While Colorado and Wyoming may seem like an intimidating expanse of land to navigate by car, there is a way to see the highlights—working ranches, bison herds, the most complete allosaurus skeleton ever found—without risking an endless chorus of "Are we there yet?" This route, which begins in Denver and ends in Boulder, lets kids experience the mountains and plains that define our frontier history. Along the way, they can ride horses, hike, even play pinball at a retro arcade. Whether you lean toward Colorado's Crocs or Wyoming's cowboy boots, this trip embraces the best of the West—with plenty of old and just enough wild.
Day 1
Denver to Fort Collins
89 miles
From Denver, drive north on Bypass 85 to Greeley, famous for its Fourth of July rodeo, the Greeley Stampede. Grab lunch at The Egg and I (2305 W. 27th St., 970-392-1191) or a cone at the Mad Cow Creamery (800 Ninth St., 970-356-2715) before checking out the old covered wagons at Centennial Village Museum (1475 A St., 970-350-9224).
On your way north to Fort Collins, stop by the Swetsville Zoo (4801 E. Harmony Rd., 970-484-9509), a sculpture park that contains more than 160 animals made of old car parts and scrap metal. Don't miss the pterodactyls playing the drums.
When you get to Fort Collins, check into the Armstrong Hotel ($; 259 S. College Ave., 970-484-3883), where you can borrow a cruiser bike to pedal around on. Try the Colorado reuben at Choice City Butcher & Deli (104 W. Olive St., 970-490-2489), then stop by the New Belgium Brewing Company (500 Linden St., 970-221-0524) for a tour of the brewery and a free beer tasting (kids get flavored seltzer).
Anglers can then head to St. Peter's Fly Shop (202 Remington St., 970-498-8968), which teaches fly-tying classes on Saturdays; guides run full-day float trips all week.
Next Page: Fort Collins to Laramie
