The top 5 summer activities in Colorado

This post may contain affiliate links, clicking on those links may earn some commission to us without any additional cost to you.

Summer is the lively and lovely season here. The long days give more energy and more light to do multiple activities. I wait for summer to start my gardening,  try new hikes, go for daily walks, and to splash in the pool with kids.

Since we experience more cold days in Colorado,  we wait for summer. As you know, the state is surrounded by mountains and breathtaking scenery,  we have endless options to explore. All neighborhood parks will buzz with kids of all ages playing, biking, running, etc.,

Here are the top 5 activities I would love to experience in Summer:

1. Hiking

In Colorado,  we don't have a limit on how many trails we can hike. 'Barr trail' to pikes peak seems to be everyone's target. I love to hike the kid friendly trails like seven falls, Helen hunt falls, garden of the Gods, Red rocks open space, and pulpit rock hike. All these are kid-friendly and easy to medium trails.

2. Traveling

Summer is the best time to visit national parks in Colorado like rocky mountains national park, Mesa Verde national park and visit some national monuments like Colorado national monument,  chimney rock national monument. It is great to cool off at some waterfalls like seven falls, bridal veil falls, Alberta falls, etc., The options are a lot. For a different experience,  we can visit sand dunes national park or cave of the winds.

We have covered most of them but we are always ready to explore more.

3. Camping

We haven't tried camping yet but I know that there are a lot of beautiful places to soak in the beauty of nature. There are around 41 Colorado state parks and many private campgrounds as well.

4. Boating, white water rafting, and fishing

We have many reservoirs and lakes in Colorado. Boating is fun for kids. For adventurous people, there are options of kayaking and white water rafting. Canon city is nearer to us which offers rafting packages near Royal gorge area. There are multiple rafting options at Salida, Fort Collins,  Glenwood Springs, etc.,

There are boating options near Denver like cherry creek state park and Chatfield lake. Some of the best lakes for boating are Grand lake in rocky mountain national park,  Grand Mesa reservoir,  Granby Lake, and Boyd lake. Fishing is another great family fun activity.

Kayaking is another fun thing to do and kayakers love Colorado for the gorgeous white waters. Colorado is the best place for both kayaking and white water rafting as we have many rivers here. Check the best sit-on-top kayaks.

5. Mountain biking/ cycling

The long days allow us to spend more time outdoors. Mountain biking is adventurous and fun. Younger kids can enjoy cycling. Colorado has many biking trails. Crested Butte is famous for its beautiful scenery and biking trails.

How are you planning to spend the summer vacation? What activities are you planning to explore this year? Let me know in the comments.

Have fun but stay hydrated.

Planning a trip to Colorado Springs this summer?

Check this map to book accomodation.

Until next time,

Pc: All pics from pixabay.com

Our Summer Travel wish list #funwithfamily

Summer break is coming soon. As a family who love traveling, Iam excited to plan some good vacations. There are many places on top of my mind around Colorado. Let me share those.

Fortunately , we covered 80% of Colorado in the last 2 years and now,  we want to venture out to the neighborhood states.

Here are a few places that iam planning this summer for our family vacation.

1. Utah
This is the first place in our list. Since Utah has many family friendly national parks, it's a must visit. I would like to visit Arches national park, hike the beautiful trails and experience the sunrise and sunset with the amazing geological formations in the backdrop.

I am also planning to visit Zion national park which is famous for its red cliffs and gorgeous canyons.

If time permits,  I would love to visit Bryce canyon to enjoy scenic views and watch the hoodoo rocks.

2. Yellowstone national park, Wyoming
Ofcourse,  this is a must visit place. Else, how can we get to see the most dangerous volcano in North America with all its hydrothermal wonders?

I would love to visit the old faithful hotspring splashing hot water like a fountain. Also, the colorful grand prismatic Springs. My kids would love this unique experience.

3. Telluride and Ouray
This trip from Colorado is pending from last summer. We were ready to visit the beautiful Telluride in harsh winter but somehow we had to change the plans to visit Santa fe, New Mexico instead.

This trip is long. We want to visit the Switzerland of America- Ouray, Visit the tallest waterfalls in Telluride, take Gondola ride, drive to Mesa vere national park, enjoy the scenic views of Durango and Silverton and experience the hot springs in Pagosa springs. A big road trip, right? So, even if it's late to plan, we want to ensure we cover all these places.

4. Mt Rushmore, South Dakota
We have seen this place with the USA president's faces beautifully etched on rocks in multiple movies, right? It might take 2 days to drive to Mt.Rushmore, but I think, this trip is worth it.

I want to include crazy horse and wind cave national park in this trip.

5. Glacier national park, Montana

Rocky mountains,  glacier lakes and Alpine scenery- I can only imagine this place to be like heaven.

I heard, "Going to Sun Road" is a must drive with water splashing on the road.

I will include Baring falls, Haystack creek and bird woman falls in our trip.

So, that's a lot of planning for Summer. Let's see if I can achieve my travel goals this year. Ofcourse,  I will update you all through my travelogues in my blog. Wait for it 🙂

Until next time,

Pc: All pics from pixabay.com

This post is written as part of a blog train #letsblogwithpri hosted by Prisha. Thanks to Sneha for introducing me. Read her post about fatherhood. I introduce you to Kavita Singh, who wrote about some funny things about her little one. Read her post here.




