Community Forums

flintsters · 01-18-2019, 11:18 AM

We have 2 nights (1 full day of exploring) that we can probably stop at one of these places this summer. If we went to Mesa Verde (coming from Ridgway, CO to GC North Rim) then we'd spend the day in the ruins. If we were in Page (coming from GC to Zion) I would expect we'd go to slot canyons, Horseshoe bend, and Glen Canyon Dam. They are both about 1/2 way to our next destination and I don't see us being able to go to both. It'll be me, wife, and 3 daughters in beginning/middle of July. Which one would you stop at and why?

bizzerbiz · 01-18-2019, 11:29 AM

Can't speak to Page but we spent a day in Mesa Verde in mid October and it was a wonderful day trip. The ruins built into the canyon walls were absolutely historical to go along with the environment and stunning fall foliage. There are plenty of hiking trails that go into some of the ruins along with park ranger led tours.

Peto · 01-18-2019, 11:40 AM

I'm partial to Page since I have a boat on Lake Powell. Take a tour boat ride up to Rainbow Bridge!!!

Busskipper · 01-18-2019, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flintsters

We have 2 nights (1 full day of exploring) that we can probably stop at one of these places this summer. If we went to Mesa Verde (coming from Ridgway, CO to GC North Rim) then we'd spend the day in the ruins. If we were in Page (coming from GC to Zion) I would expect we'd go to slot canyons, Horseshoe bend, and Glen Canyon Dam. They are both about 1/2 way to our next destination and I don't see us being able to go to both. It'll be me, wife, and 3 daughters in beginning/middle of July. Which one would you stop at and why?

Water is for Kids - I've been to Both and In the Summer, I'd take the girls to the Lake if only one is Possible.

If you came into Colorado and have now done - Leadville/Buena Vista/Collegiates/Independence Pass/Turquoise Lake..............then to Ridgway and Ouray......... Monument Valley is missed - maybe just a Drive Through.

Can you get more time - Skip a Day in St Louis - Maybe - Colorado and Utah have more than most can do in a lifetime - IMHO - so ......

Maybe shoot us a map of the ever changing Plan - After the long drive through the Flyover states you should try to keep your days to 150-200 max - as there is often a week that could be spent in every area you have mentioned.

Will continue to Follow,

docj · 01-18-2019, 01:27 PM

You don't say how old your daughters are. Mesa Verde is a unique site that is on the UN World Heritage list but younger children will probably find it rather boring.
Unfortunately, although the Visitor Center outside the park is decent, the primary museum inside the park is small and woefully outdated. You can sign up for tours of cliff dwellings but those involve climbing ladders, etc, that young children may not be up to. Observing the ruins from a distance can be interesting to adults but is likely to seem rather dull to younger children.

twogypsies · 01-18-2019, 04:04 PM

If the children are elementary age or older I'd highly recommend Mesa Verde NP and I believe you can sign up online for one of the tours. There are a couple that involve climbing ladders and crawling through a short tunnel which is a lot of fun for kids and adults, alike. It would be a good lesson in history. The web site states there is no age restriction but infants need to be in a backpack.

https://www.nps.gov/meve/planyourvis...activities.htm

We stay in the park's campground. There are a handful of electric sites and the rest are dry camping.

V3600 · 01-18-2019, 04:13 PM

Page

Trapper2022 · 01-19-2019, 08:26 AM

That is a very hot time of year. We love the masa verda area but it will be very hot. Best to do this area early or late summer b Girls will have way more fun in water this time of year.

Enjoy

traveldawg · 01-19-2019, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flintsters

We have 2 nights (1 full day of exploring) that we can probably stop at one of these places this summer. If we went to Mesa Verde (coming from Ridgway, CO to GC North Rim) then we'd spend the day in the ruins. If we were in Page (coming from GC to Zion) I would expect we'd go to slot canyons, Horseshoe bend, and Glen Canyon Dam. They are both about 1/2 way to our next destination and I don't see us being able to go to both. It'll be me, wife, and 3 daughters in beginning/middle of July. Which one would you stop at and why?

As others said - it depends (age of children, family interests, routes, itinerary, travel time, etc.)

It's HOT in July where you're are considering. You'll melt at Mesa Verde and you'll choke on dust on the ride to/from slot canyons near Page (and the time goes fast in the slots so am not sure of the cost benefit trade off (and it's HOT).

Still not knowing ages of daughters & family interests, why not just Page and instead of going crazy trying to fit in the slot canyons, dam and horseshoe bend (not impressive after Zion & Grand Canyon) all in one day, just hang out, relax, let the kids swim in a pool and chill out?

flintsters · 01-21-2019, 06:52 PM

Our girls will be 13, 11, and 6 when we go this summer. This will be a part of a much longer trip. Here is our tentative itinerary. I am not married to going to either Page or Mesa Verde, but I thought it might be a good way to break up a bit of a longer drive.

