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<div>Get ready to take the kiddos' learning to new heights with Colo-Road Trips Educational Itineraries, trips crafted with plenty of hands-on learning, educational adventures and, of course, stops for ice cream. Each was designed with kids from kindergarten to 5th grade in mind, but the activities, outings and accommodations will be enjoyed by children of all ages — yes, that’s you, moms and dads. Supplement your trip with trivia, educational videos and games — or just hop in the car and go!</div>
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<div>Fantastic experiences await you in the Mountains &amp; Mesas region. Discover our earliest living creatures and humans, while immersing yourself in beautiful settings and awesome adventures. Watch history and science come alive in this area as you explore the remnants of dinosaurs and prairie dogs. So, get ready to load up the kids, strap in your bikes, pack your hiking boots and hit the road!</div>
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<div><a href="https://www.colorado.com/educational-colo-road-trips">Get more educational Colo-Road Trips</a></div>

Ancient History Meets Modern Fun in Mountains & Mesas

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While all that is truly needed is your kids' sense of adventure, a notebook, a writing utensil and plenty of colored pencils will come in handy.

Pencils Up! 

The Fruita Welcome Center is a great place to get an overview of the places you will go. The kids will love checking out the helicopter memorial and reading about the exploits of Butch Cassidy and the Hole in the Wall Gang. Don’t forget to snap a family pic in front of the Welcome to Colorful Colorado sign — it’s a Colorado tradition!

Welcome to Fruita: Fruita Welcome Center

Day 1, Activity 1

Where will your adventures take you? Explore the path you will take during your road trip at the Fruita Welcome Center. <a href="https://www.colorado.com/sites/default/files/mm_day_one_activity_one_v2.pdf">Get activity</a>.

All the Places You Will Go!

Hot Tomato is Fruita's locally owned and operated pizzeria! We hand make all our dough, cut our toppings fresh and source locally produced meats. Come enjoy a great pizza and a cold beer.

The Hot Tomato

Day 1, Lunch

Dinosaur Journey Museum offers the latest exhibits about prehistoric giants and features a working paleontology lab. The Museum also offers Dino Digs where you can be a paleontologist for the day at the Mygatt-Moore Quarry.
Dinosaur Journey is a regional paleontological and geological museum that tells the story of the history of life in western Colorado and surrounding areas with real fossils, cast skeletons, and reconstructions of dinosaurs. The hands-on, interactive museum includes over 15,000 fossil specimens in its collections, exhibits, and displays featuring discoveries from the region, a viewable paleontology laboratory where dinosaur bones are prepared for display, an earthquake simulator, a sandbox for making your own dinosaur tracks, and a miniature "quarry site" where kids can uncover actual Jurassic dinosaur bones.

Dinosaur Journey Museum

Day 1, Activity 2

Discover the differences between various dinosaurs at Dinosaur Journey, a great place to learn all about paleontology. <a href="https://www.colorado.com/sites/default/files/MM_Day_One_Activity_Two.pdf">Get activity</a>.

Age of the Dinosaurs

Looking for adventure? Hike a <a href="https://museumofwesternco.com/things-to-do/dinosaur-trails/">dinosaur trail</a>! <a href="https://trails.colorado.gov/places/na~1462485">Riggs Hill Trail</a> offers opportunities to learn about the paleontology, history, geology and geography of the area. <a href="https://www.colorado.com/sites/default/files/MM_Day_One_Extra_Credit_2.pdf">Get extra credit activity</a>.

Adventure on Riggs Hill Trail

Make your way east toward Grand Junction from Fruita.

It’s time to ride out! 

Everyone in your family group will love munching on tacos at locals'-favorite TacoParty. From fish to fried chicken, there's a taco with your your name on it. They also serve "kids" tacos with lots of cheesy goodness — and soft-serve ice cream!

TacoParty

Day 1, Dinner

Bounce away pent-up energy at this incredible indoor playground. In addition to thousands of square feet of trampolines, the whole family will have fun on bouncy basketball and dodgeball courts, the climbing wall, slackline and more. Little jumpers under 46 inches tall can have a ball in their own special area.

