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01 Feb 2025Updated last time
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10 Best Places Father-Son Trips In Colorado

Trip Itinerary Overview: 10 Best Father-Son Trips in Colorado

Embark on an unforgettable journey with your son to explore some of Colorado's most iconic and breathtaking destinations. Start your adventure at Rocky Mountain National Park, where you'll be captivated by the soaring peaks, diverse wildlife, and numerous outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and camping. From there, delve into the ancient mysteries of Mesa Verde National Park, home to well-preserved cliff dwellings and rich Native American history.

Next, experience the surreal landscapes of Great Sand Dunes National Park, boasting the tallest sand dunes in North America. Enjoy thrilling activities like sandboarding and sledding amidst the dramatic scenery. Continue your adventure at Garden of the Gods, known for its striking red rock formations and excellent hiking and climbing opportunities.

Then, head to Estes Park, the charming gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park. Relish the blend of nature and small-town charm as you explore its vibrant downtown and scenic surroundings. Don't miss Pikes Peak, famously dubbed "America's Mountain," where you can drive, hike, or take a cog railway to the summit for breathtaking panoramic views.

Your journey continues to Breckenridge, a historic mining town offering year-round outdoor activities, from skiing and snowboarding in winter to hiking and mountain biking in summer. Visit the awe-inspiring Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, where sheer cliffs and narrow canyons provide mesmerizing views and challenging trails.

Explore the fascinating Dinosaur National Monument, where you can see real dinosaur fossils and enjoy the beautiful landscapes and rivers perfect for rafting. Finally, conclude your father-son trip in Aspen, a world-renowned destination for skiing and luxury, offering a plethora of activities, high-end dining, and cultural events.

This trip promises a mix of adventure, natural beauty, history, and quality time together, creating memories that will last a lifetime.


Recommended Activities

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    Rocky Mountain National Park

    This park offers breathtaking mountain views, diverse wildlife, and numerous outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and camping. It is perfect for a father-son adventure in the great outdoors.
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    Mesa Verde National Park

    Home to ancient cliff dwellings and rich in Native American history, this park provides a unique educational experience alongside its stunning landscapes. Exploring the archeological sites is both informative and exciting.
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    Great Sand Dunes National Park

    This park features the tallest sand dunes in North America, offering unique recreational opportunities like sandboarding and sledding. The dramatic and otherworldly scenery makes it an unforgettable destination.
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    Garden of the Gods

    This park is renowned for its stunning red rock formations and offers numerous hiking and climbing opportunities. Its scenic beauty and convenient location near Colorado Springs make it an ideal spot for a memorable outing.
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  • As a gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park provides charming scenery, a vibrant town atmosphere, and various activities including hiking, boating, and wildlife viewing. It's a perfect blend of nature and small-town charm.
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  • Known as America's Mountain, Pikes Peak offers breathtaking panoramic views that have inspired many, including the song 'America the Beautiful'. You can drive, hike, or take a cog railway to the summit for an unforgettable experience.
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    Breckenridge

    Breckenridge is a historic mining town that offers year-round outdoor activities. In winter, it's a premier destination for skiing and snowboarding, while in summer, you can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and exploring its charming downtown.
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    Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

    This park features awe-inspiring sheer cliffs and steep, narrow canyons. It offers spectacular views, challenging hiking trails, and opportunities for fishing and kayaking in a remote, uncrowded setting.
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    Dinosaur National Monument

    This monument is rich in both geological and paleontological significance. It offers the rare opportunity to see real dinosaur fossils embedded in rock, along with beautiful landscapes and rivers perfect for rafting and hiking adventures.
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  • Aspen is renowned for its world-class skiing and snowboarding in the winter, as well as its stunning mountain scenery and outdoor activities like hiking and mountain biking in the summer. The town also offers high-end shopping, dining, and cultural events, making it a well-rounded destination for all interests.
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Restaurants

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    The Fort Restaurant, Morrison, Colorado

