Colorado Springs Family Vacation

[Rambo]

I asked about vacation destinations here last year and after many recommendations we made the trip to Sheridan, Wyoming. We absolutely loved it! As much as I would like to return this year, we are pinching pennies and visiting family in Colorado Springs. We have vacationed there many times and have done all the main tourist attractions like Pikes Peak, the Zoo, 7 Falls, Cliff Dwellings, etc.

I am looking for out of the way, less touristy, hikes, fishing, or other adventure type things to do that won't break the bank for a family of 5, preferably within a 2 hour drive of the Springs. I also love old west history. Any locals or those that have vacationed there and have any advice, I would welcome suggestions. Right now all we have planned is hiking the Crags Trail and a drive through Garden of the Gods. Trip will be mid July.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Fitzwho]

Salida and Bueno Vista are two of my favorites. Hot Springs pool in Salida was fun, there was an entrance fee, but I don’t remember it being outrageous. The river runs right through both towns. So fishing and hiking along the trails there with plenty of local eateries.

 

[maninthemaze]

Thrill seeking? How about the Terror Dactyl ride in Cave of the Winds?

I've never been there but it definitely looks like fun.

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[Davebuech]

There is also the Royal Gorge in Canon City. The Great Sand Dunes National Park in the San Luis Valley as well as Zapata Falls, but probably closer to 3 hours from the springs. If you come to the valley, stop by our coffee shop (The Wapiti) in Saguache. I will buy a fellow Rokslider a coffee! Safe travels and enjoy CO

 

[Rambo]

Great tips guys, thanks. If we go as far as Buena Vista, anyone tried out the Sand Dunes National Park? Is it worth the drive?

 

[DenverCountryBoy]

If you go to the Dunes, make a detour along Skyline Drive in Cañon City.

Skyline Drive - Royal Gorge Region

 

[fngTony]

Heading to the dunes myself. It’s been about 13 years since my last visit and that was before kids. Definitely worth it although expect heat.

Just went to the royal gorge for a school field trip so I don’t know the cost. A must go if it’s in the budget. They have a mini theatre with a short history film on it including the fire and rebuild afterwards. Nice bull mounts in there too.

 

[Seth1913]

If you’re into museums the mining museum by bass pro shop is pretty neat, 11 mile reservoir, pueblo reservoir, lots of great hiking west of pueblo. The royal gorge is a great place to visit. Cripple creek has some good old West history and a nice drive.

 

[maninthemaze]

For one of those close to the Springs night time visit, I always enjoyed the Penny Arcade in Manitou Springs. You could probably hit that place after supper one night. It's got a bunch of ancient arcade games. You know, the ones made before LED lights, and where gravity helps power the machine.

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[bz_711]

Great tips guys, thanks. If we go as far as Buena Vista, anyone tried out the Sand Dunes National Park? Is it worth the drive?

We took our 4 kids last summer to Sand Dunes...one of the favorite vacation days ever...so awesome. I could have walked around the dunes all day but we only had 1 bladder of water on us...next time will pack plenty of water and snacks and take more time on them...we had a beautiful day considering it was late July. We drove down from BV and the San Luis Valley was a gorgeous drive. If at the Dunes, make the extra time for Zappata Falls - short easy hike with fun finish hiking in the cold water (take your time driving the couple miles up to trailhead as that road will loosen every bolt on your vehicle). Definitely plan to visit again someday, it's not your typical Colorado which makes it a nice change up.

For one of those close to the Springs night time visit, I always enjoyed the Penny Arcade in Manitou Springs. You could probably hit that place after supper one night. It's got a bunch of ancient arcade games. You know, the ones made before LED lights, and where gravity helps power the machine.

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x2 on this...totally unplanned we made a stop here as well and the kids (aged 6-13 last year) had a blast playing all the arcade machines (so did Dad). Especially after they had recently watched the movie "Pixels"...fun stop, and nice break for kids as I'm usually pushing for the hikes, etc. We only had 1 night in the springs on our way out of mountains before long drive home...but we enjoyed and it kids want to stop again there on next trip.

 

[Rambo]

Thanks to all that replied, great suggestions!

 

[5MilesBack]

If you go to the Dunes, pick up some cheap flat bottom sleds from Walmart so you can use them on the Dunes. So people just use flat cardboard as well. The mosquitoes will be horrible if you get away from the Dunes though.

 

[elkduds]

Garden of the Gods has a nice visitor center w some interactive displays for kids, it and the park are free. The chapel @ Air Force Academy is spectacular. Wolf Springs Lodge is a hotel/indoor water park, very popular w kids, by the Academy. Athletic folks can try to hike the Incline in Manitou Springs. West of CO Springs is Woodland Park they have a dinosaur museum. Rampart Reservoir a few miles above Woodland is OK for scenery, hiking, mountain biking, fishing. Farther west, Florissant National Monument has fossils. Cripple Creek has casino gambling, a small train, gold mine tour. Huge views of South Park from Wilkerson Pass forest service Visitor Center, about 1 hour west of COS. Enjoy.

 

[marktole]

Don't know what it would cost, but my Dad took my brother and I white water rafting down the royal gorge when I was kid and it was a great time.