Our Aspen, Colorado Fall Foliage Trip With Three Kids
Crystal Mill near Marble, Colorado, during our October 2023 fall foliage trip. Photo from our family collection.
We went to Aspen for the fall colors. Our Crystal Mill photo captures why: golden aspens, a rushing river and mountain views. From October 4 to 9, 2023, we explored Colorado with our three children. Here is our six-day route, what we spent and what families should check before planning a similar trip.
Spend the arrival night near Denver Airport, then base in Aspen for four nights. Reserve Maroon Bells access and give Crystal Mill its own day. If grandparents join your trip, adjust each outing to their walking comfort and transport needs.
Aspen flight and driving route
Our October 4–9, 2023 itinerary. Illustrated scenery and schematic routes; use current maps and access guidance for travel.
Our six day itinerary
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Date in 2023 |
Our trip |
|---|---|
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Wed Oct 4 |
Arrived in Denver. Stayed one night at Fairfield Inn & Suites Denver Airport. |
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Thu Oct 5 |
Visited Breckenridge town. Began our four-night stay at The St. Regis Aspen Resort. |
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Fri Oct 6 |
Maroon Bells, with a 9:15 a.m. shuttle reservation. |
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Sat Oct 7 |
John Denver Sanctuary, Independence Pass and Castle Creek Scenic Drive to Ashcroft Ghost Town. Pine Creek Cookhouse reservation at 6 p.m. |
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Sun Oct 8 |
Crystal Mill, pictured on the opening page. |
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Mon Oct 9 |
Departure day. |
Saturday was our fullest day. For a slower version with aging parents, choose fewer stops and leave time to rest. Four nights in Aspen also means less packing between outings.
What to check before you book
Reserve Maroon Bells access. Visitors arriving by shuttle or private vehicle need the appropriate reservation. Check the season and available times through the official Maroon Bells reservation page. Our 9:15 a.m. booking was for October 2023.
Plan Crystal Mill as a separate excursion near Marble. The approach follows a rough, one-lane four-wheel-drive road. Check transport and route conditions with Marble Tourism. Before booking a guided ride, ask about boarding, bumps, child restraints and each traveler’s comfort. The mill is privately owned; respect posted boundaries and check current access rules. See the Colorado Mountain Club route notes.
Keep mountain plans flexible. Independence Pass has seasonal closures, and weather can change quickly. Check CDOT travel guidance and COtrip road conditions before driving. Bring layers and allow time to turn back. Our October dates are a record of one trip, not a guarantee of future foliage or access.
For older relatives, confirm walking distances, steps, restrooms and seating before each outing. Ask the hotel about the specific room features they need. A luxury hotel name alone does not tell you whether a room will work for your family.
Goldie Table for fall outings
Optional items from our travel packing list, not a record of what we used in 2023. Choose what fits your family’s ages and activities. Baby supplies and swim gear are optional; single and double strollers are alternatives. Home-monitoring items stay at home.
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Product |
Why consider it |
Details |
|---|---|---|
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First Alert SC5 smoke and CO alarm |
For home use before you leave. Install and test this smoke and carbon monoxide alarm as directed; it is not a portable hotel detector. |
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Apple AirTag (2nd generation) |
Helps locate luggage, keys, and other belongings through Find My on a compatible Apple device. Keep a separate plan for supervising children and grandparents. |
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AirTag protective holder |
Attaches an AirTag to luggage, backpacks, or keys. Choose a secure closure and confirm that the holder fits your AirTag. |
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UPPAbaby G-LUXE single stroller |
A reclining umbrella stroller for breaks between outings. Check the child’s age and weight limits, folded size, and attraction rules before packing. |
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UPPAbaby Minu Duo double stroller |
A side-by-side option for two children, with independently reclining seats. Check folded dimensions, storage space, and venue rules; choose this or the single stroller. |
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LÍLLÉbaby Complete All Seasons carrier |
A hands-free option when a stroller is awkward. Follow the carrier’s instructions for your child’s size, carrying position, and fit. |
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Vilebrequin adult rashguard |
Optional for pool days. A swimwear option for beach or pool days. Check the garment’s UPF rating and continue using sunscreen on exposed skin. |
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Vilebrequin kids rashguard |
Optional for pool days. A UV-protective swim top adds coverage during beach or pool outings. Choose the right fit and combine it with shade and sunscreen on exposed skin. |
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Insect Shield UPF clothing |
Selected garments combine insect-repellent treatment with sun protection. Check the item’s UPF rating and care instructions; exposed skin still needs appropriate protection. |
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Hawaiian Tropic SPF 70 sunscreen |
A sunscreen option for exposed skin during outdoor outings. Check the exact formula and destination rules, and apply and reapply as the label directs. |
