We camped 3 nights at the Juniper Campground! The campsite, restrooms, camp hosts, and wildlife visitors were ALL absolutely delightful!! We did several nice hikes and enjoyed them all!! Instead of the Lighthouse Trail, we decided to make it a loop with Givens, Spicer and Lowry to the Lighthouse and Paseo del Rio! We were glad we did! The Lighthouse portion a of that loop was really the least scenic!! What a wonderful place to explore! Texas State Parks does a GREAT JOB!! Thank you!!

We really enjoyed hiking! We did the CCC Trail and the Rock Garden both were absolutely gorgeous. The Rock Garden was very challenging but definitely had the wow factor! We had a really great time. The roadrunner was so cute such a perfect touch of nature in the park.

Beautiful area. The biking loops were pedally and fun. There’s a bike rack on the lighthouse trail before the steep section. The campgrounds are nice, the one we popped into had water, flushing toilets and showers. We didn’t find out the overnight price. Lots of space on a Monday in November.

Absolutely beautiful state park in America’s second largest canyon. Well preserved and maintained, with a road that goes from the rim—and the visitors center—to the bottom, without too many hairpin turns. There’s even a Trading Post that sells food and drink in the canyon (including ice cream!). In terms of hikes, highly recommend Lighthouse Trail—2.8 miles in and 2.8 back—as well as the big cave at the end of the paved road. Super beautiful, mostly flat, and doable with kids.

My family enjoyed visiting the canyon. The big cave was pretty cool to walk, too. Most of the trails were closed off though. The amphitheater had a show that was pretty neat. The gift shop has tons to choose from. There is plenty of wildlife to walking around

Lots of hiking trails, there were showers and bathrooms at multiple different camp sites. This place gets very hot in the summer. You need to pack at least a half gallon or more per a person. Always bring water for your dog.

Located south of Amarillo Texas, and quite a ways off the beaten path is Palo Duro Canyon State Park. This State Park can give many National Parks a run for the money. What an amazing place. Palo Duro Canyon is the second largest canyon in the United States and the park offers wonderful facilities facilities including a cliffside visitors center, gift shops, restaurant, amphitheater, campgrounds including a camp store, restroom and shower, facilities a scenic drive through the park with stunning views of the canyon and miles of hiking trails. We camped in the canyon and had an awesome stay. Palo Duro Canyon State Park was well worth the trip. A must see if you are in the Amarillo area.

The performance was amazing, you’re not allowed to take pictures or videos. The pictures posted with this review were taken before the announcement. Kudos to all the performers for their talent and enduring the heat while singing and dancing for 2+ hours. All staff were very friendly, knowledgeable, and more than willing to help find your seats. If possible, buy your tickets in advance at the box office to avoid all extra online fees. They have a few pricing options, but really there’s no bad seats in the amphitheater so go for the lower price option. They give military and first responder (and a few others) discounts. Also, wait for intermission for better priced popcorn. Lol

We didn’t stay for a show, but even just driving through, the Pioneer Amphitheatre blew us away. The setup is truly impressive—tucked right into the canyon walls with incredible natural acoustics and a dramatic backdrop. You can tell it would be an unforgettable place to watch a performance, especially with the red rock formations lit up at night. Definitely adding it to the list for our next visit!

Best show! Impressed by the stellar performances of the cast, and especially through the rain, thunder, lightning, slipping and falling, they all persevered. Thank you to the cast for sharing your gifts. Kudos to the crew also. Thanks to the staff fir keeping us safe. The BBQ dinner was amazing and a great part of the experience. Worth the time waiting through the storm and sitting in the rain in ponchos! Will definitely come back and recommend to friends!

Texas Musical- Palo Duro Canyon State Park was a really great production! We’ve thought about going to see it many times, but this was our first. The story was a little cheesy and hard to follow at times, however, that was all overshadowed by the gorgeous canyon backdrop, elaborate dance numbers, beautiful costumes, exciting special effects, talented live musicians, and the overall patriotic message! The set was really more than I expected. For seating, we were top row center and I really think it was great because the stage is pretty wide so this gave us a great view without straining to look at one side or the other. #theonlyplaceyoucanseeforeverandstillseenothingatall #onlyinTexas

Enjoyed a Tuesday night show last night while camping at Palo Duro Canyon State Park. The musical was great, lots of dancing & interesting story. The backdrop pf the canyon was magnificent. The show was very patriotic, the water canyon light show & fire 🔥 plot line were all interesting. Would definitely recommend. There are concession stands & drinks bar outside amphitheater.

This is one of the most incredible and brilliantly created show with extremely talented people ever! Very Patriotic, history telling, inspiring and entertaining for people of all ages! Long drive to get there but so worth it so I'm coming back with more family and friends! Thank you to the production team and all performers for an amazing job and keeping this gem of a show going for years and years to come!

The performance of the cast and ensemble was seriously so stellar, felt on par if not better than plays of broadway like production. Such a cool atmosphere with the outdoor stage. I want to give a special shoutout to Brian helping guide the flow of traffic and pass out waters and also trying to help me find my parents when they were potentially lost on the CCC trail - he’s a real king.

I ABSOLUTELY loved my ride. I got to ride Rio and he is a very good sure footed old boy. 🩷 The trail along the canyon was beautiful and fun. Definitely a ride for anyone, I have taken many trails along the U.S. and I gotta say to put this one on the map. Melissa and Blair were so sweet, thorough, and a pleasure to meet. The horses at this facility are very well cared and taken care of that is easy to see. I’m looking forward to coming back. I called and chatted with Phylis and is was an easy booking the ride. Thanks 🩷🤣

SUCHHH AN AMAZING EXPERIENCE! Allison and Katelyn were the best adventure guides. They are so sweet, helpful, and super knowledgeable in their history and horse facts. We did the 2 hour sunset ride and I couldn’t recommend enough!!

Cowgirls and Cowboys is very good at instructing you on just about everything to expect. The horses look very well taken care of. The trail has beautiful views and the canyon is even better! We got to see a coyote and a buck.

My boyfriend and I had a fantastic experience riding along the canyons. Melissa and Alison were kind, funny and informative tour guides! We learned a lot about the history of the canyon, saw beautiful views, and made great memories along the way.

Absolutely unforgettable experience! Our 2-hour ride with Cowgirls and Cowboys in the West in Amarillo, Texas was hands down the highlight of our trip. The beauty of the Texas landscape, with its wide-open sky and the ride to the rim of the breathtaking Palo Duro Canyon, was something we’ll never forget. One of the most special moments was having our picture taken right on the canyon’s edge, an incredible keepsake that perfectly captured the magic of the day. What made the experience even more memorable were our amazing wranglers: Breeyn, Katilin, and Alison. They thoughtfully chose each guest a horse to match their experience as a rider. Their patience and encouragement were constant throughout the ride, and their passion for what they do really shone through. They shared fascinating stories and history of the area, and it was easy to see they genuinely cared about both the horses and the guests. It was also very evident the horses loved all three wranglers. ♥ This was more than just a horseback ride—it was an authentic and heartwarming western adventure. Can’t recommend it enough. We’ll absolutely be back! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This is an absolute must! It was such a fun way to see the canyon. Bailey and Alison were amazing and did a great job of explaining everything, making sure you were paired with the right horse and making it such an enjoyable experience!! 100% would recommend. We will definitely be doing it again if we are out that way again! Reno was so much fun to ride and my husband loved riding Whiskey.

Loved Alison and Katelyn! Their knowledge of the various horses and the canyon's history was incredibly helpful. We had great weather and a lovely sunset! Thanks!

Saw the reviews and had to visit myself. So much fun learning about the Panhandle Plains. My 8 year old loved it, her favorite part was Pioneer Town. Really enjoyed our visit and we learned so much.

Having been to the varied Smithsonians, this is either equal to or exceeds the collection of American History. From wagons to Autos, from dinosaurs to drilling for oil, this museum surpasses many museums. The artifacts are real and not just a diorama. I will be back to learn more...totally great place!

Was here about ten years ago, very nice. Supposedly closed for several months now because it needs 110million dollar upgrade to the fire suppression system ... What!!! Trump's new ballroom is gonna be $250million total.

This is a phenomenal find. We took a day to explore the exhibits to include dinosaurs, oil exploration and drilling, indigenous people, cattle ranchers, and cow boys. The auto and firearm exhibits were my favorite. Parking is behind the building with the entrance on 4th. If you'r disabled there is parking in this lot near the back door. Ignore the sign at the rear entrance to go around front. The door is open, and you can ask the security guard to walk through to the front ticket counter.

I have wanted to visit the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum for a few years, but it is closed until they can fix some things in the building

This was the place to go for families that enjoy learning. The interactive learning was the best part for my children. The art galleries were amazing and wonderful. The bone exhibit was quite spectacular. The best part is that it took two and a half hours to thoroughly see all that there was to see. It is definitely worth the money.

