Experience the Hot Springs of the Rockies 

There are quite a few hot springs in the Rockies. The tricky part will be choosing which one, or ones, you want to visit. Unless of course, you simply choose the hot spring in the Rockies that is closest to your accommodations.  

Here are a few of the favorite and popular, hot springs of the Rockies: 

Cottonwood Hot Springs Inn & Spa 

The Cottonwood Hot Springs Inn, and the hot springs of the same name, can be found right on the banks of the Cottonwood Creek. The hot springs were used by the Ute Indians before the settlers began arriving in the area. Each one of the hot springs is filled with mineral water that reaches temperatures of between ninety-four and one hundred-ten degrees Fahrenheit. When you are not relaxing in these hot springs of the Rockies, you may find yourself inside the spa. There are dozens of treatments offered at this spa and it is an excellent way to regroup during your family vacation.  

Strawberry Park Natural Hot Springs 

It is said that the Strawberry Park Natural Hot Springs are the absolute best hot springs in the Rockies. The hot springs are all natural and filled with mineral water that is a steady one hundred four degrees. The massive rocks that surround these hot springs create amazing views. However, I recommend visiting these hot springs during the winter months. It is at that time of the year when the landscape becomes covered in snow and ice, creating a magical vibe you won’t be able to resist.  

Glenwood Hot Springs 

If you are interested in soaking in one of the hottest hot springs in the world, I have just one! The Glenwood Hot Springs reaches temperatures of one hundred twenty-two degrees. However, the water is normally one hundred-four degrees by the time it gets to the pool area. The pool area of this hot spring is the largest in the country. You can easily sit there and soak. But you can also do laps and even dive when you are in this hot spring pool.  

Hot Sulphur Springs 

Hot Sulphur Springs can be found in the town of the same name. This is one of the best hot springs in the Rockies to visit after exploring the Rocky Mountain National Park. There are many different hot springs pools for you to enjoy at this location. Some of the hot spring pools reach temperatures of ninety-five degrees. Others go all the way up to one hundred twelve degrees. There is also a spa at the hotel located at these hot springs. You can easily spend an entire day in this area.  

The Springs Resort & Spa 

The charming town of Pagosa Springs is where you will find the Springs Resort & Spa. This hot spring is the deepest one in the world. All the pools have different water temperatures, so you should be able to find one that is perfect for you. I recommend swimming in the San Juan River before getting into the hot springs. It is what all the locals do, and it is quite refreshing.  

These are the best hot springs in the Rockies. You must have at least one of them on your list when you are taking a family vacation in the Rocky Mountains.  

Are you ready to plan a family vacation and visit one of these hot springs in the Rockies?  

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to schedule a planning session with me by clicking here. When you click on this link, you will be taken directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.   

And if you aren’t ready to plan your next family vacation, you can sign up for my newsletter. This will ensure you always receive all the exciting travel information I share in the future.  

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8 Incredible Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park in Winter 

Check Out the Wildlife  

You cannot spend time in the Rocky Mountains and not see the local wildlife. The winter months are the best time of the year to see elk. However, you can also spot moose and big horn sheep during your visit.  

Go Snowmobiling 

Over by Winter Park, you will find more than one thousand trails to zoom over on a snowmobile. These trails go through the forested areas of the park. There are plenty of snowmobile rentals nearby, so you can always find the ride you are looking for on your family vacation.  

A vacation in the Rocky Mountains during the winter usually means a little extra prep work. Check out my travel guide to planning a family vacation in the Rocky Mountains, and be prepared.

Take a Dip in a Hot Spring or Two 

The rest of your family might not care about soaking in a hot spring or two when you are on vacation in Rocky Mountain National Park. But you can send them out on their own while you get some relaxation in. If you are having difficulty determining which hot spring you should visit, let me recommend Radium Hot Springs, Hot Sulphur Springs, or Conundrum Hot Springs.  

Attend a Winter Festival 

There are so many different winter festivals and other events held in Colorado every year. You definitely won’t find a shortage of them near this national park. A few favorites include the International Snow Sculpture Championships, Steamboat Springs Winter Carnival, Ullr Fest in Breckenridge, Snow Daze in Vail, and Grand Lake’s Winter Carnival. You’ll even find the Catch the Glow Holiday Parade over in Estes Park.  

