Family-friendly holidays in the Rocky Mountains, USA
Rocky Mountain states
Explore the US Rocky Mountain states with your family
The Rocky Mountain States of America – Colorado, Idaho, Montana, North & South Dakota and Wyoming – are the ultimate destinations for Aussie families looking for an authentic Wild West adventure.
The Rocky Mountains are home to some of the best ski resorts in the States. Ski, snowboard, skate, sled and trek in the snow-laden mountains come winter. In summer, it’s time to trek those same hills under big blue skies to explore several of the best US national parks.
Expect spectacular wildlife, Native American and cowboy culture steeped in history served up with a side of extreme adventure.
All Rocky Mountain states Stories
A family-friendly guide to the Rocky Mountain states
As well as the jaw-dropping scenery, wildlife and wealth of walking trails, the American Rockies meet are home to many animals including grizzly bears, mountain goats and bighorn sheep and cougars or ‘mountain lions’.
Kids are sure to be mesmerised by this area’s stories including Native American tales like Sacagawea and Sitting Bull. There’s also the local legend of Bigfoot; but whether you’re a believer or not, there is no disputing that the Rocky Mountains are a wild and magical place that families will love.
Read on to discover some of the Rocky Mountain states’ top family attractions.
Montana
In Montana, it’s all about the snow – light, dry, plentiful and untracked. Step out of your slope-side condo door into a vast terrain with signature powder. And with resorts ranging from fully decked-out destinations to hidden gems, there’s a ski resort for everyone, including international favourite Big Sky Resort.
Glacier National Park is a hiker’s paradise. In northwest Montana is a vast wilderness of stunning mountain peaks and evergreen valleys and home to over 730 miles of trails, from easy nature trails to backcountry hiking circuits. From wheelchair-accessible Trail of the Cedars to other family-friendly hikes including the Hidden Lake, Running Eagle Falls and Swiftcurrent nature trails.
If you want to take a break from walking (or are tired of carrying the kids!) take a historic red bus up the Going-To-The-Sun Road. This scenic, and in places pretty hairy, road is only open for a few summer month’s but is one of the park’s highlights. Taking you from the valley floor to the highest point on the Continental Divide at 6646 feet and showing you some of the best sights in northwest Montana.
South Dakota
The Black Hills National Forest in South Dakota is a dramatic landscape of granite peaks and forested mountains, 1.2 million acres of wild terrain offering outdoor adventure like hiking, biking and camping. Find grassy mountain meadows, rugged cliffs, deep canyons, cascading trout streams and clear, clean lakes during summer hikes; it’s also prime snowmobiling terrain during the winter and early spring months.
North Dakota
If you’re driving through the prairie lands of North Dakota, you may come across an unusual sight – eight massive sculptures placed out in pastures on rolling hills in the middle of nowhere! These massive works of art were built by Gary Greff out of scrap metal and items common to local farms and ranches, with the subject matter of each taken from rural North Dakota life. The Enchanted Highway is located off I-94 (exit 72) about 20 miles east of Dickinson.
Wyoming
Forbes Magazine rates Jackson Hole Resort due to its non-existent lift lines, the “best continuous fall line, the best terrain and the best backcountry of any mountain not in the Himalayas”. And with some of the highest snowfalls anywhere in the Rockies, the ski season is looking very bright indeed!
Nestled in the majestic Jackson Hole Valley in the heart of the Bridger Teton National Forest, the Turpin Meadow Ranch specialises in true western hospitality. Guests can enjoy horseback riding, a guest rodeo, fly fishing, fireside cookouts, kids’ programs and live entertainment. Accommodation is in rustic, western-style cabins with fantastic views of the Teton Mountains.
Carved by volcanic activity, melting glaciers and erosion, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone will take your little ones’ breath away. This impressive canyon was carved by the Yellowstone River, which is the longest undammed river in the States. Explore trails that lead to beautiful overlooks, and make sure your camera is ready!
Located just 50 miles from the East gate of Yellowstone National Park, Buffalo Bill Center of The West tells the story of the American West across five museums – as well as a range of events, activities and programs for all ages.
Colorado
The Denver Museum of Nature and Science is full of inspiring and educational exhibits for kids. The prehistoric displays include with life-sized models, fossil tusks, touchable teeth, cave painting and interactive displays. Relive the story of the Snowmastodon Project, the exceptional Ice Age fossil unearthed near Colorado’s ski resorts in 2010.
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Opening image: A family hiking in Rocky Mountains National Park. © Colorado Tourism Office