Great Sand Dunes National Park
You might forget you’re in Colorado when you take a trip to the Great Sand Dunes National Park. The largest sand dunes in North America began forming in the shadow of the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range more than 400,000 years ago because of a perfect dynamic among streams, wind and the mountains. It is located just 190 miles south from Monument. You can continue the odyssey by visiting the nearby Colorado Gators Reptile Park in Mosca, Colorado. After that, maybe travel over to visit one of the hot springs in Alamosa or Pagosa Springs, Colorado.
Moab, Utah
The beauty of the desert southwest is only a partial day’s drive from here. With its beautiful red rocks and two national parks, Moab is a great getaway spot. We especially enjoy the spring months before the crowds get too big. Famous with mountain bikers and ATV enthusiasts as well as hikers and photographers. Moab is 400 miles west of Monument.
Telluride, COlorado
Telluride, Colorado is an annual trip for our family. The rugged San Juan mountains provide endless opportunities to get out into one of the most scenic areas in Colorado. Hiking, fly fishing, leaf peeping, and incredible views whichever direction you go from town. Expect costs to be a little higher than other places, but it’s worth it. 320 miles southwest of Monument.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Great all year, but especially as a fall trip to see the changing colors and watch the elk rut. Rocky Mountain National Park’s 415 square miles encompass and protect spectacular mountain environments. Enjoy Trail Ridge Road – which crests at over 12,000 feet including many overlooks to experience the subalpine and alpine worlds – along with over 300 miles of hiking trails, wildflowers, wildlife, starry nights, and fun times. In a world of superlatives, Rocky is on top! About 120 miles north of Monument.
Mueller State Park
One of the first places we camped in Colorado. Mueller State Park is a Colorado state park encompassing 5,112 acres of land outside Divide, Colorado, southwest of Colorado Springs, Colorado. The park offers many outdoor activities. There are 55 miles of trails, biking, camping year-round, hunting, hiking, horseback riding. Right at the western base of Pikes Peak and less than 50 miles (only 1.5 hours) drive from us.
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park was one of the first places we visited as a family and have returned to several times in all the seasons. People visit Yellowstone and discover an amazing variety of experiences and destinations. We hope you'll have fun, make lifelong memories, and enjoy this special place as well. Yellowstone offers 12 campgrounds with over 2,000 sites. Click here for their campground information.