Go Skiing and Snowboarding 

There is no need to choose between skiing and snowboarding when you are on vacation in the Rockies. There are multiple resorts to choose from, and they all offer multiple trails for both these adventures.  

Take a Bus Tour of Rocky Mountain National Park 

There is no need to skip many of the sights in Rocky Mountain National Park because you are too busy or short on time. You can easily hop onto a tour bus to see the popular sights in a couple of hours.  

Take a Park Tour with a Ranger 

If you are looking for a slightly more personalized tour on your Rocky Mountain National Park vacation, I recommend scheduling a tour with a ranger. These are usually done on snowshoes as you walk through the park. You can even take advantage of the special full moon tours that are offered a few times a year.  

Go Sledding 

Kids of all ages love sledding, so grab those sleds and hit the sledding hills! There are sled rentals available throughout the park. You will even find a few warming huts to ensure you can all warm up when you need a break.  

These are eight incredible things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park in winter. You can choose to have all of them on your Rocky Mountain National Park vacation itinerary. Or you can choose a couple, and we can find other amazing activities your family will love.  

Are you ready to spend some snowy days in Colorado during a family vacation in Rocky Mountain National Park?  

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to schedule a planning session with me by clicking here. When you click on this link, you will be taken directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.   

And if you are not ready to book a family vacation in Rocky Mountain National Park, you can sign up for my newsletter here. This will ensure you continue to receive all the fabulous travel information I share.  

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History in the Rocky Mountains

The Rocky Mountains have earned the nickname, The Rockies, which isn’t surprising since they were formed millions of years ago. Animals used to be the only creatures that roamed this natural area, but at the end of the last Ice Age, people moved into the region. From that time forward, more and more people arrived in The Rockies. The most popular arrivals were Sir Alexander Mackenzie from Europe and Lewis and Clark.

The Rocky Mountain National Park was created after the signing of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. Most of the highest mountains in this region can be found within the state of Colorado. Therefore, that is the area where most people venture when they want to visit the Rocky Mountains.

Colorado is also where many of the historic events took place and where history will live on long into the future. In fact, the national park has implemented many ways to preserve specific items within the park itself, as well as the items in the museums.

Weather in the Rocky Mountains

Spring in the Rocky Mountains

Mild temperatures arrive in most areas surrounding the Rocky Mountains during the spring. However, snow can still fall up in the mountains until later in the month of May. The weather during this time of the year can be very unpredictable, so you will want to be prepared for cold one day and possibly warmth the next.

Summer in the Rocky Mountains

Summertime in the Rocky Mountains means hot temperatures, especially when you are not hiking in the mountains. Thunderstorms are frequent in this part of the country and you must be prepared for hail to fall during any of them. It is best to plan your time outside around the times of the storms because you don’t want to be in the middle of nowhere when one begins.

Fall in the Rocky Mountains

The weather in the Rocky Mountains is just as unpredictable during the fall as it is during the spring months. There is always a chance of snow during the month of September, and yet you can still see 90-degree days during this time of the year. You can even have a hot day followed by a snowy day or vice versa. The wind can also pick up at this time of the year, which makes the temperatures seem lower than they really are.

Winter in the Rocky Mountains

Brutal snow and cold are what you should expect when you visit the Rocky Mountains during the winter months. There is definitely a wind chill in this region, and you won’t like it if you are not dressed appropriately. While this area is used to snow, it doesn’t take much for a blizzard to shut things down.

What to Pack for a Vacation in the Rocky Mountains

The time of year you are visiting the Rocky Mountains will determine what you need to pack for your vacation. During the summer months, you can wear shorts and t-shirts. But you may prefer pants to go with your hiking boots if you plan to hit the trails.

The winter months will mean warm clothes and layers. A warm winter coat, hat, gloves, and winter boots are also a must, even if you don’t plan on spending a lot of time outside. During the spring and fall, you will want to have clothing for both winter and summer. Since these months of the year are so unpredictable, you are never going to know exactly what you will need to wear during your visit.

