2-Week Family RV Road Trip Through Colorado, Utah & Wyoming: Itinerary and Highlights with Kids

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In the summer of 2023 we spent two weeks exploring Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming by RV. 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

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.

The cog railway up Pikes Peak was another highlight. The train itself is scenic and stress-free since you don’t have to tackle the mountain drive. 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. Helen Hunt Falls is right by the parking lot, making it a quick win with kids. Since our oldest was limited with that boot, we knew our trip would need to adjust to easy and accessible trails, so we had to skip the steep trail up to Silver Cascade Falls.

Great Sand Dunes National Park

Camping just outside Great Sand Dunes National Park gave us incredible views, especially at sunset. Once we realized everyone was renting sleds from where we parked(!), we did the same. Sand sledding looks easy—it isn’t. Climbing the dunes is exhausting, but the kids loved it. Even our oldest, in his boot and splint, hauled himself up and flew down more than once.

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, so we were lucky. 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. 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, where 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 in Ouray. 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

Crossing into Utah, Flaming Gorge was a surprise. 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

When we arrived at Grand Teton National Park, 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

Yellowstone immediately felt different—louder, more alive, and buzzing with energy. Geysers erupting, steam vents hissing, bison blocking the road; every stop had something happening. The kids were wide-eyed watching Old Faithful burst into the sky, but honestly just as impressed by the colorful hot springs and the random bursts of steam escaping from the ground.

We paced ourselves, sticking to a handful of main attractions instead of trying to see everything. That meant less rushing, more time for the kids to actually take it in. We started with the big names. Old Faithful was a hit, especially since we timed it right and didn’t have to wait long for an eruption. 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 push on to Grand Prismatic Spring and Mammoth Hot Springs, but between heavy rain and Yellowstone’s packed parking lots, we couldn’t make it work. Accessibility was tough that day, and with four kids (one injured) it just wasn’t realistic to fight the crowds in the downpour. Those sites stayed on our list for “next time,” and we’d recommend anyone with more time or better weather to prioritize them.

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.

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 gave us a chance to pause, relax, and recharge before finishing our route in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Our final stop before returning to Denver was Rocky Mountain National Park, where 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 one kid in a boot and splint, 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 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.

As we rolled back into Denver, the city lights felt welcoming, but our hearts carried the quiet magic of Medano Creek’s cool flow, the warmth of campfire dinners, and the endless horizons that made these fourteen days a journey unlike any other.

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 felt like 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 as good as the others. 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 (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.