Our July Colorado family vacation was one of those trips that balanced family time, nostalgia, and pure fun — bouncing between the Denver area, Fort Collins, and Estes Park, with plenty of stops in between. We didn’t rush it, and we didn’t try to see everything. Instead, we leaned into experiences that felt distinctly Colorado, with a few wonderfully weird detours along the way.
Arrival in the Denver Area
We arrived early and started our trip by connecting with Shannon's sister and brother-in-law. Our meet-up spot?: Hammond’s Candies.
From there, we made our way to Mile High Comics. Calling Mile High Comics a “store” doesn’t quite do it justice. The place is enormous, being more of a warehouse than a shop. They had row after row of comics, collectibles, and pop culture artifacts. It’s the kind of space where time disappears quickly. I don't know what was more fun, reliving my childhood as we walked from area to area, or sharing my finds with the boys.
Afterwards, we had lunch at Sam's #3 and then checked into our hotel. For the first couple of days of our trip, we would be staying at the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center.
Water Park Day
No summer is complete without a little water fun, so the following day of our Colorado family vacation was dedicated almost entirely to the resort’s water park. Slides, a lazy river, and a reserved cabana made it easy to settle in and stay put. It was the kind of day that passes quickly, measured more by sun exposure and snack breaks than by the clock. Having a cabana as a home base made the experience feel relaxed rather than chaotic — a small luxury that paid off.
Heading north to Fort Collins
The next morning after checking out, we headed north to Lucile’s Creole Cafe in Longmont, Colorado, for breakfast.
Lucile’s is known for its New Orleans-inspired menu, and it’s one of those places where you can tell right away it has a loyal local following. We've been there before and knew to be there right when they opened.
Afterwards, we made a stop at Buc-ee’s, which somehow manages to be both overwhelming and entertaining. It’s less of a gas station and more of an experience. One that requires at least one lap just to take it all in.
Later that day, we met up with friends in Fort Collins for a low-key afternoon of bowling. Something simple and social. That evening, we moved our home base to the Embassy Suites Fort Collins, settling in for the second half of the trip.
Estes Park Day Trip
One of the highlights of our Colorado family vacation, at least for some of us, was our time in Estes Park.
We started with a ride on the Mustang Mountain Coaster, which delivered exactly what you hope for in a mountain coaster. Speed, scenery, and just enough adrenaline to make the ride memorable.
Afterward, we kept things simple with a picnic lunch, followed by a drive up to Lily Lake. We took a slow hike and took in the scenery without committing to a major trek.
Before heading back towards the greater Denver area, we took a drive past The Stanley Hotel. Even from the outside, it’s impossible to miss the sense of history and atmosphere that surrounds it, perched above Estes Park with commanding views of the valley below.
Wrapping Up
By the time we headed back, the trip felt complete without feeling rushed. Colorado delivered a mix of family time, classic attractions, unexpected finds, and moments where the plan was simply to enjoy where we were. It was the kind of trip that leaves room for reflection — and for deciding what might be worth revisiting next time.
