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Colorado Family Travel Guide: Local Tips by Region and Season
Hi, I’m Tomo, and I’m so glad you’re here! Colorado is our home, and these are the places our family keeps coming back to: mountain towns, hot springs, scenic drives, easy hikes, and campgrounds we’ve actually slept at.
Browse by region or by season to plan your next Colorado trip with kids or teens.
Last updated: November 2026
Colorado Tips at a Glance
Quick answers to the questions families ask me most, with links to the full guides.
- When is the best time to see fall colors?Peak colors usually appear from late September to early October, depending on elevation. Guanella Pass is about 1 hour from Denver. See the Guanella Pass guide β
- How do I get from Denver Airport to downtown?Take the RTD A Line train. It’s affordable, reliable, and drops you right in downtown Denver, so you can skip the rental car. See the Denver guide β
- Do I need a reservation for Maroon Bells?From mid May to the end of October, you need a parking reservation, or you can ride the shuttle bus like we did. See the Maroon Bells guide β
- What’s an easy family hike?Zapata Falls is 0.8 miles round trip (about 30 minutes) to a hidden waterfall. The path is steep and gravelly, so wear hiking boots or water shoes. See the Zapata Falls guide β
- Where are the best hot springs?Our favorite is Mount Princeton Hot Springs in Nathrop, about 2.5 hours from Denver, with natural creekside pools and historic hot spring pools. See the Mount Princeton guide β
- What are free things to do near Denver?Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre and Dinosaur Ridge are both free and an easy drive from downtown. See all 5 free attractions β
Plan your Colorado trip
Explore Colorado by Region
Colorado is big, so it helps to plan by area. Here’s where each of my guides fits on the map.
ποΈ Denver and Day Trips
City highlights plus easy drives from Denver.
Denver Downtown Travel Guide: Local Tips for a Perfect Trip
Local tips for downtown Denver, from the airport train to staying comfortable at high altitude.
Read the guide β
Family Airport Hacks: Is United Club Access Worth It?
Why our family uses United Club at Denver International Airport, plus the rules to know before you go.
Read the guide β
Uncover 5 Amazing Free Attractions Around Denver
Free day trips from Denver, including Red Rocks and Dinosaur Ridge.
Read the guide β
See Coloradoβs Best Fall Colors on Guanella Pass Drive
A scenic drive about 1 hour from Denver, best from late September to early October.
Read the guide ββ°οΈ Central Colorado
Salida, hot springs, and the Collegiate Peaks.
A Localβs Favorite: Why Your Next Colorado Road Trip Should Include Salida
Why this small mountain town belongs on your Colorado road trip.
Read the guide β
One of the Best Hot Springs in Colorado: Mount Princeton
Natural creekside pools and historic hot spring pools, about 2.5 hours from Denver.
Read the guide β
Why We Love Collegiate Peaks Campground in Colorado
Why our family loves camping here, with tips before you book.
Read the guide β
Rustic Charm: Historical Glamping at Colorado’s Roberts Cabin
Glamping in a Gold Rush era cabin, with no cell signal and no neighbors.
Read the guide βποΈ Southern Colorado
Giant sand dunes and a waterfall hike nearby.
π² Rocky Mountains and Ski Country
National park camping, iconic peaks, and a luxury stay.
Rocky Mountain’s Best Campground: Timber Creek Campground
The only campground on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park.
Read the guide β
MAROON BELLS: YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO AMERICAβS MOST SCENIC SPOT
How to visit, from shuttle tickets to parking reservations.
Read the guide β
Amex Platinum FHR and Park Hyatt Beaver Creek: What You Need to Know (Honest Review)
Our honest review of a luxury ski resort stay in Beaver Creek.
Read the guide βColorado by Season
Every season in Colorado feels like a different trip. These are the guides I’d start with for each time of year.
πΈ Year Round
Colorado Trip Finder: What Kind of Trip Do You Want?
If you want… β Start with
Road Trips from Colorado
Living in Colorado puts some amazing destinations within driving distance. These are our favorite family road trips across the state line.
The Ultimate Moab Family Guide: Things to do, eat, and where to stay
Things to do, eat, and where to stay in Moab with kids.
Read the guide β
Fiery Furnace in Arches National Park: One of the Best Family Hikes in Moab
How to get a permit, and why it’s one of the best family hikes in Arches.
Read the guide β
Family-Friendly Things to Do in Santa Fe, New Mexico
Family friendly things to do, from historic churches near the Plaza to museums.
Read the guide β
How to Plan the Ultimate Taos Day Trip from Santa Fe
A day trip about 2 hours from Santa Fe, including Taos Pueblo.
Read the guide β
Saratoga Hot Springs in Wyoming: Explore the FREE Hobo Hot Springs
Free hot springs open 24/7, with changing rooms and showers.
Read the guide βSee Every Colorado Guide
Looking for something specific? My Colorado page lists every guide on the blog, newest first, and updates automatically whenever I publish something new.
Explore More Family Travel Guides
Why trust these guides?
I’m Tomo, a Colorado based mom of two teens. Colorado is our home, and every guide on this page comes from places our family has actually visited, hiked, soaked in, or camped at, in every season. More about me β
Planning a Colorado trip?
I share new Colorado finds on Instagram all year. Follow along for real family adventures in the mountains.
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