2-Week Family RV Road Trip Through Colorado, Utah & Wyoming: Itinerary and Highlights with Kids
- Dana Shik
- Jul 12, 2023
- 12 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
We spent a bit over two weeks exploring Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming by RV in the summertime. Traveling with four kids is never simple—especially when our oldest was dealing with a broken foot and wrist in a boot and splint—but we still managed to cover a lot of ground. From red rocks to dunes, alpine lakes to geysers, the mix of big-name parks and quick stops gave us plenty to remember.
Colorado Springs: Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak & Cheyenne Cañon
Colorado Springs sits at the eastern edge of the Rockies and works well as a base for short, high-impact stops. It’s compact, easy to drive, and packed with sights that deliver fast without demanding long hikes or complicated logistics—it's useful when you’re road-tripping with kids or juggling weather and energy levels.
The city is best known for Garden of the Gods (free, paved paths, dramatic red rock formations), and Pikes Peak (drive or cog railway instead of hiking). The downtown area is functional and good for refueling, groceries, and casual meals—but the real value is how quickly you can pivot from campground to scenery.
We only had two days in Colorado Springs, so we aimed for a balance of sightseeing and rest. Garden of the Gods really does live up to the hype. We stuck to the easy loops, which worked well with kids and the boot-splint situation, and still got a full sense of the giant red rock formations.
Pikes Peak rises to 14,115 feet and is one of the most accessible fourteeners in the U.S., which is exactly why it works so well for families. You can reach the summit by car (but not RV) via the Pikes Peak Highway or by the cog railway—no hiking required—making it a high-altitude experience without high physical demand. The views are expansive on clear days, but the weather can flip fast, and the elevation is very real, so this is a short, deliberate stop. It delivers big impact with minimal logistics, which is kind of its superpower. We used the cog railway to get up to Pikes Peak. The train itself is scenic and stress-free since you don’t have to tackle the mountain drive. For us, the climb was foggy and snowy, so the views were limited, but nonetheless, magnificent! At the summit, though, the thin air hit us hard—our toddler actually needed oxygen from the medics. Between that and the cold wind, we didn’t linger. The ride back down was relaxed and gave everyone a chance to warm up.
Before leaving town, we made a quick stop at Cheyenne Cañon, a steep, forested canyon just south of Colorado Springs with granite walls and flowing creeks. A short, paved walk leads to Helen Hunt Falls, a powerful waterfall and overlook, delivering big visual payoff with minimal effort. Since our oldest was limited with that boot, we knew our trip would need to adjust to easy and accessible trails.
Great Sand Dunes National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is home to the tallest sand dunes in North America, rising abruptly against the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and creating a landscape that feels completely out of place—in a good way.
Camping just outside the park gave us incredible views, especially at sunset. We rented sleds from where we parked and headed off to the dunes. Sand sledding looks easy—it isn’t. Climbing the dunes is exhausting, but you can pick the peak you're willing and capable to climb, as they vary in heights, and between the sledding and the sheer vibe of this out-worldly place, we were all mesmerized. Even our oldest, in his boot and splint, hauled himself up and flew down more than once. Five year olds and older would enjoy .
As if the dunes aren't wonderous enough - we also caught Medano Creek flowing at the base of the dunes - rare, seasonal stream that only appears for a few weeks in early summer, which we were lucky to witness. Our toddler splashed in the shallow, icy water while the older kids ran back and forth between creek and dunes. Easily one of the most unique days of the trip.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison & Grand Mesa
Driving west, we stopped at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, which is located near the town of Montrose, where the Gunnison River cuts through the Gunnison Plateau between the Rocky Mountains and the Colorado Plateau. The overlooks here are easy to access, which worked well with kids and a boot/splint situation. Standing at the rim, the canyon feels impossibly steep and narrow, with the Gunnison River cutting through far below. It’s not a park where you need a long hike to be impressed—the views hit you right from the roadside pull-outs.
