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Colorado National Parks
19
items Seven days. Six nights. Two kids. One big dog. Three National Parks. Endless Memories.
These are our recommendations coming out of our 2025 National Parks road trip.
Map
Sections
5
Black Canyon of the Gunnison
Mesa Verde
Great Sand Dunes
Gear that’s Good
Substack Resources
Black Canyon of the Gunnison
We started our 2025 trip at Black Canyon of the Gunnison. Here’s our list of recommendations for that part of the state.
Just 20 minutes from Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Lady Bird Coffee was a fantastic stop with delicious coffee and yummy eats. Great indoor and outdoor seating (that is pet friendly).
Ladybird Cafe | Colorado bakery and coffee shop |
Located at the south rim of the canyon, we’ve stayed at this campground twice and enjoyed it.
Pro tip: Book with plenty of time. Last minute reservations are usually unavailable and day of
is not an option.
South Rim Campground - Black Canyon Of The Gunnison
With gorgeous views (trust me), the Rim Rock trail is perfect for a family or solo walk. It is also one of a handful of dog friendly trails at Black Canyon.
Pro Tip: take a short run on the trail at sunrise.
Hike Rim Rock Trail - South Rim (U.S. National Park Service)
Mesa Verde
Arguably our least favorite on our 2025 trip was Mesa Verde. Here are a few tips and tricks.
Camping at Mancos State Park is perfect if you are visiting Mesa Verde. It is beautification, affordable, and close to the national park.
Mancos State Park
The ideal but also only way to ensure that you get a tour at Mesa Verde is by booking one online ahead of time.
Note, these are not all kid friendly and no pets are allowed.
Cliff Dwelling Tours - Mesa Verde
Great Sand Dunes
We love Great Sand Dunes! Check out some of our reasons why!!
We thoroughly enjoyed our experience with Ramble in 2025. It feels like the perfect hybrid between camping and glamping. Lots of amenities and super cool sites.
Ramble Camp
Hands-down the best activity at Sand Dunes is sand boarding. Grab a board (rental) as you are headed into the park. Half day or full-time are options.
Sandboarding and Sand Sledding - Great Sand Dunes National Park
Gear that’s Good
The gear we took on our trip made all the difference. Here’s some of our top recommendations.
Our son loves his Kidamento camera and used it throughout our entire national parks road trip.
Koko the Panda Instant Print Digital Camera for Kids - Easy, Durable
We have used and loved our Wawona 6 for the last 4+ year and have taken it on 2 national parks road trips. It had ample space and is simple to set up and tear down.
Wawona 6 Tent
If you like a little cushion when you sleep on the ground, we’d recommend a Thermarest sleep mat.
Sleeping Pads | Backpacking & Camping | Therm-a-Rest
Simple to use, sleek, and great for a family of four.
Cascade™ Classic Camping Stove
The perfect catch-all, carry-all bag for camping and adventure gear.
Mountain Gear Bag | Durable Storage for Adventures
Part of the perfect setup for capturing content during your adventures.
DJI Osmo Mobile SE 3-Axis Phone Gimbal
Part of the perfect setup for capturing content while adventuring.
Camera Tripod for Smartphones & Gimbals
Substack Resources
If you’re interested in learning more about what we loved, what we didn’t, and our general travel trips, check out these resources.
A Substack post sharing about our national park adventure.
Wild & Wander: Our Family Road Trip Across Colorado
A Substack sharing the raw and real reality of traveling with kids.
From Snacks to Sand Dunes: Our Honest Experience Traveling Colorado with Two Kids
A Substack highlighting the pros and cons of national park visits with a pup.
🐾 Dog-Tired and Happy: Our Pup’s National Park Road Trip
A Substack sharing what we packed and how it factored into our national parks trip.
🎒What We Packed (and Actually Used): Family Camping Gear + Snacks That Saved Us
Where it all began for us…
Roaming with the Rattles on Instagram