We started in Estes Park, hopping on the trolley, finding our way through the garden maze, and stepping inside the historic Stanley Hotel, the inspiration for Stephen King's The Shining. Even if you're not staying there, it's worth stopping by. Before heading into the park, we grabbed lunch at Penelope's and tried the elk burgers. When in Colorado.

Then it was on to Rocky Mountain National Park and the Alpine Visitor Center, the highest visitor center in the entire National Park System at 11,796 feet. From there, we hiked the Alpine Ridge Trail, just half a mile but climbing another 200 feet to 12,000 feet above sea level. The views from the top are something we won't forget.

Fair warning—altitude is no joke. I didn't realize how much it had affected me until we got back to the car. It honestly felt like I was coming down with the flu. If you're visiting from lower elevations, take your time, stay hydrated, and listen to your body.

Highlights:
Estes Park Trolley — an easy way to explore the town
Stanley Hotel — the inspiration for Stephen King's The Shining
Estes Park Garden Maze — fun for the whole family
Penelope's — don't miss the elk burger
Alpine Visitor Center — the highest visitor center in the National Park System (11,796 ft)
Alpine Ridge Trail — a short 0.5-mile hike to 12,000 feet with incredible panoramic views
Wildlife throughout the park — keep your eyes open along Trail Ridge Road

Helpful Tips:
Timed entry permits are required May 22 through mid-October — reserve yours in advance at recreation.gov
Altitude sickness is real — drink plenty of water, take it slow, and don't push yourself too hard
Bring layers — weather at nearly 12,000 feet can change quickly, even in summer
Afternoon storms are common during the summer — plan to finish hikes before they roll in
Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous paved road in the U.S. — worth the drive even if you don't hike
Grab a meal in Estes Park before entering the park if you want more dining options
America the Beautiful Pass is accepted here

Whether you have a full week or just one day, Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park prove you don't need much time to create unforgettable memories.

Rocky Mountain National Park | Estes Park, Colorado
https://www.nps.gov/romo
@estespark

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Video Notes

We help fellow family travelers find the best destinations, activities, and experiences so they can create memories that will last a lifetime.

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#RockyMountainNationalPark #EstesPark #Colorado #FamilyTravel #NationalParks #ColoradoTravel #TravelWithKids #AdventuresWithC3 #RMNP #RoadTrip

The post Rocky Mountain National Park & Estes Park 🏔️ One Incredible Colorado Day appeared first on Adventures with C3.

White Sands is the world's largest gypsum dune field, 275 square miles of bright white sand that looks more like snow than desert. And yes, it's every bit as stunning in person as it looks in photos. But what we didn't expect was how much personality this place would bring out in all of us.

Caedmon throwing himself headfirst down the dunes. Mark's commentary as I scooted… and scooted… and scooted my way to an anticlimactic five feet of sledding glory. Writing AWC3 in the sand and Caegan clearly having fun yet declaring it boring… then rating it an 8/10.

That pretty much sums up Adventures with C3 in one visit.

Highlights:
World's largest gypsum dune field — 275 square miles of stunning white sand
Incredible at sunset — the light on the dunes is unlike anything we've seen
Sledding is a must — just know the sleds don't go as fast as you'd hope!
Easy to explore — walk the dunes at your own pace, no serious hiking required
16-mile scenic drive through the heart of the park
America the Beautiful Pass accepted here

Helpful Tips:
Sleds available to rent or buy at the visitor center — or check if your hotel has them to borrow
Bring strong sunscreen — the white sand reflects sunlight intensely
Bring more water than you think you need — there is very little shade in the park
Polarized sunglasses are a must — the brightness is no joke
Expect walking in soft sand — it's more tiring than it looks
Go at sunset — the dunes turn golden and the crowds thin out
Check the park website for hours before you go — they change seasonally
Watch for highway closures on US-70 due to occasional missile range testing
Cell service can be limited in parts of the park, so download maps ahead of time if needed

Whether your family crushes the dunes or scoots five feet and calls it a win — White Sands is worth every second.

White Sands National Park
Alamogordo, New Mexico
https://www.nps.gov/whsa

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Video Notes

We help fellow family travelers find the best destinations, activities and experiences, so they can create memories that will last a lifetime.

Looking for exclusive tips, destination info, and more? Join our email list https://solutions.aidaform.com/awc3-email

If you're a brand looking to collaborate and promote your products or services through our family-friendly channel, fill out this form to kickstart the conversation: https://solutions.aidaform.com/awc3-collaboration

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#WhiteSands #NewMexicoTravel #FamilyTravel

The post White Sands National Park 🤍 New Mexico’s White Desert appeared first on Adventures with C3.

Up first was Mather Point, then we took Hermit Road — which was open to personal vehicles during our February visit, and stopped at several overlooks with almost no crowds.

Honestly? Even a short visit is worth it. But we’re already planning to come back and explore the trails, viewpoints, and everything else this incredible Arizona destination has to offer.