From there, the road climbed higher into Grand Mesa National Forest, which sits in western Colorado between the towns of Grand Junction and Delta, rising abruptly above the Colorado Plateau as the world’s largest flat-top mountain. Here, the landscape shifted completely. Instead of sheer rock walls, we were surrounded by alpine lakes and endless aspen groves. The temperature dropped, and it felt like stepping into a different season. We grilled dinner by the water, pulled on sweatshirts in July, and let the kids run around in the open space. After the busier stops earlier in the trip, the Mesa gave us a breather and a quieter pace before continuing on toward Utah.
Box Canyon Falls Park
On the way south, we made a quick stop at Box Canyon Falls Park, which is located at the southern edge of Ouray in southwest Colorado, where canyon creek cuts sharply into the San Juan Mountains just above town. The short walk takes you straight into a narrow slot where the waterfall crashes down through the rock. It’s loud, cool, and easy to access—great for a family stop without committing to a long hike. The kids were impressed by the sheer noise and power of the water, and the walkway made it simple to get right up close.
Silverton & Durango (Scenic Drive)
From Ouray, the drive south took us along the Million Dollar Highway through Silverton and into Durango. Even though we didn’t stop in either town, the road itself was a highlight—steep curves, mountain passes, and views that kept us glued to the windows. Silverton looked like a tiny historic town tucked into the mountains, and Durango had more of a classic western feel. For us, this stretch was more about the drive than the destinations, but it added variety to the trip before we turned west toward Utah.
Dinosaur National Monument
Crossing into Utah, we made time for Dinosaur National Monument, which quickly became a kid favorite. The Quarry Exhibit Hall lets you see real dinosaur fossils still embedded in the rock wall—a huge hit with all four kids. The hall is indoors, so it worked out well even with the rain we were dodging during that stretch of the trip.
Beyond the fossils, the monument is surprisingly scenic. We drove a short section of the park road, with colorful cliffs and wide open spaces that looked nothing like the alpine Colorado landscapes we’d just left. The mix of history and geology made it stand out as more than “just another park stop.” It was a shorter visit compared to the others, but memorable and absolutely worth weaving into the loop.
Flaming Gorge
Flaming Gorge spans the border of northeastern Utah and southwestern Wyoming, where the Green River cuts through layered red rock within the Uinta Mountains region. The red cliffs drop into deep blue water, and the views from the roadside pull-offs were some of the best of the entire trip. It’s quieter than the big-name parks, which was a welcome change.
Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park is located in northwestern Wyoming, just south of Yellowstone, where the Teton Range rises sharply from the floor of Jackson Hole Valley.
For more than 11,000 years, people have lived and traveled through Jackson Hole beneath the Teton Range, relying on its valleys, rivers, and wildlife long before it became a national park. The mountains are not just dramatic geology but a place shaped by continuous human presence, use, and stewardship across generations. So imagine our excitement towards arrival at Grand Teton.
We carved only 2 days out for this phenomenal park, and first saw the range peaks on our way to the campground, between Yellowstone and Teton. We meant to come back to the area later, only to find out that the weather wasn’t on our side. Heavy fog and rain rolled in, and the mountains that usually stand sharp against the sky stayed hidden most of the time. It was a little frustrating after driving so far, but that’s the reality of travel—sometimes the “postcard views” just don’t show up.
Even without the dramatic skyline, the park was worth the stop. Even so, the park was worth exploring. We drove the scenic loop and stopped at overlooks like Oxbow Bend and Snake River Overlook, hoping for breaks in the clouds. We only caught glimpses of the mountains here and there. We did manage a few short walks that worked with a boot and splint. It gave us a sense of the scale of the place, even if the mountains themselves stayed in hiding.
If there’s one takeaway, it’s to plan some flexibility. We couldn’t do the longer hikes or boat rides, but even with rain, the Tetons felt wild and raw. It left us with a reason to come back another year when the weather gives a clearer window.
Yellowstone National Park
For thousands of years, Indigenous peoples lived with and interpreted the geothermal landscape of Yellowstone long before it was set aside in 1872 as the world’s first national park. Its geysers, hot springs, and wildlife shaped early scientific understanding of volcanism and ecology, establishing Yellowstone as both a cultural homeland and a turning point in global conservation history.
