Why go?
Ever dreamed of ‘Wild West’ ranch-style living amid a heavenly landscape of peaks and glassy alpine lakes? Then take a trip to the Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado.
Channel your inner cowboy (or girl) on a guided equestrian adventure. Children are especially encouraged to pony-trek as it’s a fun, non-strenuous way for them to hike.
Activities
Real adventure-seeking families will love white-water rafting and the ‘backcountry’ camping tour; go on a llama into the untouched wilderness and sleep under the stars. Placid and naturally comfortable at altitude, llamas are the perfect furry partners for camping.
For less structured activities try a walking hike: pack a magnifying glass for close-up bug examinations, and binoculars to spot the elk and bighorn sheep that come down from the mountains during late spring and summer.
When children need time away from grown-ups let them escape to the Rocky Junior Rangers, an onsite kid’s club focused on animals and park preservation.
Don’t miss: See if you’d survive in the wild with a fishing trip, you may even catch a trout for supper.
The lowdown
How to get there? British Airways flies from London Heathrow to Denver; from £695 return.
Travel time: Flying London to Denver takes around 9 hours and 40 minutes, then it’s a 1 hour and 30 minute drive to the park.
Where to stay? Many Rocky Mountain visitors base themselves in Estes Park, an eastern gateway with lodging options to suit everyone (cabin, campsite or luxury hotel suite). There you can plan activites and it’s just an 8 minute shuttle to the park.