This was a very informative museum. There were several hands on type of exhibits for the little ones. Our daughter was able to sit in a side saddle and a regular saddle, open drawers to reveal artifacts on display, and an Adobe structure to crawl through. There was a nice historical video playing in the movie theatre. This was a nice way to spend an hour or two. Entrance fees were $3 for children, 10 for veterans, and 12 for adults. Also close to down town Canyon, restaurants, and bakeries.

We were thrilled to find another RV museum on our travels! (The only one we've known about is the one in Elkhart, IN.) The Sisemore RV museum is just fantastic! Great collection of vintage RV's, motorcycles, and race cars, and all the added vintage memorabilia really rounds out the collection. We LOVED that we were able to walk inside almost all of the RV's! It's a little tricky to get to the entrance (turn in by the museum flag and then drive through the open fence) but well worth the trip. Thank you Sisemore family for opening your collection to the public!🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟☺️

I visited here July 18. It was easy to find, off the access road and back behind the first building, on its north side. I hoped to see a Discoverer 25 such as one I went in at the Detroit autoshow in 1972 and did not find it, but found a lot of other rare and pivotal RVs, all restored to be in perfect shape. It is a thrill that one can stand inside them, and imagine families in the 1930s to 1970s enjoying the great outdoors. Thanks to Jack Sisemore for creating this.

I hadn't visited this Museum in a long time. I thought as long as I was in Amarillo I would go there again and see the the old rvs. Now they have a bunch of old cars I should say classic cars and motorcycles. It is free admission but it is up to each individual to leave a donation. They have a donation box right at the counter. Good idea well worth it.

This was a neat stop. It took us about 20-30 minutes to go through the museum. We really enjoyed reading all of the quick stories that were behind each RV. It was neat seeing how each one was staged and the items that were from that time period. This is a fun road side stop! It is also free.

Wonderful rv museum! It is free and they have nice restrooms and free water. There is a donation box which is not a requirement but we wanted to contribute to the museum. There are several rvs to go into. There are motorcycles and a few cars. The centerpiece is the red bus rv from the movie "RV"! It was awesome!!!!

Possibly the best stop in Amarillo! Don’t miss out on this awesome museum! Great vintage campers and the RV Happy Max bus as a bonus! Very cool! I highly recommend this place!

It was worth seeing. Understand that it is not a traditional museum because it is in a light industrial area. Yes, turn right at the sign and go through the open gate. Look for the large, open roll-up door. Not great signage but it is findable. Some interesting RVs there that take you back and help you realize how nice RVs have become. The motorcycles and race cars seem a bit incoherent, but this is a personal collection and Mr Sisemore obviously likes motorcycles and race cars. Worth seeing if you are here when they are open.

Great place to kill 15 or 20 minutes and stretch your legs. The kids were clearly having a ball spray painting the cars. Judging by the sweet truck and trailer, selling spray paint on the road side is very lucrative! It's worth the stop to get the kids out of the car if nothing else :)

🎨 A good place to visit enroute to Colorado from Texas. This place has got exactly 10 inverted cars available for painting. 🚗 We got our own paints from Walmart at $2.60 each. If you get from the Merch store here it will be $7.50 so plan accordingly. ⚠️ Take necessary precautions since this place is extremely windy and when you face the opposing wind while someone is spray painting, the paint might just get to your face and body.

This is awesome! Very iconic stop on Route 66 that absolutely lives up to its reputation. This is a MUST STOP on Route 66 and if the merch truck and trailer are you can get your paint, shirts, stickers and other memorabilia from them right there on site!

Cadillac Ranch is one of those quirky roadside attractions that perfectly captures the spirit of old Route 66. Located just west of Amarillo, Texas, it features ten vintage Cadillacs buried nose-first in the desert soil, their tail fins reaching toward the sky like a row of colorful sentinels. Layers upon layers of spray paint cover every inch of the cars, creating a constantly changing canvas that visitors from around the world add to daily. It’s free to visit, easy to access, and delightfully weird in all the right ways. Bring a can of paint if you’d like to leave your mark, or simply walk among the cars and take in the vibrant chaos of color and creativity. The wind across the plains, the crunch of gravel underfoot, and the sight of those half-buried Cadillacs make this one of the most iconic and photogenic stops along the Texas stretch of Route 66. Definitely worth a visit for anyone who appreciates Americana, art, and the beautifully bizarre.

Fun place to visit. It really reminds me of the 7 magic mountain in LV. This place is better because you can buy a spray paint and do graphite on the cars. Definitely worth to stop by but not make it a trip.

Super cool spot to stop along the way. We expected it to be packed, but we were there on a Monday afternoon and were able to make our mark on the cars. They had clean grounds, convenient truck that can sell spray paint and gifts. Loved it.

This is an iconic spot to visit on your way through town. The spot is pretty well maintained, with trash cans around for the empty spray paint cans, and a fence to keep vehicles (and motorcycles?) out. However, it isn’t obvious when you arrive that you need to park on the street and walk down to the cars, which are about 100 yards off the roadway. They could certainly make an off-street parking lot that makes parking safer and allows a shorter access to the monument. Minor details Definitely worth a break to stretch the legs on a road trip!

Capulin Volcano National Monument Review We visited Capulin Volcano National Monument in early July and really enjoyed it! The site was easy in, easy out — very convenient, especially if you're traveling with a rig or larger vehicle. It was a bit warm during our visit (typical for this time of year), so be sure to bring water and sun protection. The trails are definitely walkable, but they’re not the best maintained. It’s smart to wear pants to avoid brush and bring a walking stick for better footing. Also, be on the lookout for rattlesnakes — we were warned, though we didn’t see any ourselves. One of the most fascinating parts of the visit was seeing the lava rocks up close. Along the trails, you can spot different types of volcanic rock and old lava flow formations. It was especially interesting to see the vents and lava tubes — natural channels where the lava once flowed. You really get a sense of the power that shaped this place. Admission was $20 per vehicle (up to 15 people), and they do enforce a vehicle size limit. If your RV or rig is longer than 26 feet, you won’t be allowed to drive to the top — but if you’re towing a smaller vehicle, you can unhook and take that up instead. Best of all, the Visitor Center hands out free maps, which came in handy for navigating the area and learning more about the volcano’s history and geology.

I had visited Capulin when I was a child and went back for the first time in probably 30 years! It was so much fun driving to the top, walking the rim trail and hiking down into the crater. The hike is a bit strenuous around the rim for anyone that is not used to elevation, but so worth the view. We saw so much wildlife and enjoyed every bit of our experience. To know before you go, you purchase your pass at the visitor center before driving up. The top is over 8,000 feet in elevation and climbs quickly as you drive. If you are afraid of heights and don't like to drive without a guard rail on the outside lane, be advised, there is no guardrail 😊 If you are pulling a trailer or camper you will have to drop it at the visitor center, only vehicles are allowed up or if you are really adventurous they allow for foot traffic, but no shoulder to go up safely. Make sure to check out the exhibits and the video in the theater room at the visitor center. All in all, it's well worth the trip and climb to the top! We are definitely going back on one of their Night Sky viewing parties from the base and can't wait to take our kiddos!

This is a pretty cool place. For a small fee you get to drive up to the very tip top and walk around the crater or you could walk down inside. Beautiful scenery on the way up and down. The staff here is excellent as well.

Finally marking this off my bucket list. The Crater Rim Trail has some amazing views and well worth the less than mile hike to enjoy it. The staff were super friendly, nice, and professional. Found the Benchmark just a few feet away from the elevation sign.

Road closed due to the government shutdown. 2 miles each way plus a mile around the crater. Very interesting information boards along the way. Nice views. Very solitary on Wednesday evening in October. Can see the bottom of the crater from the upper parking lot. Clean pit bathrooms in the upper parking lot. Pinon pines with occasional nuts along the way. Crows, blue jays, deer.

This is definitely worth the detour! We saw the sign on the side of the road and decided to stop and it was really worth it. The rangers and staff were incredibly helpful and knowledgeable. The drive to the summit shows you surrounding views of the entire area. The hike down into the crater was fairly easy, and we were able to spot several deer while inside the crater

I stopped here to break up a long drive. It turned out to be a good choice. Stayed for about two hours and used my National Park pass. There is a nice trail around the top of the old volcano and into it. Couple other trails at the base if that interests you. Good views of the area. Watch out for the afternoon thunderstorms during monsoon season.

Nice place to camp. We stayed there in a class B RV. Beautiful surroundings. Only negative is our Lake Alice Loop did not have modern restrooms and showers. But our park host kept the vault toilets spotless and the sites clean. We had water and 30 amp power. The have notice regarding their water system not meeting certain standards and you are advised to boil. While there is a place to dump there was no water available there. There are reported to be modern restroom and showers at the park entrance but we did not check out.

