Exploring the Wild West:
Colorado and Utah

We knew FamilyFun readers were a loyal bunch, but when we asked them to reveal their favorite vacation spots, we wondered if we'd gone too far. After all, who'd want to share their special island hideaway, mountain retreat or seaside camping spot? We shouldn't have worried. "This place is so good, I almost don't want to tell you about it," began many of the letters, "but I will." In fact, more than 250 of you responded, praising destinations that, in some cases, have been family secrets for years.

How on earth did we choose the 20 winners? We looked for travel ideas with a spark, the kind that made us want to pack up the car and hit the open road. We looked for letters that described new ways to enjoy classic spots or those that tipped us off to places rarely celebrated in guidebooks, such as the old-fashioned resort that hosts family reunions, or the little-known state park where the river and natural pools are just right for floating. In the process, we discovered the national parks of Colorado and Utah where nature's way is the only way.

COLORADO AND UTAH

NATIONAL PARK PENTATHLON
Last summer, the Swanoskis road-tripped west. First stop: Colorado's Rocky Mountain National Park, where the Michigan family hiked a snowy trail around Bear Lake. At Colorado National Monument, they camped among cacti and lizards on a high desert mesa. At Arches National Monument and Canyonlands National Park in Utah, they marveled at colorful arcs of rock and at Native American petroglyphs. Last, they explored ancient pueblo cliff dwellings in Colorado's Mesa Verde National Park. "Walking through the houses and kivas," says Diane, "we began to understand the people who lived in such close harmony with the earth." For national parks information, call 202-208-4747.



Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change. Updated August 2005.