Get Air at the Silo Trampoline Park

Day 1, Activity 3

Visiting in the summer? Learn to wakeboard at <a href="https://imondiwakezone.com/">Imondi Wake Zone</a>, Colorado’s only wakeboarding park. The unique cable-wakeboarding system means no boat required! Splash around at the aqua park with bouncy floats, jumps, slides and more. Then try your hand at paddleboarding, or just cool off in this unique water park.

Imondi Wake Zone

Grand Junction's premier destination for travelers who seek an upscale, boutique — and at the same time uniquely down-to-earth — "New West" experience. Located on the Colorado Mesa University campus, we offer an unparalleled location that serves as your base camp for interacting with the university and/or exploring the natural beauty and outdoor recreation that surrounds us.
Breathtaking Landscapes While all the best features of CMU’s campus are a short walk from the hotel, guests can also enjoy close proximity to mountains, rivers, and hiking trails. Plus, the local shops, galleries, and music venues of Downtown Grand Junction are just over a mile away.
Rooftop Drinks &amp; Dinner Whether you’re looking to settle in and study with a freshly-brewed cappuccino at Betty’s Coffee, or you’d like to savor regional fare and craft cocktails with a view at <a href="https://www.devilskitchenrestaurant.com/?utm_source=colorado.com&amp;utm_medium=listing&amp;utm_campaign=hotel_business_listing&#9;https://">Devil’s Kitchen</a>, Hotel Maverick features elevated dining with flavors inspired by our rustic surroundings.

Hotel Maverick

Day 1, Lodging

Main Street Bagels Artisan Bakery & Cafe

Day 2, Breakfast

Sheer-walled canyons, monoliths, colorful formations, bighorn sheep, soaring eagles and a spectacular road reflect the environment and history of plateau-and-canyon country. Hike, camp, picnic, rock climb, take ranger-led tours and drive historic Rim Rock Drive.

Colorado National Monument

Day 2, Activity 1

Just how did all those geologic features get created in Colorado National Monument? Learn the answers and more while enjoying art time as you sketch the monument’s fantastical geological features. <a href="https://www.colorado.com/sites/default/files/MM_Day_Two_Activity_One_V2.pdf">Get activity</a>.

A Changing Landscape

The Mountains &amp; Mesas region of Colorado is world-renowned for its mountain biking trails. Don’t miss a chance to check out the wide variety of trails from <a href="https://www.gofruita.com/thingstodo/fruita-mountain-biking">Fruita</a> to <a href="https://www.visitgrandjunction.com/biking-trails">Grand Junction</a> to <a href="https://www.visitpalisade.com/blog/plungeandplay">Palisade</a> and beyond. You’ll find something for every skill set, but <a href="https://trails.colorado.gov/trails/rustlers-loop-23516">Rustler’s Loop</a> is not to be missed! Interpretive signs along this beginner-to-intermediate trail educate new and seasoned riders about everything from cornering and climbing to trail etiquette and the local ecology.

Entering Mountain Bike Territory

Who says you can't make beer in wine country? We brew innovative American style beer with respect to the traditional roots of craft brewing.

Palisade Brewing Company

Day 2, Lunch 

Drive to Delta via the <a href="https://www.colorado.com/byways/grand-mesa">Grand Mesa scenic byway,</a> where you’ll pass through old-growth forests, lush meadows and huge stands of aspen trees. Can you count how many lakes you see? There are more than 200 on the Grand Mesa!
If there’s time, take a slight detour to the historical ranger observatory at the Land’s End area. You will be able to see all the way to Utah and central Colorado from this view point. The <a href="https://www.visitgrandjunction.com/listing/lands-end-observatory/711/">Land’s End Observatory</a> is approximately 10 miles off the main Grand Mesa scenic byway.

Grand Mesa & Land's End

Step back in time and visit the replica of an 1820's era historic fur trading center and learn about the history of the earliest days of commerce on Colorado's Western Slope.

Fort Uncompahgre Interpretive Center

Day 2, Activity 2

Travel back in time at Fort Uncompahgre and learn about the trading that took place in the area years before Colorado was a state. <a href="https://www.colorado.com/sites/default/files/MM_Day_Two_Activity_Two.pdf">Get activity</a>.