We enjoy history and were limited on time so we opted to hike Coal Camp. The remnants were well labelled so we were able to appreciate what we were looking at the entire time. The park is well maintained. We did see numerous deer, and were not able to make it up to Mine #3 due to a brown bear blocking the route.

Beautiful Park with nice landscapes surrounding you. The park itself feels pretty small. It also has an area that's access by 4wd only which would've been nice to know in advance. No paper maps offered, limited bathrooms(and gross), and limited trails make me feel like this park is super overpriced. I enjoyed my visit, but wouldn't come back due to things listed above. Maybe if it was free... But doubt it. Too small.

The camp is so beautiful! Very quiet with low traffic. I cannot describe the peace you can find hiking on the trails. And the history! It was so cool to see the coal camp and to be able to actually see coal on the mountain side was awesome.

Really loved this NM State Park. We car camped & hiked, but there’s clearly a large draw for fishermen. Particularly enjoyed the Coal Camp trail outside of the visitor’s center & the Little Horse Mesa Trail near the Soda Pocket campground. The foliage was so green & we saw so much wildlife (elk, deer, rabbits, birds, snakes, etc.)

Great camp hosts John and Leslie in Alice campground. Awesome place to stay!! Kudos to all Those who make Sugarite State Park a GREAT place to visit.

Beautiful area, great facilities. Little horse mesa spots are a hike up to tent camp but it was a nice stay!

Pueblo Zoo is an awesome zoo, despite being smaller than Denver Zoo or Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. I went for the "Meet The African Penguins, Behind The Scenes" tour and it was absolutely outstanding. The staff handling the tour were very knowledgeable and friendly. I got to meet Quinn, who is the cuddliest penguin in Colorado, maybe even the whole world. Getting to pet and learn more about such an amazing animal has been the highlight of my year so far. I also got to see how the exhibit is maintained and managed which is also a cool peak inside the amazing effort the zoo takes to keep these animals healthy. I appreciate how the zoo directly supports conservation of endangered species and puts emphasis on ways to help in your every day life. Besides the penguins, the rest of the zoo had a bunch of cool enclosures and exhibits, a lot of great activities for children, and many historical sites from when the zoo was first built in the 1930's. Overall a great experience and I would highly recommend spending some time here. It only takes about 2-3 hours to see everything the zoo has to offer, so its easy to plan an afternoon on a weekend around. Thanks to everyone working here for providing a wonderful experience.

I read that some other reviews said it was small, and I’d have to disagree. It took us about 2 hours to see everything which is quicker than big cities zoos like St. Louis MO, however, it was (in my opinion) the perfect size! Lots of unique animals to see up close, very well taken care of animals, super friendly staff, and plenty of fun experiences. I 100% recommend! Don’t forget to donate to help their conservation efforts as well!

The zoo is a sweet little place to go and spend an afternoon or an late morning adventure. It's not very big and all the paths are sidewalked and ready for strollers or wagons or wheelchairs. The variety of animals is not very big but they have lions and kangaroos and a red panda which are very fun to see. At 3:00 they do a education, talk and feeding of the penguins which was a lot of fun to see. It's a perfect zoo for young kids and families to go. And walk around. Have a picnic lunch and finish the zoo all within a couple of hours. You'll enjoy your time there.

Always have a fun experience here! Usually can see the whole zoo in a couple hours so it's a lot smaller than others. But my kids always love it. Since it's located in a park there are plenty of other fun activities to do if you happen to go through the whole zoo faster than expected. The earlier you get there the less crowded it is.

It was super fun, not too many people and was really cool with cool animals

Boo at the zoo, fantastic event, we'll put together and more than enough trickery treaters and candy.

This is a beautiful zoo. It is a small zoo built in 1935. It is undergoing major renovations and preservations. I think everyone there is doing a great job preserving this amazing operation and protecting & caring for the animals. The gardens are beautiful. The zoo is clean. The animals seem happy. I enjoyed walking around looking at everything. It was a great afternoon.

This castle was definitely worth the visit! We were driving back to Albuquerque from Colorado and wanted to visit the castle on our way home. The drive was there was so beautiful, truly scenic! When we arrived at the castle, I was in complete awe over the place. There was plenty of parking and clean restrooms. The animals from the squirrels to the goats were so charming. Exploring the castle was fun and exciting and a little scary in places. But you get to choose where you go and what you do, explore completely on your own which I loved! There was a violinist playing amazing music in the great main room which definitely added to the experience. There's a snack area and a gift shop as well. I highly recommend the visit and the drive! I would also recommend donated a few dollars when you do visit. I think the owners are very generous to open this space to the public and not charge. Even the snack area which offered snacks and cold drinks, charged on an honor system. Very cool!!!!

Such a beautiful hand made castle! As you would expect with a project of this magnitude being done by just one person for the bulk of it, there are still a lot of places where the floor and wall don't meet, or holes in stairs that are yet to be fixed. The design of it is super cool though, and there are lots of places to climb to breathtaking views. This place has City Museum vibes, but a little sketchier. Willard, Jim, and now Robert have made something really cool. They have magnets and keychains in the gift shop. There is also a little snack stand with hot food and sweets. Entry is completely free, but donations accepted. When we went there was a chainsaw art guy and axe throwing. We went in mid- October, the weather was perfect and the crowd was minimal.

Such a unique roadside attraction! Definitely worth seeing if you're anywhere nearby. There's a bit of a Mad Max vibe going on. Do be warned though that there are signs very clearly stating you are entering at your own risk and your safety is not guaranteed.

This is a quirky offbeat free adventure. I read the founder of Colorado Springs built this Castle and used to live in it (not sure though). It is definitely a unique place and worth the trip if you're in the area. It's about 20 miles off of the highway. Be careful and watch where you step, there are a few broken steps or loose flooring - there is a sign stating they are not responsible for accidents. Go enjoy the cool views, winding staircases and balconies.

This is a very interesting place to visit. I didn't go up into the towers. Unfortunately the gift shop was closed when we were there today. The castle is free to enter. I spoke with person who told me that Mr. Bishop had died sometime in the last year. They accept donations.

Great place to visit. I just hope people won't vandalize it. Additional safety for spots that people would likely go to and take pictures. It's free.

Such a cool place! Definitely worth the visit. The drive is beautiful. I recommend visiting during the weekdays. Less people and you can enjoy more space to yourself. They also have an area behind the castle to feed goats and chickens. Bring quarters.

This national Park was better than I expected. Dunes look very cool with mountains as backdrop. If you're going to hike the dunes you should wear a mask and eye glasses as the blowing sand is worse than you can imagine. There are also some nice mountain trails.

Great Sand Dunes National Park is one of few parks that doesn't require a timed entry pass this summer. My family went during the week around 10am when it was 60° and only had 1 car in front of us. It had rained the day before and early morning, so the sand was cool and some areas hard packed that made walking easy. Dogs are allowed on the dunes. My pups loved it, rolling and digging in the sand. Just be aware the sand can get extremely hot in hotter temps. Bring water for you and pups or stop at the Oasis before you get into the park. Definitely must do if you want to cross it off your national park list. 🥰

Nice visitor center with a great view of the dunes and an informative video of how it was created and other interesting facts. you can rent a board to slide down the dunes just before the visitor center at the oasis. “… midnight at the oasis send your camel to bed…” it’s a song - look it up 🤣

Wow! What an amazing place! My son and I were on our way back from hiking in the San Juan's. We saw this place on the map and decided to check it out. After driving for quite a few miles, there is a ticket booth. You can get a 1-day pass or a week-long pass. When you get to the visitor center, there is a movie that explains how the dunes were formed, and tells about the wildlife and vegetation you might see there. There are interactive displays inside for kids of all ages to learn from. Outside, there is a .5 mile path with signs telling about the dunes, their significance to the various cultures that have experienced them throughout the centuries. Then you drive to another parking lot where you can walk to the dunes. There were loads of people surfing down the dunes on plastic sleds and snowboards. I believe they are available to rent, as well. Be sure to bring a water bottle. Shoes are a must as the sand gets hot. There is a primitive road you can take to a picnic area. We kept the car in 2wd for that without any problems. The road continues to an area that requires 4wd and high ground clearance, so we didn't go there. But we did take a hike on the trail and saw some pretty cool cacti and other vegetation.

This park is great. Be ready for a hard workout if you opt to go to the top of the dunes. I think it's the hardest 1.15 miles I've ever done and I've done 10 half marathons and 2 full marathons!

It's $25 for a car or SUV per day. It's definitely worth the cost. If you're truly want to experience the area, a 4x4 vehicle is a requirement to get close to the sand dunes . Amazing place.

Nice and well mantained visitor center. They have a room for amphitheatre where you can watch a move to learn more about the park and the area. They have a gift shop which has some good stuff. You can see the sunes behind the visitor center and it looks beautiful. They have plenty of parking.