Yellowstone felt different from other parks mainly because of the geothermal features concentrated along the main roads. Steam vents, geysers, and hot springs are visible without hiking far, so even short stops felt distinct from typical mountain or canyon scenery. Old Faithful was the most memorable stop for the kids, but they were equally interested in the nearby hot springs and the steam rising directly from the ground along the boardwalks. From there, we walked the boardwalks around Upper Geyser Basin, which is packed with smaller geysers and hot pools. It’s an easy area with kids since the paths are flat and stroller-friendly.
We had planned to visit Grand Prismatic Spring and Mammoth Hot Springs, but heavy rain and full parking lots made that impractical. Accessibility was a real issue that day, and with four kids—one injured—it didn’t make sense to push through crowds in bad weather. Those sites stayed on our list for a future visit, and they’re worth prioritizing if conditions are better or mobility isn’t a concern.
Wildlife spotting was another highlight. We saw bison more than once—sometimes blocking traffic, sometimes grazing just off the road. Elk made appearances too, and each sighting kept the kids glued to the windows. We didn’t make it to Lamar Valley, which is known for wolf sightings, but it’s also on our list for next time.
The only challenge was the crowds. Parking lots fill quickly, and patience is required in peak summer. Having the RV helped—we could eat lunch while waiting out traffic jams or busy lots. Despite the hassle, Yellowstone was a favorite for everyone. The mix of geysers, hot springs, and wildlife made it feel like no other place we’d visited.
Glendo State Park – Sandy Beach Campground
On our way south from Wyoming back into Colorado, we stayed overnight at Glendo State Park’s Sandy Beach Campground. After a string of big national parks, it was a quieter change of pace. The sandy shoreline stretched out along the reservoir, and while the kids played, we got to slow down and enjoy a low-key evening. Having said that, at the campground, there was ants infestation situation that was hard to ignore. The campground sits on sandy soil near the reservoir, which makes it especially prone to ants, and they were present around the site, picnic table, and ground areas. This seems to be a known, recurring issue rather than a one-off experience, so it’s fine as a quick overnight stop—but not a place we’d choose to settle into, especially with kids and food out.
The campground itself was straightforward but comfortable. Our site was far enough back from the beach to feel private, with easy access when we wanted to walk down. It wasn’t a headline destination on this trip, but it was truly beautiful and serene and gave us a chance to recharge before finishing our route at Rocky Mountain National Park.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park was established in 1915 to protect Colorado’s Front Range high country, preserving alpine tundra, glacial valleys, and some of the highest continuous terrain accessible by road in the United States. On our final stop before returning to Denver, at Rocky Mountain National Park, we made it out to Spruce Lake. The trail isn’t long, but it gives you that alpine-lake payoff without committing to a full-day hike. With the physical limitations we consistently factored in, keeping it short was important, and this felt like the right balance.
The lake itself was peaceful, tucked among trees with mountain ridges in the background. It was a quieter spot compared to the crowds around the major trailhead Bear Lake, and the kids had space to explore along the shoreline. After two busy weeks of big landscapes and long drives, this slower pace was a welcome ending to the trip.
One planning note: Rocky Mountain requires a timed-entry pass in summer. Without it, you’re limited to very early morning or evening access—something to plan around if you’re visiting with kids.
We spent 2 nights at the Jellystone Estes Park, located just outside the town of Estes Park, right at the eastern gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park. It worked very well as a base for exploring the park: easy access to Estes Park amenities, a short drive to major park entrances, and a campground that’s clearly designed with families in mind. Between the organized layout, kid-friendly activities, and the ability to actually relax after long park days, it struck a good balance between convenience and comfort—especially useful when traveling with kids and needing a predictable, low-stress place to land. Read more about Jellystone in our review piece about family-oriented chain parks.
