719-395-2409
This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
Full Itinerary
Day 1
- Morning
- Afternoon
- Evening
Depart from Denver late-morning to avoid that summertime traffic! No iPads needed here – kids will enjoy the views through Summit County and especially of all the 14,000’ peaks over Fremont Pass. $1 for every deer they can spot!
Grab lunch at Tommyknocker Brewery in Idaho Springs on the way down. Kids will love their elevated (but still kid-friendly) mac ‘n cheese made with lots of cheddar cheese! And a glass of the famous Tommyknocker craft Root Beer is the perfect accompaniment.
Upon arriving in Buena Vista, either head to one of the best camping spots in the area (too coveted to publish – please contact us!) or check in at one of the many lodging options in town. Tonight, dinner at The Lariat is sure to please with a tasty grilled cheese sandwich and nachos the whole family will enjoy!
Day 2
- Morning
- Afternoon
- Evening
Rise and shine and be one of the first in line at The Roastery for a raspberry white chocolate chip muffin or chocolate croissant. Meet at the AAE Rafting Outpost @ 8:15 a.m. for your Raft + Horseback Riding Tour! You’ll start your day in the country’s ONLY raftable National Monument, Browns Canyon. Enjoy the thrills of Class II and III rapids with your safety-certified whitewater rafting guide.
Following your Browns Canyon morning run, you’ll be treated to a gourmet burger lunch in our Riverside Beer Garden, prepared by your guide. Once you’re fueled up, it’s time to head up to the riding stables to saddle up for the afternoon! Your horseback trail ride will include sweeping views of Mt. Princeton and the entire Arknasas River Valley as well as creek crossings and uphill climbs – a classic Colorado experience!
After all that fresh mountain air, you’ll definitely be ready for dinner! Tonight’s dinner will be at House Rock Kitchen where the kids menu includes chicken burritos and sunbutter and strawberry jam sandwiches. Those adventurous kids will certainly be in the market for something sweet after dinner so head right across the street to Louie’s Ice Cream Shop where they can enjoy classic flavors like Rocky Road and Birthday Cake. Local’s tip: Louie’s has an AMAZING play area for the kids to burn off that sugar afterwards while mom and dad grab a beer or a glass of wine in the Jailhouse’s neighboring patio.
Day 3
- Morning
- Afternoon
- Evening
If you haven’t had enough water yet, head over to Mt. Princeton Hot Springs and enjoy a much-deserved soak and some fun in the sun! This 100% natural hot springs resort boasts a zero entry family-friendly pool and a 400’ water slide for the kids! After you get those little fish out of the pool, they’ll be hungry for some lunch and a trip to Buena Vista just isn’t complete without a burger from Colorado’s Best Food Truck – The Buena Viking. Kids will LOVE the simple and fresh cheeseburgers as well as baskets of seemingly-endless tots!
It’s probably time to start heading back to the big city but wait – maybe there’s time for one more adventure??? If so make a pit stop at the Top of the Rockies Zipline for one last thrill before heading home! With six sections and over 8000’ feet in ziplines, you’ll be sure to have smiles on those faces all the way home. We’re so glad you spent the weekend with us and we hope you come back soon for more family-friendly adventures like fishing, hiking, and ATVing!