Family Vacations: The Rockies

From mountaintop to river valley, the Rockies are for exploration. Climb, hike, raft, swim, or simply walk your way through spectacular vistas in Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, Montana, or Idaho. National parks include the Great Sand Dunes, Yellowstone and Glacier, while smaller attractions like the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Utah, all give kids experiences they’ll treasure for a lifetime.

Colorado statehouse
©2007 Denver CVB
The grounds of Colorado's statehouse are as majestic as the building.

Read the articles below to find attractions in the Rockies that your kids will love - you'll also find Mobil-rated hotels and restaurants in the area that welcome families.

Colorado
Glenwood Hot Springs Pool
The world’s largest hot mineral pool maintains a 90-degree temperature year-round.

Great Stupa of Dharmakaya
This gigantic monument to Buddah brings worshipers as well as the curious to Colorado.

The Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway
Summit Pikes Peak via the Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway.

Red Rocks Park Amphitheater
Attending a show at this outdoor theater, surrounded by strangely acoustical red rocks, is an eye-catching and ear-worthy experience.

Pike’s Peak
Climb or take a rail line to the famous peak, and find out when it’s best to visit.

Telluride
A vacationers paradise, the trappings of Telluride are particularly alluring to families who come here to take advantage of comfortable resort life and a host of outdoor activities.

Utah
Best Friends Animal Sanctuary
Anyone interested in animals should plan a trip to the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, the largest facility of its type in the U.S. housing animals that range from puppies to ponies.

Great Salt Lake
Take to the ancient waters of this salty sea, a prehistoric relic of the region’s oceanic past.

Lake Powell
This busy recreational lake offers houseboats for rent and many opportunities for water enthusiasts.

Monument Valley
Up-close, the eerie images of the old west in Monument Valley will remind you of old shoot-out movies, but the beauty of this region is well worth the effort made to get there.

Temple Square
One of Salt Lake City’s most stunning attractions, Temple Square presents a grand façade to the city.

Utah Olympic Park
Park City was host to the Olympics in 2002, and now visitors can experience the thrill of the games.

Wyoming
Buffalo Bill Historical Center
Cody hosts five museums in the Buffalo Bill Historical Center, each explores the Old West.

Cheyenne Frontier Days
This rodeo is among the biggest in the nation, creating a festival atmosphere that even the most dedicated city-slicker would find hard to resist.

Cody, Wyoming
The Old West is never forgotten on the streets of Cody, where you’re likely to run into shootouts and cowboys.

Devils Tower National Monument
Kids as young as four are invited to try climbing Devils Tower.

Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark
A sacred mountain, this distant destination in the Bighorn National Forest is revered as a spiritual destination.

The Rockies were the last hurdle to the West for the pioneers. Continue to the next page to find out how to plan a family vacation in the Rockies. 

Visit the following links to learn about scenic drives or to get recommendations on Mobil Travel Guide's ratings on hotels, resorts, and restaurants.