Plan Your Colorado Jeep Adventure: Camping, Trails, and Family Fun

Is it summer yet? Maybe not, but it’s the perfect time to start planning your Colorado vacation! With breathtaking landscapes and endless outdoor activities, Colorado is a dream destination for Jeep enthusiasts and adventurers alike. Whether you’re taking your Jeep out to explore rugged trails or looking for unique family-friendly activities, here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your trip.

Book Campsites Before They’re Gone

Camping is one of the best ways to experience Colorado’s majestic mountains, plains, and deserts. But here’s the thing: campsites fill up fast! Popular campgrounds can be fully booked months in advance, especially during holiday weekends.

If you’re looking for an alternative, consider dispersed camping on Forest Service or BLM lands. While you won’t find amenities like picnic tables or toilets, you’ll enjoy peace, solitude, and stunning natural beauty. Just make sure to check the MVUM (Motor Vehicle Use Map) and familiarize yourself with local regulations before setting up camp.

If you want to hit multiple destinations in a single vacation here are some tips.

Timing Your Adventure: Don’t Come Too Early

Snow lingers longer in Colorado than you might think. High-elevation 4×4 trails, like the iconic Black Bear Pass, often don’t open until July. If you’re planning a trip in May or June, focus on lower elevations, such as the stunning deserts near Fruita and Grand Junction, where the trails are snow-free and ready for adventure.

Pack for Cold Nights

Even in the summer, temperatures in Colorado’s mountains drop significantly at night. Don’t be fooled by daytime highs in the 70s or 80s—nights can be downright chilly.

• Bring warm sleeping bags and layers.
• Consider using chemical hand warmers in your sleeping bag for extra warmth.
• Plan for crisp mornings and cozy evenings around the campsite (if fire bans allow).

Stay Updated on Fire Bans

Fire bans are a growing reality in Colorado, especially during the dry summer months. These bans can restrict:

• Campfires
• Shooting
• Smoking outdoors

Before heading out, check the county websites for the latest fire ban updates to ensure your plans align with current regulations.

Explore Unique Family Adventures in Colorado

Colorado has a lot to offer in the summer – rafting, zip lining, mountain coasters, and a bunch of hot springs. Here’s some things to do or see that maybe you haven’t heard of before:

• Arapahoe Basin Via Ferrata – A via ferrata (“iron way”) is a climbing route that follows iron rungs (or handholds) that have been fixed permanently to the rock. Arapahoe Basin is home to North America’s highest-elevation via ferrata on the East Wall, one of the area’s most striking, prominent geographical features.

• Palisade wine country – Enjoy the day while you are driven around fruit & wine country in style. Peddle Bike tours, horse drawn carriage rides, limousine service, safari adventures or segway tours are available for travelers who want to spice up their adventure. 

• Glenwood Fairy Caves – For those seeking an authentic caving adventure, sign up for the Wild Tour! See Glenwood Caverns much like spelunkers did when they explored the caverns for the first time—squeezing through tight spots and emerging into hidden rooms all by the narrow beam of a headlamp. Gear up for this 2-hour guided tour (individually priced) that takes you deep into Iron Mountain to rarely visited areas and chambers for an exhilarating, on-your-belly and crawling experience you’ll never forget.