Families who love to travel, but are on a budget, need to know about the cheap getaways available. Budget vacations allow families to enjoy great places without having to break the bank.
For those who have never been to Colorado or seen the Rocky Mountains, you are missing out on what has inspired the songs, "America, the Beautiful" and "Rocky Mountain High".
Families may think staying at a resort right in the Rockies will be expensive. While an expensive holiday is always an option for those families who want to splurge, there are options in the mountains for cheap family vacations too.
The YMCA of the Rockies
Many parents are familiar with the family-oriented mission of the YMCA programs. "The Y", as it's known in the United States, is a Christian-based family-friendly organization that offers many educational, fitness, and social opportunities. YMCAs are scattered all over the world. This non-profit organization offers many programs for families with a strong value-based mission.
The YMCA of the Rockies, Colorado operates three budget vacation resorts that help families get out and enjoy the legendary beauty of the Rocky Mountains. The three YMCA of the Rockies resorts or camps are Snow Mountain Ranch, Estes Park Center, and Camp Chief Ouray.
They are all nondenominational programs open to any guest. However, YMCA members receive a rate discount and have their reservations processed first.
In addition to opportunities to enjoy the mountains, summer children's programs operate daily for ages three through 16. Age-appropriate activities include hiking, fishing, roller skating, mountain biking, rafting, arts and crafts, challenge course, campfire cooking, orienteering and archery. In winter, families can spend the day cross-country or downhill skiing or snowshoeing on miles and miles of groomed trails, and return to the resorts to warm up in the indoor pools.
Estes Park Center Sits Near Rocky Mountain National Park
This YMCA camp is located right outside Estes Park, which is home to Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP). For outdoor enthusiasts, RMNP and other prominent winter and summer activity destinations are nearby.
The lodging options meet every family's vacation budget, including hotel-style rooms, cozy cabins, rooms with bunk beds, vacation homes, and over-sized cabins, which can accommodate over 20 people.
The lodge rooms have one or two queen beds and a set of bunk beds. Rates begin at $94/night during off-peak times.
Cabins range from two to five bedrooms, which sleep up to seven, and include a fireplace and kitchen. Rates begin at $139/night for non-members.
Vacation homes have three to four bedrooms and can accommodate up to 10 people. Rates begin at $229/night for non-members.
The retreat or reunion cabins will vary in price depending on the size of the accommodations. The price begin around $499/night.
Snow Mountain Ranch Offers a Relaxing, Fun Vacation
Snow Mountain Ranch is located near Winter Park and Grand Lake, Colorado. Situated on more than 5,000 acres, this resort is a beautiful environment where friends, families and small groups can enjoy a tranquil setting, plenty of activities, and quality time together.
The lodging options at this resort include lodges and cabins, rooms with bunk beds, or larger vacation homes, which can accommodate up to 12 people.
The lodge rooms have one or two queen beds and some with of bunk beds. Rates begin at $79/night during off-peak times.
Cabins range from two to four bedrooms, which sleep up to ten, and include a fireplace and kitchen. Rates begin at $139/night for non-members.
Vacation homes have three to five bedrooms and can accommodate up to 12 people. Rates begin at $229/night for non-members.
Camp Chief Ouray for a More Camp-Style Setting
While this YMCA affiliate is more of a camp than a relaxing, independent vacation resort, they do have programs for kids and families alike. This option may for the more adventurous types who want to get the most out of the mountains while meeting other people along the way.
Located on 5,100 acres of mountains, valleys, streams and meadows, the visitor will never be bored. There are three types of lodging at this camp.
The traditional West Village camper cabins are rustic cabins with a centrally located bathhouse. These cabins have electricity, but no heat or running water.There are also a few cabins with bathrooms inside the cabin.
Snow Mountain Ranch Lodge rooms are available at an additional cost. They are hotel style rooms with a combination of queen and bunk beds. They include a full bathroom, wireless Internet and telephone.
If you have arranged to stay in one of the lodge rooms at Snow Mountain Ranch you will still need to check in at Camp Chief Ouray.
While accommodations for these YMCA resorts are basic and not fancy, these are great for those looking for cheap family vacations, while still enjoy the outdoors, the mountains, and plenty of activities.
Julie McElroy - Freelance travel writer with published articles about places all over the world, including Italy, Colorado, Japan, Germany, and Spain.
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