    The Fort Restaurant, Morrison, Colorado

    This unique restaurant serves traditional Southwestern cuisine in a replica of a historic adobe fort. The menu includes exotic game meats, offering a culinary journey back in time.
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    The Buckhorn Exchange - Denver, CO

    The Buckhorn Exchange - Denver, CO

    Established in 1893, this restaurant is Denver's oldest and is famous for its wild game offerings and historic ambiance, featuring a collection of antique firearms and mounted animals.
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    The Stanley Hotel's Cascades Restaurant

    The Stanley Hotel's Cascades Restaurant

    Located in the famously haunted Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, this restaurant offers fine dining in a historic and atmospheric setting, perfect for a memorable meal.
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    The Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse

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    The Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse

    An iconic Boulder establishment, this teahouse was a gift from Boulder's sister city, Dushanbe, Tajikistan. It features intricate decor and a diverse menu with international influences.
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    The Rabbit Hole in Colorado Springs

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    The Rabbit Hole in Colorado Springs

    Located in Colorado Springs, this underground speakeasy-style restaurant offers a quirky, Alice in Wonderland-themed decor and a menu featuring creative New American cuisine.
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Hotels

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    The Stanley Hotel

    The Stanley Hotel

    Famously known for inspiring Stephen King's 'The Shining,' this historic hotel in Estes Park offers a unique blend of grandeur and eerie ambiance. It is also home to the Cascades Restaurant.
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    Dunton Hot Springs

    Dunton Hot Springs

    A restored 19th-century ghost town turned luxury resort, Dunton Hot Springs offers charming log cabins, natural hot springs, and a tranquil setting in the San Juan Mountains.
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    Train Car Inn

    Train Car Inn

    Located in South Fork, this unique hotel offers accommodations in fully restored vintage railroad cars, providing a nostalgic and one-of-a-kind lodging experience.
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    Strawberry Park Hot Springs, Steamboat Springs, Colorado

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    Strawberry Park Hot Springs, Steamboat Springs, Colorado

    Situated in Steamboat Springs, this rustic retreat offers unique accommodations including covered wagons and cabins, along with its famous natural hot springs for relaxation.
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    The Broadmoor

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    The Broadmoor

    An iconic luxury resort in Colorado Springs, The Broadmoor features historic architecture, stunning lake and mountain views, and a plethora of outdoor activities and fine dining options.
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Local Events & Happenings

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    Wyatt Flores

    Wyatt Flores

    The event will take place at Belly Up in Aspen.
    Map IconBelly Up in Aspen (17.28 mi)
    Calendar Icon25 Jul 2024
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    Thievery Corporation - July 3rd/4th, 2016 - Concert Poster

    Thievery Corporation - July 3rd/4th, 2016 - Concert Poster

    The event will take place at Belly Up Aspen in Aspen.
    Map IconBelly Up Aspen in Aspen (18.81 mi)
    Calendar Icon1 Oct 2026
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    Straight No Chaser

    Straight No Chaser

    The event will take place at Vilar Performing Arts Center in Avon.
    Map IconVilar Performing Arts Center in Avon (31.01 mi)
    Calendar Icon20 Jul 2024
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    Joss Stone w/ Nik West

    Joss Stone w/ Nik West

    The event will take place at Vilar Performing Arts Center in Avon.
    Map IconVilar Performing Arts Center in Avon (31.01 mi)
    Calendar Icon14 Aug 2024
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    Ryan Adams

    Ryan Adams

    The event will take place at Riverwalk Center in Breckenridge.
    Map IconRiverwalk Center in Breckenridge (31.9 mi)
    Calendar Icon12 Aug 2024
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    Robert Cray Band

    Robert Cray Band

    The event will take place at Riverwalk Center in Breckenridge.
    Map IconRiverwalk Center in Breckenridge (31.9 mi)
    Calendar Icon31 Aug 2024
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    Portugal the Man

    Portugal the Man

    The event will take place at Gerald Ford Amphitheatre in Vail.
    Map IconGerald Ford Amphitheatre in Vail (33.35 mi)
    Calendar Icon14 Jul 2024
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Music for Your Journey