We LOVED our visit to the reptile park. This was one of our unplanned stops to our trip to Colorado and it was such a fun time! It’s very interactive we got to hold different reptiles, go in a tortoise area/feed them, hold a bird, feed the gators! You get super close to the gators as well and get to hold a smaller one. Really a great experience . Beware there are a lot of flies and it can smell, but literally you’re in a working farm and it’s kinda expected. Would definitely recommend!

The staff is AMAZING! This location is incredibly engaging and informative. A wonderful variety of flora and fauna are on display, you can tell how passionate the staff is and they are super helpful. We have visited many times over the years ans it just keeps getting better and better.

Really interesting to see all the gators and other reptiles in an environment like CO but definitely overpriced. It's $30 for adults and $15 for kids. My son really had a good time and held snakes, lizards, and a baby alligator. He fed tortoises and watched alligators being fed. But there wasn't a ton to do for $30, other than see many, many alligators and crocodiles. We would have liked to purchase t-shirts but they were also overpriced, with some being priced at $50. I would still go back and recommend people go. It's an interesting side attraction to the sand dunes and at least the money goes to housing animals that might be abandoned otherwise (as they do tend to home animals that people purchased as pets and could not longer care for).

I've driven past this for years, not understanding how important the work they undertake is. Colorado Gators Reptile is an amazing rescue organization, taking in all kinds of wonderful animals. Of course, the highlight are the reptiles; but it's truly so much more!! ❣️ Thank you, I had a wonderful time.

Lots of fun reptiles to see. They even have some cats that hang out! Took our 3 year old and he absolutely loved it. I hadn't been there in almost 30 years but it was just as I remember. The people there are super friendly and helpful also. Kinda pricy but worth it!

This was so much fun! There's a ton of reptiles. Staff are incredibly nice and helpful. We were told that 90% of the animals there are rescues and brought in by individuals who can no longer care for their pets. There's even a very large iguana that was left out and found in a park who's so friendly and loves head scratches 💕 it would be nice to see the ponds expanded as the Crocs seems to be in very close quarters with one another. The path around gets a bit confusing towards the end as there's several ways to cut through and it didn't seem the last bit was as clearly marked. But, backtracking a little didn't hurt at all and we saw a few reptiles that we missed the first time😊 And, you can hold a baby crocodile to show bravery 😉 Plenty of souvenirs to choose from and bottled water and pop as well. Overall, a great learning experience

So much fun! Definitely worth the money. So many encounters and even more animals to see! Tortoises to pet, an overly friendly emu who hugs(!), kitties, and got to hold a baby alligator. Very enjoyable and I can’t wait to come back!

Skyline drive is one way road with wonderful view of both sides. Only 15 miles/h is speed limit to drive safely. Old prisoners made this road and it's awesome driveway.

We did it! Im thankful we've been in Colorado for a few years now and got acclimated to the altitude and the mountain driving, or else this would have been quite terrifying!! Staying locally for a week we saw this and knew about it from others so we made the decision to just do it. Now we can say we have driven the Skyline road. There is no cost to drive yourself up. And it is only a 10-15min road, unless you stop and get out at places. I read that the local prisoners helped build it back in early 1900s, I think they did a great job 👍🏼 I will admit, as passenger, there was a sec there at one point I did feel my heart rate increase ❣️

Super cool place to take a nice scenic drive. It's not very long, but the views are amazing. If you head up early in the am you can catch the sunrise from a few different spots. 👌🏽☀️ Definitely recommend. It's free and although there is no (none that I saw) wheelchair accessible parking spaces - you could totally enjoy this entire drive from the comfort of your vehicle. ❤️😇 There are no real parking spaces for anyone, just pull offs to take pictures. Go for it!! & Watch for bikes! Share the road.

Great views along this one way thrilling ride, not for the faint of heart or those afraid of heights. A couple of trails at the top that also leave you feeling "on edge". A must if you're in the area/ passing through and can handle it.

Finally made it there and I wasn’t disappointed! The road is narrow but the views ? Take the camera ! You won’t regret it !

A short and very scenic drive. A local shuttle driver we ran into on one of our hikes suggested we take this drive to see dinosaur footprints discovered in the 80s. We found the cliff wall but couldn't find the footprints. We, like bumbling tourist that we are, looked suitably dumbfounded; a nice local man and his four footed "Gracie" stopped his jeep and pointed the prints to us. He also gave us a bit of history. It turned out he is a tour guide for Colorado Jeep Tours. Info card to follow. A must short short to the end. You will end up in Canon City. It has a really lovely historic old Main St. with 95% of the stores open for business. It is literally blks from where you board the Royal Gorge train tour.

Nice view in this one-way road that ends in the town. A little bit narrow but really worth it. He videos and pictures doesn't show the real experience and the beauty of the place. Be careful I you are afraid of heights. Road is narrow and a little bit scary for some people.

We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to the Royal Gorge. The children enjoyed the playground, and we all enjoyed taking the gondola ride across the canyon. There were quite a few people there on the day we visited, but the grounds are expensive enough that it did not feel very crowded. We decided to take in the raptor show, and we’re very glad we did. Everyone really enjoyed it, and we thought it was much better than the 20 minute film about the gorge itself. My wife and I even did the zip line, and wow, it is quite expensive, we really enjoyed it and would recommend it! The bridge itself is pretty amazing and just walking back across it was one of the highlights

What a breathtaking place! The Royal Gorge is absolutely stunning — photos don’t even begin to capture the beauty and the scale of it all. We loved walking across the bridge, taking in the mountain views, and feeling that Colorado breeze. The flags lining the bridge make it even more special — like a walk through history and pride! The park is spotless and well maintained, and there are so many fun spots to stop for photos (especially near the water wheel and signs — those are musts!). It’s one of those places that makes you stop and really take in how incredible nature is. Highly recommend visiting if you’re anywhere near Canon City — it’s worth every minute of the drive. Gorgeous weather, gorgeous views, and a memory we’ll never forget!

This is something everyone should put on their bucket list to see as it is truly amazing. We went early before it got windy and walked across the bridge. The scenery there is beautiful and the park itself is so nice and clean. We went on the gondola ride, saw the movie and a raptor show. Highly recommend.

An absolutely breathtaking experience from start to finish! The views of the Royal Gorge are stunning — truly one of the most spectacular places in Colorado. Walking across the bridge is both thrilling and peaceful at the same time, and the scenery below is something you’ll never forget. The park is very well maintained, with friendly staff who make you feel welcome and safe. The gondola ride gives you a whole new perspective of the canyon, and the zip line and sky coaster are a must if you’re up for an adrenaline rush! There are plenty of spots for photos, good food options, and areas to just relax and take in the view. Perfect for families, couples, or anyone wanting to experience one of Colorado’s most iconic attractions. Highly recommend spending a few hours here — it’s worth every minute! Walk the rim trail that's outside the park for some great photos

The views are spectacular! The price for the tram is reasonable. For those that are not faint of heart there is a zip line to return you to the lodge side. But wait there is more. A giant swing will send you out to the edge of the gorge. The area is full of American history as well as fossils of ancient creatures. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

The Royal Gorge was a fabulous experience. Riding the cable car across the gorge was the highlight for me. Walking the bridge isn’t too far either. Highly recommend both! My toddler loved that we could ride the carousel 10 times in a row. We enjoyed the playground and spent a little extra to let our kids mine for gems which was fun. We had a picnic lunch under one of the pavilions with our kids and after we ate at the BBQ place which had delicious cornbread. All in all, it’s a family-friendly atmosphere that allows you to slow down and enjoy the beauty of Colorado!

Great place, amazing views. Nice kids area. The free gondola ride across the Gorge was neat too. Only problem was we got fleeced for $10 and some change for the old West shooting range of which none of the features except two worked. Kids were disappointed with that.

Great tour! So glad we did it! Our tour guide Mark”? was great! He seemed genuinely excited about the history of the mine and was easy to listen to. I was hesitant about the elevator ride down after reading other reviews, but it wasn’t too bad. Tight as sardines if you are claustrophobic you should know that. Also, the ride down & back up is about 95% dark and the elevator rattles & rocks slightly. But worth the trip down/up. Very educational and the hour went by quickly.

What an adventure! The Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine tour was an unforgettable experience, taking us 1000 feet underground into the heart of Colorado’s gold mining history. Our guide was fantastic—informative, funny, and super kind. He made the whole tour even better, and he even snuck us some extra gold ore along with the free pieces you get to pick from at the end! 😉 The tour itself was fascinating. You vertically descend 100 stories into the mine, ride an underground tram, and get to see gold veins in their natural state. The mining equipment demonstrations were really cool, and it gave us a great appreciation for what the miners went through back in the day. Plus, it’s only a short and easy walk underground. After the mines, I highly recommend heading into Cripple Creek town—the food there is so good, and there are tons of cute stores to shop around. It’s the perfect way to round out the day! If you’re in Cripple Creek, you have to do this tour. Highly recommend it for anyone looking to dive into Colorado’s rich mining history—plus, who doesn’t love free gold ore?!