Date Destination (Miles)
6/18/2019 Drive to St. Louis
6/19/2019 Arrive in St. Louis (1142)
6/20/2019
6/21/2019 Drive to Cherry Creek SP/Golden CO
6/22/2019 Arrive at Cherry Creek SP/Golden CO (825)
6/23/2019
6/24/2019 Drive to Moraine Park (Estes Park) (100)
6/25/2019
6/26/2019
6/27/2019
6/28/2019 Glenwood Springs, CO (219)
6/29/2019
6/30/2019
7/1/2019 Drive to Ridgway State Park, CO (138)
7/2/2019
7/3/2019
7/4/2019
7/5/2019 Drive to Grand Canyon (Sth Rim) (382)
7/6/2019
7/7/2019
7/8/2019 Drive to Page (133)
7/9/2019
7/10/2019 Drive to Zion National Park (158)
7/11/2019
7/12/2019
7/13/2019 Drive to Bryce Canyon National Park (146)
7/14/2019
7/15/2019
7/16/2019 Drive to Park City, UT (273)
7/17/2019
7/18/2019
7/19/2019 Drive to Grand Teton National Park (294)
7/20/2019
7/21/2019
7/22/2019
7/23/2019 Drive to Yellowstone National Park (58)
7/24/2019
7/25/2019
7/26/2019
7/27/2019
7/28/2019
7/29/2019 Drive to Glacier National Park (403)
7/30/2019
7/31/2019
8/1/2019
8/2/2019
8/3/2019 Drive to Little Bighorn Battlefield (478)
8/4/2019
8/5/2019 Drive to Custer State Park (290)
8/6/2019
8/7/2019
8/8/2019
8/9/2019 Drive to Badlands (126)
8/10/2019
8/11/2019 Drive to Chicago (890)
8/12/2019 Arrive in Chicago
8/13/2019
8/14/2019
8/15/2019 Drive Home (877)
8/16/2019 Arrive Home

Total for Trip 6932
Average Per Day 116

flintsters · 01-21-2019, 07:02 PM

The date we actually leave will depend on the number of snow days we get (how many days of school our girls miss they make up). I am hopeful to leave on the afternoon of the 17th to cut down on the long drive to St. Louis. With that said, we are tentative with all of our plans and will be ready to adapt when we need/want.

LovesToWine · 01-26-2019, 11:19 AM

We adore Zion, Bryce, and Mesa Verde. However, we were going to SW Utah in April and there is NO WAY of getting a campsite (commercial sites are available though). When we visited in the 70's, it was not crowded and now it is a zoo.

traveldawg · 01-26-2019, 02:21 PM

> Wondering the route you plan on for Ridgeway SP to Grand Canyon;
> Already offered opinions on Page (nice place);
> If you have to give up days I'd suggest skipping Grand Tetons NP; I find it overcrowded and better investment in time to just stop to see the mountains from a distance and continue on to Yellowstone;
> You'll likely need reservations for Yellowstone, Glacier, & maybe a few others.

BUT - you've planned a GREAT TRIP. Enjoy it an roll with whatever changes come your way. It'll be an unforgettable trip for you and the kids.

Betr2Trvl · 01-28-2019, 05:26 AM

A couple notes on Mesa Verde NP from our trip this past summer.

Mesa Verde NP is one of those places you remember seeing pictures of the cliff houses in History books in school, and thinking you'd never see them; I thought it was fascinating.

First, check out the web site, as it contains a lot important info.

You really need at least 2 if not 3 days if you plan to see the entire park and take the 3 main guided tours, the park is an odd layout and a lot of time driving (very slowly) in the park to see things.

You will need some reasonable level of agility to tour the cliff houses, climb ladders (they are large, very sturdy and secure log ladders) and deal with heights. For Balcony House in particular, you also crawl through a short, very narrow passage, and then deal with some serious heights when exiting the dwelling (more to the heights than they let on to be, says someone that does not like heights .....); if you have any sort of agility challenges, probably a “no go” on Balcony House and not sure about small children on the climb out.......

Driving in the park is not very "large" RV friendly and trailers are not allowed past the entrance other than to get into the campground (they do have a place to leave a trailer at the entrance). And you can not take an RV out to Weatherhill Mesa where the Long House is located.

Also, per the post above, Yellowstone to Glacier in a single day is going to be a long one........ Going Glacier to Yellowstone summer ‘16, we stopped near Garrison overnight. The drive through Madison Valley is spectacular, and we took an “alternative” route suggested by an IRV member out of Butte that was fantastic but not for those challenged by mountain roads...... we usually don’t make side stops in route, but we did in the old western towns of Nevada City (not much there unless you want to pay to tour the buildings) and Virginia City (a lot more to see just walking around) and grabbed lunch.

Regards