I’m back with part-2 of our Arizona -Utah-Colorado trip. I wanted to share this with you a lot sooner, but I got busy doing this-
Now that I’m finally here let’s continue where we left off in my last post. To refresh your memory, my family was on a road trip from Arizona to Colorado via Utah. You can access the Utah trip through this link: https://ipenlife.com/2021/06/18/what-are-the-top-two-off-the-beaten-path-travel-destinations-in-utah/
From Blanding, Utah, we drove to Steamboat Springs, Colorado. I loved the transition from the rocky and hot weather of Utah to the lush greens and cool evenings of Colorado. Here are the places I want to share with you:
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS
Fishcreek Falls
If you want to indulge in roaring, gushing clear waterfalls with a drop of about 280 ft, then this attraction is a must-do. It was the highlight of our Steamboat Springs trip.
There are different ways to enjoy these falls. Firstly, the viewpoint is easily accessible from the parking and is a 1/4 mile easy hike/walk on a paved path.
And if you’re feeling adventurous like we were, then hike to the falls. We did a 5-mile hike to the third waterfall. The hike was steep and treacherous. At different times, we, with our kids 10 and 12, thought of giving up. But each time, a by-passer would comment, “You can do it. The next view is the best.” And the positive reinforcements fueled us for the next few steps.
The falls were a nice reward after the hike. PRO TIP: Pack lots of water and snacks for this hike.
Yampa River Botanic Park
Yampa Botanic Park is free to the public and offers a quick, family-friendly stop. We chose this attraction the day after our strenuous hike. 
You can pick up a map and stroll around, relishing the lush greenery and colorful blooms. It took us one to two hours to go around the complete park. My kid enjoyed reading the map and exploring different short trails. We even saw an Osprey’s nest. The tranquil reflection pond and a secret trail were my family’s favorite.
Strawberry Hot Springs
For the evening, my hubby booked us for the Strawberry Hot Springs. As we checked into the Springs, we found out that kids were not allowed there after dark, so we had limited time to enjoy until the darkness took over.
The place was packed, and there were natural pools of varying temperatures- warm, hot, and icy cold. Because of the gravel at the bottom of the natural pools, the balancing could be tricky at times, so we had to be careful while treading in these waters.
After trying different temperature pools, we settled for the warm one. Though few daring guests (including my hubby) jumped into the extreme frigid water, I was delighted to dip my feet. After the soak in the hot pool, the ice-cold water felt like tiny ants stinging my skin.
This place turned even more scenic with dimmed sunlight, and we headed on our way back. Contrary to our initial thought, we did not feel rushed at all, and 1.5 hours felt just right to enjoy this place.
Our next stay was at Durango, so we drove for about 6.5 hours from Steamboat Springs to Durango. En-route we made a biker stranger friend (who took our pictures) who mentioned the gorgeous views, and hairpin turns of Million Dollar Highway, so we were prepared to be spellbound.
Steamboat Springs to Durango
US-50, also called the million dollar highway, offered a gorgeous backdrop on winding roads through the San Juan Mountains. The drive had steep drops and no guard rails, and I was glad my hubby was driving while I indulged in the natural beauty.
On this highway, we took a pit stop at the Molas Pass pull-off. And it was beyond gorgeous, the views unforgettable with breathtaking mountain vistas. As the sun was setting, we realized we lost our car keys. After a 30 minute frantic search, I found them in my jacket, and that’s when I inhaled a deep, cool, crisp, and clean mountain air.
PRO TIP: Always be mindful about your car keys. Better to carry a duplicate.
BOOK GROVE
We stopped for lunch in the small charming town of Glenwood Springs. This cute book store, located within walking distance to an Indian Nepalese restaurant, is a delight. The owner was very welcoming, and I enjoyed our little tete-a-tete. We purchased some books at great deals, and for our next visit, I want to explore this city and this book store again.
(http://www.bookgrove.com/)
Durango
Twilight view condo
This condo requires a special mention as the hosts were warm and hospitable. After our almost 7-hour drive and the panic of lost car keys, we arrived at the condo late evening. It was dark, and the restaurants and grocery stores were closed.
After the host found out we were famished, they offered us water, cereal, pizza, milk, and many more. It felt like home. This place is within walking distance of everything Pergoratory resort has to offer. It is well furnished and the kitchen with all the supplies.
Unfortunately, Pergoratory resort summer adventures open in mid-June, which was still a couple of days after, so we could not enjoy any of what Pergoratory had to offer- no ski lifts or mountain coasters. My kids were very disappointed. PRO TIP: Ensure the activities are available during your vacation.
(https://twilightviewcondos.com/)
Potato Lake/Spud Lake trail
After relaxing after our drive, we decided on this hike. Though this 3-mile hike to the lake was easy, it was the drive on the extremely rocky road that took a lot of courage. We were constantly fearful of damaging our SUV on this Lime Creek Road. Do not attempt to drive here without a high clearance vehicle.
The signage was not clear, but we met a few jeepers who guided us to the hiking route. We rushed through this hike to drive back on the rocky bolder path of Lime Creek road.
Honeyville
This place offered a pleasant change to our hike-filled days. We bought organic raw honey, and kids enjoyed their flavorful honey sticks. Click here to find details of Honeyville, (https://www.uncovercolorado.com/made-in-colorado/honeyville-colorado/)
Cascade Creek Trail
Cascade Creek Trail was my favorite hike with beautiful lush, expansive meadows, mountain views, and a water creek. I found it poetic with wildflowers in full bloom, alpine green meadows, cool mountain air, and an opportunity to dip our feet in the glacial water. It was a treat to see the dogs having fun unleashed and happily slurping the cool, clear water.
Kids enjoyed the water crossings balancing on top of the fallen tree trunks and, other times, simply walking through the cool waters. Exhausted from our past hikes, we did not complete the hike and returned after a couple of miles of steep climbing.
James Ranch Grill
This place also requires a mention as we enjoyed their farm-fresh food, outside seating, and vegetarian options. I especially loved their salted Carmel ice cream. Yum!
(https://jamesranch.net/grill)
After a cool summer break in Colorado, we drove back to Arizona. It was about a 7-hour drive from Durango to Phoenix.
Every time adventure beckons, my family’s first choice is Colorado. This state has so much to offer in every season that I’m now ready to buy one of the ‘I love Colorado’ T-shirts.
Disclaimer: I’m not affiliated or in any way compensated for these places mentioned in my post. I’m sharing my experiences and opinions to help my readers plan the trip.