Trip Overview
📍 Route: Denver → Colorado Springs → Great Sand Dunes → Grand Mesa/Durango → Flaming Gorge → Grand Teton → Yellowstone → Rocky Mountain NP → Denver
🗓️ Duration: 14 days
🚐 Travel style: RV with 4 kids
Where We Stayed
One of the most common questions we get is about campgrounds. Here’s a rundown of the places we stayed on this trip, in order of our route. With four kids in tow, a comfortable campground can make or break the day. Most of these were wonderful, and all worked well for our family.
Lone Duck (near Colorado Springs): A small, family-run campground just outside the city. It gave us easy access to Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak, with enough space for the kids to stretch out after sightseeing. Friendly vibe, quiet at night.
Oasis (Great Sand Dunes): You can’t beat the location—right at the park entrance. Renting sand sleds was simple here, and being so close meant we could walk back for breaks without leaving the dunes behind.
JW Durango Riverside: Scenic riverside setting and close to town. It had a nice balance—peaceful by the water but still close enough to grab supplies in Durango.
Riverbend (Montrose): A convenient base for visiting Black Canyon of the Gunnison. The campground was clean and easy, and the river setting gave it a relaxed feel.
Palisade Basecamp: A modern, well-kept campground tucked between vineyards and cliffs. We appreciated the clean facilities and the views.
Flaming Gorge Resort: Right in the heart of the gorge area, with a mix of RV sites and lodge-style accommodations.
Headwaters at Flagg Ranch (between Grand Teton and Yellowstone): The location is the real draw here—you’re minutes from both parks. It was busy, but still felt organized, and the setting among the pines made it memorable. If you go here, make sure to take plenty of bug spray, and make sure to book months in advance through recreation.gov.
Dubois / Wind River KOA: A quieter KOA in a small Wyoming town, which made it a nice break after Yellowstone’s crowds. We love KOAs, and this one was such a great spot with great staff and service. KOA Dubois provided a good variety of outdoor fun for all ages, and great facilities.
Sandy Beach (Glendo State Park, WY): A convenient overnight along the reservoir. The sandy shoreline gave the kids a chance to play, and while it wasn’t a “destination” stop, it broke up the long drive back toward Rocky mountain NP.
Jellystone in Estes, CO (near Rocky Mountain NP): A kid-centered campground full of activities, from playgrounds to themed events. Being so close to Rocky Mountain National Park made it an easy base for our final days.
⭐ Highlights:
Colorado Springs – Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak cog railway, Helen Hunt Falls
Great Sand Dunes NP – sledding the dunes, Medano Creek in early summer
Black Canyon of the Gunnison river NP & Grand Mesa – canyon overlooks, alpine lakes
Box Canyon Falls (Ouray) – short walk into a roaring waterfall
Durango – small-town stop to rest and resupply
Dinosaur National Monument – fossils in the Quarry Exhibit Hall
Flaming Gorge – red cliffs and blue water views
Grand Teton NP – moody weather, short walks, glimpses of jagged peaks
Yellowstone NP – Old Faithful, geysers, wildlife sightings
Glendo State Park – sandy shoreline, relaxed overnight stop
Rocky Mountain NP – Spruce Lake trail, elk, alpine scenery
⚠️Tips:
Reserve timed-entry passes in advance for Rocky Mountain NP
Expect crowds in Yellowstone (parking fills quickly)
Pack for altitude + weather swings across parks
Ideally, a route as such will be spread out at least over 3 weeks. We made it work for us, but we'll go again to make up for experiences we inevitably missed.
🥗What our meals looked like?
We loaded our RV's pantry with remote-stays in mind, which is very different than packing up for hotel-based trips, or a routine grocery shopping.
Our Vegan Pantry Checklist piece, can help you navigate through the staples & essentials in a mobile vegan kitchen, and how to plan towards an RV trip, food-wise.
I also recommend exploring our comprehensive downloadable packing list. We consistently work with this list for each and every trip, to ensure a smooth start to our adventures.
Recipes we cooked on our trip include-
Visit our travel-friendly recipes section for more culinary inspiration!
Comments