Activities to Embrace While on Vacation in the Rocky Mountains

One of the favorite activities in the Rocky Mountains is hiking the trails. There are so many different trails within these mountains and each trail offers opportunities for different skill levels. That means you do not need to be an avid hiker to conquer one of these trails!

If you happen to vacation in the Rocky Mountains during the winter months, you won’t be hitting the trails unless you are wearing snowshoes. Thankfully, the ski slopes will be open, so you can see the great outdoors in a different way. Simply head up to the top of the slopes and ski down to see gorgeous views you will never forget.

While you can easily hike and ski to see different types of scenery, you may prefer to check a few things out from the comfort of your car. I recommend taking a scenic drive while you are in the Rocky Mountains. A scenic drive will allow you to take in the sights, while also having an adventure or two along the way. The Trail Ridge Road is one of the best options inside Rocky Mountain National Park. However, it is only open from late spring until the beginning of fall. Therefore, we must plan your trip carefully if you want to add this family adventure to your itinerary.

Other amazing activities you will want to embrace with your family in the Rocky Mountains include:

• Fishing
• Watch the Wildlife
• Swimming
• Visiting an Amusement Park
• Picnic Lunches
• Stargazing
• Walking Under the Light of a Full Moon
• Participate in a Ranger Program
• Horseback Riding

Top Places to See in the Rocky Mountains

One of the most popular places to see within the Rocky Mountains is Bear Lake. You will find this lake inside Rocky Mountain National Park. You will be a little more than nine thousand feet above sea level when you visit this lake, so you must be prepared for the altitude change. Other lakes in the area include Dream Lake and Emerald Lake and you can hike to them from this lake. You can also hike to Alberta Falls from Bear Lake. However, I recommend starting that hike over at the Glacier Gorge trailhead. That route is less than a mile, which is perfect if you want to squeeze it in with other hikes on a specific day.

If you are looking for spectacular views when you are in the Rocky Mountains, I recommend heading over to the Longs Peak Viewpoint. This viewing point is located on Highway 7 and it has an elevation of more than fourteen thousand feet. While this is the highest summit within the park, it is a must-see for the views alone! Another overlook you may want to add to your list is the Forest Canyon Overlook.

One of my other must-see sights in the Rocky Mountains is the Continental Divide. You can see this divide when you travel along Trail Ridge Road. This attraction is magnificent, because it divides the continent in two. But the best part is seeing water flowing in two different directions from the divide.

A few other places to see in the Rocky Mountains include:

• Coors Brewing Company
• Horsetooth Reservoir
• Pikes Peak
• Via Ferrata Telluride
• Great Sand Dunes National Park
• Mesa Verda National Park
• Crested Butte
• Hot Springs in Glenwood Springs

Amazing Festivals You Can’t-Miss in the Rocky Mountains

The Taste of Vail

The Taste of Vail is an incredible food and wine festival that is held in Vail, Colorado every spring. This festival is well-known throughout the country and is actually considered one of the best food and wine festivals in all of North America. There are thirty chefs in attendance, as well as approximately fifty wineries. This festival lasts for four days. During that time, you can attend multiple signature events that includes trying new wines being debuted or sipping wine at the top of a mountain.

International Snow Sculpture Championships

The International Snow Sculpture Championships are held in Breckenridge every year during the month of January or February. Sculpting teams from all around the world arrive in the area to create masterpieces out of 12-foot-tall blocks of snow. The snow weighs at least twenty tons and the teams only use hand tools throughout the sculpting process. Miraculously, five days later, the snow sculptures are ready for everyone to admire.

Frozen Dead Guy Days

The Frozen Dead Guy Days Festival is held in Nederland during the month of March every year. This is a three-day event that celebrates Grandpa Bredo, who is a frozen town resident. You will love all the live music, beer, and food. However, it is the salmon toss and coffin race that will bring you back to this festival year after year!

So, are you ready to have me create a personalized family vacation itinerary in the Rocky Mountains or another destination? 

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to click here to schedule a personalized family vacation planning session. When you click on this link, you will be taken directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.

Not ready for a personalized family vacation planning session yet? Sign up for my newsletter and continue to receive all the travel information I share.

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