Stone Age to Iron Age

Our pizzas contain 100 percent real cheese with delicious toppings piled high on our freshly made pizza dough. While our pastas are smothered in a thick, rich homemade marinara sauce with your choice of meatballs or Italian sausage made from Mama's secret recipe.

Daveto's Italian Restaurant

Day 2, Dinner

As you wrap up the day, see how much you remember from Colorado National Monument and Fort Uncompahgre. <a href="https://www.colorado.com/sites/default/files/MM_Day_Two_Trivia.pdf">Get trivia activity</a>.

How Much Do You Remember?

Head out on a scavenger hunt to see how many murals you can find in Delta, nicknamed “The City of Murals.” Can you find the hardware store? You’ll do a double-take deciding if it’s real or a painting. Ask everyone to choose their favorite mural and explain why they like it.

City of Delta Murals

Day 2, Activity 3

Check out <a href="https://www.cityofdelta.net/parksrecgolf/park/confluence-park">Confluence Park in Delta</a> and explore its brand-new bike-pump track and miles of riverside trails for biking, hiking or simply strolling. Cast a fishing line or put in for a paddle on the 70-acre lake.

Playtime in Confluence Park

Your shady oasis for recouperation after a day of adventure on the Western Slope. Pet friendly, renovated hotel rooms with private patios. FHU RV Spots with renovated bathhouse and new gas grill station. SUP, Kayak &amp; Tube Rentals for our Gunnison River natural boat ramp

Riverwood Resort on the Gunnison

Day 3, Lodging

A charming coffee shop in a historic building. We use delicious fair trade, organic, shade grown coffee. We bake handmade pastries. Cozy seating.

Doghouse Espresso

Day 3, Breakfast

Drive to the main (south) entrance of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park via Hwy. 50.

Let’s head to Black Canyon of the Gunnison!

No other canyon in North America combines the narrow opening, sheer walls, and startling depths offered by the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. Hiking and ranger-guided programs.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Day 3, Activity 1

Capture this shockingly beautiful geological wonder through words by writing a poem about the vistas at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. <a href="https://www.colorado.com/sites/default/files/MM_Day_Three_Activity_One.pdf">Get activity</a>.

Poetic Canyon

<a href="https://www.nps.gov/cure/index.htm">Curecanti National Recreation Area</a> is home to some amazing animals, including the very communicative Gunnison Prairie Dogs. <a href="https://www.colorado.com/sites/default/files/MM_Day_Three_Extra_Credit.pdf">Get extra credit activity</a>.

Talking Dogs at Curecanti National Recreation Area

Head over to Gunnison for some serious grub after your expedition through the national park.

Get Some Grub in Gunnison

Relax on the shady patio while you plan your afternoon adventures. The kids will love the choices on the Little Shredder’s menu, and the grownups can’t go wrong with wraps, salads, subs and burgers. Don’t forget fries and onion rings for the table!

Backcountry Cafe

Day 3, Lunch

If you’ve never seen river surfing, it is a sight to behold! You’ll all be amazed watching kayakers and surfers navigate the obstacles at <a href="https://gunnisoncrestedbutte.com/visit/trip-planning/things-to-do/boating/">Gunnison Whitewater Park</a>. Stretch your legs on a walk along the nature trail that meanders through the riparian habitat. Be sure to pick up a brochure at the start to help you identify the various trees, shrubs and wildflowers.

Gunnison Whitewater Park

Once you’ve explored the park, hop in the car and head over to Crested Butte.

Cruise to Crested Butte

What happens when all the snow melts and the sun shines bright and warm? Wildflowers! Crested Butte is known throughout Colorado for its spectacular wildflowers, and you’ll get their full effect on this easy, family-friendly trail.

Lower Loop Trail

Day 3, Activity 2

So much natural beauty greets a visitor on Lower Loop Trail. How can we protect this trail, as well as ALL of Colorado’s outdoors, now and in the future? By following the seven Care for Colorado Principles. <a href="https://www.colorado.com/sites/default/files/MM_Day_Three_Activity_Two.pdf">Get activity</a>.