Hosted By :
Prisha Lalwani
Mummasaurus.com
IG: @mummasaurus1
FB: /mummasaurus1
Twitter: @mummasaurus1


Read my other #Colorado #TravelTales below:

1. A day with flowers and gardens, Denver, CO, USA

2. Hanging lake and hot springs, Glenwood springs, CO, USA 

3. Golden leaves and Gondola rides, Aspen, CO, USA

4. Rocky mountain national park #day 1


5. Rocky mountain national park #day 2 

6. Limestone caves and cliff dwellings, Colorado springs, CO, USA

7. Unique Statues and Ice Sculptures - Loveland, CO, USA

8. A beautiful Chapel and aircraft exhibits -  Colorado Springs, CO, USA

9.  Dangerous curves and Beautiful Scenery - Pikes peak highway, CO, USA

A Pregnancy Journey - A Dad's perspective

I heard an excited scream early in the morning. It is not usual for Anjali getting up before me. So, I ran to the bathroom to know what actually happened.

When I am about to knock the door before forcing it open, Anjali opened the door with a shocking expression combined with happiness.

 "Ashok, See this!", She showed a stick with 2 pink lines.
I am clueless. "Arey, Budhu, We are going to become parents!"

I am not sure if I was happy or very excited, But I didn't feel to do anything like the men do in movies - holding the heroine and jumping with joy. I asked Anjali to take doctor appointment and let me know so that I can take leave (if needed).

https://pixabay.com/photos/couple-pregnancy-marriage-romantico-1812777/

First 3 months

Anjali is completely changed. She has severe vomiting sensation almost all times of the day (I don't why then doctor calls it only Morning sickness). Because of that sensation, she became very sensitive to smells, couldn't go to the kitchen, couldn't eat anything, and becoming weak due to vomitings.

I feel sorry for her, but I couldn't do anything other than reminding her to take the tablet to avoid morning sickness. I observed that more traffic and more braking during the drive to office is increasing her morning sickness. I have chosen a different route which is long but with less traffic and less pollution for our daily commute to the office. I had to start cooking as she cannot bear any smell and I know I am horrible at cooking, but I have to try.

Next 3 months

This time is cool. Anjali is back to normal again, her morning sickness gone.  She is happy and taking care of her diet. We are shopping together for healthy food like nuts, fruits etc., She is also having cravings surprisingly sometimes even in the midnights, we are going on a fun ride in the nights sometimes just to get her favorite ice cream/chana chaat that she likes.

I also see her mood swings because of hormone changes. She gets upset easily nowadays and cries even for a small fight between us. Seems strange, but I understand, it is not her fault after all but due to hormonal changes. Sometimes, it gets tough, but I am practicing patience.

8 to 9 Months

Anjali has changed physically. She is completely different now. All her old wardrobe doesn't fit her now and we are going for shopping trips often.

She looks tired, she has become plump and always panting for even walking fast. I cannot do anything to share her load though. The baby might be growing fast inside.

I told her to take leave from office and rest at home, but she took work from home as she felt, it's boring without office work. She cannot see her feet itself these days, as her tummy stretched to some extent. Since swollen feet is becoming a norm these days, I am applying oil daily to her feet before sleeping.

Many times, she asks me to feel the kicks of the baby, but the baby stops kicking exactly when I touch her tummy. I think I am slowly making an emotional bond to my baby even without seeing. It seems strange though!

I am nervous too as Anjali entered 9th month. I am always on alert whenever my phone rings. I keep my car tank full of fuel in case I need to drive to the hospital any day. I keep gynecologist's numbers and my insurance contact numbers handy. I explored the shortest and fastest routes to the hospital beforehand. I couldn't sleep well in the nights as I am awake whenever she moves and I want to be ready whenever she needs help.

Hospital Room

Ok, Our wait ended today. But, the experience is a mix of all emotions. When Anjali is in her labor room shouting with unbearable pain, I felt handicapped as I couldn't help her in any way, except checking her regularly to motivate her.

Anjali gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. All tired, she is sleeping after bearing pains for 12 hrs. The baby looked adorable and this sweet little Angel is nothing like I have dreamed before. It is time that I share my love with another Angel - my beautiful girl along with Anjali.

These 9 months were a hell of a ride. All is well, that ends well, right?

Until next time,

As women, we go through a lot during pregnancy but we forget that our spouse goes through a lot too with us and without our partner's support, those 9 months won't be easy. That is the reason, I wrote this post which I dedicate to all lovely dads and husbands who support their wives on their pregnancy and parenting journey.

This blog post is written for a blog train #LetsBlogwithPri hosted by Prisha , this is my take for the given picture prompt.
Thanks to Sneha Jubin for introducing me. Read her take on why we shouldn't judge other moms. 
 I introduce you to Kavita Singh. Kavita is a mom blogger and book lover. Hop onto the train to read more interesting Parenting posts.




Hosted By :
Prisha Lalwani
Mummasaurus.com
IG: @mummasaurus1
FB: /mummasaurus1
Twitter: @mummasaurus1