For quick summary details, go to bottom of review. This was an absolutely outstanding tour of the mines. Not only do you get to see mines, but you get to see equipment used, and a demonstration. Also, our tour guide, Mark, was extremely great at the tour. He was making some jokes while going through the tour and just causing some laughs while explaining each part of the mines in great detail and expertise. And on top of the mines experience back at the gift shop, no pun intended, the staff were excellent, understanding, and kind. And bathrooms are very nice and clean. To any staff that see this, I appreciate your kindness and respect. Also, I suggest bringing a jacket, as it's a nice 50° F in the mines, or be like my crazy Texan mind and not even bring a jacket to Colorado! Best experience we have had in our 3 days of being in Colorado! Went on 6/7/2024 at near 1:30 and the tour began at 2:00. *QUICK READ INFO Temp: 50° F Depth: 1,000 ft Our Guide: Mark (great guide)

First tour down in to a mine. Was a great time and very informative. Well worth the price of admission and the trip just to see it. Staff was very friendly and knowledgeable. Cripple Creek is just below the mine and your able to over look a working mine next door. Also you can start the phantom canyon road from here which will take you about 2 hours to travel.

I visited the Mollie Kathleen mine tour in May of 2023. I thought it was great, with lots of educational demonstrations and explanations as well as just really cool being in tunnels that deep underground. Heads up that the trip down is cramped, so just be prepared; though they do warn you about it ahead of time on the website. If you visit, I strongly suggest after the tour going across the street to the heritage center and seeing the scale model of the Mollie Kathleen mine; it really gives you a nice sense of scale for the tour.

What an amazing place! It is definitely worth the drive up there. Sarah - our guide - is the sweetest person, she’s so knowledgeable, professional & friendly! Don’t worry, if you’re claustrophobic, it’s not that bad. It’s a 2 min elevator ride to the bottom, and the tour down there is just outstanding. This gold mine has been operational since 1891! It’s cold up there, so keep yourself warm.

What a great time!! Tour guide was AWESOME.. bring cash to tip them, I didn’t have any and felt so bad cause he was THAT good!! I’d do it again too cause so much information I bet you Learn something new every time!! So well done !! I’d give it 10 stars if I could

What a great little destination. We drove from Colorado Springs and it was easy and pleasant. The history of the gold rush was very interesting. We took the little train ride and what fun. We were able to talk with conductor and engineer. We have great pizza from a vendor in the parking lot. Then we went to 6 casinos! Stopped in Woodland Park for Mexican on the way back.

My family loved it! Parking has a2hr limit, which is nice. There seemed to be plenty of parking because the train left every hour or so. We quickly parked, bought our tickets and waited for about 15 min before the train arrived. In the meantime, my husband bought a sweater($40) and we got popcorn($2 box) for the kids. The train wasn't fast or slow, it was perfect for seeing the sights and the story about the area and train were pretty cool.

Our first time in cripple Creek! We went for donkey days and had a blast! We were able to pet the donkeys, see a couple of races and visit the booths along the street. The railroad was fun to visit too. Lots of cool things to see.

Fun train ride with pretty views! Trip takes about 45min. Conductor makes a few stops to give information about the history of the land & town. We had Tad, he did great & was funny!

My wife and I got here into Cripple Creek and people told us to take the train. We did just that, our guide or engineer, was remarkable at his knowledge and his humor. We learned a lot on this short train ride, took a lot of amazing pictures. When we visit again with relatives, we will be doing this train ride once more.

We loved it. Zoe and Tad were amazing guides and conductor/ engineer. We learned more about the area’s history in gold mining and got some local advice on food and other activities in the area. The kids loved it!

When you hear that it's only 4 miles, you might scoff. But this is the right 4 miles to be totally worthwhile. The views are legit and the engineer / tour guide is interesting, kind, but doesn't "talk your ear off". I recommend this to anyone. My 15 year old son was as intrigued as my wife and me. Coal-fired steam engine ride under $20? Heck yeah!

My family and I booked an ATV tour and had an amazing time! We saw so many beautiful things. Our tour guide, Scott, was wonderful. He took us to areas where we could have amazing views of wildlife and the mountains. He had so much knowledge of the land, local history and wildlife. He was wonderful with my kids and ensured that safety and fun were his #1 priority and he didn't disappoint. Thank you for an amazing adventure and making this atv tour a highlight of our trip! The kids can't stop talking about how much fun they had!

My husband and I really enjoyed the 3 hour tour. Our guide was the best!! I think his name was Dean. The other staff member was great too. We loved learning about the history and geology of the area and the views are outstanding. Pictures don't do it justice! Highly recommend and would definitely do it again!

Great Experience. Great Staff! Highly recommend Play Dirty ATV Tours. We booked the Sergeant Nulph Tour. 2 hr tour in a Can-Am ATV side-by-side. You meet at the facility and they drive us to the trail where the rentals were waiting. You have a guide the entire time and it’s beautiful driving through the mountains. We went up into the mountains with awesome vantage points and then down into the canyon and along the Arkansas River. There’s points to get out and stretch your legs take photos and learn about the area. Very friendly staff that makes sure your enjoying yourselves and makes sure your comfortable with the speed of the ride. I would definitely book these guys again. Our family had a great time and it’s a great memory for the kids. Ours were 9 and 14. Book them now!

Scott was awesome from the moment we arrived. We were lucky enough to book a tour where it was only 3 of us for 3 hours. Scott showed us some pretty great views & was very informational on our stops! Our plan is go back and do the tour for longer and hopefully when Scott can be our guide again! Thank you Pete for your kindness when I called to book and talking to us after the tour. If you book anywhere in Colorado to do an ATV tour, book Play Dirty ATV tours! Thank you Scott for the awesome time & making our first ATV ride one to remember!!

Had an awesome time with our guide Rob, a veteran. We did a 4 hour and it was just us and him, he took us all the normal places and a couple out of the way. Beautiful scenery, went from river elevation all the way up to 9500 ft above sea level. Trails were not really difficult but really fun, had some steeper rocky areas and some great grassy plateaus. Overall great time. Highly recommend!

Booked the 6-8pm tour and it was great. Staff was very knowledgeable and made our trip memorable. New machines and trails were in well maintained condition. They have beginner to expert options. The views are amazing and hard to capture with your phone. They are veteran and first responder friendly. I would not hesitate to use Play Dirty ATV.

They got us in on very short notice and were very friendly and helpful. Our guide Scotty really made the whole thing worth it with his down-to-earth yet professional demeanor, history of the area, geological knowledge, etc. would definitely recommend. We did the three hour ride in a UTV side by side. Machines were well kept and ran perfectly.

It’s an important area to preserve but definitely a monument. May have limited enjoyment for some. Having been to Redwoods NP seeing petrified redwood stumps in Colorado really gets the mind thinking about how the earth has changed over time. Also detailed is the exploiting of limited natural history and how fragile protecting these areas really is. We enjoyed our visit - there are plenty of hiking opportunities.

After doing a gold mine tour as part of a cross country road trip in September 2024, we noticed this national monument park and decided to go to it. Spent about 2hours walking the grounds and taking in the sites. Found the big stump to be interesting. Park staff was very friendly and answered our questions. While interesting, I wouldn’t go out of my way to see this park.

All NPS sites are national treasures! Unfortunately, I visited during the government shutdown so I only partook of the open trails, beautiful sites, wild life and sounds. Its amazing to stroll through imagining being in a redwood forest like we have in the West. The trails are well maintained and easy. I would have liked to visit the visitors center for some more history beyond the well labeled info on the trails, maybe next time. Don't the easy trails fool.you though, bring water and remember the elevation!

We visited Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument and hiked the Petrified Forest Loop. It’s a short and easy trail, perfect for enjoying the scenery and learning about the park’s fascinating history. The giant petrified redwood stumps along the path are truly impressive, and the interpretive signs give great insight into the area’s prehistoric past. The landscape is peaceful, with open meadows and mountain views. A beautiful spot for a quick walk and a step back in time! Don’t miss the video in the visitor center.

Outstanding hiking for little kids! The Junior Ranger program here is great. My 6 y/o and 2 y/o had a great time “hiking” out to Big Stump, looking at the wildflowers and wildlife, checking out the Visitor Center, and filling out their Junior Ranger workbook at the Petrified Stumps Amphitheater. Beautiful experience. Take water and get there early, it gets hot!

Interesting place. Watched the video at the visitor center and learned a great deal about the formation of the area. Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate on the day we visited so we did not get to do much hiking.

Really great to see the flora and fauna from the area. Millions of years ago this place was the dead center of a massive lake. Fish swam here.