Care for Colorado — Emoji Style

Come taste for yourself why we have been voted Best Pizza in Crested Butte every year since 2002 when we opened!

Secret Stash

Day 3, Dinner

Soar as high as the mountains on the park's zipline and bungee trampolines and get an extra rush of adrenaline on the bag jump. Even the little ones can reach their peak on the rock-climbing pinnacle, where there are three levels of routes to both challenge and reward.

Crested Butte Summer Adventure Park

Day 3, Activity 3

Soak in the summer views with a scenic ride on the<a href="https://www.skicb.com/explore-the-resort/activities-and-events/cb-bike-park/bike-haul-tickets.aspx"> Silver Queen Express chairlift</a>. Travel round trip, or unload at the top for a family-friendly hike.

Summer Chairlift Rides

The warmth of a family inn; the value and convenience of a hotel. The Old Town Inn provides spacious, clean rooms, friendly staff, and great amenities. We're proud to be TripAdvisor GreenPartners and Certificate of Excellence winners.

Old Town Inn

The W Cafe is the place the locals hang out for breakfast and lunch. Voted best breakfast by the people, 2001-2017. We have very fast and efficient service.  Dine in, Take out, and DELIVERY.

W Cafe

Day 4, Breakfast

Located in the breathtaking Western Slope of Colorado, the Ute Indian Museum in Montrose connects the historic and contemporary lives and culture of the Ute peoples, showing their deep traditions of adaptation and persistence through stunning exhibitions and features. The largest feature is the <a href="https://www.historycolorado.org/exhibit/ute-indian-museum-grounds">Ute Ethnobotany Garden</a>, a haven for plants native to the Western Slope which have been used by Colorado's longest continuous residents for generations. The garden includes panels detailing the nutritional, medicinal, and practical uses of various plants and is joined by the new <a href="https://www.historycolorado.org/exhibit/ute-indian-museum-grounds">Naturescape Playground</a>, an innovative public space where kids and families can connect with Mother Nature.

Ute Indian Museum

Day 4, Activity 1

One of the most popular exhibits at the Ute Indian Museum is the hands-on teepee exhibit. Explore the display and compare the nomadic life of living in a teepee to your life today. <a href="https://www.colorado.com/sites/default/files/MM_Day_Four_Activity_One.pdf">Get activity</a>.

Nomadic Life

Please join us for some old time favorites, delicious seasonal specials, craft beers and kombucha on tap, and delicious cocktails and drinks. We can't wait to share our passion for "farm to trailer" with you!

Eatery 66

Day 4, Lunch

Ridgway, Colorado, long known as the birthplace of the Rio Grande Southern Railroad, is the home of a museum dedicated to the preservation of the history of railroading in Ouray County and surrounding areas.

Ridgway Railroad Museum

Day 4, Activity 2

Ridgway Railroad Museum has three of the seven original Galloping Geese on-site. Find out what makes these one-of-a-kind railcars stand out. <a href="https://www.colorado.com/sites/default/files/MM_Day_Four_Activity_Two.pdf">Get activity</a>.

Galloping Goose

Take the kids on an <a href="https://trails.colorado.gov/trails/box-canyon-falls-21124">easy hike</a> to these stunning waterfalls. Interpretive trails throughout <a href="https://www.visitouray.com/box-canyon-falls">Box Canyon Falls Park</a> will guide you through learning about snowmelt, flora and fauna. Stop in the visitor’s center for more information.

Box Canyon Falls Park

The Outlaw Restaurant still has the same sign hung in 1969. Those who return come back with happy memories of the past, while newcomers take away experiences they will fondly remember.

Outlaw Restaurant

Day 4,  Dinner

Now that you’ve visited the Ute Indian Museum and Ridgway Railroad Museum, let’s see how much you remember. <a href="https://www.colorado.com/sites/default/files/MM_Day_Four_Trivia.pdf">Get trivia activity</a>.

