7-Day Itinerary
A balanced schedule mixing adventure, relaxation, and family time.
Philosophy
This isn’t a checklist to complete—it’s a framework to adapt. Some days you’ll do more, some less. Weather will change plans. Energy levels will vary. A child’s meltdown will redirect an afternoon. That’s not failure; that’s real family vacation.
The best trips balance:
- Activity and rest
- Group time and personal time
- Adventure and routine
- Plans and spontaneity
Week Overview
| Day | Theme | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrival & Setup | Travel, camp setup, orientation |
| Day 2 | Acclimation | Easy exploration, fishing, settling in |
| Day 3 | Water Day | Reservoir activities, kayaking |
| Day 4 | Day Trip | Garden of the Gods & Manitou Springs |
| Day 5 | Adventure Day | Hiking, exploring, backcountry |
| Day 6 | Relaxation | Fishing, camp life, stargazing |
| Day 7 | Final Full Day | Choice activities, celebration dinner |
| Day 8 | Departure | Pack up, clean up, head home |
Flexible Framework
Morning Options (Pick 1)
- Early fishing (6–10 AM)
- Hike before heat (7–11 AM)
- Kayak on calm water (7–10 AM)
- Sleep in and slow breakfast
Afternoon Options (Pick 1)
- Day trip activity
- Rest/nap/reading
- Camp games and hanging out
- Storm watching from shelter
- Easy shoreline exploration
Evening Options (Pick 1–2)
- Group dinner (see Camp Cooking)
- Campfire time
- Stargazing (see Stargazing Guide)
- Card games and board games
- Evening fishing
- Early bed after big activity day
Adjusting for Weather
Beautiful Day
Move outdoor activities earlier. Don’t waste perfect weather.
Stormy Afternoon
Plan indoor/shelter activities: card games, reading, RV time. Storms usually pass.
Rainy All Day
Day trip to indoor attractions (museums, mine tours). Or embrace it: rain gear exploration.
Hot Midday
Rest during 11 AM – 3 PM. Schedule activities for early morning and evening.
Adjusting for Energy
Everyone’s Exhausted
Skip the planned activity. Rest day. Nobody regrets a slow day on vacation.
Kids Are Bouncing Off Walls
Add physical activity. Hiking, swimming (wait—no swimming allowed), kayaking, exploring.
Teens Are Bored
Give them responsibility or independence. Photography mission. Fishing alone (nearby). Day trip planning.
Grandparents Need Rest
Split the group. Active folks do active things; others enjoy camp comfort.
Special Considerations
First Two Days
Go easy. Altitude acclimation is real. No major exertion until Day 3 minimum.
Mid-Week Slump
Day 4–5 often feels flat. Break routine with a day trip or special activity.
Last Day Syndrome
Don’t over-schedule the final full day. Save energy for departure. Make it memorable but not exhausting.
Daily Flow Template
Most days follow a natural rhythm:
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 6:00–7:00 | Early risers up, coffee, quiet time |
| 7:00–8:00 | Optional early fishing/walking |
| 8:00–9:00 | Breakfast |
| 9:00–12:00 | Morning activity |
| 12:00–1:00 | Lunch |
| 1:00–3:00 | Rest, reading, quiet activities |
| 3:00–5:00 | Afternoon activity (post-storm) |
| 5:00–7:00 | Dinner prep and dinner |
| 7:00–9:00 | Evening activities |
| 9:00–10:00 | Wind down, stargazing |
| 10:00+ | Quiet hours, sleep |
Tracking Your Trip
Consider keeping a family trip journal:
Daily entries could include:
- Weather (high/low, conditions)
- Activities completed
- Wildlife spotted
- Fish caught
- Funny moments
- Photos of the day
- What we learned
- Best meal
This becomes a treasured keepsake and helps with planning future trips.
The Actual Goal: You’re not here to complete a schedule. You’re here to be together, away from normal life, experiencing something different. If all you do is sit around camp, talk, and watch the stars, that’s a successful trip.