Quick and easy interaction to purchase Monarch season tickets.

Friendly staff, able to obtained our Monarch pass with ease.

Got my ticket for the next day staff was very helpful

Person opened 15 minutes late, rest okay

I was very well attended in this place.

The lights were on but nobody was home.

Had a great time on our tour . We were first time riders and had a blast. After our tour we met the owner and talked and discovered that he was from Georgia. It was nice meeting him and the staff. Great prices and great experience. When we go back to Colorado, definitely going to stop by and have another go at it. Highly recommend Monarch Snowmobile Tours. 5 out 5

This trip was amazing, best snowmobile tour. I advise you pay insurance before you go on a ride tho. If you pay insurance you won't have to pay the flat out $7k+. Follow the tour guide don't go off trail, it's super dangerous. It's a lot of fun and even has history of like old houses, mines, and trails. You will have many areas the take pictures, videos, and family photos. 10/10, the second time coming here and is 100% worth it!

My wife and I had a great experience on the two hour tour that was led by Sean. He was a friendly and extremely capable guide that was clear in his instructions and explanations and had the safety of our group as a top priority. He provided good information and history about the areas we were in and had a good sense of humor. Everyone we interacted with at the company was super friendly and we hope to make it back to the area to try one of the longer tours.

Excellent place for beginners like my wife and I. We enjoyed the training, the tour guide’s, the equipment was excellent, and the entire experience was rewarding!

I’ve been here twice now. Sean is an AWESOME guide. Half-day express tour - Excellent safety briefing, some adrenaline pumping moments, the trails we rode are gorgeous, and Sean is FUNNY. He told us about some pretty cool history, took the best photos (that’s what happens when your guide also has wedding photography experience) and kept checking in on us. I’d give Sean 10 stars if I could. I’m still smiling thinking about that roller coaster run! If you’re going on this tour, breathe deep and enjoy the beautiful scenery you get to experience - it truly is a wonder. I can’t wait to come back for a THIRD TIME!

Our trip with Monarch with Emilio was nothing short of an amazing lifetime experience. We absolutely loved him and had so much fun! The check in and equipment process was very fast and efficient. I’d recommend renting a full set. Emilio made sure we were comfortable and warm. Your guide will load you up in the van and take you to the staging section of the sleds. There you’ll be educated on the machine and how to safely navigate. He will also tell you about the trails, hand signals to follow, etc. We were the only ones in our group on a double sled so we had more free rein on what exactly we wanted to do. We did 3 free ride sessions and went on 3-4 trails. I would recommend buying the $20 insurance because you just never know. If you’re a first time rider, get it. We were very comfortable riding and on one of the trails we hit really soft snow and got stuck. It sounds scarier than it was. Emilio was great at helping us get out and back on track. There’s free hot cocoa back at the shop and a fireplace which you’ll likely need on your way back. We did 3 hours but I think you could be just fine with 2. Thank you so much Monarch for such a great time! We left talking about all of the amazing photo ops and scenery out there. You made our entire trip!

This tour is one of the most highlighted event we experienced in Colorado! Drove 2 hours from Denver just to go to our early call time, we we're there early and was able to see great views and history throughout the mountain. Our guide Shep telling us cool stories and great history in the abandoned mines. We had someone in our tour who kept getting lost or falling so we had the time to take tons of photos and appreciate the views they had to offer! We will definitely be back again for some more adventures with you guys!

We had a group of six, and the trail ride exceeded our expectations. Ralph at the front desk, the employees who helped get us on our horses, and John our guide, all had welcoming personalities and happy to share their passion and knowledge. A couple of people in my group ride horses regularly, so it is nothing small to say our horses seemed very well cared for and happy to do their job. The trail was a lot of fun with a varied path of logs for us to go over, water to go through, and amazing scenery! The extra fun perk was the water bottle holder they have for each saddle! It was a really good time and I am happy to recommend them!

Absolutely wonderful trail ride! Our daughter's wedding was in Salida & we booked both families to enjoy a break before the Big Event! Mikayla & Austin were great. Both especially patient with our 5 year old Grandson. He LOVED every minute ❤️ Nothing better than leaf peeping from horseback. Three years ago. We did the sunset ride. That was amazing, too!!

Great lil 2hr trail ride if you’re looking for something to fill a piece of your day. I hear the longer rides are fantastic for those that are able to spend the time out on the trail. The Wranglers were awesome and kept everyone confident from age 6 on up throughout the ride. The owners are fantastic, friendly, and long time locals.

My son and I came here for his first time riding and I have to say this place is incredible. Our guide John was so helpful and it was great chatting with him during our ride. He explained to us that the owner started these stables as a way to help rescue horses and that is a mission I will always support. If you are in the area or visiting I highly recommend Mt Princeton Riding Stables. This will be our go to spot from now on! P.S. Thank you John, Bourbon and Shadow for riding with us in the snow!❤️❄️

Highly recommend the 2 hour trail ride! The scenery was beautiful, the horses are so sweet, and the guides are knowledgeable and helpful! We had a beautiful fall day and saw some stunning views and some wildlife (deer and prairie dogs)! There were also a ton of adorable barn cats! Would definitely do this ride again!

We took a 2 hour ride on June 13 2025 with our kids (ages 10 & 12) and our family has had no previous riding experience. Faith and Donovan we extremely patient and helpful when our horses started to get stubborn mid ride. They kept the ride entertaining and we knowledgeable about the area. Loved being able to cross through the creeks on my horse, Scout. This was definitely the highlight of our trip and thank you for the precious memories that were made!

We did the 3/4 day ride and unfortunately the trailer to get to the waterfall was stuckin the snow. However, we were given the option to still do the ride on another trail or come back another day to so the waterfall. We chose to ride the Ridgeline, which is the other trail, and it was gorgeous! I would definitely come back here. Both of the staff we interacted with were so friendly, and our wrangler was very lovely to chat with. Both the horses were well trained and made the ride very enjoyable. Also the 3 legged pup just made our day.

We We stayed at the Lodge, and while the resort itself has charm, the rooms really need attention. They’re very dated — even simple upgrades like a new shower head, a heated towel rack to help dry swimsuits and towels, and some fresh paint would make a big difference. Our king room unfortunately overlooked the hotel’s garbage area, which was disappointing. Not only was the view unpleasant, but when you opened the window, the smell from the old garbage was overwhelming. To make matters worse, the garbage pick-up came around 5–6 a.m. every morning, which was disruptive. The resort grounds are nice, and I’d love to bring my mother someday, but accessibility is a serious concern. There are so many steps with little to no hand railings, both leading to the pools and getting into them, which makes it unsafe and inaccessible for anyone with mobility challenges. We spent most of our time at the adult section in the three small hot springs, which were wonderful — but again, no hand railings made entering and exiting the pools a bit risky. On the positive side, the restaurant was outstanding. I have quite a few food allergies, and our server was amazing — she asked me to list them and then to let her know what I would like to order. I chose the blackened fish, and the chefs took great care to prepare a meal that was unbelievably delicious. The ease and confidence with which they handled my allergies completely took away the anxiety I usually feel when dining out, and I was able to truly relax and enjoy my meal. With some thoughtful updates, improved accessibility, and attention to the rooms, this could be an exceptional destination — and the dining experience is already excellent.

My wife and I just spent three nights at the Mt. Princeton Hot Springs Resort. It was one of our nicest vacations ever. We stayed in The Creekside Suites part of the resort. The suite was spacious, well equipped, and clean. The room service was exceptional. The food in the lodge was extremely good. The food prices were reasonable. In fact, the prices for the food was cheap cheap compared to what we frequently pay for that quality of food in Massachusetts. We particularly enjoyed the location, because it allowed us to make day trips to Leadville and Buena Vista.My wife and I hope to return to this resort whenever we are in the area again.

Really beautiful campus, nice hot springs. They could use more signage for the hillside and cliffside rooms, we ended driving the wrong way twice - nothing is lit up there and you can't even tell where you're going when it's dark. It's also hard to see people walking around in the dark. I wish the infinity pool was open longer, that and the spots in the rocks by the creek/river were our favorite places to soak. The food at the restaurant is really good, but pricy. Their pastry chef does wonderful things, I recommend getting dessert. Spa is okay, my favorite part of the massage package I got was the body scrub and the hot towel afterwards. Hillside rooms could be cleaner, I could tell the carpet was not the cleanest around the bed and nightstand, I wish these places would get rid of the carpet. It was nice to see the rooms include a Nespresso machine and pods! My favorite features of the room were the Nespresso pods and the water pressure in the shower. Overall, this resort was nice, but a bit pricey. They should consider adding signage and better lighting for folks trying to find their way in the dark.

It was a great trip. The atmosphere is very chill and relaxing. Managed to find a great spot for the wife and I. Got in the river and stayed for 3 hours. Well needed soak. Highly recommend. Next time I'll try out the pools. I was so comfortable where I was, I didn't want to give up the spot.

