Thinking about taking the family to the mountains this summer to beat the Texas heat. Any one have any recommendations for a good summer mountain trip? Would probably invite the grandparents to come with us too.
Mtn_Guide said:
Any other activities you want to accomplish? Fly fishing, hiking, mountain biking etc?
Having been there a few days ago, I'd avoid it in the summer. Too damn many people this time of year, summer would be a nightmare.MAROON said:
how about the Smokey Mountains?
I had a co-worker whose family went every year. I don't mind redneck.CanyonAg77 said:
And for the OP, yeah it's redneck, but Red River NM is a long time family destination for Texans.
Banff is definitely on the list, but we are looking more driveable locations like NM or CO.Harry Stone said:
i suggest looking into the banff area of canada. its spectacular and with the exchange rate probably cheaper too. 77 cents on the canadian dollar.
This sounds like my kind of deal. Will be looking into Estes Park and thanks for the VRBO rec.Candiru said:
For two consecutive summers, we went to Estes Park and stayed in a VRBO place called Elkhorn cottage. I took cheap hummingbird feeders and put them up in trees off the big porch for non stop entertainment. We did several hikes in RMNP. We played at Fun City (putt putt, old school big slide with burlap sacks, bumper cars, etc.). We rented a pontoon and drove around on Lake Estes letting the kids each have a turn at the wheel. Saw the same bald eagle (probably) on the same electrical tower both years.
It wasn't fancy or expensive, yet they still talk about Estes Park and it is still the measuring stick for our vacations.
Drove from Dallas area to Raton, NM and stayed the night on our way up. Have done return trip all
In one day and stayed in Amarillo the other time.
I'm looking into this region, I'll get back in touch if we do it.TxAg20 said:
My young family (kids are now 5 and 8) has been going to Telluride (staying in Mountain Village) the last 4 years. They have kids day camps that our kids enjoy and I like to ride mountain bikes. Last year my then 7 year old rode a couple of trails with me. There are also Jeep rentals and public 4x4 trails.
We also spend a couple of days in Durango and/or Ouray.
If you go this route, I can give you lots of suggestions.
Budget is definitely on the not big spender side.htxag09 said:
Budget?
We've done various summer trips to Colorado (Vail & Breck) and Jackson Hole a few times. Jackson Hole has been our top summer trip, we've liked the fly fishing, white water rafting, etc. more. Colorado seems to have more hiking options within various driving distances (going to Co for a 14er this summer) but plenty of hiking trails in Jackson to keep the family entertained. Plus you can head up to Yellowstone. However, Jackson is more expensive and way more of a haul to get to, either have to make a pretty good drive from Salt Lake or add a layover and fly into Jackson, which again adds money.
Banff is next on our list.
I've looked into this, and while somewhat cooler... I would really like to get out of the humidity.MAROON said:
how about the Smokey Mountains?
A friend of mine used to go every year to Red River and that's the only way I've ever known about it. It's definitely on the list.FarmerJohn said:
Sshhh! The key part of a hidden gem is that it stays hidden!
In all seriousness, wife's family have going for years, I went for the first time back in September. It's a great spot off the beaten path. I wouldn't say there's a ton to do, but there's more than enough to stay entertained.
On this note, I'd also like to explore the possibility of purchasing a vacation rental in a mountain town for this very reason. My wife and I both have jobs that follow a school calendar, so a place to go for an extended time in the summer to beat the heat is really appealing if we could also rent it to the skiers in the winter to help cover some of the cost of ownership.proudaggie02 said:
I have places in Breckenridge and Crested Butte. While I enjoy Breckenridge for proximity to home (Denver) and being a bigger town, I love Crested Butte for outdoor activities in the summer. One thing to consider for a "beat the heat" trip is that the majority of residential buildings in most Colorado mountain towns do not have A/C. I would do homework if you want A/C.
Bump for Jab.Jab said:
I'm actually headed to Telluride this summer with my wife and 2 kids (6 and 9) for the first time. We're staying in a hotel in Mountain Village and I'd love to hear your suggestions if you wouldn't mind sharing them.
Stayed in Telluride many times, always in Mountain Village.Jab said:
I'm actually headed to Telluride this summer with my wife and 2 kids (6 and 9) for the first time. We're staying in a hotel in Mountain Village and I'd love to hear your suggestions if you wouldn't mind sharing them.