Family Road Trip from Baltimore to Westcliffe and Exploring the American West

Day 1: Travel and Family Time

Baltimore, MD to Westcliffe, CO on June 26, 2025

7:00am

Depart Baltimore Airport

Fly out of Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) to Denver International Airport (DEN), approximately 4 hours flight time.
USD300 per person, 4h0m

12:30pm

Arrive Denver, Drive to Westcliffe

Pickup rental cars at Denver Airport and drive approximately 3 hours (120 miles) southwest to Westcliffe to meet family.
USD150 car rental, 3h0m

4:00pm

Check-in and Relax with Family

Unwind and catch up with cousins, rest after travel.
Free, Evening

7:00pm

Dinner with Family

Enjoy a home-cooked meal with your cousins or try The Local Table in Westcliffe, serving fresh, local ingredients with a cozy atmosphere.
USD20 per person, 1h30m
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Day 2: Family Visit Day

Westcliffe, CO on June 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Bean Espresso Cafe

Start the day with artisan coffee and light breakfast fare like pastries or breakfast sandwiches in Westcliffe.
USD8 per person, 1h0m

9:00am

Explore Westcliffe

Take a walk through Westcliffe’s charming downtown area and explore local shops, galleries, and historic buildings.
Free, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch with Family

Have lunch at Cousins’ home or picnic outdoors, enjoying scenic views of the Wet Mountains.
Free or USD15 per person, 1h30m

2:00pm

Visit Wet Mountain Valley Visitor Center

Learn about local history, wildlife, and attractions at Wet Mountain Valley Visitor Center, open 9am-5pm.
Free, 1h0m

3:30pm

Family Outdoor Activity

Go hiking on a nearby trail like Heart Rock Trail for stunning mountain views perfect for all ages.
Free, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Blue Grass Coffee & More

Casual dinner spot offering light meals and an inviting atmosphere to enjoy family time.
USD18 per person, 1h30m
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Day 3: Relax and Prepare

Westcliffe, CO on June 28, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Home

Enjoy a leisurely homemade breakfast with family before departure.
Free, 1h0m

10:00am

Local Exploration or Farm Visit

Visit a local farm or smaller attractions like the San Isabel National Forest for a short scenic drive or visit with relatives.
Free, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Village Cafe

Have lunch at Village Cafe serving homemade American comfort food with vegetarian options.
USD15 per person, 1h0m

2:00pm

Pack and Prepare for Road Trip

Return to cousins’ home to pack bags and plan road trip route for the upcoming 10 days.
Free, Afternoon

6:00pm

Early Dinner and Rest

Enjoy a simple dinner with family and get an early night before the road trip begins.
Free, 1h30m
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Day 4: Road Trip Start

Westcliffe, CO to Mesa Verde, CO on June 29, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Westcliffe

Grab breakfast and coffee locally before departure; try The Bean Espresso Cafe for a quick bite.
USD8 per person, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Mesa Verde National Park

Drive approximately 3.5 hours (150 miles) to Mesa Verde National Park for archeological exploration of cliff dwellings.
USD30 per vehicle entrance fee, 3h30m

12:15pm

Lunch at Far View Terrace Cafe

Dine at the park's cafeteria offering casual meals with a view of the park landscape.
USD15 per person, 1h0m

1:30pm

Mesa Verde National Park Tour

Explore ancient Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings like Cliff Palace. Ranger-led tours available. Visitor Center open 8am-6pm.
Included in park entrance, 3h0m

5:00pm

Check-In Near Mesa Verde

Stay overnight at nearby Cortez or park lodging to relax after a day of exploration.
USD150 per night, Evening

7:00pm

Dinner at Miguel's Restaurant

Enjoy southwestern cuisine in Cortez with kid-friendly and adult options.
USD25 per person, 1h30m
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Day 5: Moab Adventure

Mesa Verde, CO to Moab, UT on June 30, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel or Local Cafe

Fuel up before driving with a hearty breakfast in Cortez or near the park area.
USD10 per person, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Moab, Utah

Drive approximately 2.5 hours (110 miles) west to Moab, gateway to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.
Fuel cost USD40, 2h30m

11:00am

Visit Arches National Park

Explore famous arches and rock formations with easy hikes like Delicate Arch Viewpoint and Balanced Rock. Open 24/7, visitor center 9am-5pm.
USD30 per vehicle, 3h0m

2:30pm

Lunch at Moab Brewery

Enjoy American cuisine and locally brewed beers, family-friendly environment with salads and hearty plates.
USD20 per person, 1h0m

4:00pm

Relax or explore downtown Moab

Walk around charming Moab shops or rest at hotel.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Spoke on Center

Enjoy casual dining with burgers, sandwiches, and vegetarian options in a fun setting.
USD18 per person, 1h30m
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Day 6: Canyonlands Exploration

Moab, UT on July 1, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Love Muffin Cafe

Fresh baked goods and breakfast specials loved by locals, a great start before hiking.
USD12 per person, 1h0m

8:00am

Canyonlands National Park Visit

Visit Island in the Sky district with spectacular overlooks like Mesa Arch. Park open 24/7, visitor center 9am-5pm.
Included in Arches/Moab pass, 4h0m

12:30pm

Lunch Picnic

Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy at Canyonlands or nearby scenic spots.
USD10 per person, 1h0m

1:30pm

Optional Afternoon Activities

Consider renting bikes to explore trails, or book a half-day jeep tour to explore off-road areas.
USD50 per person, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at Zax Restaurant

Family-friendly restaurant in Moab with pizza, pasta and Southwestern dishes.
USD20 per person, 1h30m
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Day 7: Scenic Drive to Denver

Moab, UT to Denver, CO on July 2, 2025

6:30am

Early Breakfast and Departure

Quick breakfast in Moab and start long drive back to Denver (approximately 6 hours, 350 miles).
USD10 per person, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch Stop in Grand Junction

Stop for lunch downtown at Café Sol, featuring fresh salads and southwestern cuisine.
USD15 per person, 1h0m

6:30pm

Arrive Denver and Check-in

Check-in at family-friendly hotel near airport for overnight rest before flight home.
USD200 per night, Evening

7:30pm

Dinner at Park Burger

Enjoy gourmet burgers and shakes in a casual setting to relax after the long drive.
USD18 per person, 1h30m
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Day 8: Flight Home

Denver, CO to Baltimore, MD on July 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Grab a quick breakfast at your hotel or nearby cafe.
Included or USD10 per person, 1h0m

10:00am

Return Rental Cars and Check-in at Denver Airport

Return vehicles and check-in for your flight back to Baltimore.
Free, 1h0m

12:00pm

Flight to Baltimore

Flight from Denver to Baltimore, approximately 4 hour duration.
USD300 per person, 4h0m

5:00pm

Arrive Baltimore

Arrive at Baltimore/Washington International Airport and head home with wonderful family memories.
Free, End of itinerary
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