In this issue: fun activities to encourage family growth; including nearby adventures to enjoy the outdoors
Happy (almost) July! I hope your summer is going well and your family has found a new rhythm that is brining you closer together. Here is some family recommendations for July.
This issue brought to you by Jeremy Wall
Conversation starters for the entire family.
STUDENTS
Ask your parents, grandparents, or a mentor
- If you could be remembered for only one thing, what would you like to be known for?
PARENTS
Ask your children
- Which holiday is your favorite? What is your most cherished memory from that holiday?
FAMILIES
Ask friends and report back to your family what others shared
- Describe a favorite childhood vacation. What made this getaway so special?
BACKYARD BBQ CELEBRATION
My hope is that you have already been grilling this summer (and that even the students are getting in on the action!), but in honor of the 4th of July and summer in general, create a backyard party for your family. Decorate your lawn, your patio, and the table; hang lights; make it festive. Pull out all the games like corn hole, ladder ball, jarts, horseshoe, bocce ball, croquet, etc. Have a feast and cold drinks, grill lots of meant and veggies, and don’t forget dessert! Treat it like a summer Thanksgiving, and enjoy this being outside at home. Talk about the highlights and lowlights of the year. July is a halfway point of the year, and there is a lot to reflect on this year.
CHATFIELD STATE PARK
6 miles from FRCS
From Colorado Parks and Wildlife:
“Float your boat in the lake, bicycle or hike on a trail that provides scenic views of the neighboring foothills and Platte River valley, camp, ride a horse and even fly a model airplane – all at Chatfield State Park, nestled next to the foothills southwest of Denver.
“Boaters of all types – from water skiers to fishing enthusiasts to canoeists and sailors – enjoy Chatfield Reservoir’s waters. Boat rentals, a floating restaurant and a marina are also available at Chatfield. Campers have their choice of 197 campsites all with electrical hookups and many with full hookups (water, sewer and electric), in four campgrounds at Chatfield. All campsites are within walking distance to the lake and have picnic tables and grills.”
ROXBOROUGH STATE PARK
15 miles from FRCS
From Colorado Parks and Wildlife:
“One of the Denver-area backyard jewels, Roxborough State Park is just a short drive southwest of Denver.
“With close to 4000-acres, Roxborough State Park is filled with dramatic red-rock formations, distinct plant communities and a variety of wildlife ranging from black bears to mule deer. Enjoy hiking, wildlife viewing, trail running, photography, bird watching or one of our many programs and events. Whether you are new to the outdoors or an experienced outdoor enthusiast, Roxborough State Park has an opportunity for you.”
STAUNTON STATE PARK
28 miles from FRCS
From Colorado Parks and Wildlife:
“From high grassy meadows at 8,100 feet to soaring granite cliffs over 10,000 feet, Staunton State Park’s varied geology, soils, water features, and climate support rare and unexpected plant communities and a rich diversity of wildlife and provide a myriad of outdoor recreation opportunities.”
SUMMIT COUNTY
70 miles from FRCS
- For Townies: Summit County is home to Silverthorne, Frisco, Keystone, and Breckenridge. Each one of these towns offers a variety of shops and restaurants and are great walking towns. Downtown Breckenridge is by far the most picturesque. This old mining town still has the look of some its original dwellings.
- For SUPing: Dillion Reservoir is a great place to get your paddle in the water. The southwest end has several islands to explore and 360 degree views of summit county and the surrounding peaks.
- For Fishing: Families can do just about any type of fishing they wish in Summit County: from fly fishing on rivers, lakes, high alpine creeks, and ponds to big reservoir boat fishing. On any given day, fishermen line the blue river. A great spot that often gets forgotten is Green Mountain Reservoir. There are several creeks and rivers that come into the lake. A hidden gem is below the reservoir on blue river where not as many people tend to go.
- For Hiking: As you might imagine, there is a lot of hiking to do in Summit County. And July is a great time to climb a 14er! One of the easiest is Quandary Peak in Summit County, just off of Hoosier Pass south of Breckenridge. Remember to do your homework and plan accordingly to climb any 14er. Even though this one is straight forward you still want to be prepared for high alpine endeavors.
- For Biking: There are trails everywhere for exploring, including a paved bike trail that starts at Copper Mountain and can be ridden all the way to Frisco. From there, you can head south to Breckenridge or continue north to Silverthorne. This path is relatively flat and follows the river.
- For Cruising: There are also some fantastic drives to take in Summit County. Instead of driving through the Eisenhower Tunnel, drive over Loveland Pass for amazing Vistas of the area. Once you get through Keystone, go south on Swan Mountain Road to get a great view of the south end of Dillion Reservoir. If this part of the drive looks familiar this road was used for a famous scene in the classic movie “Dumb and Dumber.” Continue to Breckenridge at this point you have two choices to return home. You can drive over Boreas Pass or over Hoosier pass. Both will connect back to 285 for your return to the Front Range.