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Babyganics mineral sunscreen lotion SPF 50+ |
Choose the current mineral lotion and check its ingredients and directions. For babies under six months, ask a doctor before use. |
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Baby rectal thermometer |
Pack a digital thermometer appropriate for your child. Follow its instructions and your pediatrician’s guidance on the right temperature-taking method. |
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NoseFrida nasal aspirator |
For a baby’s stuffy nose during travel. Use and clean as directed, and replace the hygiene filter after each use. |
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NoseFrida hygiene filter refills |
Pack compatible spare filters alongside the aspirator. Replace the filter after every use and keep unused filters clean and dry. |
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Folding toddler toilet seat |
Makes unfamiliar toilets easier for a potty-training child. Check that it fits securely, supervise use, and clean it after outings. |
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Huggies diapers or Pull-Ups |
Pack the child’s usual size and extras for travel delays. Choose diapers or training pants to match the child’s stage and routine. |
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Huggies baby wipes |
Keep a small pack handy for diaper changes and everyday messes. Baby wipes do not replace handwashing or surface-disinfecting products. |
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Swim diapers |
Optional for pool days. For babies joining pool or beach outings. Swim diapers are not leak-proof; check often and change away from the water. |
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SWIMLINE swim trainer suit |
Optional for closely supervised pool practice. Choose by weight and fit; this is not a lifesaving device or a substitute for an approved life jacket. |
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Nursing cover |
An optional privacy layer for breastfeeding during travel. Keep the baby’s face visible and monitor airflow and temperature. |
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U.S.-style electrical outlet covers |
For compatible, unused outlets within a toddler’s reach. Choose covers children cannot easily remove or swallow, and check the room for other hazards. |
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ScotchBlue painter’s tape |
Useful for temporary labels and organizing travel supplies. Test surfaces first; painter’s tape is not an electrical cover or reliable childproofing device. |
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BAND-AID flexible bandages |
Pack assorted sizes for minor scrapes during outings. Apply according to the package and replace bandages when wet or dirty. |
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Rolled gauze dressing |
A compact first-aid addition for holding dressings in place. Check package directions and sterility; choose the appropriate dressing for a wound. |
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Travel mosquito net |
Optional for suitable outdoor accommodation. Optional where accommodation screens are inadequate. Follow the net’s installation instructions and keep loose netting away from infant sleep spaces. |
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OFF! Deep Woods DEET repellent |
Useful when biting insects are active. Follow the specific label and keep repellent off children’s hands, eyes, and mouth. |
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Waterproof phone pouch |
Optional for pool visits, rain, or waterfront outings. Check phone fit and test the empty pouch before use; follow its stated water limits. |
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Maui Jim polarized sunglasses |
Polarized lenses reduce glare during scenic drives and outdoor stops. Choose a comfortable fit and keep them protected when packed with other essentials. |
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D-Link water sensor kit |
Optional home monitoring while you travel. Requires power, Wi-Fi setup, and internet for app alerts; arrange someone nearby to respond to leaks. |
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EPICKA universal power adapter |
Optional for visitors whose plugs differ from U.S. outlets. U.S. travelers generally need no plug adapter here; this adapter does not convert voltage. |
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USB-A to USB-C cable |
Connects a compatible USB-C phone to a USB-A car or charger port. Check both connectors; charging speed and in-car features depend on equipment. |
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Apple EarPods with USB-C |
Wired listening for compatible USB-C devices without separate headphone charging. These do not plug directly into an aircraft’s standard 3.5 mm audio jack. |
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Carrier international monthly or daily plan |
Optional for international visitors using an overseas plan. U.S. customers generally use domestic service here; check coverage and existing benefits before buying add-ons. |
Make room for time together. Choose a few places everyone can enjoy, leave space for rest and take the photographs you will want to revisit years later.
Disclaimer: GoldieCircle may recommend third-party products and services based on internal evaluation. Such recommendations do not constitute a warranty or guarantee of performance, suitability, or lifespan. All products and services are subject to their respective providers’ terms and conditions. GoldieCircle assumes no liability for any claims or damages arising from the use of any recommended product or service.
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