by Stephanie Y. Deininger, The Organized Flamingo
There’s something about May on the Western Slope of Colorado when spring finally starts to warm up the mountains, rivers flow fast from snowmelt, and everything just feels alive. This trip was one of those just-us-three kind of adventures: me, my husband Todd, our five-year-old, and of course, our Portuguese Water Dog. It was equal parts relaxing and chaotic (in the best way), and packed with enough memories to make me wish I could bottle them up like the honey we brought back.
If you’re looking for a long weekend idea with your family (or need a little travel fix mixed with practical tips), here’s a day-by-day breakdown of our RV trip through Western Colorado, including where we stayed, what we loved, and what we’d do differently next time.
Table of Contents
- Where We Stayed
- Day 1: Larkspur to Silt + Exploring Local Gems
- Day 2: Waterfalls, Wildlife & a Brewery Day
- Day 3: Doc Holliday Hike, Parks, and Carbondale Beer
- Day 4: Basalt, Books, Beer & River Views
- Day 5: Home with Honey
- Trip Takeaways
- Final Thoughts
Where We Stayed
KOA Glenwood Springs West / Colorado River KOA Holiday – Silt, CO
This KOA has beautiful southern views, riverfront trails, and was a perfect home base for our Western Slope adventures. That said, it’s located next to a big gas station and off I-70, so it’s not isolated. You will hear some highway noise, but if you book a riverfront spot, the view and sound of the Colorado River more than make up for it. We stayed Friday through Tuesday morning—just enough time to feel fully away without being away too long.
Day 1: Larkspur to Silt + Exploring Local Gems
Our first day started with a smooth drive from Larkspur, where anticipation and snacks kept the energy high. We made just one stop to refuel (both the vehicle and ourselves), and after pulling into Silt, we had just enough daylight to explore. The historical park, nearby reservoir, and an unexpected wildlife sighting made the day feel full without being rushed which is exactly the kind of beginning you hope for on a family RV trip.
Highlights:
- Easy 4-hour drive from Larkspur
- Gas tip: We stopped at the Sinclair in Lawson, CO. It is big-rig friendly and does have diesel, you just have to pull around to the back. Super clean and friendly staff.
- Checked into the KOA with a quick, friendly check-in. There are trails along the river, a great playground, and a pool (though it wasn’t open yet).
- Visited the Silt Historical Park. Their website hours weren’t up to date, so don’t be surprised if things look closed when they’re not.
- Took a quick scenic drive to Grass Valley Reservoir and Harvey Gap State Park. Cold but peaceful and scenic (great for a short walk).
- Back at the campground, we walked along the trails and saw American beavers at dusk; a first for me and magical. Also spotted a crane, bald eagle, and pelicans.
Day 2: Waterfalls, Wildlife & a Brewery Day
We woke up refreshed and ready for a day of Colorado sights and local flavors. The morning kicked off with one of my favorite trip rituals finding a local coffee shop. With a warm drink in hand, we set off to Rifle Falls, where spring runoff turned the falls into a thundering show. Caves, ducks, and trail time made it kid- and dog-approved. After lunch at our RV, the rest of the day brought a blend of books, beer, tacos, and ice cream…basically a dream Saturday.
Morning:
- Coffee at Wild Coffee Roasters in Silt. Delicious and locally roasted.
- Drove to Rifle Falls State Park:
- Triple waterfalls were flowing beautifully.
- Hiked the Coyote Trail with our five-year-old and pup. Family-friendly and full of caves and hidden spots.
- Walked behind the waterfalls and explored caves.
- Saw a mama duck and her ducklings.
Afternoon:
- Brunch back at the RV using our Blackstone flat-top grill.
- Visited the Glenwood Springs Branch Library. Libraries are one of my favorite travel stops. Great for quiet, educational, decompressing time, especially with kids.
Evening:
- Headed to Casey Brewing in Glenwood Springs. They don’t serve food, but the beer is excellent.
- Ordered from El Tapatio and ate it at the brewery which worked out perfectly.
- Wrapped up the evening with Sunday Ice Cream (a must-stop).
- Back at the RV for a movie and game night.
Day 3: Doc Holliday Hike, Parks, and Carbondale Beer
We kept our rhythm going with another cozy coffee run before heading up to visit one of Colorado’s more legendary resting places. The hike to Doc Holliday’s grave turned out to be just the right amount of adventure and steep enough to count but manageable for little legs. We balanced it with relaxed park time, a riverside picnic, and a delicious afternoon stop at Carbondale Beer Works. Though rain changed our evening plans, staying in gave us the perfect excuse for movies and marshmallows.
Morning:
- Coffee from Deja Brew in Glenwood Springs.
- Hiked up to Doc Holliday’s Grave:
- The trail starts off steep but is manageable, even with kids.
- Found Doc Holliday’s marker, Kid Curry’s, and explored the cemetery, including a Potters Field (a burial site for unknown or indigent individuals).
- There’s also a wishing tree along the way, I was told it's a local tradition.
- Gorgeous views from the top.
Afternoon:
- Spent time at Two Rivers Park playground in Glenwood Springs and walked along the riverwalk bridge where the Roaring Fork meets the Colorado River.