Really, for $130 for two adults, for a day pass, this was not worth it. Feel better about yourself and stay at the Surf Hotel in Buena Vista if you choose to stay close and receive a way better experience for the prices they are charging here. I commend the restaurant for attempting to be "upscale" but honestly you'll find a better dining experience at Wesley and Rose in BV as well. We have lived in Salida for 8 years and this was our first time here, what a disappointment. For these prices you would have a way better feeling for the value of your money at Cottonwood or Sand Dunes Recreation in SLV. The customer service was flat and not very warming or welcoming.

We stayed two nights in a cabin. Super comfortable for the 8 of us. So nice to have the fireplace, as it was cold. Heat was adjustable in each room, which was nice. We had a couple of issues with cookware, but the receptionist was super responsive. We loved the springs, borrowed mountain bikes and went for a 10 mile ride, mostly on the trail that used to be a narrow gauge railroad track! Super nice. We encountered a bit of snow, but it was fine on the bikes! We visited in October, so the long slide was closed, but plenty was open. We enjoyed the pools along the creek, especially!

We spent 3 nights at Mt. Princeton - we had one of the Creekside rooms which was right by the river (the view was gorgeous!) and felt like it had been recently renovated. We tried almost all of the natural spring-fed pools and our favorites were the natural river pools and the adults only spa pools. The service everywhere at the resort was friendly and fantastic. And the restaurant was amazing for both breakfast and dinner (reservations are needed for dinner only). I would highly recommend a visit to Mt. Princeton!

Cannot recommend The Platte Ranch enough. We had an absolutely fabulous time. Our group was all very novice at riding and the guides were so fantastic and helpful. We had a 6 year old with us and the guides (Josh and Mike) could not have been more kind, encouraging, and sweet with her. We would absolutely go back again.

Loved every minute of this ride. The guides were super personable and full of information. They made the whole experience top notch. The dogs, oh the dogs, they accompanied us the whole way too and were happy to recieve pets and attention. The horses were healthy, stable, sure footed, and enjoyed it as much as we did, I am sure. If you want a nose to tail easy peasy walk you can do that or if youre more adventurous there's plenty of opportunity to have some real fun running along the top of the property. 12 out of 10 would recommend for everyone! They also care for rescue horses, letting them live out their lives in comfort and under gentle care. Simply an amazing place, amazing ride, amazing people...can't say enough great things about this ranch!

Such an incredible experience from start to finish. Our trail guides were so lovely, friendly and full of stories and info about the surrounding area. We had some snow flurries that morning but once things cleared up, the views were breathtaking. We can't reccomend this place enough. Thank you so much for such a memorable ride.

We had the best experience at Platte Ranch! We rode a beautiful trail around the property with great views the whole time. Amy, Mike, and Josh were very friendly and knowledgeable. They made us feel comfortable on our horses and they shared tons of interesting facts about the history of the area and local wildlife. You can tell that they really care about the land and they have a special connection with their horses. The property is easy to find and easily accessible from Summit County or even the Denver Area. I would definitely come back to visit Platte Ranch again.

Can’t express how much I enjoyed riding with this crew and their lovely horses — never felt more comfortable and free at the same time, supported by a knowledgeable and sensitive group. As soon as I got off Promise, I wanted to go back to the woods on horseback. Coming back again for sure!!

Perfect Experience! Amy and the Platte team helped curate a beautiful ride for me & my friends. I felt safe & secure, left the ride excited for the next time. This will certainly be a spot I bring out of town friends & realities to!

Platt Ranch is a special place. Amy greeted our family and matched us with horses before our ride. Four friendly and very knowledgeable guides and a handful of dogs took to the trails with us, through the ranch and up the ridge, to a plateau where the views were absolutely mind blowing.

I truly cannot express enough how amazing this experience was. Coming in the off season (late October), we decided to go horseback riding to make up for no snow activities. I would almost say this was better! It was an extremely laid back experience and completely worth every penny. Our guide Luke was awesome, and it’s always nice when you can tell people love their jobs. He made us feel comfortable as inexperienced riders and promoted spacing out throughout the ride as opposed to nose-to-tail. Our horses Daisy and Fairplay were very smart and well-behaved. The scenery was stunning, and we even got some snow during the ride. We did the 2 hour ride and highly recommend. We’re so happy we chose to do this activity on our trip, and will happily return next time we come back to CO. Thank you guys at ASR!

We had a wonderful experience recently at American Safari Ranch. The facilities themselves are rustic and what one would expect at a horse ranch (not a dude ranch!) The horses were well trained and well matched to us. Luke and Billy, our guides, were very experienced and patient and made the 90 minute ride extremely enjoyable. Being able to ride side by side as opposed to nose to tail made the ride even better. We highly recommend American Safari Ranch!

We decided to spend our last day in FairPlay at American safari ranch and we were not disappointed! We booked a morning horseback ride that was beautiful and the staff was friendly and extremely helpful. We came back later in the day for an atv tour which was also amazing, I had never driven an atv but the tour guide showed me the ropes and I was good to go! Another helpful and friendly group of guides, I would highly recommend this place!

Went on a 2 hour ride with Billy as our guide! He was helpful, personable, and overall wonderful. And the trails were so fun to explore, even though we missed most of the changing leaves; the aspen groves were still so pretty. This was my first time here and I so hope I can come back! Thanks to the team there that makes it happen and takes care of the horses. Bonanza (aka Turtle) was stubborn but we got along like apple pie by the end :)

The horses are absolutely behaved and exceptional, the guides are always friendly and helpful, the views are stunning horseback up in the free range mountain, and the prices are the best I have ever seen. Just go! ❤️ I took my 8 yo daughter here for basically her first ride. They care about children and help boost their confidence and love for horses. Very kid friendly! Would give it 10 starts if I could!

Last time I was here we had Giselle as our guide (who was awesome!!) but this time we had Billy and he was great! He would tell us fun facts, tell us we were doing great and made it fun to be out on the trail. After we rode, we asked if we could stick around to pet the horses for a bit and they didn’t mind at all! Very lovely place, definitely want to come back!

We visited in late October, our guide was Billy the Kid. He did an excellent job of helping us learn to control the horses as well as safety.As well as explaining the area from dangers to what to look for. He was also nice enough to take some take pictures for us.(Harder than you think to take a picture while riding a horse)The Ranch is beautiful to say the least. Going up and down the peaks and through the Ash trees. Absolutely recommend.

We had a great experience with Three Rivers Resort from the check in, the ride down the river, to the check out. The staff was helpful and informative. The driver of the van, Ben, was fun and entertaining and got everyone pumped before the ride. Our guide on the raft, Giselle, was great! We did the upper Taylor Extender and felt safe and comfortable with her guiding us down the rapids. Her knowledge and comfort of being on the river helped to calm my niece and nephew as this was their first time on whitewater rafting. The crews all worked together and were very professional and organized. We look forward to returning next summer for some more fun!

My wife and I stayed at one of the Three Rivers Resort cabins on a recent fly fishing trip. I absolutely loved it. It all started with the staff at check in the day we arrived. They were very organized, informative, and best of all, genuinely friendly. They ran it like they owned it, and maybe they do! The cabin was great - spacious with a fully stocked kitchen, well laid lout, and spotless. It was so clean. We had a few meals to go from the Three Rivers BBQ restaurant. The food was great. We had brisket, ribs, smoked chicken and pulled pork sandwiches. The staff were just like those working the front desk - eager to help and genuinely friendly. We did not book any activities on this trip, but the guys working the fly shop were just as helpful and friendly as the rest of the resort staff. We plan to go back and book a fly fishing guide and a rafting trip. Three Rivers Resort is such a great place. I can’t recommend it enough.

Three Rivers is Awesome! As a local wedding DJ with Gunnison Valley Entertainment, it's nice to have Three Rivers as an option for a couples wedding day. Had the opportunity to DJ there back in 2024. We had an absolute blast and the staff was more than kind and generous to the vendors and the couple. Looking forward to many more weddings in the future!

Great trip with Audrey on the Gunnison in late August. Hitting the browns and rainbows with a worm/RS2 setup and a great day! Lots of great views along the way, beautiful birds and hungry fish. Watch your head on some of the bridges! Side note, try the Smokehouse restaurant. Great food there too!

Hard to know where to begin. The location is absolutely perfect! On the Taylor river about half way between Gunnison and Crested Butte. The service from the front desk, smoke house, coffee bar and even the hot tub guy is top notch. A special notice to our BBQ float guide Mo. He was an absolute joy with his knowledge of the river, surrounding area and playfulness that kept our 7 year old engaged. Overall we had a great three nights here and we can’t wait to visit again.