Highlights:
Bathrooms and visitor facilities available near major stops
Easy paved walkways and overlooks at Mather Point
Shuttle system available during much of the year
Hermit Road open to personal vehicles Dec 1 – Feb 28 (seasonal)
Multiple scenic overlooks without needing long hikes
Convenient parking near popular visitor areas
Easy rim walks plus longer hiking trails if you have more time

Helpful Tips:
Visit early morning or later in the day for fewer crowds and better lighting
America the Beautiful Pass is accepted here and can save money when visiting multiple National Parks
Bring layers — temperatures can be colder than expected
Even a few hours is worth it, but longer is better if possible
Mather Point is a great first stop if short on time

Whether you have a few hours or a full day, the Grand Canyon South Rim is one of those places that truly lives up to the hype… and then some!

Location:
Grand Canyon South Rim
Arizona, USA
https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit

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Like & subscribe for more family travel adventures, road trip ideas, and practical destination tips!

Video Notes

We help fellow family travelers find the best destinations, activities and experiences, so they can create memories that will last a lifetime.

 Looking for exclusive tips, destination info, and more? Join our email list https://solutions.aidaform.com/awc3-email

 If you're a brand looking to collaborate and promote your products or services through our family-friendly channel, fill out this form to kickstart the conversation: https://solutions.aidaform.com/awc3-collaboration

~Product Link(s)~
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Chapter Timecodes
0:00 Intro

The post Grand Canyon South Rim 🌄 Is It Worth It Even for a Quick Visit? appeared first on Adventures with C3.

Whether you're planning your first visit to Southern Utah or looking for a quieter alternative to Angels Landing, Kolob Canyon is a must-see for families!

Highlights:
Dramatic red rock canyon walls and sweeping overlooks
Manageable trails perfect for kids and beginners
Incredible photo ops around every bend
Wildlife spotting and wide open desert scenery
Quick access right off I-15 – easy add-on to any Southern Utah road trip!
Covered under your Zion National Park entrance pass

More Info On This Location:
Kolob Canyons Visitor Center
3752 E Kolob Canyon Rd
New Harmony, UT 84757
https://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/kolobcanyons.htm

St George Utah https://youtu.be/fEl3bKigoEo
Desert Lagoon #74 https://youtu.be/ABSLA9C7okE
Big Shots Golf https://youtu.be/O5HRGbVq4x8
Azure Units https://youtu.be/x3sRsaLgCiY
The Smoked Taco https://youtu.be/gkzW2NpMnYk
Pioneer Park https://youtu.be/HU9kpXBX6Lw
Fossil Falls Park https://youtu.be/J-DmxKo0LQA
Holiday Lights at Red Hills Desert Garden https://youtu.be/Yac2NsQDvsY
Sweet Rolled Tacos https://youtu.be/3jFeDEoSIeg
Snow Canyon https://youtu.be/G_VVRFytQgw
Thunder Junction Park https://youtu.be/XKL3-QxaGDY
Kolob Canyon Zion National Park https://youtu.be/8fL9ztPzbzY

This is NOT a sponsored video. Some product links are affiliate links, which means if you buy something, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Video Notes

We help fellow family travelers find the best destinations, activities and experiences, so they can create memories that will last a lifetime.

 Interested in joining us on our family travel and activity adventures? Join our email list for exclusive tips, destination info, and more: https://solutions.aidaform.com/awc3-email

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~Product Link(s)~
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QUESTIONS — Have a question about Missouri Destinations, Traveling with Kids, or other Travel Tips? Post in the comments section of this video!

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Chapter Timecodes
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The post Zion’s Hidden Gem? 🏜️ Kolob Canyon is a Must for Families! appeared first on Adventures with C3.

About This Video:
Step back in time and explore the fort in Fort Scott Kansas! Not only used during the civil war but also played a key part in the westward expansion.

More Info On This Location:
Fort Scott National Historic Site
199 Old Fort Blvd
Fort Scott, KS, 66701
(620) 223-0310
https://www.nps.gov/fosc/index.htm
@visitfortscott6196 @TravelKS @NationalParkService

This video is from a Hosted Stay. Some product links are affiliate links, which means if you buy something, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Fort Scott https://youtu.be/LW61PglXdcE
Dolly the Trolley https://youtu.be/g2IF761c_V0
Gordon Parks https://youtu.be/aUN7ypzrMGQ
Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes https://youtu.be/dBQECuMVOAM
Sleep Inn https://youtu.be/uMDyMGHrtmc
Brickstreet BBQ https://youtu.be/8S4r6cA1h5o

Video Notes

We help fellow family travelers find the best destinations, activities and experiences, so they can create memories that will last a lifetime.

~Product Link(s)~
AwC3 Swag – https://geni.us/AwC3merch
Road Trip Ready – https://geni.us/RoadTripReady
Emergency Kit – https://geni.us/EmergencyKit
Chantel's Shirt – https://geni.us/FillyFlair
Garmin vivofit jr. 3: https://geni.us/Am5rn2l

Connect with Adventures on Social Media:
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QUESTIONS — Have a question about Missouri Destinations, Traveling with Kids, or other Travel Tips? Post in the comments section of this video!

Subscribe to Adventures Here: https://geni.us/adventures

~ Cameras and Gear Used To Make This Video ~
Curious about all the Gear we use on AwC3?
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Like the Graphics and Music? ♪♫♪
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#FamilyTime #BeallAdventures #AdventureswithC3

Chapter Timecodes
0:00 Intro

The post Fort Scott National Historic Site in Fort Scott Kansas appeared first on Adventures with C3.