Michael Mundt.

For an authentic experience, choose an open-air gondola, complete with stunning views of the Animas River and sooty skin. (Traditional cars are also available, as well as bathrooms and concessions.) Reduce travel time with an 80-minute bus ride to Silverton and the four-hour ride to Durango (or reverse). There are also adventure packages available, combining the train ride with an afternoon rafting trip or a winter snowmobile tour. Soaring Tree Top Adventures offers a full-day tour that combines the train ride with a 5.5-hour zipline adventure and a gourmet lunch ($$). All ages. 964 CR 200, 970.769.2357, www.soaringcolorado.com.

Some travelers use the train to access the San Juan National Forest and the Weminuche Wilderness for backpacking, day hikes, rafting, and fishing trips at two main access locations: Needleton, the entrance to Chicago Basin; and Elk Park, the access point to the Colorado Trail (www.coloradotrail.org), the 567-mile path from Durango to Denver. (For information on trail conditions, maps, or backcountry insurance, contact the US Forest Service, 970.247.4874.) During the holidays, families can also enjoy the Polar Express™ roundtrip excursion to the North Pole that reenacts the holiday classic (60 minutes). Open daily 8 a.m.–5 p.m., 479 Main Ave., 877.872.4607, www.durangotrain.com.

Durango Hot Springs Resort and Spa

Formerly Trimble Hot Springs, this resort is set 8 miles north of downtown Durango and 15 miles south of Purgatory Resort. The only natural hot spring in the world to infuse nanometer and micrometer oxygen bubbles, which are said to increase the health benefits and purity of the waters, the property includes 26 mineral-water features, including 16 natural mineral hot springs soaking pools; 8 private Japanese-inspired cedar soaking tubs; a reflexology walk...

Table of contents

• Cover Page
• Title Page
• Copyright
• Dedication
• Contents
• Preface
• Acknowledgments
• Introduction
• The Great West
• Mountains and Mesas
• Rockies Playground
• Denver and Cities of the Rockies
• Pikes Peak Wonders
• Mystic San Luis Valley
• Pioneering Plains
• Canyons and Plains
• Glossary
• Index
• About the Author