Nearly one million gallons of clear hot springs water, without the sulfur smell common in many hot springs. There are 3 pools ranging from 80 to 105 degree, plus lap lanes and a Wibit obstacle course and slides, which are open in the summer. Some areas are shallow enough for toddlers (parents must be within arms reach) and have benches.

Ouray Hot Springs Swimming Pool

Day 4, Activity 3

Enjoy comfort, luxury and many amenities! Indoor and outdoor hot springs, free full breakfast, air-conditioned rooms and jeep rentals available. Suites and family rooms.

Twin Peaks Lodge & Hot Springs

Day 4, Lodging

Consider adding on a day trip to <a href="https://www.telluride.com/">Telluride</a>. Once a small mining community, the town is now famous for its slopes and peaks. You’ll also enjoy a spectacular drive before learning about the town’s rich history. Delve into the past at the Tomboy Ghost Town or take a free scenic gondola ride. Bonus points if you can find out how Telluride got its name!

Telluride Day Trip

Come enjoy breakfast, lunch, or just a pastry and coffee, in a cozy little restaurant on main street, Ouray CO. Located at the south side of town, right on Main Street, in the old Wright Opera house.

Artisan Bakery & Cafe

Day 5, Breakfast

Experience the adventure of traveling by a historic steam-powered or diesel locomotive on the same tracks miners, cowboys and settlers of the Old West took over a century ago. Wind through spectacular and breathtaking canyons in the remote wilderness of the two-million-acre San Juan National Forest for an unforgettable journey.

Please note: The Durango &amp; Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is open and is running year-round.

<a href="https://www.durangotrain.com/cascade-canyon-winter-train#.X5cRi1NKi3I/?utm_source=colorado_com&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=sponsoredarticle">The Cascade Canyon Winter Train</a> and <a href="https://www.durangotrain.com/events/polar-express%E2%84%A2-train-ride#.X5cRxlNKi3I/?utm_source=colorado_com&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=sponsoredarticle">The POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride</a> begin running mid-November. 

<a href="https://www.colorado.com/articles/durango-silverton-narrow-gauge-railroad-train-colorado-backcountry-packages">Read more about adventures on the Durango Train.</a>

Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and Museum

Day 5, Activity 1

As you immerse yourself in the mountain scenery and the magic of traveling by train, capture the experience by writing a letter to friends and family detailing the highlights of your trip on the Durango &amp; Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. <a href="https://www.colorado.com/sites/default/files/MM_Day_Five_Activity_One.pdf">Get activity</a>.

Scenic Letter

Learn about gold mining in the area during a tour of the <a href="http://www.minetour.com/">Old Hundred Gold Mine</a>. At the end of your tour, try your hand at gold panning and take home what you find! <a href="https://www.colorado.com/sites/default/files/MM_Day_Five_Extra_Credit_2.pdf">Get extra credit activity</a>.

Panning for Gold at the Old Hundred Gold Mine

With delicious and affordable cocktails, wine by the glass, and a lengthy list of canned and draft beers the bar has something for everyone. Come on down and join us for a sandwich and if you feel like, a cold one.

2nd Deli & Spirits

Day 5, Lunch

You choose the adventure at Santa Rita Park in Durango. Hop on your bikes to explore the mountain-bike trails, hike the Animas River Trail or try your luck at fly-fishing.

Santa Rita Park

Day 5, Activity 2

Extend your stay with a side trip to <a href="https://visitpagosasprings.com/">Pagosa Springs</a>. The kids will love tubing on this gentle stretch of the San Juan River while parents soak in the natural hot springs.

Side Trip in Pagosa Springs

Steamworks Brewing Co. offers much more than just award-winning craft beer. Our "gastropub" fare includes regional meats and sustainable seafood. Healthy salads, delicious pizzas and spicy Southwestern-style dishes provide something for everyone.

Steamworks Brewing Co.

Day 5, Dinner

The Powerhouse Science Center is Southwest Colorado's hands-on, interactive science center for all ages. Open year-round, the center is a dynamic place for family adventure, field trips, early childhood learning, special events, and plain “geeking out.”

