On Tuesday, we set off for the wilds of Wyoming, our destination being the legendary Cheyenne Frontier Days. Known as the world’s largest outdoor rodeo, this event promised excitement, and it certainly delivered. From our starting point in north Denver, the drive took about an hour and a half. We arrived a little after 11 a.m., and with some guidance, we easily found parking and made our way into the rodeo grounds.
Frontier Days is a feast for the senses, with vendors and activities at every turn. Our first stop was at the remnants of a chuckwagon cook-off that had wrapped up earlier in the morning. We then headed to the Indian Village, where we were treated to traditional dances that left us all in awe. The performances were mesmerizing, and we even indulged in a delicious Indian taco before making our way to the main event—the rodeo.
The Cheyenne rodeo was nothing short of spectacular. From the grand opening procession of wagons to the thrilling navy parachute display, it was impressive in every sense. The competition was fierce, featuring bareback bronc riding, tie-down roping, bull riding, saddle bronc riding, and more. However, after more than two hours of intense action, our kids had reached their limit. They had enjoyed themselves but were understandably tired after nearly four hours at the rodeo grounds. They were troopers, especially considering we still had a two-hour drive back home.
Having attended several rodeos over the years, my wife and I both agreed that Cheyenne Frontier Days was the longest and most eventful rodeo we’ve experienced. If you’re a rodeo enthusiast, Cheyenne is the place to be.
After the rodeo, we returned to Denver and decided to have dinner at the all-American Olive Garden. The endless soup and salad were a perfect choice for us—light, satisfying, and delicious. I highly recommend this option if you’re looking for variety without overindulging.
The next leg of our adventure was a quintessential tour of three great Mountain West college campuses. Our first stop was in Fort Collins, home to the Colorado State University Rams. The university boasts a stunning new stadium, and we even crossed paths with some of the football team’s strength trainers, which was a thrill for the kids. After exploring the campus, we found a local calzone joint downtown. Whether it was hunger or the quality of the food, those calzones hit the spot! The dessert cookie was just as delightful, though we had to fend off the kids for our share.
From Fort Collins, we continued to Laramie, Wyoming, where we visited the University of Wyoming Cowboys. The university’s basketball and football areas were surprisingly accessible, and the kids loved burning off energy by running around. I picked up a bright yellow hat from the student store—perfect for keeping me visible. We also grabbed a bite at the on-campus Chick-fil-A, making the most of our time there. On our way back to Denver, we stopped at Costco for dinner, rounding out a day filled with classic American dining experiences.
The following day, we took a short drive to Boulder to visit the University of Colorado Buffaloes. The campus is breathtaking, a perfect example of thoughtful planning. We enjoyed a self-guided tour, including a walk around the football stadium and its facilities. Along the way, we met two offensive linemen who graciously posed for a photo with Joseph and Dominic. These linemen were massive, in both height and weight! We also encountered a construction worker proudly wearing a North Dakota State University shirt under his vest, and the kids got a kick out of taking a picture with him, knowing that NDSU would be the Buffaloes’ opening opponent.
To cap off our trip, we dined at the Old Spaghetti Factory, a family favorite. The restaurant provided a relaxed atmosphere where the kids were entertained, and we enjoyed a “normal” dining experience. The boys had a blast, especially when their meal ended with ice cream.
The next morning, we headed to Denver International Airport. Our trusty rental, a Nissan Armada affectionately dubbed “the feed truck,” had served us well over nearly 1,000 miles of driving in just a week.
The flight home was uneventful, but as we landed in Fresno, the lady behind us asked Joseph and Dominic what they did in Colorado. Their reply? “We ate Lucky Charms for breakfast.”
All in all, it was a successful trip filled with wonderful memories. If I were grading this vacation, I’d give our summer 2024 adventure in Colorado and Wyoming a solid A.