- Enjoyed a picnic lunch: simple, quick, and easy with kiddo.
- Stopped by Carbondale Beer Works. Highly recommend the broccoli appetizer and pretzel with cheese.
- Took a drive to scout out another KOA for a future trip and enjoyed the Sorberis scenery.
- Found another local park to let our kiddo burn some energy. At five years old, he definitely needs physical outlets beyond movies, so we’re learning to plan travel days with plenty of playground stops.
Evening:
- It started raining, so we made dinner inside the RV and carefully roasted marshmallows indoors.
- Movie of the night: A Night at the Museum.
- Ended the day cozy and content in the RV.
Day 4: Basalt, Books, Beer & River Views
By Day 4, we found our groove. While Todd worked remotely for part of the morning, the kiddo and I headed to a favorite type of local gem – another library. The Basalt Regional Library had everything we love: quiet spaces, thoughtful displays, and plenty for kids to explore. After that, we cruised along the Frying Pan River, browsed shops, and wrapped up the day with riverside views and a long-awaited campfire back at our site. It was a simple but deeply satisfying kind of day.
Morning & Early Afternoon:
- Grabbed coffee and donuts from Sweet ColoraDough in Glenwood Springs. Super eclectic and fun.
- Todd had to work for a bit, so we headed to the Basalt Regional Library.
- It was a dream library. Welcoming, well curated, and full of beautiful spaces for families.
- They had a display on bridging generational gaps which is one of my favorite topics both personally and professionally.
- Our son practiced letters, read books, and explored while we relaxed.
- Took a scenic drive to the Frying Pan River and Ruedi Reservoir. Stopped by the “toilet bowl” (yes, that’s really what it’s called) to watch people fish.
- Walked around downtown Basalt:
- Grabbed a beer at Mountain Heart Brewing.
- Sat by the river. Such a peaceful spot to reset.
- Found a charming consignment shop called Heirlooms.
Evening:
- Our son napped in the car, so we drove the scenic Rifle Gap Road (Highway 325) back to Silt.
- The rain had cleared by the time we returned, so we finally had our campfire.
- Dinner was mini burgers, marshmallows roasted outside, and a little stargazing by the fire.
Day 5: Home with some honey
Packing up on our final morning felt unhurried and even a little sweet, literally. Before heading home, we made one last stop to pick up some local honey and gifts at Colorado Mountain Honey. It was the perfect way to wrap up a trip full of new memories, tiny surprises, and plenty of “we should do this again” conversations. The drive home was fairly easy and straight through.
Morning:
- Packed up slowly and without the usual travel rush.
- Made one final stop at Colorado Mountain Honey in Silt.
- We picked up local honey and a few goodies to take home.
- Drive back to Larkspur with full hearts and a slightly dirtier RV.
Trip Takeaways
Top Kid-Friendly Stops:
- Rifle Falls State Park
- Doc Holliday’s Grave Hike
- Two Rivers Playground
- Basalt & Glenwood Springs Libraries
- Sunday Ice Cream and Sweet ColoraDough
Where to Get Coffee (or Tea):
- Wild Coffee Roasters – Silt, Colorado
- Deja Brew – Glenwood Springs, Colorado
- Sweet ColoraDough – Basalt, Colorado
For the Beer Lovers:
- Casey Brewing – Glenwood Springs, Colorado
- Carbondale Beer Works – Carbondale, Colorado
- Mountain Heart Brewing – Basalt, Colorado
RV Tips for This Route:
- Bring layers. May mornings and evenings can be chilly, even if it warms up during the day.
- Always be prepared for rain. Have inside games, puzzles, or a family-friendly movie lined up.
- Don’t underestimate your RV kitchen, that's what it's there right? We also love our Blackstone grill!
- Plan for park and playground time if you’re traveling with active kids.
- Double-check hours of smaller historical sites and local attractions (like Silt Historical Park).
- KOA Glenwood Springs is wonderful, but keep in mind:
- It's near I-70 and a gas station (not unsafe, just not remote).
- If you’re sensitive to noise, ask for a river-facing site.
- The splash pad and pool look great, but they weren’t open yet during our early May stay.
Final Thoughts
This trip reminded me why we love RV travel. It gives us room to move slowly, take detours, cook together, and be outside. Seeing a beaver in the wild, hiking with my son, reading in small-town libraries, and just sitting by rivers, these are the memories that I will cherish forever.
Sometimes the best trips aren’t about seeing every landmark. I was reminded that it's the memories we take with us.
If you're new here, welcome! I’m Stephanie, a Certified Professional Organizer®, podcaster, and passionate supporter of caregivers, sandwich generation families, and anyone navigating the emotional and practical journey of organizing, downsizing, and repurposing a lifetime of belongings. I share travel recaps like these not just for fun (although they are!), but because organizing isn’t just about bins and labels. It’s about building a life that leaves room for memories, movement, and meaning.
Follow along for more: organizing with heart and purpose, storytelling through daily life, and exploring the outdoors & everyday adventures
Kindly,
Stephanie Y. Deininger
The Organized Flamingo