Just a great spot for everything! Although I haven't stayed in the lodging, I have been a guest in the restaurant, fly shop, general store, whitewater rafting and multiple fly-fishing trips! The facilities and staff are friendly and wonderful. The food is delicious. Fishing with Skyler is an enormous treat each year (now 3 trips together)! I just returned home and am already looking forward to my next visit!

What a day! We just got off the water from a rafting trip with Three Rivers Outfitters and it was absolutely splendid! The Lower Taylor was flowing perfectly, the weather was pure magic, and we couldn't have asked for a better guide. Mya was an absolute blast! She handled a little on-river drama like a total pro and had us laughing the entire way down. And a huge shout-out to Michelle at Three Rivers Resort for being so incredibly helpful. We are completely in love with our cabin, the delicious restaurant, the stunning views, and especially the people here. Everyone has been so welcoming and friendly. We are already planning our return trip!

This is a pretty cool thing to do. It takes about two and a half hours but you get to go on a nice train ride and the announcer is very well informed on everything about the town and surrounding areas. The seats are pretty comfortable which is nice. The staff on the train was very friendly and willing to help with anything you needed. You learn a lot of factual things on the strain right also. Lots of very cool scenery on this trip

What a beautiful train ride. Would diffenitly come back near the fall color change, but it was beautiful nonetheless. If you love train rides, this is a must do if you're in the area. Open seating was $59.00 per adult..$89.00 for assigned car seating. They had snacks / burgers / drinks on board. 2.5 hour ride. Outside car was PERFECT at about 55°. Two time slots of 10am & 2pm. Dog friendly. Lots of families on board. Reserved tickets on 24 hours in advance & had my whole hiking group of 8 get on. So, plenty of space.

Love love love! My son has a love of trains, and so while we have taken trains, in other states, we’ve never taken our hometown train! Yesterday we went up in the mountains and saw all the beautiful trees and listen to a wonderful diatribe by the conductor! Totally loved our two hours on this train. Thank you so much for making my son’s Sunday a great day.

Recently enjoyed a train ride on a sunny October day to celebrate our 21st anniversary (we rode it on our honeymoon). This adventure is worth every penny, but bring your coat and gloves! We highly encourage the upgrade to a lounge car in chilly weather but be sure to check out the concession care even though you have an attendant. Great photos and other surprises to explore. The bathrooms are an adventure unto themselves, so be prepared for a rustic experience in that part of the train.

We had an amazing time on the Leadville Railroad with friends. The views were stunning, the warm coach seats were perfect for the chilly October weather, and the full glass windows made the scenery easy to enjoy. They serve food to your table, and the standing area adds extra fun. A truly unforgettable experience!

This train is absolutely amazing! As a plus size person I highly recommend! The isles between the seats are really wide the door and the stairs to get in and out of the cars are also nice and wide. We took our two dogs with us and appreciate the fact that dogs are allowed to enjoy such a fun activity! The pretzels 🥨 are super good as well! The staff is super friendly and very knowledgeable! I can not say enough good things about this train!! 🚂

One of the best railroad experiences in Colorado! We rode the train this week (last week of August) and the Aspens are already beginning to change, if you're reading this and planning the fall tour, y'all are in for treat! The drive to Leadville from Denver is around 2 hours but beautiful the entire way, the town of Leadville is really really cool, not all blown up and commercialized like Golden. Beautiful brick buildings etc. Anyway, back to the train... Best views are facing away from the station (left side). The covered car with windows can be a bit loud from rattling. If it's not raining (it rained before we boarded and dang you wouldn't believe how fast the crew worked to dry seats!), sit in the outside car or the covered car with no windows. Beautiful views and history the entire way. On the way down try and get closer to the engine...the diesel gets caught in the last car going downhill and it's a bit rough. Regardless, the staff is great and friendly and of all the railroads we did this one definitely has a special spot. We look forward to returning some day.

Very informative ! This is a great place to learn about the history of mining in Leadville, State of Colorado and the entire United States. There is a lot of information for gold mining to coal mining and everything in between if your in Leadville and have an hour or so and want to check out the museum you won’t be disappointed. This is in the old school house we were told.

Such a neat place. You could easily spend a few hours here learning about history of the area and interacting w/displays. Staff is super friendly and happy to tell you anything you need to know about Leadville area.

As a descendant of an immigrant miner and also Baby Doe on my husband's side, the museum held a lot of significance. The interactive exhibits were very realistic. You can spend a few hours here and learn quite a bit.

Awesome old School Building turning into a Mining Museum and Hall of Fame. Lots of cool mining facts and artifacts to see. There's an awesome Miniature room, and several immersive walk through rooms that transport you under the earth. Also didn't trigger my Claustrophobia at all.

Just a perfect museum. Either a willingness one comes away with such an incredible treasure of new knowledge. Highly recommended.

Awesome place to visit! Really cool dioramas depicting life in a mining town. Walk through faux mines. Really affordable!

Very cool museum! Great for mining enthusiasts, but also a great intro to the history of Leadville and mountain Colorado.

The Grotto Trail is a short circular trail (about 1-1.5 km). Suitable for most hikers. Stunning views of the Roaring Fork River Canyon and the "Ice Caves", natural rock openings created by strong water flow. The parking lot in front of the trail is not large and can fill up quickly at busy times. In summary, a very charming and interesting place.

Dragged a 3 and 5 year old out for this trail- they are not natural hikers but this was exceptional and they quickly became so taken with the rocks, waterfalls and trails that we made it through without whining. Not too rough of a trail but not paved and does require balance in a few spots. Would do this hike again and again given the chance

Great short hike! Decent amount of parking - look for the day use sign, maps takes you past it. Beautiful cascades and fun to explore along the river and cave.

During my June visit, I found this to be a spectacular spot which features a beautiful waterfall and a super neat ice cave. Both features are just a short walk away from the parking lot. This trail is only a short ~20 minute scenic drive away from the heart of Aspen! A visit will be well worth your time (depending on the season)!

Grottos Trail is a short and easy hike that’s perfect for a quick stop or a longer visit if you’re in the mood to explore. The trail offers easy access to both the stunning ice caves and the scenic cascades. While the hike itself is beginner-friendly, be cautious inside the ice caves—they can be extremely slippery, especially in the summer weather. A great spot for a peaceful nature break just off the road.

Great fairly easy hike with some senior friends.

Such a fun place to visit. I had my crampons in early June and the ice was still packed in the caves. It was so much fun. Beautiful cascades as well! A great stop!

They just had a wildfire a few weeks ago. Most of the park was closed due to the fire. The visitor center was saved. It is an impressive center. Great display and information. The staff are excellent. The view of the canyon is amazing!! No running water here. Be sure and bring you own

Excellent National Park. Of note: Park is open during the government shutdown to day use. No camping and no services other than an occasional restroom. Plan to spend several hours here at the minimum! Could easily spend a day plus. Lots of short hikes some moderate to strenuous from the road. Views are stunning and change as the sun moves. This day was not overly busy, but for the 1st week of October and mid-week we were surprised by the number of people. Could be an issue with parking at viewpoints on busy days. One of the best parks we have visited for views.

The Black Canyon was really nice, somewhat of a thriller looking down from the edge to see straight to the bottom. There’s trails all around the canyon from parking spots to get a better look. You could definitely skip a trip to the Grand Canyon for this experience!

Black Canyon of the Gunnison is an awe inspiring park with some of the steepest cliffs and most dramatic views you’ll find anywhere in the U.S. The sheer depth and ruggedness of the canyon are jaw dropping, and there are plenty of scenic overlooks that are easy to access, along with more challenging hikes if you want to venture deeper. It’s worth noting that a decent portion of the park has been affected by wildfires, so some areas may look scarred or closed off depending on the season. Even so, the canyon itself remains absolutely stunning, and the resiliency of the landscape is impressive. The park had a very smoky smell to it upon entering.

Never knew about this national park but highly recommend it. Especially if you enjoy heights. Visited the south rim at the end of October, 2025. Has easy, short hikes to many overlooks. Except for the last overlook at Warner Point was longer but still worth it. With all of the short hikes to the overlooks, highly recommend for the older generation or for those that do not like to hike as much. Most overlook locations have parking with length of trail to overlooks. Also, don't forget to go to the East Portal to drive down into the gorge, along the river to Crystal Dam. Great views on the way down and along the river. Saw deer and big horn sheep along the drive.

Very cool park to see! We visited the south rim and the must see viewpoints are Dragon Point and Painted Wall View! This was national park #32 for me! Got to hit them all! Stay until sunset for the best colors.

Breathtaking!!! You won't see anything like this anywhere else in the country!! If you're afraid of heights and get queasy looking down really far, this really isn't for you. But, if you can hold it back, it's really worth it! Sight, sound, feel! Amazing to look at, hear the rush of the water and wind, feel the coolness coming out of the canyon!! We were also lucky enough to come across a bear cub walking along the road.