Powerhouse Science Center

Day 5, Activity 3

There’s so much to explore at the Powerhouse Science Center. This K-W-L activity helps narrow your focus to one or two exhibits you want to learn more about. Not familiar with K-W-L? It’s an easy way to identify what you already know, what you want to know and what you learned! <a href="https://www.colorado.com/sites/default/files/MM_Day_Five_Activity_Two.pdf">Get activity</a>.

Scientifically Speaking

Take a spin or stroll on the Animas River Trail, splash in the indoor pool, then settle into your room with beautiful river views. Road-weary kiddos will love the fact that you can walk to downtown for dinner, shopping and exploring.

Doubletree Hotel

Day 5, Lodging

Grab fresh-brewed coffee, smoothies, specialty frozen-espresso drinks and breakfast burritos.

Fahrenheit Coffee Roasters

Day 6, Breakfast

Get up bright and early and make your way toward Cortez.

Early birds get the worm!

We want to welcome you as our guest to the nation's richest archeological preserve, where amazing cliff dwellings and more than 4,000 ancient sites.

Mesa Verde National Park

Day 6, Activity 1

Learn what the notable features of Mesa Verde’s cliff dwellings are and how the Ancestral Puebloans lived at Spruce Tree House in Mesa Verde National Park. <a href="https://www.colorado.com/sites/default/files/MM_Day_Six_Activity_One_2.pdf">Get activity</a>.

Spruce Tree House

Dig into kid-sized portions of authentic Mexican favorites like quesadillas, enchiladas, tacos and burritos. For the more discerning palates, there’s also chicken fingers, corn dogs or mac and cheese. Adults will savor some of the best Mexican food in southwest Colorado.

La Casita de Cortez

Day 6, Lunch

Travel back in time at the Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center as you explore the museum focusing on Ancestral Puebloan, Native American and other historic cultures in the Four Corners region. Venture just outside the museum to discover the Escalante Pueblo, a compact village of the mid-1100s, and the Dominguez Pueblo, a four-room structure that was likely home to one or two families.

Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center & Museum

Day 6, Activity 2

Find out which native plants can be found in the area and how they were used by Ancestral Puebloans at Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center &amp; Museum. <a href="https://www.colorado.com/sites/default/files/MM_Day_Six_Activity_Two.pdf">Get activity</a>.

Native Plants 

Now that you’ve experienced Mesa Verde National Park and Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center and Museum, it's time to see how much you remember. <a href="https://www.colorado.com/sites/default/files/MM_Day_Six_Trivia.pdf">Get trivia activity</a>.

Mexican restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, coffee and drinks.

Montezuma Restaurant

Day 6, Dinner

Here there's plenty of trails to thrill every little ripper in the family, as well as the bigger ones. It's a great opportunity for the whole family to hone their skills, learn new ones and learn about trail stewardship.

Phil’s World Trail System Mountain Biking & Hiking Trails

Day 6, Activity 3

Didn’t bring bikes? That’s OK. <a href="https://www.ptpdurango.com/rentals">Pedal the Peaks</a> has everything you need!

Pedal the Peaks Bike Rentals

These trails are open to hikers, too, so be sure to share the trail. Need a trail etiquette refresher? Check out this fun <a href="https://www.colorado.com/videos/care-colorado-stick-trails">Care for Colorado video</a>. You’ll find a handy bike-tool stand at the trailhead, along with picnic tables, porta-potties and a donation box. Many trails are built and maintained by volunteer trail groups, such as the <a href="https://swcocycling.clubexpress.com/">Southwest Colorado Cycling Club</a>, so consider making a donation. Every little bit helps!

Care for Colorado: The Etiquette of Trails

Rated NUMBER ONE out of ALL lodging choices in Cortez, Colorado by TRIPADVISOR!! Award winning property! Microwaves and Refridgerators in EVERY room! FREE unlimited, Hi-Speed Wired &amp; Wireless Internet!  Rates drop October 24th so come see us this winter! (970)565-6000

Holiday Inn Express - Mesa Verde

Day 6, Lodging

Take a side trip to <a href="https://navajonationparks.org/">Four Corners National Monument</a>, where you can stand in four states at once or race between the states. You can also learn more about the Navajo Nation. It’s a unique experience the kids will never forget.